Meet more T&A readers' adorable pets

You sent pictures of much-loved animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and even a horse. They made us smile, and I hope they make you smile too.

Got the January blues? Banish them with these pictures from the latest entries to the T&A's Pet of the Year competition. We have flooded with entries to the contest - whose closing date was yesterday - and our hearts have been warmed by all the amazing stories you have told as to why you love your pets.

You sent pictures of much-loved animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and even a horse. They made us smile, and I hope they make you smile too.

Got the January blues? Banish them with these pictures from the latest entries to the T&A's Pet of the Year competition. We have flooded with entries to the contest - whose closing date was yesterday - and our hearts have been warmed by all the amazing stories you have told as to why you love your pets.

You sent pictures of much-loved animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and even a horse. They made us smile, and I hope they make you smile too.

Here are some of your stories:

Eloise McCarthy  and LadyCat

“I went with a friend to a cat rescue as she wanted to be a fosterer. A tiny scrap of a kitten climbed onto the palm of my hand and fell asleep in my hand. Her breathing was bad and her eyes and nose were gummy and the rescue told me she was very poorly and not expected to survive. I left £50 lighter and the new human of a sickly kitty. Seven years later she is still smaller than most cats, but strong as ever, - she is a quirky, cool kitty. She waits for me sitting in the window, she demands to sleep in my bed and sticks to my side whenever I am poorly

Linda Ewan and Rocky

“I got Rocky last year during lockdown as a companion for Charlie, as we lost another cat in February and Charlie was missing her. Rocky is good fun and keeps Charlie entertained with all his antics and fun best kitten that we bought during lockdown.”

Amy Bondoc and Bambi

“I found Bambi when I was abroad, she literally landed at my feet. I used to be terrified of dogs but it was love at first sight. I don’t think I saved her, she saved me! She’s made me a better person. I look and see rather than just walk past things. She has such a huge heart, she showed me how to be a human! I’d be so lost without her.”

Stacey Haines and Diesel

“We had Diesel as a puppy. Myself and my partner had just purchased our first home together and it felt too big with just the two of us. Diesel is now 11 years-old, he has been with us through every new room decoration, two children, countless new hobbies and he is part of every memory we have in this house. Diesel is a huge part of our lives, our family started with him.”

Kathleen Bell and Katy

“I adopted Katy from my local rescue when she was 12 weeks old. She had been abandoned and wasn't expected to last the night as she was poorly. Her foster family helped her so much and when I adopted her she was a strong little pup.

“I'd just lost my previous dog in an accident and she made me feel so happy. She's always ready for cuddles when I need them, or long walks when we want to be out. She's a great companion.”

Hannah Parker and Rex

“We got Rex from the Cats’ Protection when he was 16 weeks old. I became pregnant in lockdown and he has been my protector and lifeline throughout lockdown while my husband has been out working. He never leaves my side and is a little friendly face every day when I have felt isolated. He has helped me more than he ever will know and is a very important member of our family.”

Zena Parsons and Levi

“Levi is my Romanian Rescue, rescued from a kill shelter. He came to England and we adopted him when he was roughly 18 months-old.

Levi is my baby boy who is constantly by my side, he means so much to us as a family as he has so much love to give, and we have so much to give him. He still has issues but we are trying to get through them together.

Levi is a clever boy and understands a lot, he is always there for me, he will always be my baby boy, love him billions.”

Tracey Hopkins and Samson

“Sam was from a rescue center and, from what we were told, had been in rescue centers for most of his life. He was a bit of a lost cause and no one seemed to want him as he was a big dog and strong-minded - in-fact the first time we went to view him he jumped up and ripped a hole in my shorts which would have put most people off.

“We have worked so hard with Sam and his problems over the last year and half and he is now the most loving dog you could ever want and loves his cuddles (especially with his dad). When we first got Sam, we had just moved to a new area so taking him out for daily walks helped me get to know lots of people around my new area which is hard for me as I am so shy and find it hard to make new friends. Sam now has a best friend, Neo, a puppy Staff that we have just taken on so he will never be alone again.”

Sarah Beaty and Rex

“I’ve had Rex for six months now and he is just brilliant. He’s a real cheeky chappie with bags of character and personality. I live alone so he’s been the absolute best of companions and has help keep me fit and active too with plenty of walkies. He loves the beach and will play fetch for hours if he could. I really couldn’t imagine life without him now.”

Emily Gallichan and Ponya

“I was hosting a meal for my birthday when my housemate walked in with the most unexpected gift I’ve ever received; a tiny ginger kitten. Her friend’s cat had a litter and he was the runt, rejected by mother and siblings, last to be picked, then sadly returned. Knowing I wanted a cat, she thought the timing perfect and decided to surprise me.

Initially I was told the kitten was a girl but at the vet I was surprised to learn that ‘she’ was a ‘he’. Luckily the name Ponyo was gender neutral. I felt immediately maternal; working from the bathroom during litter training and staying awake anxiously awaiting his return from his first adventure outside.

Ponyo has since moved house with me eight times, even crossing the Channel when I returned home. He has snuggled me through illness, parenthood and a nasty breakup.

He thinks he is a dog, accompanying us on walks and howling when we leave, but he has a cat’s curiosity and often finds himself in places he shouldn’t, once getting stuck under our house!

There is truly no cat like him and I’m forever grateful he came into my life. Best birthday gift ever.”

Paula Smith and Flora

“Flora is a rescue cat who befriended my partner on his post round. She used to run to each house door before he got there for a stroke each time he posted a letter. She used to follow him all over his round. A year later we adopted her with her sister Marmite via Cats’ Protection. Flora and Marmite have fitted into our family and they are both worshipped family pets. Rob and Flora have a special bond as she picked him as her Dad.”

Sarah Webb and Ella

“Ella is my first dog as an adult, and I have waited more than ten years to get her. During lockdown we made our garden dog-safe, and as soon as it was legal made a five hour journey to get her. She has transformed our lives completely and is the best most loving companion. I'm a primary school teacher and Ella's sweet, calm personality make her an excellent classroom dog. My students are always thrilled to see Ella waiting for them first thing in the morning.”