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

I never wanted pets as an adult, although we had them as a family when I was a child. I didn't want the responsibility or the lack of spontaneity that animals bring. This only increased when I had children and I felt that I didn't want the added mess or hassle.
Then, just as the kids were getting a bit more independent, just as I felt I was beginning to get my life back, my DH did the worst thing possible. Very late one night, somewhat worse for wear from the pub, he arrived in our bedroom and plonked on the duvet a tiny furry scrap of puppy- all waggy and licky and hyper-excited.

And that was it. From that day to this I have been "Mum". That tiny scrap was shortly followed by a second to "keep him company" and our lives have never been richer. I genuinely now have 5 kids, not 3.

They drive me up the wall. They're messy, noisy, bouncy and have a habit of destroying just exactly where I've just tidied. They follow me everywhere, "help" with the housework, ride on the sofa when I'm hoovering behind it, hide under the duvet when I'm making the beds.

There isn't one inch of my life that hasn't been doggified in some way. They are my babies and I am their mum, for ever and ever.

And I couldn't be happier.

We were unable to get a pet as my husband and 3 out of the 4 children were allergic sneezing runny eyes itchy skin , then we heard of a cavapoo which is king charles crossed with a poodle that then made non moulting hypoallergenic, we went to see and hey presto nothing they are all fine, we have wanted a dog for 15 years and we have loved having this bundle of fluff our little copper he is such a lovable kind dog truly made our family complete well id actually like another lol xx

We have two cats, and they are so much a part of the family.

TCat is a grumpy old man. He was a rescue cat who was adopted by our friends, but when they emigrated he came to live with us. He prefers older people, so spends most of his time next door with the neighbours. We have a 2 year old, so we can't really blame him. He is always home at tea time, though.

We've had RCat since he was a rescue kitten. He loves to sit on my knee for cuddles, and has nearly forgiven me for having a baby who took all of the attention away from him. Nearly! He also follows us when we go out for walks, but then lays in the middle of the road because he knows I will have to go and move him so he gets another cheeky cuddle in!

We got his brother too, but he was knocked down on our quiet cul de sac about 6 months after he came to live with us. We were devastated. We were renting, so JCat is buried in my parents' back garden. Along with their dog and my sister's hamster.

Our dog is family, not just a pet. He is my best friend and keeps me company when the kids are at school - she is someone to talk to as well!

I suffer from social anxiety so for me pets give me confidence and a connection I find difficult to make with most people.

He's my little furry best mate. I love him.

Hearing him purr is the best sound ever.

We found my cat at school when she was a newborn kitten, abandoned and sheltering from a storm. We rescued her and the only thing we could find to take her home in was a Twix box ... so she became known as Twix! She has since passed and even though we have had many other cats since then, she remains my beloved and favourite cat.

I have a two year old chocolate Labrador named Maggie and she is my best friend. She is always there for me, she never judges me, and she always know when I need some comfort. I would never be without her.

I could go on and on about my 2 cats and 2 dogs but will sum it up in 2 words - Furry Children! lol

My cat Timmy is adorable and likes to snooze at the end of my bed. Enjoys sunbathing if the weathers nice but not fond of rain prefers to look out the window then, means everything to me as he's got a smiley face and cheers me up !

when i'm feeling lonely she is a friend & companion for me :)

My beautiful 2 cats are both rescue cats, and they always come to greet me after a long day at work. I have built them their own bed shelves high up in the room so that they can have their own space.
I can't imagine not having them.

our pets mean everything to us, we have always had dogs and cats, they are very much part of the family. We have 2 Border Collies and a 19 year old cat. we love them very much indeed.

i adore my animals, my dog loves us all unconditionally and is so good with my grandchildren :)

My cat growing up was a big part of my life. We got her when I was 11, and just about to start secondary school. There's a biggish age gap between my older sisters and I and my parents worked so I was often coming home to an empty house.
Although technically a family cat, she claimed me early on, and would meet me from the school bus and walk me home.

my cats are my best friends, I keep telling my children that my ambition is to become a crazy old cat lady. they're not quite sure if I am serious or not and neither am I.

i love my beautiful boy Bobby so much! its amazing how attached you can get to a furry creature but i cant imagine being without him

My two cats were a huge part of our family even though they were the smallest members. They not only gave us love and companionship they lighten our moods by doing something silly and making us laugh. Unfortunately they are no longer with us but we miss them everday. They had their own little habbits which we came to love and know so well and basically the home ran around them but we wouldn't have changed a thing, as they brought so much into our family x

our dog is a strong part of the family and all our plans are revolved around his well being.

My dog is three and she is my companion, my shoulder and my partner in crime. She is undemanding and all giving. I love her.

My cats are incredible creatures and have really helped me through a rough time recently. I was diagnosed with work related stress at the beginning of the year and was suffering from dreadful anxiety. My two cats, a brother and sister we got from the Cats Protection League seven years ago, became very snuggly and affectionate. My lap was always occupied by one or sometimes two of them! Perhaps I was always too busy before with the laptop always open on my knee while I was working. Suddenly though, I became aware of the stress busting aspects of being a cat owner. Sitting quietly stroking them and listening to the rhythmic purring was tremendously calming and relaxing. I love them running up to me and circling my legs...that's not to say they don't have their moments of being standoffish though!

My chubby little cat max helps teach my boys about patience (wait until he's finished his food) and being kind to others (gentle hands please!). He's always following us to nursery and waiting for us at the end of the day to walk home with us. It really helps my eldest to think about how others feel by understanding how his actions can make the cat angry or happy, and that it's important to think about that before trying to play with him or cuddle him. Pets are a great way to teach children!

My cat Felix means the world to me, without any doubt I am his mummy. I have had him since he was 6 weeks and now he is 17 and fetting old like me, we both hobble about together.

My cats offer me unconditional love and just stroking and cuddling them brings my stress levels down and puts everything into perspective. They run around creating chaos but bring me joy and laughter and in return I will look after them and give them the best moggie life they can have 😻