Max and Millie might be chalk and cheese, but they are the perfect pair and together they’ve brightened up Charli’s life.

We had not long moved into our first home, and decided to adopt a rescue dog from the local rescue centre. After looking at a couple, we eventually went to Birmingham dogs home where we set our eyes upon Max. He looked so sad in his kennel, he had no name and apparently, he was a stray. After getting him out of the kennel into the exercise area, he loved being outside and running around. He gave us that ‘feeling’ and four days later we brought him home.

We noticed an instant change

It was the start of a journey — he was scared of everything. However as soon as you let him off his lead, his half-greyhound side comes out and boy does he love to run! The woods are his favourite place to explore and chase the squirrels and rabbits. Although we had made progress with him, it was clear he needed a friend so we were advised to get another dog— and this is where we welcome Millie!

From the same rescue home, Millie was six when she came home with us. We noticed an instant change in Max. He was more confident, not so scared of the big wide world. As Millie likes to socialise with other dogs (typical Labrador trait) we started to meet with other dog owners in the local park, and now at least once a week we meet up and let the dogs play.

He might only listen when there’s biscuits involved, but Abigail’s family wouldn’t be the same without Buddy!

Buddy is the heart of our family, and a lot more than a soft cuddly lump! Everybody loves Buddy! The grandparents always ask about him, friends always give him fuss and the neighbours always sneak him treats. You can't put your hands in your pockets without him thinking there might be a B word (biscuit) in there.

Buddy is the heart of our family

Buddy was a rescue and has been with us for three years now. He fit right in! He was the support we needed after losing our beloved family dog Tyson because Buddy knows exactly when you need a cuddle. Buddy has recently claimed some new decking for himself in the garden... we now call it Buddy's decking. It even has a sign to make sure everybody knows this!

Buddy loves to come running with me. We go all over town and make people smile. His tongue is so long it hits him in the face as he runs! He's the perfect running Buddy. I'd say Buddy's super power is his selective hearing because he responds better to biscuit or dinner than his own name.

Sophie helps her owner Anna to stay positive and appreciate the small joys in life

My dog Sophie is always happy and endlessly excited by the simple things. She reminds me how important it is to find the good in each and every day.

All my life, I’ve suffered from panic attacks, and my beautiful dog Sophie has helped me to deal with these enormously. I’m also an insomniac, and when I’m struggling to sleep, I really appreciate the comfort of her warm, fluffy body curled up by my side.

We love to walk together, which helps to keep me fit, and we often meet with friends and fellow dog lovers which can be really uplifting. Poor Sophie has an autoimmune problem, so her medication has meant she’s become a little stocky with age. But this doesn’t stop here from bounding around, attempting ridiculous jumps and just generally enjoying the great outdoors.

The joy she brings me every day

Sophie is very funny and has many little quirks, and she loves to pinch socks and clothes. On one occasion, she actually ran into my neighbour’s open patio door and came out with a pair of his underpants hanging from her mouth! She looked terribly pleased with herself, though I didn’t share that sentiment. Fortunately, the neighbour was also a dog person and found it funny too.

My beloved mother recently passed away, and having Sophie by my side gave me the courage I needed to care for her and the strength to keep going. Like many others, I’ve found that having a furry friend through lockdown has been immensely helpful. I thank Sophie for the joy she brings me every day, and hope that in return, I can give her a very happy and fulfilling life.

After three wonderful decades of marriage, Denise’s husband, Pete, sadly passed away this year. But through the good times and the tough, Trixey and Deychko have been a real pillar of support.

My dear husband Pete lost his fight for life on Saturday 25th January 2020. We had been together for almost 32 years.

Naturally I have been devastated and lonely since my loss. I have two dogs Trixey, a Doberman Pinscher, and Detchko, a Yorkshire Terrier.

My husband and I rescued Trixey when she was just over 15 months’ old. Trixey then went with us to Babbington Rescue Centre where she selected Detchko.

I am so grateful for their companionship and love as it makes the long and lonely days feel a little brighter

Trixey is a very sensitive and highly intelligent dog. She immediately sensed that there was something wrong. I feel she must have communicated this to Detchko as she was making strange sounds and a different type of bark.

For the past couple of months, she has always been by my side and has given such an out pouring of love that one cannot begin to imagine.

Without Trixey and Detchko by my side I would be a very lonely old age pensioner. I am so grateful for their companionship and love as it makes the long and lonely days feel a little brighter.

Dog-obsessed Danielle feels complete now that Millie is in her life.

I've grown up with dogs all my life. I used to have two German Shepherds, Sabre and Levi. By the time we sadly lost my two best friends, I was 21 and was just beginning my life after university. I met my partner and moved to Manchester for work. Since the beginning of our relationship, I made it clear that I wanted to have a dog in my life again. Sometimes, it felt like it might not happen for another 10 years with work and so on.

But everything fell into place in November 2019 when we brought Millie, our Labradoodle, into our lives. My boyfriend has never had a dog before and Millie has 100% stolen his heart and made him as dog-obsessed as me.

Having Millie in our life is like a hole has been filled

She's the most loving and chilled out puppy I have ever known. I was ready for the madness and chaos that comes with a puppy but we never really had it. She has many quirks, including sitting upright on the sofa like a human being. She loves to snuggle up into your arms and she's the perfect size to do so.

She is tennis ball-mad, and makes us take her out at 8 pm on the dot for her tennis ball chasing hour! Morning walks are reserved for a gentle stroll through our local woods.

Having Millie in our life is like a hole has been filled. Taking her for her morning walk gives me such a feeling of calm before the day ahead. It's our special time when nothing else in the world matters.

Our life now revolves around planning adventures with Millie and doing everything we can to give her the best years of her life. We often ask ourselves what we used to do before we had a dog. Watching her grown, learn and blossom into an adult dog fills us with so much pride – we can kind of see why people might have children!

With a bit of time and trust, Woody gradually helped Rachael’s daughter overcome her debilitating fear of dogs

My daughter Adelaide, who’s now 12, has had a fear of dogs for as long as I can remember. She would cross the road if a dog came her way and she started to isolate herself from her peers. Her best friends all had dogs, meaning she missed out on play dates and parties due to her fear.

Woody taught her that dogs are kind and can become your best friend

The final straw was when she ran into the road to avoid a dog in her path. As parents, we were desperate to help her and sought support from our GP. Adelaide was referred to a local mental health specialist and received 1:1 support. Later we also tried hypnotherapy in desperation. Nothing worked, until Woody.

We bit the bullet and made the decision to get a puppy, hoping he may be the answer to our prayers. We were right! It took time and trust, but they are now the best of friends, and her phobia is a thing of the past. Woody taught her that dogs are kind and can become your best friend. Now they’re Adelaide and Woody – best friends in the world!