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

This is Stella. This 3kg cat was my only companion when I was very ill and near suicidal with depression. I had a high stress job in the emergency services and was working myself into the ground.

Having Stella at home gave me a reason to get out of bed on my days off to play with her instead of sleeping 23 hours a day. She gave me a reason not to work double shifts, as she needed to be fed and have company.

When I was especially unwell, she was a great comfort. When I was better and practicing for a promotion interview, she listened to me reciting the law over and over!

This tiny cat has been a godsend, and has been such a wonderful gift to me. She 12 now and is starting to slow down a touch, but still rules the roost!

My dogs mean the absolute world to me, I love and care for them immensely I never shirk from taking them out no matter what the weather is doing. When you have animals you are never lonely, the love is unconditional.

Our family pets mean my rough and tumble boy has learned how to be really gentle. He is really thoughtful always wondering what new toy or food they would prefer. Family pets be them fish, dogs, snails or cats are so important teaching responsibility and kindness.

My cat is better than all the other cats. He's a ginger cracker. We had many pets growing up and I used to dream of running a cattery in the country somewhere.
Obviously, I live in a flat in London now. My cat has adapted and is loyal and loving.
He would never eat me.

My Giant African Land Snail Maui is awesome, I've been struggling with anxiety and watching him chills me out and we also have a very similar running technique x

My dog means the world to me! I love her so much! she is almost like a baby to me x

Pets mean absolutely everything to me, they are basically a part of the family. I would hate to be without any of them

My pets are part of the spirit of our home, without them it lacks soul.

Pets show children unconditional love and children respond so well to looking after and caring for their pets.
We had a rabbit that my sons cared for and loved so much. It taught them love and respect

My dog means the world to me. He's always there for me after a bad day - to nuzzle my face and cuddle with me. He always puts a smile on my face

My cat is also amazing, cuddling up to me and purring her wee heart out 💕
Just don't know where I'd be without my pets

My cat is like an extra member of the family. She is a rescue cat and typically quite aggressive when she is unexpectedly or unwantedly touched. But she has been an absolute angel with DD since she was born. She understood DD was a human kitten and brought her food, tried to teach her to hunt, warded other cats away to keep her safe, etc.

We got guinea pigs for our autistic son Tommy. And it's amazing to see the calming effect they have on Tom.

Our cat and dog are part of our family, they show us unconditional love all the time and even, occasionally love each other too. Rufus is our 5 year old cocker and Tilly our 12 year old cat. We love them so much and enjoy making their lives as rich as we possible can, they will be such a short part of our lives but we are their whole life. Rufus loves spending his time we us as we do him, he is so crafty and amusing, he thinks we don't realise how he hovers around when we are cooking as he knows how clumsy we are and a treat will be arriving shortly. It's so sweet to seem him licking his lips after a great meal, raw mince being his favorite and he loves to chase bubbles in the garden - and of course socks on, trainers or a hoody are international signs of 'walkies' his happiest part of the day. Tilly can take us or leave us but as she has gotten older will sit with us for a while and allow us to rub her head, we are truly honored as she is not a people cat, as much as we would love her to be. They make our house feel like a home and our lives happier and healthier too, our family wouldn't be complete without them.

our dog is family, he's one of my babies and as much trouble as the kids.

MipHound really does mean the world to me. I've always had pets (cats, dogs, hamsters,mice, rabbit and my brother had fish and water snails!) and they are just a part of me. I'm a shy introvert and I've always got on better with animals than humans! A few years ago the last of my dogs died and I simply couldn't afford to get another. Finally I got a job that could pay for one, that allowed insurance and food and vet bills etc. The job didn't work but I had MipHound by that point.

When we went to meet MipHound (I took my mum with me to keep my feet on my ground) his immediate greeting was to give me a huge hug. I fell in love instantly but fortunately the sensible part of me agreed that he was perfect. I still feel that - naughty but perfect. He has wonderful manners and you can put your dinner down in front of him but he won't touch it. He's a lot of work - he would barely go outside for the first week. I spent a lot of time sitting with him outside the front door before he had the confidence to go for walks. He didn't like water and still doesn't but he no longer lets it stop him doing anything he wants to. He also doesn't always let me calling him stop him from going where he wants!

