Celebrating National Pet Day

My Cairn Terrier Winston is my best friend in the whole world. He has been in my life since I was just eight years old, and has been there through so many significant life events – moving house, starting (and leaving) secondary school, getting my A-levels, dropping out of university, starting my own business, and everything in between. I recently had the upsetting realisation that I will never again be a child with a dog, but this epiphany only fuelled my gratitude for the fact that I was able to grow up alongside a little companion, causing havoc together, and having an irreplaceable bond. I have the most immense gratitude for Winston, and the memories we have created together over the last fourteen years. Thank you for being my best friend, and my favourite sibling. – Lucy

Sammy is the perfect bundle of fluff, confidence and love. He's a 14 year old Jack Russell crossed with a Bedlington terrier that has been by my side since my 7th birthday. From sitting on my wheelchair to learning how to open my bedroom door, not only is he super clever, he's my best mate and has been one of the only consistent things in my life. Some of Sammy’s favourite things are socks, bottle caps and footballs (all of which we have to constantly take from him). The patter his paws make on the floor will forever be my favourite sound. – Faith

Ziggy and Missy are cats that behave like dogs. I’m usually woken up at ridiculous-o’clock in the morning by Ziggy meowing outside of my room because he is obsessed with me. Missy is more independent, scowling across the opposite end of the room, but she is a secret softie – especially when she wants food. I couldn’t imagine life without them, however. If I am ever feeling down they can sense it and come over to comfort me. They are crazy bundles of joy and if you dislike cats you would really love these two. – Sheona

From the age of around 7, my best friend in the world was always Buster. He was a golden labrador who was, in his early years, as naughty as he was adorable. He’d chew everything he could get his paws on, from shoes to the many dog beds we got him over the years. He even chewed the microwave plug once. While it was plugged in. He was basically the dog from Marley & Me. Thankfully, he settled down a lot as he got older, and by the time he was 9 or 10 he was the most gentle and sweet dog you could imagine. I miss him a lot, and I’ll always look at the memories I have of him with incredible fondness. Dogs truly are man’s best friend. – Callum

Lucky is the epitome of chaos, but we all love him for it. Now he is coming up to 14 years old, but he’s still as energetic as ever (and commonly gets mistaken for a younger dog on walks). This scruffy boy has been in my life since the age of 7/8 years old and has always been there for me in times of need (and laughs). He’s definitely an essential member of my family, as he barks the loudest and makes himself heard in this household (rightfully so). Sometimes we mistake him for a cat, as he loves to jump up on high places and just lie there (see attached photo). In his older age, he has become somewhat of a diva with a rigid routine and specific demands for treats. He still remains the biggest simp for my parents' attention. Lucky is also a big fan of piano music, and you can always count on him lying underneath the piano listening to my brother learn a new song (I think he’s a secret critic though). – Flo

I never thought I could be a cat person – that was until my sister got a cat. Anya is without a doubt the cutest member of the family, with a personality just as loud as her meows. She’s stubborn but adorable and will force you to move if you’re sitting in her spot on the couch. She has so many toys to play with, yet her favourites are the hair ties she steals when no-one is looking. On Christmas Day, she decided she wanted to be part of the gift-giving exchange and brought a mouse inside, which she lovingly put under my sister’s bed – Merry Christmas to her. She’s only been with us for a year, but I can’t remember a time without her scampering around the house in the middle of the night. – Lauren

I have always been around dogs – my family first got one when I was just one, and we grew up together. I always missed the company of dogs when I went to uni, and when I moved into rented accommodation. Finally being a homeowner I viewed it as a great time to bring canine companionship back into my life, and after a bit of drama we finally got Rufus. At just 17 weeks old when we picked him up he is very much still a puppy, and anybody who tells you that getting a puppy is an easy experience is lying to you. Nonetheless, he is exceptionally sweet and his lanky frame and oversized ears are always a source of amusement. I look forward to many years of friendship. – Tom