Beth has always loved cocker spaniels, so when Rolo came into her life, it was a match made in heaven

Having lived on my own for a while I decided I needed a companion, a buddy, to wake up to, to keep me company. As a child I had a cocker spaniel for 16 years so I knew I wanted another as I love their characters and that they are always happy.

My everyday hero came to live with me in December 2022 at eight weeks old. From that day my life changed from dull, quiet and mundane to pure joy! Rolo is my cocker spaniel. A handsome, chunky, soft, fluffy ball of mischief.

Although he’s still really only a baby he is so clever and has mastered basic commands quite quickly, as long as there is a tasty treat as a reward. He is super friendly, loves meeting people and dogs on our walks. His favourite pastime is lying on his back in a cardboard box playing with his squeaky chicken – that’s when he’s not chasing round the garden with my parents’ puppy, who happens to be his sister! He is also rather partial to noisily chomping on a carrot, which always makes me chuckle.

Puppy training classes are next on his list but I’m sure my adorable, funny fluffball will be top of the class. Rolo makes me very happy as he makes me laugh every day and I can’t imagine life without him.

A handsome, chunky, soft , fluffy ball of mischief

Ever since he was young, Bonz has spent many happy years roaming the countryside with Tina

Bonz came to us from The Dogs Trust when he was two years old. He’d already been returned twice as he had ‘behavioural problems’. We persuaded the dog psychologist that he would be fine with us, and after a few kennel visits, he was allowed to come home. We were his third rescue home, and he was our third rescue dog.

A very insecure Goldie at first, he cowered at traffic, didn’t trust people and stressed over so many things. But he quickly became the wonderful dog and companion he is today. He would come with me to look after horses and rabbits or walk miles up Welsh mountains and the Kentish downs.

He still looks amazing and has certainly enjoyed life

He learnt to swim after throwing himself in a deep stream where he managed to hook his paw over a branch on the far side of the bank. He was hanging on for dear life and no calling would make him come back, so we waded across and reassured him all was well. He could then swim anywhere!

Plaything fetch and carrying things in his mouth were among his favourite pastimes. The locals would all recognise the Goldie that walked along the lane with a pink Frisbee in his mouth. He would retrieve but wasn’t so keen on ‘drop’!

We may never know his story in those early puppy years, but now in his twilight, he still looks amazing and has certainly enjoyed life. He’s just struggling with his arthritis and the usual old age slowing him down. He has his daily painkillers to help him through, and still enjoys a small throw of his favourite ball and a gentle stroll. Of course, like most Goldies, Bonz enjoys his food and lots of treats. When the time comes, it’ll be hard, but we’ll always do what is right for our dear Bonz.

FAngela adores her dog Evie, especially for her positive outlook on life

My Chocolate Labrador was the smallest of her litter, weighing only 1.5kg at eight weeks old. We spent a lot of time building her up, as she lives with two other, larger Labradors. She thrived on the attention, food and exercise, and is now a healthy 27 kg.

She keeps us going

When she was one, she was diagnosed with epilepsy. I am so proud of herand the way she just gets on with life. We treat her the same as our other two dogs, so she enjoys going on walks, eating and playing. With her happy-go-lucky character, she keeps us going, always reminding us to stay positive. Evie has taught us that life is too short to spend it worrying. We admire her so much.

From looking after his health to making him laugh, Frank the Dachshund is James’s best pal

Frank is such a character. He absolutely loves cuddles. Being a Dachshund, he can usually be found snuggling under a blanket, or wrapped up in a cardigan all cosy and warm. He constantly tries to 'burrow' under the duvet if he’s on the bed.

He’ll appear in the doorway as if by magic

He also loves food, and his favourites includes eggs, toast and bananas. Frank can sense when one of us is eating a banana without him. Once youstart peeling, he’ll appear in the doorway as if by magic, ready for a bite!

I suffer from seizures, and Frank always senses when I am having one andwill not leave my side until I have recovered. He’s a firm part of our family

Mille will do anything to help owner Claire’s elderly parents

Millie is a 13-year-old Border terrier who looks after my elderly parents. You can see that she really cares about them. Every morning, she gets up and goes into their bedroom to check they they’re ok. When she goes on awalk with them, she never walks too fast because she knows they can’t keep up

She really cares about them

Once, my dad collapsed in the living room, and Millie lay by his side and would not move until the ambulance came. We basically had to force her to step aside, and once he’d been taken away, she became very sad and lay in her bed until he arrived back home. She didn’t perk up until he came back home, when she became so excited and happy again.

Despite everything he’s been through, Bailey will always be able to make owner Serena laugh

Bailey is the most amazing little best friend. He is a very cheeky chap and very quirky indeed. He has the craziest fun personality.

He has defied the odds and been a little hero

He has a heart murmur, has had 18 teeth pulled in one op and only last year decided to swallow a fisherman's hook, bait and line. But he has defied all odds and been the little hero throughout. He is also very talented and has a party piece of ringing the service bell for a treat. He makes us laugh, makes us smile but most of all he is full of endless love.