Mumsnet users share how their dog helped them and their family

[YanaMumsnet]

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Sleepeezee have recently released personalised dog beds, and to celebrate International Dog Day on the 26th August and dogs all year round, they’d like to hear about the ways your dogs have helped you and your family.

Here’s what Sleepeezee has to say: “British bed manufacturer Sleepeezee is proud to launch a collection of dog beds, in partnership with Battersea Dogs Home, which offer your companion a great sleep. Two distinct styles are available in a selection of sizes and colours, all of which can be personalised with your dogs name on.”

Perhaps the need to get out and walk your dog each day has helped you feel fitter and stronger? Or has the task of walking the dog helped your teenager gain some responsibility and independence they enjoy? Have you or your children learned any important lessons from your dog? Maybe being greeted by your dog’s smiling face and wagging tail at the end of a tough day helps you deal with stress?

However your dog has helped you and your family, share on the thread below and you’ll be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list) and a Sleepeezee dog bed.

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ
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[LKRJM]

My two dogs help me everyday, they get me up and give me a purpose!

I’ve struggled the last 6 months with a bad pregnancy and whilst I’m off work sick they give me company and constant love. They make me happy and usually do something a bit dumb to make me laugh every single day. One had a rough start in life so seeing her enjoying herself now gives me a real sense of proud dog ‘mom’ x

[BristolMum96]

Our dog helps with everyone's mental health. Forces you to get out every day even when you don't want to as you can't let your pet down. Walks and fresh air are good for the mind

[tiredmamma79]

My dog was originally my mams, she passed away unexpectedly 2 years. I took on her dog and he helps me everyday to feel like I can some how in some tiny little way still do something for her, he was her baby

[Theseptemberissues]

When my sibling unexpectedly died, I really struggled. My dog really did pull me through that first 6 months, ensuring I got out of bed and outside everyday and providing support and cuddles on tap. Couldn’t have got through it without him 😊🐶

[voyager50]

We don't have our own dog but we often take friends and family's dogs out for walks. I love going out with them when I have things I need to think about and problems to solve - they are great company as they can listen without talking back!

[beccarocksbaby]

My husband is autistic he struggles in busy and loud spaces and has high levels of anxiety. Our dog calms him and keeps him calm in busy places and has allowed us to go on holidays which we would have struggled with before. She's super soft and loving with all the family. I have a stressful job and seeing her go mad when I go home each evening never fails to brighten my day!

[Ribeebie]

My dog gets me out and about everyday. We're healthier and more organised than we used to be. He needs a routine so that's helped us get more organised as well. He makes me smile and is very affectionate. He can pick you up after a bad day at work. He's just wonderful!

[simbobs]

Our dog is the central repository for love in our family. He helps our mental-health compromised daughter communicate, gives our son an excuse to invite friends home. He gives us a means of keeping our own health in check and has also helped us make new friends in the area.

[Bookworm4]

My 3 rescue dogs are an integral part of the family, sadly we lost one of our dogs last year at a young age to cancer, I was devastated but these 3 helped me through, they know instinctively when you need comfort. Life is complete with a dog by your side. 🐶🐶🐶

[MamaBearThius]

My Yoshi. Literally saved my life. I lost our first baby...got Yoshi the day after the scan that showed. I had a very traumatic long miscarriage that caused pain and bleeding daily for 8 weeks...Yoshi never left my side. When I tried to take my life during that 8 weeks he came and found me and snuggled in. He's been my very very best friend since, and has helped us welcome our amazing daughter into the world. He's so amazing and I'd love to treat him to a fancy bed!

[Millierose2013]

My dog helps us all as she k ows when we feel down she is absolutely brilliant with the kids and she gets us out the house on days when my mental health isn't great she is just perfect xx

[alwaysdressedinyellow]

My dog helps me with my mental and physical health. He has seen me through bereavement, infertility, depression and anxiety. He’s totally bonkers at times but also quiet and thoughtful. A walk with him can bring me out of a gloomy time. He’s getting older now and slowing down but forever a faithful and furry companion.

