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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I don't have a dog now but when I was teenager we had a lovely dog and many a time I cried into her fur, she was the best listener for a stressed out teen!!

I have an incredibly toxic family and a very traumatic childhood which has had a massive impact on my adult life. My dog is the first being I have felt genuine love for. I genuinely did not know what it felt like before I brought him home. He has changed my world.

When my FIL sadly passed we were all devastated we got a puppy and she helped heal and get us through a terrible time such a lovely dog sadly no longer with us

My son has Aspergers and would not sleep on his own. By the age of 7 I was beginning to despair! I had read a lot about how friendly Cockapoo's were and a lot become 'Pets As Therapy' (PAT) dogs, so I got him one, Henry. From day 1 he slept on my son's bed. He totally reduced my son's anxiety and we have had no problems since. They are the best of pals.

My dog has helped my mental wellbeing, as well as physical. Just to be able to get out the house and walk in the woods seems to reset my busy life.

Our labrador has saved my husband's life as he was diagnosed with parkinsons 6 years ago, and his walking has gotten more and more unsteady, she pulls him along and keeps him steady, he would not get out of bed if it wasn't for her needing to go for a walk.
His neurologist has said she is definately the best therapy he could have.

our dog gives me a reason to leave the house each day , teaches my 10 year old to be responsible for another life and has helped my 12 year old overcome his fear of dogs. as a family we have spent time together this summer going on walks we probably wouldn't have if there was no dog, ive also noticed that since we've had our dog my husband is less stressed which I also think is from the walks

Our family dog, Mr Watson, is great. He gives us all a purpose for getting out of bed, getting dressed, and embracing the outdoors - particularly during the long summer holidays.

I lost my old girl last year after a battle with cancer the end was sudden and I was heartbroken, we all were. My girl gave me unconditional love for eleven years, she was my best friend and was with me through some truly awful life events. I cried into her fur when my best friend passed away and she accompanied me to visit my dying father. Her paw on my knee during the long drives to visit him. She was my comfort and my joy. Caring for her was a total privilege and I cherish all the memories I have of our walks together, in the Summer sunshine, the Autumn leaves and the few really snowy walks. Just us enjoying each others company. I am thankful for her warm head on my lap and her happy greeting every morning. She gave me the gift of unconditional love, my children adored her and she them. I miss her every day and letting her go was the hardest thing I have ever done. But my life was joyful because of her and I am so lucky to have had her in my life. Recently we were strong enough to fill the dog shaped hole in our family with a puppy and my journey with her has just begun.

After my Dad died in December 2010, my Elderly Mum was totally lost. She'd cared for him through his illness for so long and suddenly it was just her again.
She had always wanted a Miniature Schnauzer but my Dad was never keen.
May 2011 after lots of gentle persuasion from myself & my brother, she finally got Alfie Dog as a puppy!
Since that day, Alfie has helped my Mum, and in fact enabled her, to live each day. He has been her lifeline. He helps her depression & self esteem, keeps her from staying in the house and slipping back into Agoraphobia.
He has improved her confidence & enabled her to interact and socialise with other dog walkers. However the biggest way in which he has helped her is with her anxiety surrounding being alone. He alerts her if anyone walks onto her property and knowing this has made a tremendous difference. She is able to relax. He really is the loveliest, funniest & most helpful dog you could ever have.

Our dog is the perfect example of mindfulness in action. We could all learn something from his joyful approach to life.
He was less than 12 months when he was found at the edge of a road in Cyprus with a badly broken leg and horrendous infections in his eyes and ears. He was about to be PTS when the animal rescue group there recognised a great dog. After surgery at the vets he was kept in a cage he could barely stand up in and rarely let out for exercise because he, "Got too excited."
Our daughter was volunteering for the group as her husband was posted out there and we spotted him on their website for adoption and he won our hearts.
Fast forward 3 years... He really hasn't let his awful start taint his now. He's absolutely the happiest dog I've ever known. Everything he does he acts as if it's his very favourite thing ever. He thinks all humans and animals are his friends and he always greets us with the most enthusiasm ever...
He's also been my reason for getting out from under the duvet when I've been battered by chemo and fatigue. We live in a rural spot with fields and ancient woodlands, so a walk always lifts the spirits. Put simply, he's helped me to heal.

