Does your pet have what it takes to be our Pet of the Year? Over the last couple of years pets have meant more to us than ever.

Part of the family, they are there for us, no matter what. Whether you have a working dog, a rescue cat, a cute hamster or a friendly horse, they will mean the world to you. To celebrate our pets this Christmas, the Telegraph & Argus is launching a Pet of the Year competition.

Here are some of the heartwarming stories of very sepcial bonds that we have received so far:

Emma Barczay and Loki

“Loki is a two-year-old, nine stone bullmastiff. We got him Feb 2020, it was a ten hour round trip. He was picked up four weeks before the first lockdown. He is my best friend and never leaves my side. We literally do everything together, he is named after the God of mischief- which really wasn’t a good idea, ha ha. He is loyal loving and only answers to the word pizza or chips!”

Laura Slack and Pablo

“We bought our little miracle dog Pablo for my two children. A few months into his life we found out he had a spinal cord disorder that could not be rectified. Vets don’t know how long we have left with him which is heartbreaking. He hit a tough patch in July with his condition and we were told he wouldn’t reach his first birthday in August. He is still here and we are looking forward to Christmas with him with hope this isn’t his last Christmas with us. He is the softest dog and brings so much joy and happiness to our family.”

Kim Coates and Jax

“We bought his as a pup. I have PTSD and get anxiety attacks badly. Jax has no training in this but when I have the start of an attack he lays across me with his front paws stretched out so I can put my face on his chest between his muzzle and paws to keep me calm. He's my little savior especially when I have very bad days...he's always there to cuddle me and make me feel better about the world.”

Kathryn Pearson and Merlin

“Merlin came from a farm but is a wonderful therapy dog to our foster children. Often they can’t talk to us, but they talk to Merlin! He’s calm and Liam and accepting and that is exactly what they need.”

Lisa Eskriett and Titch

“Titch was a four-week old kitten when her owners kicked her out along with the rest of the litter. I took her in and looked after her. It was touch and go as she was so young and small. Fast forward 11 years and she's an amazing cat and treats my two young children as her own - she always checks on them and makes sure they are okay.  It's not our family without Titch.”

Shamsi Pearson and Bentley

“Bentley is a Trap Neuter Return (TNR) cat.  I rescued him from a car park in Leeds I had to build a friendship with him during lockdown and, once caught, I asked a rescue for help.  They deceived me and kept him in a very small cage in a garden for eight weeks and refused to give him back to me when I complained, so I took legal action.  They agreed to return him to me.  He needed rehab and it took time to build his trust again.  Then, in time he moved in with us permanently!   I adore him and he adores me - he’s like my shadow, but he’s still learning to trust.  I recently discovered he is a she - but identifies as a he!  Lol.”

Gina Harrison and Kynda

“Aged two, Kynda is our son's emotional support dog. She means so much to the whole family and has brought us lots of laughter and love.”

Lesley Wood and Bobby

“I have a five-month-old puppy called Bobby. He has been my little friend since I caught covid 12 months ago. I am still struggling now. He brings me so much joy and lots of cuddles to make me feel better.”

Jacqueline Randall and Nova

“We got Nova from a Romanian rescue. She was born in the rescue centre after her mum was found pregnant and alone on the street. She is our constant source of entertainment. She keeps us on our toes and has us wrapped around her paws. She also creates a fun game for us anytime she meets new people trying to guess what she is because we have no clue ourselves!”

Gabby Taylor and Daisy

We got Daisy, a cocker spaniel,  last Christmas and our family wouldn’t be the same without her. She is now 13-months old and brings character and brightens up bad days. Although, she can be a little cheeky especially when it comes to the Christmas tree and decorations…”

Krystle Faram and Roxy

“Roxy was searched for by my autistic daughter after we lost our beloved Labrador. Holly has autism and she was drawn to Roxy. It was a good job because this gorgeous baby had previously been abused. Holly trained her and Roxy helped Holly in her autistic meltdowns. She would stay with and sit on her until she came out of them. The friendship they have is unbreakable; they are both amazing and I think Roxy knows that Holly is autistic and that she values any animal before anyone and anything.”

Anna Dyson-Clarke and Dizzy

“I got Dizzy not long after his last race in 2014. He is 16 and has a few unresolved medical problems - because of this he is mainly a pet and companion rather than a riding horse.

“Dizzy is beautiful - he is the kindest, sweetest horse ever. He loves people and is always so happy to see me. He normally waits behind a tree and then comes running when he sees me approaching. Dizzy pulls a wide range of crazy faces which he knows will make me laugh and will get him a carrot or Polo mint sooner rather than later. Dizzy likes to steal bags because he thinks there might be something edible in there somewhere – he loves his food.

“Dizzy and his best friend Syd made lockdown so much easier since I still had to see to them every day and I spent long hours playing with the horses in the field, just me and them.

“I adore 'the Diz', and he made me realise that a horse is so much more than just something that you can ride. He and Syd are my best friends.”

Vicky Omelianowicz  and Holly

“Holly, aged ten, has helped me so much since the start of the pandemic. She has got me through the loss of three grandparents, being furloughed and losing my job. She makes me laugh every day. Holly came into my life when I met my partner Luke - this was the  best ‘2 for 1’ ever. Holly loves snow days, the beach and has completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks.”

Jeanette Booth and Ringo

“I went to get a kitten from a work colleague,  Ringo sat next to me the whole time I was there, so in reality he chose me.”

*To enter the competition send us a photo of your pet, and tell us why they are so special to you. We will choose a winner who will receive a prize of £50. * To enter go to https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/19795172.win-50-t-pet-competition/

*Does your pet have what it takes to be our Pet of the Year? Over the last couple of years pets have meant more to us than ever.

Part of the family, they are there for us, no matter what. Whether you have a working dog, a rescue cat, a cute hamster or a friendly horse, they will mean the world to you. To celebrate our pets this Christmas, the Telegraph & Argus is launching a Pet of the Year competition. Send us a photo of your pet, and tell us why they are so special to you. We will choose a winner who will receive a prize of £50.

* To enter go to https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/19795172.win-50-t-pet-competition/