TODAY is International Dog Day - and we’re celebrating by sharing these adorable photos of T&A readers’ pet pooches.

Dogs keep us safe, they give us companionship and exercise, and they’re always happy to see us.

International Dog Day celebrates the many benefits that dogs bring to our lives - from working for the emergency services to supporting people with disabilities.

Here’s a selection of photos that our readers have been sending in - including a South African rescue dog and a pair of rescue cross Whippets.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Walter the German Shepherd is “the most loving rescue boy we have had,” says owner Annette Green. Here is Walter taking a breather in a secure fieldWalter the German Shepherd is “the most loving rescue boy we have had,” says owner Annette Green. Here is Walter taking a breather in a secure field

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Willow ‘the doodle’ is the beloved pooch of Jennie Findley. “She’s crazy!” smiles JennieWillow ‘the doodle’ is the beloved pooch of Jennie Findley. “She’s crazy!” smiles Jennie

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Rescue dog Paddy is a cross Irish Terrier Africanis who lives in St Francis Bay, South Africa. When we found him he had mange and was very thin. After just over a year he looks like new, said owner Anthony McMillanRescue dog Paddy is a cross Irish Terrier Africanis who lives in St Francis Bay, South Africa. When we found him he had mange and was very thin. After just over a year he looks like new, said owner Anthony McMillan

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: “Harry brings us our family much joy,” says owner Sophie Pullan: “He’s very friendly and extremely loyal. He just has to look at me and my heart melts!”“Harry brings us our family much joy,” says owner Sophie Pullan: “He’s very friendly and extremely loyal. He just has to look at me and my heart melts!”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The best thing about dogs is they show you unconditional love. Belle shows us this every day, we're very lucky to have her, say Ellie and JoeThe best thing about dogs is they show you unconditional love. Belle shows us this every day, we're very lucky to have her, say Ellie and Joe

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Lovely Narla is the pride and joy of David May and his familyLovely Narla is the pride and joy of David May and his family

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: “Henri is special to our family because he is so loving,” says owner Kay Mc“Henri is special to our family because he is so loving,” says owner Kay Mc

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: “Raffi Bear died last month and is missed immeasurably,” says Sarah Demain, paying tribute to her beloved pooch“Raffi Bear died last month and is missed immeasurably,” says Sarah Demain, paying tribute to her beloved pooch

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Eddie is so loyal and always puts a smile on my face,” says owner Hannah Walsh.Eddie, a Collie/Labrador rescue dog, is pictured enjoying a ball game on a walkEddie is so loyal and always puts a smile on my face,” says owner Hannah Walsh.Eddie, a Collie/Labrador rescue dog, is pictured enjoying a ball game on a walk

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: “Pansy and Bertie both came from Dogs Trust. They have so much love and never say no to cuddles, kisses and biscuits,” says Polly Asquith-Brown“Pansy and Bertie both came from Dogs Trust. They have so much love and never say no to cuddles, kisses and biscuits,” says Polly Asquith-Brown