Tiggy and Bumble were a much-needed addition to Rosie’s family after two long years away from home

We are lucky to have two beautiful dogs – Tiggy the springer, who turns two in September, and Bumble, who turns one in May.

After a very testing tour in the Middle East with the forces from 2019 to 2021, when we had to rehome our three beautiful dogs, coming home to the UK and being able to have dogs straight away was so important.

They bring so much fun to our family

They make us all happier and Bumble in particular does not miss a chance for a walk. So, you should never put your jacket on until you’re completely ready to go.

Tiggy, our little springer, is amazingly calm in the house and she cuddles in like a human. They both bring happiness, calm and so much fun to our family.

Cara may be a dog, but Maria-Elena believes we can all learn from her kindness

Cara comes from Romania, which is also were I’m from. She never stops surprising me with her endless love and empathy. One of the things I admire most about her is the way she cares for others. If she finds someone in trouble, she’ll immediately alert me so I can help them. She also protects anyone or anything she deems vulnerable and is a great friend to birds and small creatures.

My dog is magic

She quickly adapted to living in Devon and has even joined me in working at a nursing home. Cara helps to make the residents there smile again, bringing them some joy and laughter in their darkest moments. My dog is magic, and I could never even come close to helping others in the way shedoes every day.

Norma and her dog Cara don’t let anything stop them from enjoying all that life has to offer.

Cara might be an elderly lady, but she still likes to play, especially with a tennis ball or two. Though, now if you throw one for her to chase, she’ll give you a look that says ‘I am 11 you know!’.

She enjoys a good cuddle and during these unsettled and sometimes lonely times, has been a much-needed companion. Cara also has free run of the house. She sleeps wherever she wants, sometimes being generous enough to allow me to share the bed or the sofa with her!

She can be vocal enough to get her point across!

As I live alone, her company is both a source of comfort and a welcome distraction. Her conversation skills may be lacking but believe me when I say she can be vocal enough to get her point across!

In short, I would not be without her. Even on those dark, wet and windy days when non-dog owners are cuddled up on their sofas, this old lady (I’m 77 years old) is glad to toddle down the road with her fellow old girl.

When Caroline suffered a bad injury, her dog Guiness was there to nurture her back to health

In 2012, I had a very bad horse riding accident and was hospitalised. When I could return home my little Guiness hadn't seen me in nearly two weeks, so he knew something was wrong.

He wasn't too pushy for fusses or cuddles and wouldn’t get under my feet like he used to. For weeks, he would walk behind me and follow me up the stairs, just to make sure I was always ok. Once, when I did need help, he ran to get my mother by barking at her and leading her towards me.

Guiness has always kept a smile on my face

If he hadn’t looked after me so well and kept me entertained, I don't think I'd have been so quick to recover. I wanted to get better so I could take him for walks again, or even to local dog shows. Guiness has always kept a smile on my face with all his quirks, and I’ll be forever grateful for having a smart and protective companion to look out for me.

Nowadays, I'm all healed and Guiness has turned into a grumpy old man! He has to have a morning nap and be fed on his schedule with no room for lateness – but he’ll always be my best boy, no matter what.

Max has brought Natalie’s whole family together, even helping to boost her daughter’s confidence

After many years of saying ‘One day we will get a dog’ and looking at everyone else getting puppies, we researched and looked and Max came into our lives at 15 weeks old in June 2021. He has brought the family together for walks and makes us smile. He’s very laid back and chilled, except when there is a cat walking across the garden. The way he trots, it’s almost like he’s a show pony!

The way he trots, it’s almost like he’s a show pony!

My youngest daughter often finds new situations stressful and can clam up, but Max is able to give her the confidence to try, and always reassures her that it’s OK. He has fitted into our lives and even enjoys a caravan holiday. But even though he enjoys exploring new places, he is just as happy being with us all.

When Tina first laid eyes on Teddy Bear, she knew he would be a friend for life. From Canada to the UK, they’re always there for each other.

While living in Canada in 2014, we visited an event called Bark in the Park and came across Teddy Bear who was offered for adoption. He melted my heart and as my husband worked away from home, knew he would be the perfect company for my son and I. He came home with us that day and we have never regretted it for a moment.

He joined our family and immediately became boss. His nickname was ‘Houdini’ as he managed to escape out of four crates – let's just say it was his way of telling us he hated to be penned in.

In 2016 we decided to move back to the UK and flew Teddy back on the same flight with us. We could never have left him behind.

He melted my heart

He's a big dog, German Shepherd and Husky cross. It took him some time to adjust to the new urban lifestyle as he missed the snow, but with lots of fuss from family he soon became a member of their family too. Teddy loves being outside so we taught him to ring a bell with his nose when he wants to go out – and yes, he rings them all the time!

His favourite thing to do is play ball. He’s a very clever pooch and loves to talk when he wants attention and cuddles. He also loves to be bushed and will just sit there all day wanting to be petted, brushed or massaged.

He also has a quirky one ear up and one ear down so always looks cute. As my husband works away Monday to Friday Teddy has become my main companion. My working life revolves around Teddy to ensure he is not left alone too long. He is my youngest baby and my best friend.