I'd like to say that our new puppy has helped teach my children the value of personal responsibility for their belongings because he's a chewy little sod and destroys things (the more expensive the better). However as the trail of disembowelled Sylvanian things, torn books and crunched up Camelbak cups amply demonstrates, it would be totally untrue....

On the plus side, having dogs in my children's lives has taught them how to behave around animals, and it makes my heart swell up when I see my elder child handle them confidently and kindly. It's also a real treat to see the special bond my younger has with our puppy - not just the giggles and playing, but also the genuine concern that our toddler can show for 'little Baaaaahh-neeee'

Lily is a rescued Labrador. She is one of the saddest looking dogs you will ever see - such large sad looking eyes but she really is a happy dog who gives the while family unconditional love. She keeps us fit and health with daily walks and is always there for a cuddle.

Following a serious infection my eldest son, then 14, had to learn to walk again. Our slightly delinquent rescue boxer gave him great company and assisted in building muscle and confidence. She's also brought us together as a family out on walks.

Our dog helped my father when he lost my mum. She gave him a purpose

My dog is my personal trainer. There's just no way on earth he's going to accept me staying in bed when he wants breakfast. When it's time to walk, he's on my case. Housework will have to wait until we've been out for a proper walk. He's quite nice about it, I suppose. He keeps tapping me with a paw until we go. A very sweet but insistent, persuasive personal trainer. Quite clear who the boss is but he's so nice about it

Some managers could take a leaf out of my dog's book. He somehow gets everyone doing what he wants without upsetting them

I think pnd would have overcome me totally had I not had to walk my lovely dog.i owe him everything and love him totally!

Our Jack Russell Daisy is such an important member of our family, she guards our front door so we know when anyone is coming and even stopped us from being burgled as she alerted to our break in and scared them off before they managed to get into the main house, she is amazing and we'd be lost without her

Our dogs help us to unwind and destress - they are exceptionally comforting. They also are a prompt for us to go out and walk and get exercise.

He's been there, always loyal, never questions anything, puts up with the kids 24/7, gives love and cuddles, couldn't ask for more.

My dog helped me all through my first stages of labour. I honestly believed he calmed me down! He's amazing with Ellisia now! She cries and he cries with her pushing things towards her like hes trying to help!!!

We love mason!

We got our dog as a rescue puppy from Battersea 9 yrs ago when my daughter was 11 and had just been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome . Unfortunately despite many therapies my daughter is still very limited in what she can do and our lovely dog has been a wonderful companion for her .

A few years ago we were broken into while I was in the house. Our choccy lab was my hero. He stayed between me and the intruders while I was threatened with a hatchet. Thankfully they gave up when they realised me and my boy weren't going to back down. Hes getting on a bit now but I feel so much safer knowing hes in the house protecting his family.

Who else gives unconditional love? He doesn't care what I look, like, if my hair's a mess or I've gained a few pounds, he's always got a smiley face and waggy tail. Well, maybe except when I give him a bath after muddy walks! Whatever sort of day I've had, when I feel neglected because DSC must always come first - yes, I do know that is right and i'm supposed to be the adult but sometimes it would be nice to be offered a cup of tea before they demand dinner then pull faces when I say what it is! - he is there to greet me, and he always greets me with such enthusiasm and love, he can change my world just by being there. It is hard being a step-parent, it's walking on eggshells not to offend the children, my husband, the ex-wife and her partner but not to act like a doormat either. But when I'm around my darling Max, all the tension drains away. And as DSC and DH love him too, he brings us together as we negotiate these first tricky years of being a new family.