YOUR PETS ‘Jinx is playful, loving and crazy’

Pet’s name: Jinx. Age: 11. Breed: Jack Russell. Owner: Sophie Lloyd, 22, from Pontyclun. Owner’s story: “I got Jinx three years ago. It was like having a new-born child – a big period of adjustment. I had to learn how to care for another living thing and not be selfish and had to learn to consider Jinx in every decision we made or thing we were going to do.

“She is a lot more confident now and loved. She gets lots more exercise and freedom. She is calmer and more settled. Her loyalty and trust for us has blossomed.

“I have another dog called Elvis. Jinx doesn’t get on with other dogs but Elvis was love at first sight for her, and they’re inseparable since. It was nice for her to find a friend of her own kind.

“Jinx loves digging, exploring new places and being with her family but hates the hoover. A happy memory was when she first met Elvis and she didn’t react badly. It was the first dog she ever liked and played with.

“It was sad when she got gastroenteritis and we nearly lost her. It was a scary 24 hours. We were petrified to lose the light of our lives. We had never seen her act so unlike her normal self which is why we were so worried.

“A funny memory was when she got so excited that we had returned home, she got stuck in the blinds in the window but still wagged her tail. I took a quick photo then freed her! The best thing about her is her ability to forgive humans despite the hardships she has faced and her absolute zest for life despite her senior age.

“The worst thing is her nervous barking at other dogs. I wish I could teach her that not every dog is a meanie!

“My life has been enriched with unconditional love and a reason to get up everyday. She helped me overcome depression and keep fighting every day to live a positive and fulfilled life.

“Never give up on a difficult or challenging dog because once you overcome the difficulties, you will reap the benefits knowing their happiness is your happiness.”