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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Gracious, sorry that was so long 😁

In the first place, getting a dog helped my son to stop being scared of dogs- which was a really good thing. Overall, having dogs helps all of our well being and has taught the kids to care for something and take the needs of an animal into consideration. My husband says he is much happier now we have dogs too.

We have an amazing Belgian Shepherd, rescued from Battersea, who has rescued my Autistic son from his overwhelming anxiety issues.
Beca is a london dog, trained on buses and tubes...trains and boats...she goes everywhere and anywhere with us. And because she goes, my son goes to. Together they have conquered the crazy of the city without meltdowns. Without fear. Without a moments hesitation. We do marathons with her. We are taking on the Thames Path. She is his guide to normal. Its a beautiful thing.

I love how they greet us when we get home

We have two 9 month old puppies, they help our family stay fit and get some family as we take them a walk to the park as a family after dinner x

*family time

Our dog has helped to keep us mentally and physically well, from being soothing company to encouraging us outdoors for long walks.

Ours has made our house a little happier. Bouncing excitement and enthusiasm even on misserable days rubs off on everbody including the kids. Plus having to take the time to stop and stroke her (even at the most busy times) (becuase she insists) helps keep perspective.

He helps get us out and about and teach our daughter discipline. Also they just always bring more love don't they

Knowing when to get excited and play, and when to be quiet and comforting

Always knowing who needs her most and refusing to leave their side

Our dog is the softest thing in the world. He thinks hes a lap dog despite being a boxer/lab cross. He brings us all together for cuddles every day and helps us blow away the cobwebs with nice long walks. The kids adore him and we don't know what we would do without him.

My son loves his Izzy dog. Shes been great for teaching him how to treat animals and how to respect them. He's not scared of dogs at all and he's learning that he has to ask permission before he touches a dog that he doesn't know.

A house Is not a home without a dog, Mine Is always so happy to see me, he brings Instant calm even If Ive had a stressful day

Our dog always tells us when he wants a walk and that's good for al of us x

When our landlord told us we had to leave as he was selling the house we promised the kids we would buy our own house & when we did we would have a dog. We eventually got our own house and the dog. She is the best thing we ever did. She has brought the family closer, we do such much more together as its always around doing thing with the dog. We have been on the best days out, kids adore her and she gives us all the best cuddles. She us the center of our family.

My dog keeps us fit as he loves walking and forces us outside at least a few times a day

Having adopted older dogs in the past, we decided to adopt a 12 week old border collie puppy. Oh my goodness, having a puppy is certainly an experience! Despite the training etc, he certainly is very much a free spirit. He has selective hearing and he's now in the teenage stage!

Our lives have been so enriched since having him though. We are up early to walk him, we are losing weight fast, and certainly getting much fitter. Despite going through a naughty stage, when he snuggles up with us, sleeping with his little tongue poking out, or watching him speeding after his ball when we're outside. We couldn't be without our loopy Taliesin.

My dog has helped me by providing unconditional love and being by my side whatever my state of mind/being is.

Forgot to post a pic of our little demon angel!

he helped me with my depression :)

This is my beautiful boy. He's supoor

This is my beautiful boy Bumble.. He's supported my son and I for the last eight years. He's a rescue and we were his 3rd owners. My son was in a specialist autism unit in London and the staff encouraged me to take Bumble on the train to see him. In 2014 he was voted the second most handsome crossbreed in the country in the Scruffts competition.
He is now sadly terminally ill with a brain tumour and we are nursing him....

Ive always suffered with anxiety and at times this has gone onto bouts of agoraphobia which has been truly awful. My dog has helped me as I know he loves his walks and ive felt spurred on to try and leave the house/at least stay out for a little while for him which in turn has helped myself!

Our do, Monty, has taught my two wild boys how to be gentle and the importance of being kind.

By being my baby girl's best friend, while my cats run as fast as they can away from her 🙄