Debbie welcomed Trooper into her home when no one else would, and he’s given her many years of love and support in return

We rehomed Trooper from Dogs Trust Glasgow when he was 18 months old, and he’s going to be 10 in March. He was first dropped off there when he was only three weeks old, then he was in and out until we met him. The first thing we saw was his cheeky face jumping up and down in his kennel. After that, we became his fifth owners.

It was no surprise to find out that he has ADHD and is OBSESSED with balls, but he has an absolute heart of gold and just wants to be loved. He’s always smiling, even after his rough start in life.

He also really helped me in 2022. My dad had to get a below the knee amputation in May, then my gran got diagnosed with eye melanoma and had to have her eye removed in August. Sadly, she passed away in November. Throughout all of this, Trooper was by my side.

He always knew if I was struggling and as soon as he saw me cry, he would come straight over, climb onto the sofa and cuddle into me. I wish I was like Trooper. He doesn’t let anything get him down and is ALWAYS happy and ready to play.

He’s always smiling, even after his rough start in life

Not only has Ferdie been a constant support for Clair for many years, but he’s also helped her foster a range of other animals

Ferdie is a very gentle whippet who has helped foster puppies, cats and guinea pigs over the years. He has always been so kind, especially to cats. When a new foster kitten or cat gets introduced to Ferdie, he lets them get used to him in their own time. He doesn’t mind whether they want to leap on him and hold onto his neck, or just cuddle him.

His best friend is Otto – an abused cat who finds people really scary. Otto isn’t good at sitting with other cats, but he loves Ferdie and they often sit in an arm chair together. Ferdie is also very gentle with my guinea pigs, and he’s even helped two puppies, who came from very challenging situations, as we got them ready for their forever home.

He’s helped foster puppies, cats and guinea pigs

In his spare time, Ferdie likes sleeping, sleeping and more sleeping. He can regularly be found buried under a sofa throw, no matter how hot it is. He’s a great companion for me, and if I’m upset, he starts whining because he knows I’m struggling. Then when I lose something, he’s always by my side trying to help me find it.

Ferdie is starting to slow down now and I’m having to deal with the realisation that he may not be here much longer. I don’t think I’ll ever meet another dog like him – he’s a dog in a million.

Though Jennie Jane was born without sight and abandoned as a puppy, Helen has strived to give her the best life possible since she rescued her

Jennie Jane is a rescue dog from Romania. She was found in a plastic bag in an orchard, along with her two brothers. They think she was about four weeks old when she was found.

She enjoys life as much as any dog that can see

On my first night with Jennie Jane, she lay next to me on my bed and put her paw around my arm. I knew then that she was a very special little dog, and I fell head over heels for her.

Jennie Jane is completely blind and was most probably born with no eyes. She amazes me every day. She’s so smart and enjoys life as much as any dog that can see. I hope you can see how special she is, too.

Molly and Poppy are happy helpers for school chaplain Alison, and the pupils love them too

I have two border collie dogs: Poppy (who is 11years old) and Molly (8 months). Molly was a lockdown rescue pup when her owners bought her then decided not to have her! I am a Chaplain in a school and take both dogs in with me every day.

Poppy and Molly deserve a treat!

They are great pastoral assistants! Poppy is a big teddy bear who loves to be hugged, Molly is a mischief and allows some of our ‘naughtier’ children to relate to her! We’ve worked all the way through the lockdown and Poppy and Molly deserve a treat!

Lee couldn’t be without his assistance dog, Juno, who’s as loving andloyal as they come

This is Juno, my husband, Lee's, Hearing Assistance Dog. Lee became Deaf at a young age. He has had many difficulties throughout his life, struggling with things most of us take for granted. When Juno came along two years ago, she changed his world forever.

She changed his world

She was given to us by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and is trained to help in so many ways. Juno can alert Lee to the doorbell, alarm clock and the smoke alarm amongst other things. She's also a fantastic emotional support and such a loving dog. Of course, that’s not to say she doesn’t have a cheeky side – Juno has a particular fondness for stealing socks and underwear!

When she's not working, she enjoys cuddles and playtime with her favourite tennis ball. We love Juno and would be so lost without her in our lives.

Ruby’s such a cheerful dog that she recently won a tail-wagging award at Lesley’s local street party

Bouncy, curious and mischievous, Ruby is a little red Patterdale Terrier who loves other dogs and children and is always ready to play and have fun. She’s a great swimmer, too, and loves to ride on my children's boogie and paddle boards (before launching herself into the sea to catch her floating fish toy!).

She loves everyone and everything

Despite facing some stiff competition from some very happy dogs at our annual street party, Ruby won ‘waggiest tail’ and has her first place rosette pinned above her bed. Sadly, she failed to win the ‘best child handler’ because she stopped, greeted and licked every single person watching, one by one! She loves everyone and everything.