Pets give us a purpose, help us feel less lonely and shape our personalities. But for three key workers serving during the coronavirus pandemic, their four-legged friends have become much-needed lifelines and confidants.
From an intensive care nurse in Leicester to a doctor in Brighton, these incredible stories from our NHS heroes serve as another reminder just how important animals are in our lives.
These beautiful stories come from pet owners who have entered their pets in the Petplan Pet Awards 2020. Take a look at their heartwarming tales below...
1. A doctor in Brighton
Eleni Ladikou, a doctor who has been working during the pandemic in Brighton, credits her six-year-old pooch, Loco, for giving her strength. "During the last few months, I have had a very rough time," Eleni says.
"I am a doctor and was part of the intensive care unit team as part of the pandemic response. My life comprised of endless 12-hour shifts and coming home to eat and sleep, until the next day. The only reason that my fiancée and myself stayed sane during that time is because of Loco."
Eleni explained that her gorgeous pup noticed the change in her behaviour, almost as if he could sense she was enduring challenges at work. "He has always been very affectionate, but since February he has changed. I think he could sense that something was wrong. Every day, he would walk with me to the car before my shift. Loco would give me a goodbye kiss, which made me stronger.
"He would then wait for me to get out of the parking lot for a final goodbye, wagging his tail. Whenever I came back (no matter what time), Loco would come to the door and greet me like it was the happiest moment of his day.
"During these months, there was a lot of crying outbursts when I thought I could not do it anymore. Loco would immediately understand when I was crying and run to give me kisses. Whenever I came home, I felt loved and safe. He made this unprecedented time a lot more tolerable. He is our own little hero."
2. Intensive care nurse in Leicester
Ciara Murphy, an intensive care nurse who has been working on the front line during the pandemic, thanked her rescue dog, Hugo, for being a lifeline. "I work with COVID-19 patients every day and I really struggled with that. I can honestly say that without Hugo I would be in a completely different place mentally," says Ciara, who adopted Hugo just before lockdown.
"Some days I would come home in tears and he always knew how to be. If I was upset, he would come and cuddle me and no doubt always make me laugh and smile at some point.
"I would also get really anxious before starting my shift and he always managed to distract me. I can't put into words how much he has changed my life, but I completely believe that my puppy is the only reason I have managed to stay relatively positive during this pandemic."
3. A nurse working in North Yorkshire
While working as a nurse in lockdown, Claire Dawes fell ill with suspected COVID-19 and secondary pneumonia. Like many others, Claire had to self-isolate on her own. She might have been living alone, but thanks to her Tabby cat, Gus, she never felt lonely. "As I live alone, I wasn't allowed any visitors, so the only company I had was Gus! He knew something was wrong – he was like my shadow, followed me if I moved and lay with me the whole time."
Claire adds: "I've had Gus for seven years, since he was a kitten born in a rescue centre. He has always been one of the best things that have happened to me, but in recent months, he has been a godsend!
"He was my only physical contact, and I'm eternally grateful! I cannot imagine how alone I would have felt without him. He was my solace, my comfort, my joy and my best friend! Can't imagine life without his fuzzy face in mine every morning, checking I'm ok!"
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24 indestructible dog toys for aggressive chewers
KONG Tires Durable Rubber Chew Toy and Treat Dispenser for Power Chewers
This tyre-shaped chew toy has been made from durable rubber, so it's perfect for determined chewers. It also gives owners the chance to fill the inside with tasty treats, too. Available in two sizes for you to choose the best for your breed.
READ MORE: 6 dog games great for training and bonding
Built for durability, this bright red dog toy will offer your four-legged friend mental and physical stimulation. Starting from £9, it's a real steal buy.
Made from hemp and recycled cotton, this rope ring's tough fibres work to clean your pup's teeth while also being a whole lot of fun to play with.
Soft yet durable, this cute grey bear has minimal stuffing and an internal knotted rope skeleton.
One of the toughest dog balls on the market, this sweet 'planet' design has been made with award-winning Orbee Tuff material. Certain to provide hours of fun...
Ideal for dogs who love to swim, this floating fabric toy has a handle and is designed with abrasion-resistant materials for increased durability. Make sure not to forget it on your next beach trip.
This durable rubber mango toy — which can be filled with dog treats — is sure to provide hours of chewing fun. Perfect for small and medium dog breeds.
Keep your dog entertained for hours with this purse-friendly squeaky toy shaped like a carrot. Plus, we love that you can pick this up at the supermarket as you do your weekly food shop or even have it delivered with your groceries.
Give your dog one of their five a day with this sweetcorn chew toy. It has been designed especially for aggressive chewers and is suitable to small, medium, and large dogs in any breeds. We think dogs will love its small sound function.
If your pup is a fiend for peanut butter, you might want to introduce this peanut butter flavour chew toy into their playtime routine. The T-shape allows them to grip it easily with their paws while the raised nubs on it can help keep their teeth clean.
If they prefer the taste of bacon, why not try this double-bend bone toy. It's available in a range of sizes to ensure that your dog doesn't miss out on this tasty treat.
Let the fun commence with this long-lasting squeaker football dog toy. Perfect for keeping your dog entertained in the garden.
This durable wooden stick is great for dogs who love to chew regularly. While keeping your dog occupied for hours, it's also great for their dental hygiene.
Built to last, this fun donut dog toy has been made from high-quality material and will not wear down dogs' teeth.
This bright fetch toy is ideal for interactive fun. It has a squeaker and a practical handle for throwing at your pup. We're certain they'll love this!
Made from three strands of heavy duty tightly woven rope, this traditional rope toy is perfect for medium or larger breeds and can withstand some serious pulling and tugging.
This chew toy encourages healthy, non-destructive chewing habits with dogs. And it also has a tasty flavour to it too.
Great for young puppies, this gentle bone will help teething pups who have not yet formed any adult teeth.
We love this unique toy, which is great for chew sessions and endless fun. Top tip: fill with peanut butter to extend playtime and satisfy chewing instincts.
In a blush pink, this large onion toy is surprisingly durable. Best of all, it's currently on sale for less than £3.50.
Another great option if your dog loves to play fetch, this durable fetch stick toy not only makes it easier for them to spot where their stick has landed when you're out on a walk or a trip to the park. But it also works for all dogs of all sizes.
Looking for a durable rubber frisbee? Well, look no further, as this red style from KONG is perfect for keeping your four-legged friends fit and healthy.
Another great frisbee option is this XL one. It might even be easier for your four legged friend to grip and it's also currently on sale.
Made by Arm & Hammer, this gorilla-shaped toy is infused with baking soda to safely help with bad breath. Add in the fact that it is extremely durable and has a built-in treats dispenser and we can see why so many shoppers have given it five-star reviews.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
