Kelly never saw herself as a runner, but eventually Loki’s infectious love for running became too hard to resist

Loki has heart. His love is overflowing, and he piles heaps of it onto anyone who gives him attention. Every day is open to the possibilities of new games.

I was not a runner, nor would I have ever considered myself the sort of person to become one – running is crazy. I love a good hike, I enjoy roaming miles and exploring new places, but why run? You’ll just miss the details as you zoom by, I thought. And then came Loki.

Loki laughs when you run with him. He has a big open-mouthed smile

I realised, and some might consider this crazy, but Loki laughs when you run with him. He has a big open-mouthed smile. He considers it pure joy and his joy is contagious – you can’t help but laugh with him. People talk about a runner’s high, and Loki gets it. He got it pretty much from the first sprint.

We joined a local group of fellow CaniX friends to run as a pack. Loki usually jogs alongside me when we run solo, but in a pack he loves the chase. He loves to give a flying lick kiss to a fellow dog as we pass them, or they pass us.

Pack running isn’t about running fast, it’s about enjoying a beautiful run with likeminded individuals who also believe that running is joy. That joy is shared by the whole pack.

Though Lesley-Anne is living with several health problems, her Cockapoo pup Binah always gives her a reason to smile

My Binah is a Cockapoo, a curly cuddle pup. She’s clever and quirky, and she loves meeting everyone and rambling everywhere. I have primary biliary cholangitis and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, so I ride a wheelchair and spend lots of time just resting. Binah always makes me smile.

We adore her, and she adores us

When we go out, she’s often the reason people want to speak with us. And when we’re at home, she brings her well-chewed toys to me to play fetch, catch and tug-of-war.

She seldom barks, though she occasionally gives a little squeak or baby ghost howl. She has the most beautiful eyes and big golden curls like Shirley Temple. She’s all love. We adore her, and she adores us.

Kelly wasn’t sure she was ready for another dog – that is, until Charlie bounded into her life.

Charlie came into our lives unexpectedly, after a text came through from a family member who knew how upset I was after losing my dog Bella. Lockdown was tough enough and without my sidekick, I was struggling.

Cute and cheeky Charlie

A change of circumstances meant Charlie faced the prospect of going back to the kennels, which was unideal seeing as he’d been through rescue centre twice already. He came for a visit one Friday night, just for a trial run – and he hasn't left since!

Initially we didn’t feel ready for another dog, but as soon as we saw him, we knew instantly that cute and cheeky Charlie was meant to be a part of our family. He’s so full of love and character, and such a happy dog.

Forrest picked Danielle up when she was feeling low and transformed her life, even if he does give her a run for her money sometimes…

I had hit rock bottom before I picked up Forest. I felt like I had no purpose in life and he completely saved me. I have never felt a love like it. Getting up and walking with him each morning has been incredible for my mental health and I have loved taking him to all my favourite National Trust spots.

The most loving dog

He loves his walks but is a little bit of a diva in this weather and manages to skirt his way around all the mud and puddles. I love the way he lies down when he sees other dogs coming almost as if he’s ready to pounce and play with them, and also his little squeaks every time he yawns. His walk has been described as more of a strut – cute and he knows it!

His name came from my favourite film, Forrest Gump, and we have had many a laugh shouting ‘run Forrest run!’ while working on his off-the-lead training.

He’s very foxy looking and it’s been so funny hearing everyone walk past him and gasp about how much he looks like one. He’s the best thing to every happen to me. Without a doubt he saved my life and I’m already so excited to take him on many more adventures.

Wonder Pug Prince has given owner Kate six years of support – and sneezes!

Prince is my best friend and is just the greatest company. He was one of a litter of six, and we picked him because of his underbite, which we fell in love with!

He’s my best friend

Prince seems to instinctively know when you need a cuddle or cheering up, if you’d like a walk or just want to sit down. I got him after the death of my father six years ago, and he also was a huge comfort when my mother died this year.

Prince is a Pug who loves mountain walking and the beach. His personality is very human; he’s a mummy’s boy and loves a cuddle. He enjoys chasing birds and thinks he can catch them in the sky. He loves to eat (but luckily has never been into eating furniture or shoes!)

His best friend is our family dog Theo, a Bernese Mountain Dog. He also has the trick of sneezing on you when he’s very excited!

Though Jennie Jane was born without sight and abandoned as a puppy, Helen has strived to give her the best life possible since she rescued her

Jennie Jane is a rescue dog from Romania. She was found in a plastic bag in an orchard, along with her two brothers. They think she was about four weeks old when she was found.

She enjoys life as much as any dog that can see

On my first night with Jennie Jane, she lay next to me on my bed and put her paw around my arm. I knew then that she was a very special little dog, and I fell head over heels for her.

Jennie Jane is completely blind and was most probably born with no eyes. She amazes me every day. She’s so smart and enjoys life as much as any dog that can see. I hope you can see how special she is, too.