I am a different person with MipHound. Within days people were saying they could see it. I'm lighter, life is pretty awful but he makes me smile. He knows how to get as laugh out of me. He's a typical male when it comes to me crying though - runs straight off! Taking him out everyday makes me get exercise but what he does for me is so much more than that. He trusts me absolutely. If I say something is non scary he accepts it except the evil hairdryer. He knows that I will keep him safe and well. He's had a good few accidents in his little life and he just comes and sits next to me knowing I will make it alright. How can you not feel love at that?

I am very unlikely to ever have children so yes, a fair bit of the love that would have gone to them goes to him instead. But he is always treated as a dog not as child. And it has been a delight to have seen him become more of a dog over the time I have been lucky enough to have him. I am genuinely proud of the dog he is, of the way strangers coo over him and the local kids all run up to him knowing his sweet nature. And I get to take him home.

Life is crap but with him I'm pretty damn lucky.

Our dog is a part of the family, he has made us much more outdoorsy, even in this awful weather! He's very cuddly and loving and he's my DS's best mate which is so heartwarming.

our 4 cats and dog are family members - we love them and include them in everything during our daily life

My pets mean the world to me - we have two dogs, Shadow, a German Shepherd and Bono, a Black lab. In addition, we have 8 cats. We don't have a large house but we have also fostered dogs for the IRR (Irish Retriever Rescue).

We have never been without at least one cat and, as soon as my husband and I bought our first house, we got a dog - Barney, a Golden Retriever. Every one of our dogs and most of our cats have been rescued - there are so many beautiful creatures in need of a loving home, that we choose to rehome, rather than line a breeders pockets by choosing to pay for a puppy.

Our animals are our life - we have four children and they all adore our animals - the cats and dogs are all allowed to sleep in our bedroom and the dogs like to snuggle up on the sofa or share our bed.

The only thing we don't love is when their lives come to an end. We have had two cats killed on the road and last year we had to have one of our dogs put to sleep. It's horrible when that time comes but we firmly believe that when a family member has given us years of love and loyalty, the only way to repay this is by doing the right thing by them. When the time comes, I have to be with them until the end - they trust my husband and I and we make sure the last thing they are aware of is the sound of our voices, whispering love and praise in their ears and the feel of our hands as we give them a final rub and fuss.

Personally, i believe animals give back so much more than we give them. It is good for children to own pets, both in terms of learning how to treat them kindly and take responsibility for them and also to help overcome any fears.

My heart breaks every time we lose a much loved family member. But a testament to each pet is that we take on another to love, as we think that helps their legacy live on.

We have two cats and a dog I wouldn't be without any of them, the dog is my daughters best friend she has mild learning difficulties and after a bad day at school she's soon laughing with the dog, my cats are very loving although I am their servant 😻

When im down and feeling blue,
I hug my horse and when I do,
My spirits lift and I'm not so sad,
With my arms wrapped round my big strong lad,
He's always there to make me smile,
Having a pet is so worthwhile.
They pick you up when you feel blue and give you something worthwhile to do.
You can rely on them right to the end, because they will always be your friend.!

We have two rescue Siamese; one is almost blind. They are brilliant with the boys and throw themselves at the kids when they walk through the door. They especially enjoy jumping into laps, farting then racing out the room.

Our little rescue terrier is a member of the family. He is incredibly loving, great company and much nicer to me than my teens!

We have always had dogs in the family and equally all the family have loved the dogs. They give us a focus, great to get out and enjoy walking and they give unconditional love in return. They are the best friend to turn too whenever things go wrong as they love you just as much whatever.

Our gorgeous llasa apso genuinely saved my life. I have struggled with depression most of my adult life and before having my daughter she was my reason to wake up in the morning. I honestly believe dogs should be given on prescription for depression! She makes me smile, cuddles up with me when I'm down, makes me leave the house and talk to people when we go for walks. She is one in a million!

And now she is a best friend to my daughter who is struggling with social and communication issues. She is her constant companion and will not leave her side when my daughter is ill or upset. She plays with her, cuddles her and my daughter learns about responsibility and friendship without the fear of being judged.

Sadly, she is 14 now and we know we will not have her forever. This breaks my heart. We will be bereft when she's gone

Pets are so lovely, they keep us company and teach children responsibility. Since our gerbils went, we have been without pets and they are dearly missed. (Waiting for details of my job transfer before hopefully getting a dog)