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Currently looking after Izzy, my elderly Jack Russell, her health is gradually declining after a sudden seizure last year, up until which I’d say “she’s still a puppy at heart” to all the other 2 legs we’d encounter on our lengthy beach walks, but our life changed dramatically that fateful day, since which we’ve hastily been adapting, making various adjustments to help relieve her stress, now as we tentatively broach our chapter 15, I regard each extra day with her a blessing, my little white torpedo.

Having a dog keeps us fit and healthy as she needs two good walks a day!

It encourages us to go out for walks together for much needed exercise

The never ending excitement a dog has for you coming home makes even the worst day at least a bit better.

I have a lovely Rottie/German Shepherd cross rescue, called Rita. When I've had a hard day at work and I'm feeling a bit down, it really raises my spirits to come home to the furry buffoon barking in the bay window to greet me. When my partner opens the front door, Rita hurtles out to meet me from the car, almost doing cartwheels on the driveway. I sometimes think she loves me more than my partner does, but it does also occur to me that she associates me coming home with dinnertime! It's nice to feel loved.

My dog Millie is always there for me. There when I get up there when I come home. Helps to keep me healthy by going for walks.

I always say that my dog has saved my life. I have a very serious medical problem, I was on the sick from work, needed a wheelchair to walk more that 5 mins, very depressed and in so much pain I just laid on the sofa all day. Serendipitously I got my new puppy on the same day I finally got a diagnosis and started a treatment plan. My puppy was a Newfoundland called Tay. She brought me out of my depression, gave me company during the day and most importantly a purpose. Training and playing with her got me off the sofa. As I started my treatment and she grew, she could slowly walk further and so did I. She has been by my side through 8 operations including 3 spinal operations. I'm back at work now and my condition is mostly under control but I honestly think it would have been very different without Tay.

dogs are loyal and so calming great for mental wellbeing x

being given advise by the doctor to lose weight Sally the dog has made me walk twice a day come rain or shine

My lovely old girl Bonnie was rescued 10 years ago from Manchester Dogs Home. My husband had been diagnosed with cancer and had always wanted a dog (I didn't) so I relented and we chose her. Almost immediately she became the most loved family member, she brings all of us so much joy and the love we get from her is totally unconditional

My dog is great company and also quite helpful. I have arthritis so often drop things and find them difficult to pick up. One day she realised I wanted what I'd dropped and picked it up for me, now she's quick to pass me items, a dog treat helps of course!

Oh my goodness, how has my dog helped our family? So many ways. She loves us all unconditionally, she is always there for a cuddle and a listening ear, whatever the problem she doesn't judge. She is a total character so she makes sure that we always have a smile on out faces at least once a day and last but not least whenever there is any kitchen action going on, she is right there to ensure that nothing edible ever drops on the floor ... she is so health and safety minded

Getting out and walking our dog helps keep me sane. I love the long, quiet walks. They give me time to think.

It's that greeting when you come home after a bad day.

He's a good guard dog and a great companion.

We have 2 6 month old puppies they make us smile everyday and get us out in the fresh air enjoying the lovely surroundings around us.

To us dog lovers all our dogs are very special and give so much; always an enthusiastic greeting whatever time of day (or night) and unconditional love 24/7 too. For me it was the motivation of getting back to walking my dogs that made me work hard after my stroke and of course they encouraged me every step of the way!

We got our beautiful sprocker almost three years ago as our son had very little confidence but has always had a thing for dogs. They are now best friends. Elsie the dog just somehow knows what he is thinking and always knows exactly where he is.
She is such amazing company for me during the day and we have the most wonderful lunch time walks. We wold all be totally lost with out her.
She has completed our family and brought us all so much closer as we actively do so much more as a family at weekends to be outdoors with the dog.

Our dog is a family member who encourages us to be silly, get daily exercise and be responsible.

I'm sadly not near any family, though I wish so much to be. I have suffered with depression for a long time, its hard, but I manage it, especially with my Jack Russel boys, Nipper & Nobby.

Both were from two different litters, the runts of both at the time, and Nipper even had some hip problems, but they are so loving, and give me the cuddles I need when I'm feeling down.
I still want to be nearer to my children, but these boys keep me going. x

great company and keep fit

My dog died 2 years ago but even though I'm still sad to think of her gone I remember the love & devotion she gave me. Just sitting on my foot meant she wanted to be close & be patted. Made me smile every time. Also she got me out the house & people tend to chat to you when you have a dog, bit of an ice breaker.

I live on my own so it can be quite lonely at times but since having my little dog Honey this has not been the case.
She is so funny and has a very quirky personality so she keeps me company and entertained all the time.

She forces me to get myself out of the house for walks when I'm not working which has been great for my health.

I love coming home from work and seeing her running up the hallway and greeting me like I am the most important person in the world.

I love seeing her reaction when the grandchildren come to visit, how excited she gets to see them, how she greets each one differently, knowing to greet the baby with a gentle nudge and her older brother with a waggy tail .

Honey has kept me sane and she has definitely helped me not to sink into depression.

She's the best thing since sliced bread.

He’s helped to make me fitter by taking him for walks