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

[SorchaMumsnet]

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

Books T&Cs apply

my dog means everything to me, she is part of the family

We have two cats. We love watching their antics, chasing each other around, waiting at the window for us to come home, and curling up with us in the evening. Life would not be the same without them.

We were 'adopted' by a local cat seven years ago. Her home-life was not good so she decided she wanted to live with us. After her owners sending this cat and her sister to the local cats protection we missed her so much we rang them up and asked if we could rehome her. A few weeks later she was ours and Rosa went from a thin, very poorly cat to a healthy happy cat in just a few months. She is loving and affectionate, and gives us so much affection that we wouldn't be without her now. She senses if one of us is ill or feeling low and she stays close until she is satisfied we are alright. We may have given her a home but she has repaid us many times over and we wouldn't be without her now.

Our cats and chickens make our family complete

We have a cat who is part of the family. She is always around and loves to follow you wherever you go. She is very vocal and friendly and loves cuddles.

Pets are an important part of our family life. We have a dog called Molly and we have just recently lost 1 of our 2 gerbils Olaf 😞 This has been very upsetting for my 2 children but is an important life lesson also. We will never forget little Olaf and how he enriched our lives

Unconditional love is a rare gift - but that is what pets give, every day, every month, every year. Whether I'd just popped out to the supermarket or been away for a few days with work, Lucky was there for me. Sitting on the windowsill, watching and ready to greet me.

My dog was my rock through illness, house moves and a very acrimonious divorce. No matter what stuff I had to deal with, she put it all into perspective for me. She accepted everything, gave everything and brought joy, love and happiness into my life. I lost her earlier this year and I miss her every single day. I cannot have another one as I have since been diagnosed with advanced cancer.

I have a pet cockateil named Bootsie and I've had him since he was 8 weeks old. Twenty four years later and he's still going strong. Is this a record for life span?

At the moment I do not have any pets. However, as a child I always grew up with a dog. I love dogs. Attached is a pic of me and my dog Ben. Sadly he is no longer with us (the photo is almost 10 years old!!). We got Ben from Airedale Rescue when he was 1 and he lived until the grand old age of 13. I loved Ben so much and he brought so much happiness, joy and fun to the family. At the moment it is not viable to have a pet just yet. My house is currently part building site, as we had to move in when I was heavily pregnant, and work has still not resumed!! I had my little girl in Jan and was made redundant in March so monies a bit tight at the moment. However, once the house is sorted and my little girl is a little bit older I fully intend to get a dog from Airedale Rescue. He/she will be a welcome addition to our family!

We got the first ever pets in our home last month - my daughter got 2 gorgeous little guinea pigs. It might sound silly but I can't quite believe how much we love our little girls already! They were a little poorly not long after we got them but they recovered and now they are full family members! We chat to them all the time, loves having cuddles and even though they were nervous to start with they seem to enjoy our company now too :-)

Our dog is part of the family and brings a smile to everyone's face. We walk her twice a day and it gives the family time outside together to talk about the day ahead and reflect on the day. I wouldn't be without our dog.

We have 3 mice. George, Graham and Spot. They are a lot of fun, and my children are very fond of them.
They can be difficult to look after as they sometimes fight, and we have had to separate them on occasions.
As we have had to one when of them has been ill.
Though not the easiest of animals to look after, they are a lot of fun.

For a dog you are their whole life. They give unconditional love & in return I do the same. Mine makes me go out in all weathers. She & my cat are best friends & it is wonderful to see the interaction. I cry for days when a pet of mine dies.

Stanley is both fun and naughty......a companion and a reason to leave the house and exercise. He seems to realise when I'm upset and I love him.

My pet dog Barney means everything to me.

We've had him for almost 7 years now, and keeps me fit by walking every day. Neither of us are very big, but we walk miles along canal banks and exploring local woods.

He gets me up in the mornings - sometimes reluctantly! - and we get busy. I can't be late walking him, otherwise I get 'the stare'

He's my boy!

They all have different personalities, they are like children to me

My dog is a rescue, we were sold a pig in a poke! He is the most neurotic, high maintenance boy I've ever had, but he is what I get up for in the morning. He is so entertaining, with his cheery smile and waggly tail and bottom- some days I find it hard to get going and get interested in the world, but he makes my heart lift with his daftness. He likes to play and cuddle, and is so pleased to see me when I come home. He shouts when he hears my car pull up, and shouts again if I take too long to come in. He's a sweetheart!

My pets are such a companion to me, I have depression but they always help me to feel better when things aren't so good.

ou house is like a zoo, guinea pigs rocky, chuckie, jupiter and hubble. fish kate and williams dog rasco and cats donnie sonny and chey. wouldnt have it any other wy though! i love my pets thhy are family! seeing them in the morining always puts me in a good mood!

Princess may be 6 but she’s a kitten at heart
Up & down trees through the woodlands she’ll dart
She loves to chase squirrels, badgers & foxes
As guardian of her territory she ticks all the boxes
But don’t get me wrong she’s an angel deep down
She’s the one who can turn a smile from a frown
Greedy for kisses & cuddles galore
She falls at my feet & rolls on the floor
From the moment we met she won me over with her charms
She loves nothing more than curling up in my arms
On her unconditional love I can depend
She’s not just my pet but my very best friend

My Ruby-Blue means the world to me, after losing my previous dog many years ago it had been a long time since i had owned a dog, Four years ago i had a sudden serious illness, which left me without a career or job, complete loss of direction, my confidence was shattered and i became quite ill with depression and really struggling, although my husband is not confident with dogs, he offered for us to find me a little friend to help,and then came along my beautiful girl. She is my twin, not very confident, very soft and loving and she brightened my world more than words can say, she became my purpose for getting up, the reason i was able to fight through anxiety and agrophobia, getting me outside and facing those fears, the most gentle beautiful girl in the world we are inseperable and i love her so....

I have grown up always having pet cats. In fact a cat was there in the family home before I came in to the world. I can't imagine life without a pet cat

It really is like a having a second child having our dog Doodles. Amazing how much a part of the family he has become :-)

Our dog, Kaiser, is a member of the family. He means everything to us and my sons love him so much.

We have had cats in our house always...couldn't do without the friendship they give. We only have one now that we took on to re-home....what a character she is ...a long haired black and white 7 year old.. will only eat dried posh cat food no fresh chicken or fish bits, she wouldn't purr for 3 years but does now. She adores my husband and spends hours with him in his shed and the garden for tummy rubs..Treats me with caution but loves to be brushed by me with a plastic brush...but will run off when I approach her in the garden....I cried buckets when my 19 year old tabby had to be put down she was so so loving and part of me. Yes, I do love cats and they are so part of the family.