[rupert23]

Our dog a springer spaniel called Rio was bought for my son who is 12 and has ASD, before we had Rio he had meltdowns that were quite severe and lasted two hours with him screaming and then shutting down. Since we got Rio three years ago he has been calmer and loves to sit and talk or play with the dog we also go for long walks over the fields with Rio and his bike with Rio running alongside him. He really has changed our lives for the better.

[catmg]

My dog has had to move down my list of priorities in recent years - we used to joke she was our baby and she was treated as such. Until we had a real baby. Since then she's had to get used to fewer walks, not as much attention, and more tellings off. And she's taken it all like a hero. She has adjusted so well to our growing family, and I am ashamed to say that sometimes I am impatient with her, sometimes have little time to give her the cuddles she needs. But she's still so full of love for me and the rest of the family.
So my dog has taught me a kindness and gentleness that I've never known before, a soft acceptance of whatever life brings. And on the quiet nights when it's just me and her, kids in bed and husband away, and me and her are cuddling on the sofa, she reminds me of who I used to be.

Ah I may be one glass of wine too far gone for this!

[MrsFrTedCrilly]

Gets us out walking and provides fluff for stress relief

[PickingUpLicks]

Getting our dog gave me a new purpose, knowing I have to be responsible for this creature who relies on us for everything. Today I've gotten up at 5.30am, heading to the beach soon before it gets too hot and too busy. Something I never would have done pre-dog.
If nothing else he's definitely improved my physical health, even if I don't feel like walking I cannot let dear dog down. Rain, sun, snow, we always have our walks.
He's an energetic, neurotic, crazy, pampered pooch, and getting him is the best thing we've ever done.

[BluebellsareBlue55]

It's helped replace the cuddles I no longer get from the grown up kids. Seriously!

[Flapdoodles]

Our dog helps us with our mental and emotional health - we go out for walks whatever the weather and whilst sometimes we have to force ourselves to go, once you have been out for a few minutes we feel so much better. A lot of ours days out are planned around the dog too - dog friendly walks, dog friendly cafes etc.

[OnlyToWin]

He cured my daughter’s fear of dogs! He keeps us all healthy by making us get out and about. He brings us so much joy and was the missing piece of our family. We love him, even my DH who really only got him because I wanted him!

[wellingtonsandwaffles]

Forces routine, makes us laugh, and gets us out every day.

[LittenKitten]

Having to go for walks, no matter the weather, has helped us enjoy nature all year round. In fact I prefer a cold rainy walk, where you can come home and curl up on the sofa afterwards, to a hot sweaty walk.

We’ve changed our holidays to suit having a dog, and as a result have seen some beautiful parts of the UK.

Most of the other dog walkers we meet are friendly and chatty, and we’ve found a local community of dogs and owners near us that we can meet up with. Having a dog is a great conversation starter.

My children have become more confident around different types of dogs, but also more respectful of how they approach dogs they don’t know.

They’re so cute and funny and loving, they’re a joy to be around!

[Isbrexitoveryet]

My Dog is my hero, she gets me though everyday
Since having to have my tfmr and terrible pregnancy, and then being told we probably wouldn’t be able to have another baby, our dog gets me out of bed in the morning.
She makes me so happy
I love her👍

[fikel]

I always always wanted a dog as a child, even went as far as buying a bowl and dog lead with my pocket money but my Mum wasn’t for turning!!
My DD nagged me for a dog, I gave in when she was 11 and ultimately wanted us all to experience having a doggie as a family.
He is a tonic for our lives, he doesn’t judge, his wagging tail lifts your mood when you come through the door, the fresh air and outdoors is better then any gym. He gets my teenage daughter away from her phone and he brings laughter into our home every single day.
He was worth waiting for!!

[defineme]

He's my son's best friend, which as he has ASD and struggles with relationships, is crucial to his wellbeing...that dog loves him and he knows it

[369thegoosedrankwine]

Our dog teaches us all compassion and that we have to put her needs before our own. We change our plans to make sure she isn't alone too much, walk her 3 x a day in all weather and she is just an amazing animal to be around. I never regret a dog walk.