Marion’s dogs inspired her to start a Facebook group encouraging dog owners to pick up litter – an idea which eventually evolved into the Paws on Plastic charity

My dog was a huge source of comfort when I was on long-term sick leave from my job as a primary teacher nearly four years ago. I suffered complications after having shingles and had no idea when I’d get better.

But Paddy forced me out in the fresh air and it lifted my mood. I’d been teaching Eco subjects and my dogs have always loved a plastic bottle, which is why I started noticing and picking up more litter on our walks.

Eventually, I formed a Facebook group – Paws on Plastic – and added everyone I knew who had dogs, encouraging them to pick up a few pieces of litter on their dog walks every day and share a photo of their dog. More people joined as friends were added and I started posting in other groups. It became a lovely, supportive community that really gave me a focus and extra support at a time when I really struggled.

I started this huge campaign that removes over 30 million pieces of litter every year

The group grew to over 21,000 members with followers in over 70 countries worldwide across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We became a charity in September 2021.

I never made it back to the classroom, but I started this huge campaign that removes well over 30 million pieces of litter every year, saving lots of animals from harm and preventing plastic from entering the sea. I’m extremely grateful to my dog Paddy, my other dog Ted who joined us in 2019 and my original bottle-loving dog, Murphy, who we lost in 2015.

Paddy and Ted are gorgeous fox red Labradors. They are extremely friendly and loving, and completely inseparable. Ted is epileptic and Paddy is extremely protective of him. He adored him from the minute he arrived and is so patient with him. Ted is extremely clingy with me, always glued to my side. He’s a really sweet dog.

Mell is so proud of how much Bess has grown in confidence

Bess was a rescue from the Border Collie Trust. She is very quietand a little timid, but she’s still adored by everyone who meets her. When she first arrived, she was afraid of everything, and although she still doesn’t like fireworks or loud noises, she’s come out of her shell a lot. Now she even allows strangers to strokeher, which is a good thing because everyone who meets her can’t seem to stay away!

She’s come out of her shell

Her favorite pastime is playing with plastic flower pots and racing around the garden.She is such a great dog and has helped us all to get through lockdown with her gentlenessand patience.

Blair has suffered with depression for many years, but since Skye came into her life, things have started to turn around for the better.

Skye is the best thing to ever come into my life. I have suffered with depression since I was 14, I am now 28 but the past four years with her have been a game changer.

Because of my dog, I wake up with a smile on my face every day. She understands when I'm down, comes and gives me a comforting paw and then gives me all of the loose socks around the house. As its socks that make her the happiest, I assume she thinks they will make me happy too. Along with her beaming and infectious smile, they’re enough to turn even the hardest person into a melted puddle.

Skye has changed my life

Skye has changed my perspective so much that I'm able to see the positive side to life nowadays. I can see the simple things that make a dog happy and that has changed the way I think about things. I'm now a happy person who enjoys going out and socializing. I went through periods where I wouldn't leave the house for weeks on end, struggling to deal with my thoughts. Having Skye has given me the strength to be able to leave the house and also engage with people.

She doesn't allow me to avoid people as she is the most sociable dog anyone has ever seen. She loves people so much that it’s rubbed off onto me. Skye has done more for me than I will ever be able to express in words. She is everything to me. Every moment I get to spend with such a beautiful creature is a moment cherished.

Coll came into Michelle’s life when she needed a furry companion the most

We rescued Coll from our local animal shelter almost six years ago. When we got him, I was at a low point, having just lost my dad and undergone surgery. I wasn’t able to work, and I was struggling with feelings of boredom and depression.

Coll came into our lives just at the right time

Coll came into our lives at just the right time. He gave us a reason to get up and out every day. He motivates us and makes us laugh, and we’re so very proud of how far he’s come since we adopted him. It’s not always been easy but he’s a quick learner who’s eager to please, and always gives us lots of cuddles. Coll is our best friend who we love unconditionally.

Not only does Ruby help with Amanda’s anxiety, but she also brings endless fun and laughter into her life

I suffer from anxiety and Ruby has helped enormously. Stroking her always makes things feel better.

She may be 12 now, but she still loves to play games

But more than that, she makes me laugh every day. We have conversations and she copies my tone of voice. She may be 12 now, but she still loves to play games and tease me.

She gets incredibly excited if we play ‘round and round the garden’ when she’s lying on her back – and I swear she laughs when we get to ‘tickle you under there’!

Ezra helped Katy through her post-natal depression and now he is a patient and gentle companion for her two-year-old son

Ezra is our whippet, our first dog and my first ever dog. He makes us laugh every day with his scattiness and crazy zooming and he gives the best cuddles. He also steals any bit of food available and he has the perfect pointed snout for sniffling the last of my tea, even when I think he's fast asleep.

Ezra was four years old when our little boy was born, two months before the pandemic started. At first, Ezzy was scared of the crying, but he soon came to be a doting big brother.

He’s always there for me

That crying felt like it didn't stop for 13 months though as our son had severe colic, and I spiralled into severe post-natal depression and anxiety. Ezra was, and still is, always there for me. He’s a constant calm support and he’s so patient and gentle with our now two-year-old little boy.

Ezra has really helped put a smile on my face every day, and he got me out of bed or out the house, even when I really didn't want to. I will love him always.