Even though he’s just a puppy, Teddy has already had a hugely positive impact on Jean’s mental health

Teddy is one of three pups my Chihuahua, Pip, gave birth to, which is why the two of us have such a close bond. One of the pups unfortunately died, but him and his brother both thrived and got lots of care from their mum.

Seeing him grow has really helped with my anxiety and other mental health issues, from the first time he opened his eyes to his first burst of personality and the many times he’s made me feel better.

Teddy is three quarters Chihuahua and a quarter Yorkie, which explains his great personality! He has explosive zoomies around the house and garden, he likes to show off how ‘buff’ he can be to other dogs, and he barks at his brother whenever he has a bone.

Teddy loves playing and he’s loved almost every single toy or game he’s ever been introduced to. But the game he loves the most is being chased by his brother. Even though his legs are small, he can run super fast!

Overall, Ted’s really improved my wellbeing, as I’m always happy to go home and see him and receive his little kisses. It’s like he understands my bad days and good days.

I’m always happy to go home and see him

Lizzy’s vineyard job can be somewhat lonely at times, but luckily Arlo and Pip are always on hand to brighten her days

My dogs are my world. They come with me everywhere and there is never a moment that we’re apart. We work on a vineyard in Essex – me looking after the vines and the dogs exploring all day. Without my dogs it would be an extremely lonely job. They are my company every day and they never fail to make me laugh.

Without my dogs it would be an extremely lonely job

Arlo (a Labrador) is six and I have had him since I was 16. He has been my best friend for years now and has been with me through everything, from living with my parents to buying my own home and getting engaged. One day, he’ll be the best man at our wedding. Pip (a working Cocker puppy) is our newest addition at three months old and he’s full of beans.

Pip loves to run and jump at dandelions, play with insects, chase butterflies and dig holes. Arlo loves sleeping ALL DAY in the sun and chewing sticks when he does get up (sometimes). They are lucky boys and I like to think they are very happy too.

It took Blake a while to find his forever home, but owner Louise gave him his happily ever after

Blake was rehomed in March, when he was just eight months old. He’s a Pointer Cross and is very energetic, loving and playful. He had been through a couple of foster families before he found us, but we are his forever home.

He is a loving dog who enjoys cuddles, chest rubs and spending time with his humans. More than anything, he adores playing with a ball – though he doesn’t always like to give it back! Recently, he had his first taste of snow and just couldn’t get enough of it.

We are his forever home

Something else which he basks in is human affection – he’s featured in many a zoom call, always sneaking into the room when I have my back turned so that he can come and say hello. He’s even starred on a rugby pet calendar, for which he had to pose at Murrayfield stadium.

Earlier this year, my wife was made redundant and I had to undergo an unexpected operation. Blake has been a huge source of comfort to us both, and we simply couldn’t imagine our lives without him.

Even when the sun isn’t shining, life seems a little brighter when Julia sees Mango clowning around.

Mango has made life in lockdown so much more enjoyable. She loves playing in the garden and is a very fast runner! When there is hot weather, Mango loves jumping around in the water from the hose. She also loves playing with ice cubes filled with treats.

She has been such a loving companion while we work from home

We love her cute snoring and clown-like behaviour. She has been such a loving companion while we work from home. She loves nothing more than playing with other dogs, her food (which she munches down in seconds!) and playing with squeaky toys. We love you Mango – you might be a bit of a clown, but we wouldn’t change a thing!

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.

Blaze the bulldog was exactly what Chloe and her family needed after the loss of their previous dog

Blaze is a one-year-old Olde Tyme English bulldog. He’s such a funny character and brings joy to the entire family. When we first got him, he couldn't walk and had no use of his back legs so, once he had the all-clear from the vets that it wasn't neurological, we had to teach him to walk.

Despite still having weakness in his legs, Blaze bombs around the house, constantly getting into mischief. He loves to steal socks and shoes, or anything he's not meant to have and hide behind the couch with it. He’s also friendly with our elderly hamster.

He bombs around the house, constantly getting into mischief

Blaze comes everywhere with us, and we’ve recently come back from Crail, Scotland where he was a fan favourite. He comes swimming with us down the beach, and even has doggy swimming lessons.

After we lost our old dog, Bruno, at the age of 13, our lives felt empty without a dog and the house felt quiet. We were all mourning the loss of our best friend. Blaze has definitely filled a hole in our hearts – and our beds. He loves to have a good snooze!