Loving, affectionate and bursting with boundless joy, Sylvie couldn’t be more adored by her owner Jennifer

Our Sylvie is a Dalmatian cross Collie which means she’s all energy, stamina and chaos, but she’s our little cuddle bug, too!

She takes very good care of us humans and is an unofficial wellbeing officer when we’re working from home. If work ever leaves us feeling stressed, she climbs up onto our laps and won’t move until we’ve had a lovely de-stressing cuddle (and face lick).

We’re very lucky to have such a wonderful dog in our lives

She’s also learning DIY support, meaning she’s getting quite good at taking the tools away (now we’re just working on bringing them back!).

Her favourite games are hide and seek, chasing a ball and of course, anything that involves tearing up paper.

Sylvie makes every day brighter and we wouldn’t be without our sock-stealing, cheese-loving friend. We’re very lucky to have such a wonderful dog in our lives.

Malgorzata’s dog Nala may be small, but she’ll win over your whole heart

Nala is a Pomeranian and Bischon Cross. She may be an adult now, but she still acts like a young puppy – she always has boundless energy and is super positive no matter what life throws at her. We walk her every day because she likes to be active, and usually we cover around 30 miles!

Nala has made my heart full

Having Nala has made my heart full. Not only does she keep me active, but I’m sure that her companionship has helped to improve my mental wellbeing. Looking after her does mean my days are very busy, but I wouldn’t change that for the world. It’s an honour to be her owner, and I’ll do anything I can to keep her healthy and happy, just as she does for me.

Josie will always be grateful to Dash for helping to bring purpose to her days

I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression since my teenage years, and over lockdown, I was in a really bad place. My fiancé and I had talked about getting a dog since we met, and after buying our first home last year, we decided that the time was finally right – enter Dash.

He is such a blessing. I’ve never known a dog as affectionate as he is! He’s obsessed with giving us cuddles and kisses, and always seems to know when I’m struggling. He gives my days a structure and fills them with light.

He gives my days a structure and fills them with light

I get up in the morning because I know I have to feed him, and I look forward to playing with him on our daily walks, which bring me such joy. Getting out of the house and exercising in the fresh air is good for both of us. I was crippled by my anxiety before and wouldn’t even leave the house, but Dash has given me a purpose and now I look forward to exploring new places together.

Dash absolutely loves playing, especially fetch with his favourite ball, or a game of tug. He’s never happier than when the three of us are out in the garden together, and I love seeing his tail wag as he bunny hops through the grass.

Lucia makes every day brighter for Holly, whether she’s making her laugh or comforting her baby daughter

Lucia makes us laugh every day – she’s an entertainer with such a unique personality. She’s even learned to ring a bell! She’s cheeky but also so loving, greeting anyone she meets with a wholehearted cuddle.

We welcomed a daughter last year and Lucia loves her. She’ll lick the baby’s feet and try to comfort her when she’s crying. She loves all people and dogs and thoroughly enjoys going anywhere.

We are always having to stop on walks for Lucia’s meet and greets with the public. We really would be lost without her and she’s a very big part of our family.

She makes us laugh every day

Grief is an overwhelming thing. But, by simply being by her side, Hero has been an invaluable source of comfort for Julie.

Hero, a rescue dog, came into my life after my husband died. I took him in initially to be part of the family and to train up at agility.

But dealing with the death of my husband then took its toll on me and I now find life very hard to deal with. There is so much that I feel unable to do without support – and that support is coming from all my dogs, but especially Hero who is constantly by my side.

It’s almost as if we’re healing each other

He reads my emotions and responds in the way he feels best. He is now on the way to becoming my emotional support dog. He was such a mess when I took him on, it’s almost as if we’re healing each other. With his help, I hope to get back some normality and I eventually want to see him compete with the rest of our dogs in agility.

Jacky lives on her own, but thanks to her dog Izzy, she knows she’ll always have a reason to smile every day.

Izzy is my whole world. I’m 64 and live alone with multiple health issues, so Izzy gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning. She always puts a smile on my face and is adored by everyone who meets her. She's the most affectionate dog I've ever met, showering everyone with kisses and cuddles.

She always puts a smile on my face

Izzy is just amazing and has an enthusiasm for everything in life – especially playing with other dogs!