VOTE FOR YOUR LOCKDOWN DOG HERO

Fudge, Cavalier King Charles. Owner Zoe Chamberlain said: “Our little one was only given weeks to live at Christmas due to having heart failure. She’s been a little fighter and is currently still going strong, we’ve kept each other company during lockdown and getting to spend all this time together has been amazing. She’s our little trooper and brings a smile to everyone’s face.”

Lister, Shih Tzu. Owner Mike Bailey said: “Lister was only 7.5 weeks old when we had him just as lockdown was starting. He had his first inoculation, but then, sadly, he had to wait until 31st of May for his second, so he has been in lockdown, too. In that time, he has kept us company and helped the family through hard times with his antics. Being such a friendly and intelligent (naughty at times) dog, he has learned to give his paw for snacks. We don’t know how we would have got through this - but his endless hours of fun has seen us through.”

Ramsey, Chow Husky mix. Owner Addi Berry said: “Ramsey has been such a good boy during lockdown, giving loads of cuddles when I’m stressed out and keeping me company while I’m furloughed. He’s also made sure that I get outside and get some fresh air and exercise when I take him for his walks, which is something that I’m not very good at. He’s been such a good thing for both my mental and physical health and I don’t know what I’d do without him.”

Eddie, Cavapoo. Owner Kirsty Flynn said: “Eddie can sense when I’m anxious or feeling low and cuddles right into me. He loves playing with his ball and puts a smile on my face. I have had to lock myself in another room to be able to work. Anytime I open the spare room door, he is always there to greet me. Eddie brings so much joy to our home and he has made lockdown so easy by making us smile every day.”

Oscar, Jack Russell. Owner Deborah Byrne said: “Oscar has been my daily companion and best friend during lockdown and always. Due to health reasons, I am shielding through lockdown and live alone. He greets me every morning with a hug and a kiss for company, play and affection. He barks to protect me and when anyone comes to the door. He brings daily sunshine, warmth and happiness to my life and cwtches and cuddles in the evenings.”

Celt, Fox Red Labrador. Owner Bethan George said: “Having had to stop work as a professional dog walker, Celt has made lockdown much more manageable. He gives unconditional love, is always there for a cwtch and just makes life so much more happy . Getting out walking him every day kept me going through lockdown, seeing him having so much fun, running and swimming in the river.”

Ozzi, Border Terrier cross Jack Russell. Owner Sophie Williams said: “Ozzi has always been a complete superstar. He wakes me up every morning with a lick to the face, wagging his tail excited to see me. He licks my tears when I’m sad. Everyone who meets Ozzi says they’ve never met a dog like him and he’s so loved. He’s a character! He’s kept me going, he pulls his lead down from the rack and carries it to me whenever he wants a walk, and groans at me if we don’t go straight away, then he waits (begging) sitting on his back legs like a meerkat. He’s such a good dog. He’s the most loving, calm dog ever.”

Bernie, Bernese mountain dog. Owner Claire Rowe said: “The best shadow anyone could ask for, especially when we’re in lockdown. He gives the best bear hugs and tends to sense exactly one you need one. He’s helped us get out for our daily exercise and enjoy the little things in life like empty country fields and beautiful sunsets.”

Mario, Labradoodle. Owner Paul Smiriglia said: “Despite being in the autumn of his life, Mario has kept us sane over lockdown with his loving nature. With my wife and myself being NHS key workers, to come home to an excited Mario (even with his dodgy lockdown haircut) has put smiles on our faces during the low times. He enjoys his Thursday night claps and smiles and waves of the little girl living next door but one.”

Bobby, Labradoodle. Owner Kelly Doody said: “Bobby has many vital qualities to him that makes him all of our best friend at only eight months old. He helps us find our shoes, socks, pants etc (after he’s run off with them). He likes to test our food for us (to our dismay). He barks at every noise to warn us of it (just to be safe). When my mum is gardening he will be super helpful and dig up holes for her pretty new plants (she personally doesn’t see it this way). And, lastly, he is always ready to give you lots of kisses and cuddles.”

