Nymeria has been through a lot, but Tabitha is in constant awe of how she takes everything in her stride

I’ve had Nym since she was just a puppy, and since then she has remained closely by my side. When she was younger, I taught her lots of tricks such as rolling, walking on her hind legs and pirouetting. She has got me through many tough times with her calm demeanour and cosy cuddles.

She very quickly grasped how to live with her blindness

In early 2020, Nym went suddenly and completely blind. She started running into things and became much more nervous. Fortunately, she’s a sweet and trusting dog, so she very quickly grasped how to live with her blindness, learning new words such as ‘careful’ and ‘step’. Now she’s used to navigating using her sense of smell and hearing and has even memorised the layout of the house as well as our regular walking routes, so she can get around with confidence.

I love my dog just as much now as the day I got her. I wouldn't change her for the world.

Sarah showed Paddy some kindness, and now he’s a treasured member of her family

Paddy arrived at the rescue centre where I volunteered in November 2009. He was so terrified that he was put straight into a quiet area, where I sat with him. I took him home as a foster dog, and before long, he had become a permanent member of my family.

We had to Paddy-proof the house

He is quite a character. He counter-surfed until we trained him not to, still raids the bin if he gets chance, he can open doors and also jumps very high. We had to Paddy-proof the house to make sure he was safe!

My dog has helped me through some really tough times over the years. He’s so loving once you earn his trust, and he adores children. Paddy is best friends with our cats and likes to help other timid animals to come out of their shell. He also works to raise awareness about Lurchers and show what fabulous pets they can be with the right care and attention.

Luna has a quirky, strong-willed personality, but her owner Daisy completely adores her

Luna’s a rescue dog from Ireland, who we’ve had since she was just nine months old.

She’s loveable and calm natured, but also the strangest dog (in the best way) that you’ll ever meet.

Luna is very set in her ways

Luna is very set in her ways and doesn’t like anything outside of her usual routine. She won’t walk a different route and will lie down and refuse to move like a stroppy toddler! She likes her own seat on the sofa and waits for treats at the same spots on her walk. She really is the heartbeat of our family home.

At the grand old age of 10, Joey has shown owner Julie that he’s strong, resilient and a real fighter

A few months ago, Joey collapsed and lost the use of his back legs. The vet said it was a stroke and that it was time to say goodbye.

His determination and zest for life is a lesson and a tonic

Joey, however, had other plans. After a few days, he began to move his back legs again. Then, after a week, he was weight bearing, which is quite a task for a 36kg Greyhound. Now, he can freely run and play.

His determination and zest for life is a lesson and a tonic for me every single day. He brings such happiness to our lives.

Diana wasn’t sure about dogs, but Ruby came into her life and changed that forever

We treat Ruby like she’s our third daughter.I’d never had a dog before and I was scared about getting one, but having Ruby has made me see that all dogs are absolutely lovely. She has always been a mummy’s girl, and she won’t go for a walk with anyone else. We go to France twice a year and Ruby has come with us every time. It’s a long day of travelling, but right she’s always good as gold.

She won’t go for a walk with anyone else

She is so affectionate and loves nothing more than cuddles on the sofa. If you’re sad, she will snuggle and kiss you even more. I am so pleased my husband and children talked me in to getting a dog, as Ruby has made the past ten years of my life the happiest yet.

Sox’s funny quirks and boundless energy are an endless source of joy for Georgia and her family

Sox is such a positive influence in my family’s life. He’s a quirky little dog who manages to make friends with any species, whether that be dogs, people or highland cattle! He is best friends with some highland cattle calves, who always vocalise when they want to see him.

He is best friends with some highland cattle calves

Often Sox will bring his toys out around the house, but then refuses to give them up, turning it into a game of chase. He also likes to climb up onto his dad after his dinner, nip his earlobe after giving him tons of kisses, and then fall onto his back for cuddles as shown in his photo. Plus, he loves to cuddle and play about with his 14-year-old Collie-Lab brother, Max, who’s sometimes a bit grumpy with him.

Sox has this thing about crawling along the floor using one of his back legs to propel him forwards – he’s been doing this since we got him back in 2016! He’s a Lakeland Terrier crossed with a Jack Russell Terrier so he’s a bundle of energy and full of character. But we wouldn’t have him any other way.