Katie knows how special her dog Koko is, and everyone that meets her can’t help but agree

I got my dog Koko when she was just six months old. She settled in straight away, and even though she had never been around children, she was absolutely amazing with my three right from the start.

Koko has a lovely temperament, she’s so calm and chilled that I really feel as though I have the perfect dog. When I first got her, I was able to spend pretty much all day keeping her company, since we were in lockdown at the time. After I went back to work, I was worried she wouldn’t adjust, but she took it all in her stride.

She behaves just like a cat

One of the funniest things about Koko is that she behaves just like a cat. She sleeps a lot and loves lazing around, so she’ll only go on a walk if you make her. I think she’d rather stay curled up on the comfy sofa all day long. When we do get out of the house, people always make a fuss of her because she’s so striking – you don’t see many Japanese Shiba Inus around here.

Koko also has a penchant for toffee popcorn, which is rather unusual for a dog. Her previous owners told us this and we were sceptical, but if you open a bag in another room she always comes running straight in!

As a nurse working on the front line, Joanne has her work cut out for her, but her dog Rodney is always there to lift her spirits at the end of a long day.

My Golden Retriever, Rodney, is one in a million. Although he’s nine years old, he acts like he’s only nine months old. He still loves going for a run and adores a swim in the sea – he also loves a quick dunk in a muddy puddle!

A wagging tail and a smiling face

As an A&E nurse working through the Covid-19 pandemic, Rodney has really supported me. Every day when I get home from the end of a shift he’s there, with a wagging tail and a smiling face.

Some people have kept their distance since finding out where I work, but Rodney has stayed with me, lying on my knee and always keeping me company whenever I’m around him.

Katie sings the praises of her Labrador Retriever, social media sensation Lexi

Lexi is truly my soul dog. I’ve been wanting a dog for more than 10 years, and when I finally got Lexi a year ago, my whole life changed.

She’s the most perfect good girl around!

She’s smart, funny, absolutely adorable, and just the most perfect good girl around! She’s well known on Instagram for her cute head tilts. Since she was a small puppy, she has always listened very intently and tilted her head with every word.

Check her out on Instagram @livinlavitalexi.

Dexter has perked up Elaine’s home life with his cheeky grin and outdoor escapades.

After losing my previous Labrador after 13 and a half years, life was far too quiet. Enter Dexter to shake it up again – a loveable, cheeky, friendly puppy who’s now seven months old now. He's very loyal, loves to please and will do anything for a hot dog sausage. He loves to play ball, chase the birds, collect sticks and run in the fields. Then its home for a bath and some chill out time on his sun lounger. With Dexter, life is now rich again and far from quiet!

With Dexter, life is rich again and far from quiet!

Lorna just couldn’t be without her furry best friend, Fergus

Fergus has been an absolute blessing during the last year. I’ve had to shield, and he’s been by my side the whole way through.

We’ve passed away the days away together, and he’s been a great help to me in the garden. Fergus loves nothing more than to dig holes, although I often catch him digging in places he really shouldn’t!

He’s been by my side the whole way through

He’s such a loving and friendly dog, and with him to look after, I have a reason to get up early in the morning – although usually, it’s because he’s jumping on my head in an attempt to tell me he’s ready for his breakfast.

Fergus, along with his big brother Henry, have their own social media page and have kept hundreds of followers entertained with their antics during lockdown. I would be lost without my constant companion.

Maximus has made his owner Louise so proud, by helping to care for her poorly sister and offering everyone never-ending affection.

Maximus is a 7-year-old German Shepherd, a gentle giant with a heart of gold.

We are so proud of him!

Over the lockdown period we have had to care for my sister, who is currently receiving chemotherapy for bowel cancer. I can honestly say that Maximus has been like a magnet to her. On chemotherapy days he waits for her to return, and then doesn’t leave her side once she’s home. He has amazed us all and we are so proud of him!

He is a delightful boy, and is obviously very sensitive to how people are feeling. We love him dearly.