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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Apart from the enjoyment of having dogs we have all benefited with spending lots of time outdoors in the countryside having walks every day.

My dogs have helped me to be more active. I have to get out and get moving now because they love their walks despite their little sausage dog legs.

Our little dog has help us so much as our youngest daughter has Autism, since we have had our dog (Lady) she has help her beyond our wildest dreams and Lady has brought a calms to the home x

Our Mick has given our teenage son a purpose other than playing on the xbox. Small mercy

My dog helps me everyday by getting me out the house even when I don't feel like it. I have depression and sometimes find going out a struggle but as the dog needs walking I have to go out.

Everyday! He perks everyone up if it’s a bad day , calms dd down & gives us lots of exercise

By becoming part of our family he gave us happiness and years of memories

This is our darling dog (He can be very naughty as shown here.)
We bought him for our youngest son who has autism and adhd and he has been a complete lifeline - our son bonded with him from day 1 and they are best friends, even when our son has meltdowns the dog helps calm him down.

Our pooch could really use a new comfy bed - he recently destroyed the cushions in his current bed.

Our Sammy is not only a great companion but a great listener, he has helped massively by always lending an ear without judgement!

Our dog Stanley has helped in many ways. Apart from being good company when I’m home alone ...he’s a great listener and knows when I’m upset and gives great cuddles, he has kept my husband and I fit for the last 10 years. He has three walks a day which means we have to go out in all weathers when we probably wouldn’t if we were without him.

Taught the children about routine and responsibility to care for Rex

Our dog cheers my son up and helps him to feel better when he is having a really bad day and in a lot of pain :)

Helped us get more active and is a constant companion for our DC.

My dog helps to teach my DC about responsibility and caring. He makes us all laugh when times are hard and he gives us a look and leaves the room if we're starting to argue, so he helps to stop disagreements 😂
We live in quite a remote location and him being downstairs makes me feel safe when I'm tucked up in bed and there's a funny noise outside.
He pushes the boundaries and is frustrating at times because he's a cheeky comedian cocker spaniel cross but I wouldn't change him for the world and he makes our family home a happier place to live

My Staffie called Honey has helped my 3 year old Son who is very boisterous learn to be kind and gentle to animals.She absolutely adores my little boy and loves to be stroked by him.No wonder Staffies are known as Nanny dogs,they are fantastic with children, unfortunately they have been given a bad press in the media.
Also when my Husband lost his Father recently,and was off work grieving Honey kept him company and gave him purpose to get out and about to take her for a walk.

Our dog gives us a focus other than ourselves and gets us up and walking twice a day. And he showers us with love and affection.

Scooby is just amazing. He is lively, friendly and is a true protector over my grandson. He helps by just being him because he makes you smile. Couldn't ask for a better companion

My lovely daughter has been diagnosed with a number of disorders including anxiety (mainly social anxiety). She has a dog at her Dad's house but he comes to stay with us as well. I also dog-sit for over 10 different families and they really bring her out of her shell. I'm not sure if they can sense her vulnerability but they gravitate towards her which makes her confidence blossom. It's such a joy to see.

The family dog is something that brings everyone together as it is something to have in common. Whatever differences in interests and attitudes everyone loves and cares for the dog(s)!

we have always had dogs all our life as they help us excercise in all types of weather

It has helped us as a family get out for more walks together. Also my 13year old DD is struggling with painful periods every month, she says our dog cuddles are better than a hot water bottle.

Since Olivia got her puppy, Tinkerbell or Tink for short, she is getting much more fresh air going for long walks in the countryside instead of just playing outside. She's learning how to train her & how to take care of her which is always good for children to learn to respect animals

Where do i start? My best friend, Ruby the Staffy, was bought at 10 weeks, she has been my aid for severe depression and recovering from domestic violence, I was truly lost and just had no spirits, having Ruby got me amongst nature and exercising, she has saved me life, I really did not feel i wanted to carry on and she has been my absolute world..............Many thanks

We have 2 dogs an 11 year old whippet and a 1year old borzoi . My youngest is almost 6 so has always know having a dog and our whippet is her best friend. She has taught my daughter how to be respectful to animals and to have some responsibility

After having a back operation & finding it very hard to walk properly again I had no choice but to get up & go as my dogs had to have their walks. Best thing ever as helped me back to my full strength.