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It's funny how they can't do anything to help yet do everything to help, my girl just sits near me and seems to understand in quiet solidness, exactly what I need x

My dog is my best friend, she has helped me when I need comfort but also helped me get out the house & walk more

We adopted our dog when he was still very young and had already been through some horrendous experiences. He was picked up with a badly broken leg and awful eye and ear infections.
In helping him heal, he also helped me heal as I was recovering from very brutal treatment for breast cancer. He was my reason to get out of bed when fatigue was at its worse and encouraged me to get out into the woods near our house.
Most of all, he was a shining example of Mindfulness as he greeted each day, each event and each person he encountered with optimism and joy.

Best companion you could ever have. Always happy to see me and gives you that comfort of being wanted.

Currently going throigh breats cancer treatment. Our pooch has been my companion on those dark days and has lifted my spirits. Our walks help me clear my head and snuggles are second to none!

I have always been prone to anxiety and the odd panic attack and my beautiful girl just calms me by her very presence. She has always loved to walk so we have been on some wonderful walks by ourselves, with friends or sometimes with other dog walkers who we connect with, so she keeps me fit. I think many of us have an innate need to love and care for something and a dog gives so much and in return they deserve to have all their needs met including observing their health needs (too many people seem oblivious to signs of pain) their need for company, exercise, fun and quality food etc. I love the lack of judgement and there are no complicated interactions to leave one puzzled or hurt - they are straight forward with clear needs.

My dog has helped me by getting me out walking and enjoying the fresh air

Because of the grief when they pass on, we don't have a dog now, but my childhood was always filled with canines, and they really help you when you need a friend and moral support.

My dog has helped me to see unconditional love from an animal. I never wanted a dog (the family did I was outvoted). I never understood dog lovers, you had to walk them in the rain ☔️, pick their ? up, and have dog hair every where. I was dreading getting her.
She is the best thing that happened I love her ? so much. If she goes to far on a walk and can’t see us she comes back to make sure we are there. She is so excited to see you every day and brings me a ?. She cuddles me when I’m ☹️.
She keeps me fit gets me out the house ? fresh air and peace. I now love all dogs that I see unheard of before. I’m so glad I have Lexi ?

Some heartrending posts above and inspirational stories.

We got our dog as a puppy, and my granddaughter named him Barney. Previously we had always had big dogs (rough collies), and Barney is very small and has his own particular characteristics.

He helps by getting me up in the mornings (at the crack of dawn) usually! He also encourages us to take long walks through local woods, canal and river banks, helping to keep us both fit and healthy. Have also made many friends through speaking to other dog lovers on our journeys.

If we have been out, he makes us laugh so much on our return as he charges round the sofa in excitement.

Barney is my little pal, and special in so many ways.

Our dog Stanley is a great listener and knows when a cuddle is needed. He has ensured we stay fit as we are out with him three times a day and he has helped me make friends in the village as anyone who will give him a cuddle becomes a guaranteed friend for life.

My dog is a great comfort and company. He motivates me to get walking and is great to cuddle in the cold evenings. I am never lonely thanks to him

Constant companion who is there for me. Also daily exercise.

My son's family got a dog that was too big and too playful and was a disaster for them. But they found it a better home and have now got a smaller calmer dog that fits in perfectly! It brings them together as they all have something in common and no matter what their differences they all love the dog!

Ted ha helped me to keep moving after a long illness. I can’t get through the day without him.

my dog has helped me lose so much weight through the long walks I take him on all year round

Keeps us fit but best of all the love & companionship we share

Dogs love their humans more than they love themselves.

Our dog is our loyal friend, he is always there and he doesn’t judge.
He is a comfort and he makes us laugh, he is just part of our family.
He makes friends - we make friends, he is a great socialiser. He is good for the spirit and the soul.

By being great company

My lad was always terrified of dogs but through carefully introducing him to the local friendly dogs in the village he's overcome that so much that I am now being seriously pestered for us to get one of our own.

Mine has helped me in so many ways, mainly making me go out everyday to take them for walks even if I don't feel like it, due to having depression I don't always won't to go out but having a dog makes me which is a good thing plus they also give me lots of company when I really need it.

Always being there through the bad times as well as the good times

I have had a fair few dogs over the years and every single one has been an individual and each has affected me and helped form my outlook on life. Mitzi an apricot toy poodle who was all dog despite her looks and her frou frou name. Duke, the Golden Retreiver who could most definitely count and was a stickler for fair play and bane of unguarded socks, and the reason I am compelled not to leave anyone out.
Spuggy who was a yorkie and the bravest little thing ever, Beau another Golden Retreiver who wrung every inch of joy out of life, Guffrim the Great Dane who was a nervous wreck when we got him, but learned to trust us and grew so much, Finbar another Goldie who had hip problems masses of painful operations and was still always up for a pootle around the woods, and our current boys Tiberius (rottie) and Hugo (staffie) who remind me every day that you can't judge a book by its cover, and are two of the soppiest idiots ever, and my poor, poor Tilly the only non rescue and the only puppy, who had Parvo when we got her and who didn't make it, despite the vet's best efforts. Our chaps have all been brave and funny and loving even when they were poorly. They help me to look at my life differently and take whatever pleasures now offers, and not concentrate on what I have lost - or indeed have never had. Each and every one has brought me huge joy and some pain, and I would have been a much poorer person if I had failed to meet any one of them. To be honest I dread the day when I am too old to share my life with a dog.

I have also rehomed rescue dogs and helping them has helped me to overcome serious health issues and to get me out and about and interacting with people. Being able to help dogs has made up for not having any children and they are infact my 'babies' and my life has been enriched enormously