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Tell us what your pets mean to you - for a chance to win a Fitbit Alta plus a copy of Finding Gobi. Now closed.

209 replies

SorchaMumsnet · 07/06/2017 10:08

Finding Gobi by Dion Leonard is the heart-warming tale of how a dog and man changed each others' lives forever.

In 2016, Dion Leonard, a seasoned ultramarathon runner, unexpectedly stumbled across a little stray dog while competing in a gruelling 155-mile race across the Gobi Desert. The lovable pup, who earned the name ‘Gobi’, proved that what she lacked in size, she more than made up for in heart, as she went step for step with Dion over the treacherous Tian Shan Mountains, managing to keep pace with him for nearly 80 miles.

As Dion witnessed the incredible determination of this small animal, he felt something change within himself. In the past he had always focused on winning and being the best, but his goal now was simply to make sure that his new friend was safe, nourished and hydrated. Although Dion did not finish first, he felt he had won something far greater and promised to bring Gobi back to the UK for good to become a new addition to his family. This was the start of an unforgettable journey for the both of them, consisting of drama, grief, heartbreak, joy and love.

Finding Gobi is the ultimate story of hope, of resilience and of friendship; proving that dogs can really be 'man's best friend.' It is essential reading for all animal lovers and fans of A Streetcat Named Bob.

To be in with a chance of winning a copy of the book plus a Fitbit Alta, just tell us: what do your pets mean to you?

This discussion is sponsored by HarperCollins and will end on Wednesday 5 July

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Tell us what your pets mean to you - for a chance to win a Fitbit Alta plus a copy of Finding Gobi. Now closed.
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65
hutchy73 · 09/06/2017 23:25

Pets are great company , they seem to sense when you are sad and need attention . They are truly one of the family

minsmum · 09/06/2017 22:39

My dog had to be put down yesterday, she was my heart. I am truly devastated, I always said I would never have a pet cleverer than me but she was. She loved my children and my Dh, the feral cats we have who were scared of everything loved and trusted her. But she loved me almost as much as I loved her. She saw me through my children growing up, nursing my mother through g h terminal cancer

Wolfiefan · 09/06/2017 20:53

I have two naughty little rescue tortie kittens and a baby wolfhound. I have waited over 20 years for a dog of my own. She is my baby puppy and my heart hound. I suffer from anxiety and depression and my pets lift my mood and relieve stress. Walking the dog makes me get out and get exercise. We also do training which allows me to learn new things and meet people (a big thing for me!)

Tell us what your pets mean to you - for a chance to win a Fitbit Alta plus a copy of Finding Gobi. Now closed.
AnneElliott · 09/06/2017 20:49

My cats mean the world to me. I got them before I had DS and I call them my cat babies.

They know when I'm ill, and last weekend they slept next to me and licked away my stray tears.

The worst thing is knowing that one day I will have to say goodbye to them. They clearly are one of the best things to happen to me.

RueDeDay · 09/06/2017 20:34

My two cats are my security blankets! I had to have them fostered for 9 months while I was in temporary accommodation following a very difficult split, and not that I'm afraid singke Mum without much time off, they are company for me in the evening when DD is in bed and the house is quiet. They cuddle up together on my lap, 'talk' to me, and follow me around the house to make sure I don't get lost. My life would be far poorer without them in it.

Mrsmonkeymoo1 · 09/06/2017 08:40

Pets mean the world to us - they are so much a part of the family. My son has behavioural problems and they are the only thing to calm him down. He will sit there with his guinea pig George, who he us so gentle with and play with him. He likes to help with feeding and cleaning George too - he says that George is his brother and we sent George a postcard when we were on holiday 😙😙😙😙

rupert23 · 08/06/2017 21:42

Pets mean everything to our family. My youngest son is 10 and has Autism we bought a puppy to keep him calm. Rio is a springer spaniel and really helps keep him calm. He loves walks in the woods with him and jumping in muddy puddles

Tell us what your pets mean to you - for a chance to win a Fitbit Alta plus a copy of Finding Gobi. Now closed.
BeeThirtythree · 07/06/2017 23:47

We have two cats. Catarina is named after Edgar Alan Poe's cat who used to sit on his shoulder...Our Catarina does the same!
Our daughter is obsessed with cats and dogs, Catarina greets her each morning, waits for her to get breakfast, then snuggles with her, when our daughter was ill for months, Catarina stood guard/layer next to her as she was in and out of sleep. Catarina waits in the window if daughter goes out and joins in dressing up, adventures and ball games! They are best friends who do care for each other, they are growing up together, from that tiny baby and tiny kitten...to them now running around chasing each other...lovely to see!

Tommy came to live with us on Christmas Day, his previous owners had said due to personal circumstances they needed him rehoused that day. We did not tell the children until he was dropped off...they thought Father Christmas had surprised them! Total opposite to Catarina. I was ill and unable to get up and down stairs, Tommy would walk up and down with me slowly, waiting for me at each step, when I was resigned to bed, he came up and snuggled. At first he was afraid of my husband/males...we gently reassured him, spent time with him and now he is my husbands cooking buddy, anything that falls on floor...he grabs!
After working in a highly emotional/sensitive job all day, coming home to a snuggle and meow/purr melts everything else away! The families at my funeral home love seeing the cats, snuggled on sofas or playing with toys. They are part of our family and bring all of us happiness in their different ways.

ItsNachoCheese · 07/06/2017 10:22

My dog nacho means the world to me. I got him from dogs trust 5yrs ago and he saved my life after i spiralled into bad depression after my ex walked out when i was pregnant as i didnt want to live anymorw. He gave me purpose to get up in the morning and go outside as he needed a walk. 2yrs on and i am in a much better place mentally and i owe it all to nacho. I will forever be grateful to him for being there when nobody else was. He is a dog in a million

Tell us what your pets mean to you - for a chance to win a Fitbit Alta plus a copy of Finding Gobi. Now closed.