Do you have a pet at home?

I have a Golden Retriever with a very big personality. He makes me laugh every day with his silliness. We enjoy our daily walks and playtime. He is almost four years old and quite a large boy, probably too large for an older person like me! I do love him though. I’ve also enjoyed the company of cats my entire life. Although I live alone I don’t usually feel lonely because I have my little pet family.

This is my cat Simba who is 18 and still going strong ?

This is our Dylan.

I am so sorry to hear about those of you who are not able to have a pet. We all know how very much pleasure our pets give us and the therapeutic value they add to our lives. There are rescue centres who are looking to rehome elderly dogs/cats, and should they have medical problems, offer financial support. Our rescue dog, Dylan, is from Spain. He is a Bassett Fauve de Bretagne (Griffon cross) just 4 years old and has been with us nearly 3 years. He is adorable, but has a few ‘reactive’ issues, which can be a bit of a challenge. But, he is sociable with people and dogs, once he has been introduced (not cats, pigeons, squirrels), very intelligent and affectionate. I wouldn’t want to be without a pet, as I’ve had cats and dogs all my life.

Yes, I had around 30, but in the last day it has increased to 40 or so.

I have 4 indoor cats, as kittens they were all born in the same garden at my local Cat’s Protection. Two are 11, Shadow and Star. The other two are 8 Tyson and Daisy they are brother and sister. I am lucky my housing association allow pets. Sometimes I feel bad that they haven’t experienced an outdoor life but as they were from a rescue centre I am sure they don’t mind! They are spoilt rotten with several climbing frames, 11 beds! and loads of toys. Tyson brings you feather sticks to throw like a dog does and Daisy little small soft balls she carries to me to throw for her to chase.

I have an almost 6 year old English springer spaniel. Being an energetic breed he makes sure we get our daily dose of exercise. As mad as a box of frogs, but we adore him such a loving dog.

I have a wire haired fox terrier who was 11 last November. He makes a huge difference to our lives and we love him dearly. The day after we went to see him as a puppy, I had a stroke. I was v. lucky - no neurological deficits, but I was very depressed and cognitively damaged. He was a huge help in my recovery. I had to get out of bed every morning to look after him and walk him etc. So he will always be very special to me.

wish i had a cat ,am awaiting to move and most council places dont like pets , so alas no cat ,havent had one for a year now .i miss not having a cat

We have 2 continental giant house rabbits. A bit like having a cross between a cat and a dog - litter trained and don't need walking but love lounging around in front of the tv. They are endlessly entertaining and good company whilst we now work from home

We have Border Terriers who keep us sane. We did have black Labradors as well but sadly no longer have these beautiful dogs. Border Terriers are fantastic companions and full of quirky character. Small enough to manage easily but they are a big dog in a little body. Can’t imagine not having dogs. Look at these faces.

yes we have a cairn too! Freddie aged 14 1/2... he’s got attitude! has two short walks a day .... sleeps a lot .... and always snuggles up to you on settee..... we lost his brother 18 months ago.... times precious!

I have a beautiful little Yorkshire terrier called Parker.
He is such a joy he loves his daily walks and if I’m not getting ready to take him out by 11am he starts dancing round you to let you know he is there. Otherwise he is happy to find a sunny spot in the house and relax.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202102/medium-997398-5928d0c6-59b9-49a2-9df8-fa92659617e2.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202102/medium-297152-e08acdaf-6b5e-4e8d-b8eb-c8b1bf34170c.jpeg

I have a rescue dog from Sicily. He’s a collie/fox terrier cross and is good company even though he still has a lot of issues from his days on the streets.

I’m also puppy-sitting DD3’s new puppy, a ten week old chihuahua/Yorkshire terrier cross who is full of energy and utterly adorable. Certainly keeping me on my toes!

We have a mad Sprocker, Springer Cocker cross, called Bertie who is 7, blue Roan, Black and white. He has an Elvis impersonation off to a T with his lip, makes us laugh and cry...and doesn't enjoy other dogs as he's human. He told me so ;)

I have a 7yr old cocker spaniel and until 4 days ago I had a 3yr old ferret but unfortunately he was really poorly when I got up on Sunday, I called the emergency vet but it took them over 4hrs to answer the phone!

They told me to take him in (40min drive) but he died in my arms whilst I was waiting to get through the door.

I feel that if they'd bothered to answer their 'emergency' phone sooner, it might have been possible to do something to save his life.

Needless to say, I'm both devastated and fuming angry!

We have a Bedlington terrier. Very beautiful boy, now 7 years old. He is sweet natured and cuddly, but an absolute ratter! We no longer have any sightings of rats in the garden, or cats or squirrels. The trouble is that at this time of year a couple of squirrels come to the bird table just outside our garden on the drive beside the house. The dog can see them, even smell them, from indoors and he is totally hysterical until the squirrels have eaten. Hard work!!

I have 2 dogs a Parson and a cross breed we go out 3 times a day regardless what the weather is they love playing ball on the field we are lucky we have some amazing places to walk and play. We also have a 16 year old cat, 3 rabbits, 3 guinea pigs, 1 hamster and a corn snake which all keep me very busy but I would not have it any other way.

We have a 21 year old cat called Angel. She rules the roost and is very fussy. She has popped up on a few zoom calls recently and will not take no for an answer if she wants a stroke . She will just lay on my work ,type or even delete things until I stop ignoring her! ?

Wonderful photos of people's beloved pets. They are all gorgeous.

The enthusiasm shown on these pages just goes to show how much we love our pets, how much they mean to us & how much comfort they give us x

We have 2 indoor Cats that we got given from a couple who couldn't cope with them anymore. This was 7 years ago and me and those Cats are inseparable. They make my day feel better when life gets rough. They are Brother and Sister and together they complete our family.

I've always had rescue dogs, and I sadly lost my beloved collie last July ? I also have a working cocker spaniel getting on in years deaf and not really enjoying her walks without her pal! At the beginning of October I got a Romanian rescue dog, who has big ' paw prints' to fill!
She's been the most challenging dog I've had, but she's a dear little thing and is coming on really well, still early days and I wouldn't be without her now, she's filled the void in my life and dearest collie would've approved of my choice..?
Spaniel enjoying her walks now..

jenni123

I live in sheltered flat, i am disabled, housebound but we are not allowed any animals at all. I have had dogs almost all my life until now. It is especially hard right now as because I am housebound I do not see anyone as with the lockdown no visitors are allowed. I so miss having a dog, it would help with the loneliness.

Hi Jenil23

That is just awful they will not let you have a pet - it must be terribly lonely for you, I am sorry as I too am disabled and my dogs are my companions - sending you some xx

We have two cats. A senior Norwegian mix - so, large, and a full Norwegian silver princess. Such lovely loving, snuggly cats. They get us through some really bad days and always seem to know when they're needed most for a cuddle and a purr