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 recently lost my 5 year old cat suddenly and unexpectedly. I feel he has left a real hole in my life and my heart. During the day his clumsiness was always making us laugh. And then in the evening when we sat down after a long day to watch TV, he would be up on my knee purring and taking all my stress away. When we had visitors, he was always keen to say hello and would climb onto their laps and make his presence known. Since we lost him I've realised that he meant more to me than I ever realised. Even a month down the road I'm crying typing this.

My cat Soot is the fattest, most adorable cat around. He is a big lump & just loves to sit by the side of you for you to stroke him & stroke his tum. he crys & you feel like he can talk to you!

I had a cattery in Spain and have written a book about the cats adventures. Sadly, no agent or publisher as yet but I have a literary agent interested in my children's sci fi book called Planet Zu Tu

My pets are completely part of the family in every way - love them to bits!

Before we bought our dog Alma I suffered from a dog phobia. I had been afraid of dogs for as long as I can remember and this fear kept growing until it was completely out of control. I even stopped going places like the beach or the park, and I stopped running because I was worried I might meet a dog. Then one day I had enough and I enrolled in therapy which worked wonders. It didn't just get rid of the fear but I started loving dogs so much I wanted one myself. I also noticed that I still felt nervous around dogs I didn't know so I wanted to make sure I spent a lot of time with dogs. When we brought Alma home at first I felt wary around her but we got to know each other and now she means everything to me. She is the reason my phobia has not come back and in that way she has changed my life. I can do all the things I was scared of before, and I even bring her running!

My puppy means a new better life for me.

Kids all getting themselves to school so no need to go out much.
Health not great but she's given me a reason to get up and go out. Is making me feel better about life. Makes me happy every day. Gives me purpose. Is my best friend. Best thing I ever did was get my puppy.

My dogs mean the world to me. They give me structure and make me get up and be active - important when my SAD takes hold. They love and are loved.

We got Ruby from the local dog's home, she was a medium sized mongrel, but with such a sweet nature. She just permanently looked sad, but when she was out she would bound around like a puppy even though the vet said she was probably a bit older as she was starting to lose teeth. She then started to get ill, but luckily she was insured as the medications were over £100 a month something which we wouldn't have been able to pay ourselves. Then one day she refused them and it broke our hearts, she had always been so good just licking the tablets out of our hands. She refused her food as well and it was like she had decided it was time. My husband and I cried for days, we had her cremated and her urn is sat in our house, 6.5 yrs later we still miss her.

My cats mean the world to me. They are as important as the people in my life. Each has a really distinct personality. Two are getting on now and slowing down a bit but they've still got the energy to keep my third cat, a lively 3 year old, in check. I did try living in a petless household and was just miserable. Every day you could feel that something was missing.

Yoda is a member of the family - she's 12 now and Lucas coming along 6 years ago was probably a bit of a shock but she's adjusted really well. She's still very much my cat and tends to avoid the males of the house lol (unless there's a chance of food)

We don't have any pets currently. Son1 would like us to get a labrador puppy whilst son2 wants a pug, but I don't think it is fair whilst I'm working fulltime

My pets mean so much to me! In fact all the pets we have ever had have a special place in my heart. We've had our dog for 18 months and she has completely changed all of our lives. I've had lots of health problems but she gets me out every day, no matter what and we've learnt so much together - she's a rescue who has learnt about the world around her, whilst I've got out and about more which I desperately needed. She is also an amazing playmate for DD who is an only child. We all the love our lovely dog so, so much! Soppy as that sounds!

Our cat, Cupcake, is like our second daughter. We adore her!

My cat Ziggy is part of the household, almost like another child to me. He was given to me as a birthday present by a boyfriend, the cat is still with me but the boyfriend long gone. Ziggy loves to eat, sleep and always likes to be by my side when he does so .. he wakes me up in the night if he wants feeding by stomping all over me and he has been an angel to put up with what I can only call 'exuberant' behaviour on the part of my son since he was born, although he didn't come home until 2am that first night I brought my son back from the hospital!! I think pets are a wonderful thing for a household, they teach children about unconditional love, humanity and just bring something different to a family.

I've just had this conversation with a friend as we are replacing our much loved 15yr old car. The fact that it still smells of my first baby, I still find her hairs in there and the fact that the car took us to the vet that fated day hurts just as much as when we lost her. Since then I have 3 cats. Each one is just like my child. Much loved, much wanted and in some ways better company (my teens grunt, my cats purr)

My ddog is much loved and the key to my sanity. Having to walk her everyday gets me out of the house and clears my head. She has got me through some very difficult times. My ds was bullied a few years ago and from that time onwards she has sneaked into his bedroom when she thinks DP are asleep and sneaks out before we get up. She thinks we don't know she sleeps on his bed. I am certain that she's been protecting him all this time.

Our pets mean companionship, unconditional love, support, a sense of purpose and focus. They are part of the family and increase our sense of wellbeing. 💛

My Beagle, Bruce is everything to me.

I first met him when he was 5 and lived with the new tenants of my local pub. They explained that he had originally been tested on as a puppy, and had then been taken by a family who didn't treat him properly. They had found him in their local Dog's Trust and immediately fell in love.
A year later they were forced to move from the pub when it was sold, and they knew that they were not going to be able to give Bruce the time he needed, and immediately thought of me because I had been looking after him at weekends, and we had formed a close bond.
So, at the age of 6 he started yet another chapter in his life......
I suffer with depression and anxiety, and I have found Bruce has been my saviour. When I'm really down his endless cuddles reassure me, and I no longer have an excuse for not going outside, and having to walk him every day has stopped me getting so scared of leaving my home.
Last month his previous owners got married, and we were invited to the wedding, the picture is Bruce at the wedding, where he behaved impeccably!

Pets mean the word to us and are the cornerstone of our family unit

Our dog Buddy means the world to our family. I often find the kids lying in his bed with him! He is epileptic and can be a handful but we love him a lot

My dog was my rock in the turbulence of childhood. If he hadn't been there, I don't think I'd be here now. He was the most benign presence I had around me.

Our cat is a real part of the family, bringing a bit more life into what's otherwise a small household.

i could write on and on on ths subject.but all I will say is she means my everything.evry single thing.she is my love.my best friend my family.she know when I'm upset.she moves me to postion when I have seizures anddrags me out of danger if I fall onto dangerous surfaces. she lies with me til I wake from them
she laughs with me and makes me laugh and sits with her head on me when I cry.
shes my whole world.

My pets are my family, I make no difference to talking or non-talking members. Pets (and animals in general) is the constant in my life that has never changed. I'm so amazed by them today as I was when I was little. I love them, and if I had money, I'd spend it in them, sanctuaries, refuges, anything!

My pets are my life. I am shy and if it weren't for my dogs I wouldn't ever leave the house! They also keep my company and love me for who I am