As a Tibetan Terrier, Teddy’s unlike any of Michelle’s previous dogs, but she loves him more than words can express

I grew up with dogs, as did my husband. So, when we got married, we decided we wanted to get our own dog. My husband had grown up with Tibetan Terriers and said we had to get one. I’d never heard of the breed, but I did a bit of research, found a breeder and Teddy came along in August 2019. He totally changed our lives!

Everyone says their dog is the best, but I know mine really is

Teddy is stubborn, fussy, wonderfully intelligent, independent, loving on his own terms, funny, playful, and full of character. He’s almost human and loves being outside – he’d probably live outside if I let him!

He’s the total opposite to the dogs I had growing up, but I wouldn’t change him for the world, and I’d never get a different breed now. I can’t put into words how much I love my furry boy. He’s loved so much, and he knows it! Everyone says their dog is the best, but I know mine really is.

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.

From morning ‘til night, Charlie brings nothing but joy to every moment of Elizabeth’s day

Charlie is the happiest little Jack Russell, who just loves life. He wakes up at 6:30am every day without fail and spreads such fun from the moment he opens his eyes in the morning.

He likes to dictate the routine by barking, which is his way of telling me to get a jiggle on and eat breakfast so he can get ready for his morning stroll and then settle in for his day.

He spreads such fun from the moment he opens his eyes

He always greets me on my return from work with a huge wagging tail and a happy yap, ready for his next stroll and his evening meal. We then move onto ball playing before settling down for a nice cuddle and telly before bed.

We’re always exhausted and ready for a bedtime snuggle, and he’s a happy boy, all prepped and ready for the next day. Utter joy!

Kevin loves how much his dog Beau has become a member of the family

Beau is a wonderful family dog. He’s everybody’s friend, and I’m always getting requests from my neighbours to see if he wants to join them and their dogs for a walk.

Beau loves being at home

He provides us with endless laughter, especially when he gets given a treat and starts jumping around like a little puppy. Every evening, after hislast walk, he likes to enjoy a tummy rub or two. Beau loves being at home and is very protective of our house, though he’s great at sharing the garden with the birds, squirrels and hedgehogs. Our dog is a treasured member of our family, and we wouldn’t be without him.

Sarah showed Paddy some kindness, and now he’s a treasured member of her family

Paddy arrived at the rescue centre where I volunteered in November 2009. He was so terrified that he was put straight into a quiet area, where I sat with him. I took him home as a foster dog, and before long, he had become a permanent member of my family.

We had to Paddy-proof the house

He is quite a character. He counter-surfed until we trained him not to, still raids the bin if he gets chance, he can open doors and also jumps very high. We had to Paddy-proof the house to make sure he was safe!

My dog has helped me through some really tough times over the years. He’s so loving once you earn his trust, and he adores children. Paddy is best friends with our cats and likes to help other timid animals to come out of their shell. He also works to raise awareness about Lurchers and show what fabulous pets they can be with the right care and attention.

For NHS mental health worker Kathleen, her new little bundle of joy is the perfect tonic

I have wanted a puppy since I moved out of my family home at 18 years old. Me and my partner have only just bought our first house. We couldn’t wait, so have got a puppy and he has just made our house a home.

He is the best decision we have ever made!

Since we have had him he has settled straight in. He brightens up our day as he is very talkative and always talks back when he is told off and it’s adorable. The main thing that we love about him is that he refuses to walk when me and my partner are apart. He only likes to go for a walk when we are together and he walks between us. He just brings us together and is hilarious as he is very curious, but is a bit chicken.

He just helps make us laugh all the time and comfort us during lockdown, especially me as I work in mental health for the NHS. People say it was a mistake to get a dog so soon after moving and working on the house as it’s a lot of responsibility and pressure, but he is the best decision we have ever made!