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. Niki Rouse wrote: "Been shielding since last February and now suffering long covid and was hospitalised for two weeks in September. These two dogs have been my life line. They have kept me company, kept me entertained and have given me a reason to get up every day. They give you cuddles when needed."
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Christopher Graeme Faulks sent this picture of Digby
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Thank you to Alison Keizer for this picture of Geoff
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Zoe Saunders shared this picture of Brian
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Allan Thwaites shared this picture of his dog
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Amanda Turner shared this picture of Charlie
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Thank you to Amy Staley for this picture
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Beccy Scrase shared this photo of Oscar
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Bee Claire shared this picture of Ziro
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Bill Kibble sent in this photo
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Thank you to Carolyn Sherriff for this picture
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Carolyn Woodrup-Mahon shared this photo of Buddy
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Chris Thwaites shared this adorable photo
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Thank you to Claire Louise Singleton for this picture
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Thank you to Debbie Grinstead for this photo
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Peter Lawrence sent in this picture of Bruno
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Frances Scott shared this lovely picture
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Thank you to Emmy Allen for sharing this picture
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Thank you to Gail Jay for this photo of her dog
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A dog is for life...as is a bag for life...thank you to Gary Willsher for sharing this
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Gemma Louise shared this picture
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What a happy picture of Shadow, sent in by Georgia Johnson
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A wonderful picture of Gillian Dicken with Milo
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Heather Fiona Walker sent in this picture of Billy
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Thank you to Heidi Gourlay for sharing this
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Heather Nickisson shared this photo of Cookie
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This is one of two photos that Helen Grinstead sent in
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Helen Grinstead also sent in this one
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Holly Davies shared this lovely photo
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Jeanette Ann Escoriza shared this photo
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Look at those eyes! Jo Payne sent in this picture of Bella
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Monty looks like a handsome dog. Thank you to Joe Docherty for sharing this picture
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Julie Sales shared this picture of her dog
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Katy Dallinger sent this adorable picture with her dog
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Linda Shiel shared this photo of Mollie
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Liana Catherine sent in this photo of Ace
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Thank you to Alison Keizer for this picture of Geoff
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Zoe Saunders shared this picture of Brian
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Allan Thwaites shared this picture of his dog
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Amanda Turner shared this picture of Charlie