Robin, Pekingese cross Pomeranian. Owner Catherine Smith said: “Robin was rescued from Cyprus several years ago and loves people and cwtches. He has recently been diagnosed with epilepsy, and on Monday celebrated a month since his last seizure. When the alarm goes, he runs up and jumps on the bed with us. He sits/lies with me all day and has partaken in more video calls than I can count. Anyone who meets him, loves him, and he always knows how to cheer us up when it all gets a bit much! He is our lockdown hero!”

Thor, German Shepherd. Owner Debbie Jones said: “We had Thor in lockdown at 10 weeks old. He has been my bestest friend since. After losing my best friend/partner on Christmas Day, my life has been rather lonely! He makes me feel safe. Thor has managed to get me out walking again, makes me laugh while he slides on my wooden floor with his big paws. At 14 weeks, I’ve managed to teach him to sit, lay down, wait and rollover. He’s a little charmer and a companion for life!”

Buddy, Cavapoo. Owner Lauren Booth said: “My little bundle of joy is the happiest dog I have ever known. His tail even wags in his sleep sometimes. Buddy has not only joined me jogging and exercising which has helped with my own mental health in these times. I work with vulnerable teenagers and since lockdown I take Buddy to work with me to help with emotional support and to lift the young people’s spirits. He is one incredible soul who brightens everyone’s day.”

Honey, Miniature Goldendoodle. Owner Kirstie Lewis said: “Honey came in to my life just before lockdown, and in a matter of days she became the love of my life. Who knew that this little pup would get me through the darkest of times? She made not being able to see family and friends all the more easier. She has kept me strong and positive through it all. I owe her everything. I’m so grateful for her and seeing her tail wag every morning puts a big smile on my face. I can’t imagine a life without her. Side by side we walk on through these hard times.”

Molly, St Bernard cross Husky. Owner Clive Linge said: “Molly has been brilliant company for my wife as she recovers from spinal surgery during the lockdown. Molly is a big friendly dog who needs brushing every day because she is so hairy! She loves her comforts and a swim in the river!”

Jessie, German Shepherd. Owner Zoe Michael said: “During our walk in lockdown she had to go to the vets, then be transferred to the hospital vets, for us to be told she had rat poison in her stomach. We nearly lost her as she could have died if I didn’t react and take her to the vets! She was bleeding and I just thought it was her baby teeth just falling out, so I’m glad I took her. She’s still on the tablets now and she’s doing great.”

Coco, Long Coat Chihuahua. Owner Hannah McCluskay said: “Coco always comes with us on our daily walk. It makes everything seem normal again. He’s with us all day and I don’t think he’s fed up with us just yet! We’ve been making him toys and yummy treats; it keeps our minds busy and he’s loving all the extra attention. He also keeps the kids busy, whether it’s chasing them around the house or playing hide and seek! He’s the fluffiest little boy that gives the best cwtches! We are lucky to have him.”

Paddy, Beagle cross Bedlington. Owner Katie Matthews said: “We got Paddy last year when he was one, after having a rough start in life. Having been on the farm on my own, the majority of the time Paddy has become my best friend, conquering any loneliness I have felt in the past. Paddy has adapted really well to farm life helping herd and feed the cows, coming with me on long walks to fix the fencing. He is company while riding the horses and is No1 co-driver on the tractor. We couldn’t have wished for a better dog on the farm.”

Bobby, Bichon Frise. Owner Juliet Doherty said: “Bobby is a rescue dog from the dogs home. We have had him for four years. I’m a key worker for the NHS so work full time and his daycare has shut because of the virus. My mum who has been shielding. Bobby goes to stay with her most of the week now as I have as little contact as possible with her because of the risk. He has been a saviour for her as otherwise she would have no interaction. She says she chats away to him every day and loves their little walks together. When Thursday comes and he comes back home to us I’m so excited to see him ,especially after working in such a stressful environment. He is my joy and my stress relief.”

Jonah, Chocolate Labrador. Owner Steph Harris said: “Jonah is hands down one of the happiest dogs you’ll meet. During lockdown he’s been amongst it all. He’s a perfect alarm clock smothering you with kisses, a hoover during dinner time, a reason to maintain your daily routine, a superstar when you need a giggle and the reason I haven’t put on too many pounds with our daily exercise together. Jonah is king of our street as he sits outside the house and often puts smiles on neighbours’ faces whilst he wiggles his tail when they pass. He’s the ultimate good boy and deserves all the glory for this household’s sanity.”