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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[LouiseH245]

My dog has helped improve our fitness with walks, made our house feel like a home, makes us laugh when we are not feeling great and gives lots of love and cuddles.

[julieef]

since he arrived over 4 years ago, he is an amazing dog who keeps me company during the day and my grandson is on the Autism spectrum and he is cslmer when Milo is around

[bevmichelle47]

Our 2 wonderful dogs Mia & Lotty have calmed our little boy down so much. He's got ADHD and was uncontrollable which was leaving us exhausted. But a friend mentioned about the adopting a dog scheme so we thought we would give it a go. And our son is a completely different person, ok he still as his bad days but not as often and the dogs don't leave his side. I recommend it to anyone!

[LauraMMM]

We rescued our dog Thor just over 2 years ago now. It was a big decision but the best decision for us all as a family. My two children have learnt so much from Thor from having a responsibility and having someone else to think about and care for. Having him has taught them how to be gentle, kind and considerate towards animals, aswell as getting them out exploring the woodlands, kicking a ball about the field its great when they chase eachother about. He has done so much for me, I always wanted to start hiking (we have amazing hills around us) but i never had the confidence to go. Since having him I go hiking most days and it has had incredible benefits to my health especially my mental health. His loyalty and gentleness show me to be patient and calm. I just cant imagine this house without him.

[Rachdayan]

Our Labrador Max was the heart of our home. He bonded us together with his funny exploits. We enjoyed more time together out and about with him on day trips and he always made us laugh together. He passed away recently and he’s left a huge hole, but we will continue to remember him and his funny stories together, so he’s bonded us together as a family for the better for life.

[AuFinch]

Adopting our dog was the best decision we ever made! He has brought so much fun, laughter, cuddles, snoozes and bouncyness to our home! He is great for getting me out walking daily (something I did not do before) and going for longer walks which has improved my health so much. Even when I dont feel so good he whines at me until i get my bum outdoors and afterwards I always feel so much better. He has been great for the OH and the DS as both enjoy him so much and also like to go on long walks. When the OH comes home from work and the DS from college our dog is absolutely delighted with his tail swishing and jumping around with happiness which brings a smile to their faces! I am so glad we adopted him, we did not know before we got him that he would fulfil such a space in all our hearts!!!

[iut044]

By keeping me company when i am alone.

[Ftumch]

My dog came from a rescue centre at 9 weeks old, underweight, manic and totally confused about her place in the world having been separated from her mum and siblings far too early and passed around 3 other homes before us. She was an absolute nightmare as a puppy but she is at the centre of our family's world. She is my sons best friend, they snuggle up together while he reads or watches telly and when we go for a walk the dog is always at his side. She has kept my head above water when my mental health has been bad and clings to me like a starfish when I cry, or if my health condition has flared up and I'm struggling with pain, she is the same with DS - if he is upset she will find him and lick his ears until he smiles again. She makes us laugh every single day, protects us from the bin men and other nefarious characters and makes life a little bit stinkier and a lot more joyful!

[ThemisA]

Our beautiful Sophie keeps us all fit, relaxes me at night, settles the children down at night and makes us laugh. She reminds us all to enjoy the little things, when she walks she gets such pleasure from running around and sniffing everything, following a trail etc - just enjoying the here and now. It is a lot of work having a dog if you look after them properly and meet there needs but they more than give back.

[gd2011]

Our dogs' antics always cheer us up.

[sezz35]

My dog has been the most loving, loyal companion that I have ever known. He is always pleased to see me and he always makes me smile. I have full blown conversations with him - well it is a monologue I suppose but he seems to enjoy it. He wants nothing from me except my love which I love to give him. He is awesome.

[Nikita90]

When my toddler was born we decided to get Teddy, our mini schnauzer. These past two years their bond has become so strong! They play wonderfully with each other, he is my toddlers best friend! Now, I have a second baby and he finds Teddy hilarious! Teddy has made our family complete and we all love him. He makes me so happy, and I enjoy getting out with him for walks. On days when I have struggled with PND he has motivated me to get out.

[jitterbugintomybrain]

My sister's dog has really brought the family together and they go on more walks together because of her. Same here when we look after her.

