With this in mind we asked our readers to share pictures of their dogs, with many of them explaining what it has meant for them to have such a companion. Katie Burnett from Hastings said her dog had 'helped us to discover beautiful family walks we never even knew were so close by'. Many others said their dogs helped them keep fit and active and a reason to get out of the house.
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Our heart melted when we saw this picture of Stanley shared by Charlotte Allsobrook
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Neil Ralph sent in this picture of Milo
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Thank you to Michelle Brookes for sending in this picture of George
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Thank you to Paul Gosling for this picture
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Sarah Rainer sent in this picture of Lola
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Thank you to Shana Burchett for this picture
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Andy Mcquiston shared images of his dogs Shep and Maddy
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Anne-Marie O'Brien shared this picture of Ruby
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Carmen Seymour sent in this smiley picture
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Christine Thomsett shared this picture
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Pure love pictured here in this picture sent in by Claire Simpson
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Clare O'neill sent in this picture of Maisie
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Denise Yates shared this picture of Louie
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Denise Yates sent in this picture of Paddie
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Thank you to Dionne Greenwood for sharing this picture
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Neil Ralph sent in this picture of Milo
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Thank you to Michelle Brookes for sending in this picture of George
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Thank you to Paul Gosling for this picture
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Sarah Rainer sent in this picture of Lola