Sky was a rescue puppy who found us when times were very low.
My husband and I are keen mountain climbers and we love the outdoors, but he sustained an ankle and leg injury that stopped him walking.
Each day, we’re going further together
Sky has been by his side throughout his recovery, and she has been his push towards walking again. Each day, we’re going further together. She is our magic mountain dog.
Charlie came into our lives unexpectedly, after a text came through from a family member who knew how upset I was after losing my dog Bella. Lockdown was tough enough and without my sidekick, I was struggling.
Cute and cheeky Charlie
A change of circumstances meant Charlie faced the prospect of going back to the kennels, which was unideal seeing as he’d been through rescue centre twice already. He came for a visit one Friday night, just for a trial run – and he hasn't left since!
Initially we didn’t feel ready for another dog, but as soon as we saw him, we knew instantly that cute and cheeky Charlie was meant to be a part of our family. He’s so full of love and character, and such a happy dog.
Bailey is amazing. I have severe mental health issues and last year I underwent some treatment at a hospital. Although this meant Bailey and I had to spend a prolonged period of time apart, he came to visit me regularly. Whenever he came, he’d bounce around and brighten not only my day, but all of my fellow patients’ too.
He came to visit me all the time
When at home, Bailey and I walk for miles, which really helps improve my mental health. He always greets everyone we meet with a huge smile and a waggy tail, and they fall head over heels for him. If I’m going through a low episode, Bailey cuddles me close to let me know he’s there.
Since being out of hospital, my mobility has been limited but Bailey is still just as attentive. He’s so loving, and truly is the best friend anyone could wish for.
Denham is an English Springer Spaniel. We like to joke that he only operates at two speeds – full steam ahead and zero power!
He is such a loving dog, always there for a cuddle and forever brightening up our day. We just can’t imagine being without him. One of his favourite pastimes is pestering the local wildlife. He likes to bark at the squirrels, and every time he sees a pheasant he’s so sure that he’ll be able to catch it, even though he’s yet to succeed! It makes me so happy that nothing seems to deter him from trying and giving it his all.
We call him our little shadow
Denham loves to spend time with us, which is why we call him our little shadow. He’s really enjoying the fact that I’m working at home now, and always snuggles up to me to keep my feet warm. He also likes to sit on the kitchen window ledge, where he’ll stretch out and keep an eye on the world outside.
Our Ziggy is a real character. She’s extremely friendly with everyone but like most dogs, she has no concept of ownership and is very proud of the fact that she can carry two tennis balls in her mouth at once. This would be funny, but usually, the tennis balls belong to other dogs, and she’s stolen them without any remorse!
She’s stolen them without any remorse!
It’s now getting so embarrassing that we’ve had t-shirts and neck ties printed for her. They read ‘Tennis ball thief’, and the idea is to give other dog owners a heads-up, as Ziggy tends to steal a ball or two and then head off into the distance as fast as she possibly can. I usually have to take the owner’s number so we can return their pet’s favourite ball at a later date.
The goal for 2021? To finally break the habit of a lifetime and stop that thieving Madam in her tracks!
Daisy was 15 months old when she came to me from the Border Collie Trust. She had clearly never had the opportunity to interact with other dogs or spend time in the outside world. We had to start with basics such as walking. Her paws were very soft like a puppy’s, so we had to take it very slowly. All the short, regular walks also helped me lose weight and brought down my high blood pressure.
Dog training classes followed, and this gave Daisy the opportunity to be with other dogs and learn how to interact with them. When we were completing our assessments, the assessor commented on the obvious bond that we have. He said she never took her eyes off me wherever I was, always looking for my next command.
She is always smiling and makes everyone around her smile
Daisy is extremely friendly with everyone she meets. She instinctively knows how to moderate her behaviour with different people. If it’s someone in a wheelchair, she is gentle, but if it's someone who wants to run around then she joins in. My dad has had two recent hospital stays and staff were more than happy for her to visit. She was quite happy to ‘share the love’ with other patients and staff.
Daisy loves nothing more than to dig, whether in water, mud, leaves or snow. Tennis balls are her specialist subject. We have them scattered everywhere in various states of disarray! My vets call Daisy ‘smiler’, and for very good reason. She is always smiling and makes everyone around her smile. It's difficult not to when you have such a happy, loving dog.