[jacqui5366]

My doodle is so instinctive, she sits next to me when I am sad, is ALWAYS pleased to see me, and is the third person to play games with- particularly hide and seek when DS1 and 2 to and hide and Luna goes to find them - it's a great game to play, she also calms them down before they go to bed, and helps me unwind when I stroke her curly head before bed. We would not be without her.

[moosexxx]

Our dog (Buttons) is a aprt of our family that we love dearly. She's particularly good with the children, and provides love to us all.

[DD91]

Having Angel has helped us all get out more I have anxiety and my brother has a weight problem so taking angel for walks helps both of us

[pobparker]

We have two dogs-with completely different personalities
One is a bit neurotic and anxious -, but we love him and all his strange habits
The other is a happy very sociable ,very gentle dog , who loves everybody she meets,she is brilliant with young children and people who are nervous around dogs
They don't ask for much , only to be walked , fed and to be given affection. They give far more back - get me exercised , speaking to people , wonderful welcomes and companionship
I would hate life without them

[sophiefx]

My dog has helped us come a lot closer, we go on weekend long walks and enjoy company as a family!

[GhostsToMonsoon]

We got our first dog last October and love her so much. She gets us out for walks every day and is so excited to see us if we've been out. We've enjoyed her reaction when she saw the sea for the first time and seeing her play with other dogs. If one of us has been away, she's over the moon to see us, whether we've been gone for five minutes or five days.

[emmmaaa26]

We are a family of dog lovers! Our 2 dogs help in times of stress to calm us down, they cheer us up and we find ourselves more active because of them. They give us a reason to get outdoors even when its wet and miserable outside and I definitely feel better for it.

[RACHELSMITH45]

Our dog brings our family together and we enjoy more walks our together whatever the weather ! Also it's done wonders for our children in relation to social development as everyone wants to talk to them when they walk our little dog and it's brought them out of their quite reserved characters at times.

[CuddlesAndShit]

We recently lost our beautiful 16 year old dog to cancer. We miss her so much but she gave us so much also and those memories will never leave us.

We got her from battersea 13 years ago, she was a 2 or 3 year old staffy that had been found as a stray and rehomed at least twice that we know of. From the moment we got her she was the most loving and loyal pet, not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but perfect for us.

She cuddled my pregnant belly for each of my children, and instinctively knew when I came home from a miscarriage what had happened. The comfort and tenderness she showed me that night conveyed her understanding totally, she was amazing.

My 2 children have grown up with her guarding them and playing gently with them - even sitting with them and looking at me reproachfully when i have had to tell them off! She would lay on the sofa with us, snoozing happily, when I would breastfeed them as babies. Then as they got to double figures she would lie on their laps as they watched DanTDM on YouTube!

As she got older, the tables turned from her looking after the children to them looking after her. She taught us all how to have fun and enjoy the moment when she was younger (and how to have patience!!) to how to have empathy and provide care when she was older and needed us even more.

Her bed and water/food bowls are still in place as I can't bear to move them. But when I do, they will be donated to a small dog rescue near to us. As would the dog bed in the op if I was lucky enough to be chosen.

There is a big hole in our lives now, which we can't imagine replacing with another dog. But, when or if we ever do, it will be another rescue because she taught us that all dogs deserve a second chance and a loving home.

[glennamy]

Our 2 dogs help us all in the family. As I spend most time with them I think they keep me company during the day, someone to talk too as I go about my to do list, which I love, They are also quite hefty dogs and they are protective of the home and aware of strangers. Nothing better than taking the dogs for a walk on a lovely, dry day and seeing them have lots of fun! They have a calming effect on us all when they are not in a boisterous mood :) However, when other half comes home from work and has said his hello's he gets changed out of his suit, into home clothes he then fights and rolls around the floor with them for about 10 minutes, they wait for this every day, they shake with anticipation, tails wagging like mad ready for the action! Dogs are great!

[liz1970]

Our dog helps us by getting us out walking, which is good for our mental health :)

[carolynn58]

My grown up son has been ill for 5 years with CFS and life is a struggle for him. 18 months ago we got a gorgeous Labrador who my son adores. When he is having a bad day he cuddles the dog or gets him into his bedroom and they chill on the bed. The dog knows when he can play and when he needs just to cuddle. The dog is not a cure but a light at the end of a tunnel!