Sophie was told Mildred would never be affectionate, but she’s gone on to defy everyone’s expectations

We got our Mildred from a Rescue home in Chobam around 11 years ago. She didn't have the best start to life, as she was mistreated quite badly as a puppy. We were told by the trainer that she would never be able to give us cuddles or love, as her upbringing had made it hard for her to trust humans.

We decided to give Millie a chance, as we knew we could give her the love she deserved. The first year or two was difficult, as we tried to train her and gain her trust. But we pulled through, and now she’s the most loving, loyal and caring dog.

She’s the most loving, loyal and caring dog

She truly is part of the family, and she’s even become a part-time therapy dog to us. She knows when anyone is feeling down or upset and will cuddle right up to us. She has these eyes that look right into you. But we have to make sure we have a little treat for her after – especially cheese!

For a dog that was never expected to show love, it’s extremely hard to get her out of our beds! She truly is the best. It just goes to show, if you give dogs a chance and offer them the love they deserve, they’ll be forever grateful.

Even though she finds walking difficult, Daisy never lets that stop her from enjoying her life with her owner Gilli

Daisy is so brave. She has a neurological condition that makes her extremely wobbly on her back legs. But she just gets on with life, always happy and wagging her tail. If she falls over, she just gets up and carries on with what she was doing. She goes to hydrotherapy once a week and loves her therapist.

You can’t feel down when Daisy is around

You can’t feel down when Daisy is around as she’s just consistently happy. She makes me smile every day and has really helped me over the years, especially when I was recovering from radiotherapy and major surgery for oral cancer, where half of my tongue had to be removed and rebuilt.

Daisy didn’t care what I looked or sounded like when I was getting my new tongue round speaking clearly. She is simply my joy, along with her 9-year-old Labrador brother Kobi and our five cats. They all keep me on my toes and constantly smiling. Our dancing wobbly dog is simply amazing.

Emily overcame a traumatic start in life to find the perfect home with Abby and her husband

Emily is a very affectionate little soul, which is quite remarkable considering how she started life. She was found left for dead in the middle of nowhere and was malnourished to a tiny 10kg. With thanks to the RSPCA, she got to a proper weight for a lurcher and now she gets spoilt rotten at home!

Her faith in humanity, after everything she has been through, gives me hope

Her faith in humanity, after everything she has been through, gives me hope. I'll never get tired of her pretty little face or her chaotic whippet-sized zoomies around the garden. She's helped me make human friends and made my husband and I more active. Not to mention, she convinced us to rescue another mistreated lurcher!

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!

Samantha loves how her dog Holly always looks on the bright side

Holly is a seven-year-old English Sheepdog. She has been there for me through thick and thin. Around seven years ago, I was severely ill with a mental health condition and had to be hospitalised. Holly was my motivation for getting better and helped me find joy in life again.

Holly was my motivation for getting better

She is there for me unconditionally, always giving me cuddles and kisses when I need them and making me smile with her funny antics. For instance, Holly thinks she is a tiny dog and loves to sit on people’s laps, but doesn’t seem to realise how large and clumsy she is!

Holly hasn’t had it easy and has needed surgery in the past, but despite all she has been through she remains a happy, playful girl who gives me all the love and joy in the world. I am so lucky to have her.

Theo has a very special way of bringing reassurance and joy to Janine’s life

Theo, our beloved rescue dog, has had a tremendously positive influence on our lives. From the moment we brought him home, he’s been a calming presence – always ready to offer comfort and snuggles.

With his big, cuddly frame and friendly demeanour, Theo has a way of easing any stress or anxiety I might be feeling after a long day. After all, who doesn't love doggy tail wags and hugs?

One of Theo's favourite quirks is playing ‘go find’ with treats. He loves using his keen sense of smell to track down hidden goodies, and his excitement when he finds them is contagious. Watching him sniff around and wag his tail in anticipation always brings a smile to my face.

Theo's presence in my life has been a true blessing

As well as this, Theo is a smart and eager learner when it comes to tricks. He can speak on command, play dead, and even give me his paw with just a simple gesture.

I love seeing him jump through long grass like a kangaroo. His joy is evident as he bounds through the tall blades, popping up his big head now and again in the sun!

Overall, Theo's presence in my life has been a true blessing. His calming nature, playful quirks, and boundless love have brought so much joy and positivity into my world. I am grateful every day for my sweet, loyal, and endlessly entertaining best friend, Theo.