Lucienne has watched her dog Marley grow from a timid pup into a happy-go-lucky dog, and she couldn’t be prouder.

Marley came into our lives at five months old, as a sensitive but funny pup. He didn't like loud noises and eventually stopped going out for walks in the evening as he was scared of fireworks, and associated them with the dark.

He is a big tail wager, and developed 'Happy Tail Syndrome.' After the third bout, his tail was amputated but this hasn’t stopped him wagging what he has left.

A wonderful, gentle soul

Marley is a wonderful, gentle soul and is the most patient pal to our two children. We now live in the countryside, which means all his fears are easing. He loves his walks and snuggles on the sofa, and apples are his favourite treat.

He truly is a beautiful boy, greying around the face and getting slower over the last few years, but such an important member of our family!

With her faithful best friend Molly by her side, Carole could never feel lonely

Molly is a beautiful Pembroke Corgi, and my best friend. I’m 80 years old and live alone. Without Molly, I think I’d really struggle. She always sticks close and never leaves me alone – I even have to leave the bathroom dooropen when I shower so she can make sure I’m ok!

She gives me so much love and comfort

She gives me so much love and comfort, so I’m never lonely. I think she understands me when I talk to her. When we’re out walking, she greets everyone and expects them to give her a stroke, even if they’re a total stranger. Having Molly has certainly helped me make some new friends.

Jennifer’s dog Drax may be clumsy, but that just makes him all the more adorable

We think our dog Drax may actually be a small bear. He’s huge, huggable and absolutely ridiculous. We rescued him from being put to sleep just two days before Christmas, and it’s still impossible to believe no one wanted him!

He’s actually the clumsiest animal

Drax look majestic and is very handsome, but he’s also extremely clumsy. He knocks over pretty much anything in his path, will break through closed doors if you shut him in a room even for just a minute, and always shouts at you if he doesn’t agree with what you’re doing. But Drax is also the most loveable dog I’ve ever met – and that’s saying something, because as fosterers, we’ve encountered a lot.

We may have rescued Drax, but really, I think he rescued us more.

Mags has given both Coral and her partner a positive focus during difficult periods in their lives

Mags is our Red Fox Labrador who came to us after a relative could no longer look after her. She's a crazy little bundle of energy who brightens every single day.

She’s given us a new lease of life

I've got generalised anxiety disorder and OCD and she's helped me cope and just let go of things. My partner was also recently made redundant, but she's given him a purpose to get out of bed in the morning. She's given us both a new lease of life.

She loves stealing toilet rolls and chewing books, and she loves a bubble bath. She's so funny and energetic and just a beautiful soul. She loves everyone, including other dogs. She chases leaves and chases her tail – she’s just a bundle of joy.

Anita and her husband were finally able to get Molly once they retired, and they haven’t looked back!

Both my husband and I retired and decided we would get our longed-for fur baby now that we had time. Molly is an absolute joy. She loves everyone. Her best times are when any of our 13 grandchildren are around. She is in heaven playing games and giving lots of cuddles.

She is in heaven playing games and giving lots of cuddles

She is so loving and generates happiness! She loves being outdoors and greets everyone and everything with gusto. Her favourite outdoor time is chasing her ball. She always gets attention because she is so friendly.

Many people say she cheers them up as she so obviously loves life and loves being cuddled. She is very mischievous and funny and always keeps us on our toes. I never thought having a dog would be this rewarding.

Buddy brightens up gardener Josh’s working day with cheerful companionship and some good, honest graft to boot!

Buddy joined our (Josh and Catherine) lives in December 2021, after we lost our amazing Jack Russell Harry. We decided to get another Jack Russell as our life was just not complete without a dog. It was decided that Buddy would be a working dog and a companion to Josh, who runs a gardening business.

Buddy has been the missing piece

Josh works long, hard days and it can be lonely, so Buddy would be the companion he needed to brighten the days and make every day special. From 9 weeks old, Buddy went to work. He started by spending time in the work van and exploring gardens. He learnt on the job to be obedient and go where he was told. He also learnt to pick up the weeds Josh would collect and find sticks where they shouldn’t be!

Some days were cold so Josh would bring heat pads to keep him toasty and on warmer days as spring came in, he would bring ice packs to keep him cool. Buddy has been the missing piece in Josh’s life and is now celebrated by the locals and customers alike. At 7 months old now he is doing so well and continues to make every day a joy. Thank you Buddy for being so amazing!