At the end of a long day, Claire looks forward to coming home to her dog Teddy, who helps wash the stress away.

My lovely Teddy has been the best possible medicine for me over the Covid-19 crisis. I work as a complex care nurse, and he helps me to unwind after a busy and stressful shift. There’s nothing better than being greeted at the door by my big, happy, soft boy.

His happiness is contagious

We like to go out as soon as I get home from work and walk in the local valley, Teddy chasing the squirrels and splashing about it the local stream. His happiness is contagious and I can soon feel the stress of the day leaving my body.

Teddy is true to his name, he is so soft and gentle. He loves to play with all the dogs in our local park and is a bit of a local star in our village, everyone knows him (my husband and myself, don’t get a look in!).

Sarah adopted Paddy when he needed her most, and now he’s able to help other vulnerable dogs just like him

Paddy was brought into a rescue center where I was working as a dog walker. He had been found on a busy road near Newark, and was very thin and dirty. It took him a while to warm to us, but after a lot of perseverance – and the offer of food – Paddy came home with me as a foster dog.

He’s such a gentle soul

Of course, I failed as a foster parent and adopted Paddy not long after. He’s such a gentle soul, and has proved to be extremely loving and very happy in everyday life. Over the years, he’s attended fundraiser events with me, to raise money for other dogs in recuse centers and to promote awareness of how Lurchers can make lovely pets.

To this day, Paddy loves food, and will pretty much do anything if you bribe him with something tasty! He also enjoys woodland walks, but his favourite thing to do is curl up on the sofa for some cosy snuggles.

Ringo is a very clever dog, and he’s always there to lend Vikki a helping paw

My Ringo isn't just any dog, although I'm sure every dog owner says that! Ringo is actually my dual-purpose guide dog, which means he is trained as both my guide dog and my hearing dog, as I am visually and hearing impaired. There aren't many dual-purpose guide dogs in the UK because it involves so much learning and training that not all dogs are able to do it.

Trained as both my guide dog and my hearing dog

I've had Ringo for 14 months now and what amazes me about him is that he still grows and learns every single day. For example, I drop things on a regular basis, and he's learnt to pick them up and put them in my hand without any training. He's also a very strong dog – I have poor balance because of my ears, so when I start to feel wobbly on my feet, Ringo will stand still and help me until I’m surefooted again. He also knows how to alert me if my phone rings or the doorbell goes, in case I haven’t heard them.

Ringo may only be three years old, but he’s got a very wise head on his young shoulders. That being said, he’s also got a playful side, and when he’s not helping me he acts more like a puppy! We spend nearly every waking moment together, and I adore him more than words can say. He's loyal, faithful, happy and loves me unconditionally.

Simba’s always had a sense of humour, and he’s even trying to make sure his mischief rubs off on Stu’s new dog Willow!

Words do not describe Simba, he is simply a gift from heaven. From puppy days, he has known his own mind and has been into mischief at any opportunity (a modern day Marley). Our world turned upside down when he stole kebabs off the kitchen table, ate them whole and proceeded to go about his normal business. Two months passed and many vet checks, it was established the skewers were still inside. Major surgery and multiple operations over a two week period, he was saved and back where he belongs. He’s 12 years old now and still looking after the family, the best friend anyone could wish for.

From puppy days, he has known his own mind and has been into mischief at any opportunity

Along came Willow, his new love, so in awe of Simba. He tries his best to teach her bad habits but she’s so calm and such a good little girl. She’s three years old now and desperately seeking the pack leader role. He’s older, wiser, slower and less enthusiastic these days but will never give up his seat on the throne and protector of this family!

Mandy adores the way Orrin takes care of everyone around him

Orrin is my rock. I suffer from panic attacks and whenever I feel one coming on, he’s always there to ground me until I have it under control. He’s also a blood donor and has saved many lives over the years. My dog is so compassionate, he’ll care for anyone who needs him.

One night, we were called to the vets as they needed blood urgently. When we arrived they were very busy, so we sat quietly in a corner and waited. We saw a distressed lady come in with her ill dog. The nurses all rushed to the dog and left the lady alone, so Orrin went up to her and quietly put his head in her lap until she calmed down a little. He came back over to me eventually, but I could tell he was keeping his eye on her the whole time.

He’ll care for anyone who needs him

A little while later, the same thing happened with someone else and again, Orrin made it his mission to make sure they were ok. Everyone in the vets soon started to realise what he was doing and some of the staff even had tears in their eyes.

After he gave blood, he refused to leave until we’d checked on the two people he’d helped. Orrin truly is my very special boy.

Madge has become Ruth’s constant companion as she travels all over the UK for her photography project

Madge is quite simply my heart and soul. We understand each other on a level that cannot be described, and she is my constant shadow and best friend.

I have a photography project where I travel around the UK photographing the UK’s rare breeds of ponies. Madge accompanied me on a major expedition to the Outer Hebrides and the Highlands of Scotland. It was just us, meeting wonderful people along the way, and she was that piece of home when it started to feel lonely.

We understand each other on a level that cannot be described

We even went to Snowdonia in Wales on our own, when I wanted to get away from the world and just be with her surrounded by the hills and wildlife.

We also love visiting the sea, where we are starting to paddle board. The first day, when I put the board in the water and went to get on (having never been on before), Madge was at my side with her paw on the board ready to join me. She soon jumped on when I set off and we learned to balance together – she pays close attention to my movements so she knows which way we are going.

Madge loves to be with her family. She always greets me with an excited wag and wants to be cuddled immediately. She loves to do tricks, especially if there is a play or treat involved after. She always knows when I need her to be with me, and she is able to help me relax and de-stress. She is simply perfect and what she means to me cannot be summarised in a paragraph.