'Britain's most devoted dogs' support owners through chemo, injury and disease

Our pets are by our sides through the good times and the bad. They provide unconditional love and companionship during grief, illness and trauma.

Now a powerful new campaign is putting the spotlight on the special bond between humans and their animals. Led by Naturewatch Foundation, the Purple Paw initiative is searching for deeply personal stories about the furry friends who have shaped, supported and saved their owners lives.

For many people, animals are not just pets, they are family. The Purple Paw campaign is about recognising that bond and showing the world just how powerful it is, explains Mark Randell, campaign manager for the international animal welfare charity. Here Star Paws columnist Catherine Lamb meets some of the UKs most loyal and loving furry friends and speaks to patron Wendy Turner-Webster

Jameson

The shock of being unable to walk was immense for Mike Morton, 63, from Cheshire. After his 2008 diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome, which occurs when the nerves at the base of the spine are compressed, his wife Jayne took a year away from work to care for him.

But the couple say one of the best decisions they made was bringing hound Jameson into their lives. The black lurcher became Mikes constant companion, resting by his bedside and accompanying him on outings.

Caring for Jameson became a vital part of Mikes rehabilitation and recovery. He was the most amazing and loving animal, says Jayne. We think about him nearly every day.

Millie

Adorable French Bulldog Millie brought happiness to everybody she met. Registered with Pets As Therapy, a charity that pairs pets with people who need emotional support, she spent much of her life helping care for others.

Together with owner Michele Barton-McIntosh, 58, she visited community settings like care homes and dementia cafs. And wherever she went, she brought comfort, companionship and smiles, helping residents and patients feel less isolated as they stroked and interacted with her.

Michele, from London, says the late pooch enriched her life and the lives of her family. She supported our wellbeing, getting us out for walks and helping us meet people who would stop to say hello in the street, she adds.

Pebbles

Adopted from a rescue centre when she was just 16 weeks old, Pebbles and her owner Ellie Chudleigh quickly formed a strong bond. Then the 57-year-old, from Calne, Wiltshire, was diagnosed with cancer.

Throughout her months of chemotherapy, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel provided daily strength, comfort and companionship. And their relationship is incredibly special to this day.

The devoted pair are now doing scent work training together, with Pebbles working towards her gold level qualification.

Maisie

Sue Taylor, 79, from Bournemouth, wasnt sure how her husband would react when she agreed to look after a dog for a friend in hospital. He was living with advanced Alzheimers disease at the time.

But he formed a strong bond with the pooch immediately, and when she went home, started asking if they could have one of their own.

Eventually, they brought home a four-year-old rescue Yorkshire terrier. Sue says the connection with her husband was immediate she would sit on his lap for hours as he talked to her. She helped make the final years of his life calmer and happier.

Teddy

Rescue cat Teddy arrived on Rosie Givens doorstep during one of the most difficult periods of her familys life. They were coming to terms with the devastating cancer diagnosis of her sister, Sue Govus.

Initially nervous and wary, the 11-year-old stray was constantly hungry and very cautious around people. But Rosie, 79, believes he understood that her family needed comfort.

When Sue sadly died, the ginger and white moggy became a source of strength for Rosie as well as Sues daughter, Sarah. Over the years, he has transformed from a vulnerable stray into a deeply affectionate companion.

Rosie, from Aylesbury, describes Teddy as a guardian angel who has changed her life for the better.

Wendys wisdom

TV star Wendy Turner-Webster believes our furry friends give us a reason to get up in the morning.

The Naturewatch patron, 59, found her dog Newt in Romania as a puppy, while filming Channel 5 documentary series Brits Rescue Romanian Dogs. And she says he brings her indescribable joy on a daily basis.

A close relationship with a beloved pet is a privilege, she says. And it brings many benefits the primary one being unconditional love.

The animals you share your home with are always pleased to see you because they make no judgements. They dont care if you look a scruffy mess or if youre not in a very cheerful mood, all they want is your love and attention.

The animal rights activist also has a rescue gecko called Paprika and says pets have been a source of comfort throughout her life.

She explains: The stories being shared through Purple Paw are powerful, moving and deeply relatable. They remind us that animals are not just pets, they are family members, trusted friends and, for many people, lifelines during periods of grief, illness, loneliness and trauma.

• To find out more about Purple Paw, or submit your own story, visit naturewatch.org/campaigns/protect-animals-protect-people/how-we-are-helping/purple-paw

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