Meet Derek and Dolly, the endearing office mixed-breeds and unofficial mascots of MFON. Breaking up busy schedules, Derek loves nothing more than running around the office, spreading joy with his playful antics, while Dolly loves a sniff-around, always on the lookout for hidden treasures. With their wagging tails and eager faces, every day is a good day when this mischievous pair are in the office.

Beyond their infectious energy and entertaining antics, Derek and Dolly also provide a therapeutic respite, always up for a quick stroke, rejuvenating everyone’s spirits and putting the whole office in a good mood.

Treasured members of the MFON family, Derek and Dolly’s playful positivity brings great joy and warmth to our daily routines.

Nearly 5 years ago, I became a step mum to Bella and although I wasn’t initially a dog person, she has completely changed my life. Bella, our gentle and docile companion, brings an incredible amount of love and joy to both me and everyone she meets. She doesn’t make much noise or fuss, but her calming presence is truly transformative. When I’m feeling anxious, cuddling with Bella instantly relaxes me. Having her encourages me to be more active and significantly improves my anxiety. I’ve come to believe that dogs are the heart of a home, and Bella is my little angel.

I cherish every moment with Bella and am grateful to have her in my life. Seeing her smile while we walk by the river, the wind blowing through her fur, makes me very proud. A dog fills the house with warmth, even when I’m in a different room, just hearing the tap of her little feet brings me so much happiness.

Owning a dog provides a sense of purpose and responsibility, giving us a reason to go outside and something to live for. It has also opened up new social opportunities for me, as I’ve met other dog owners and attended training classes, further enriching my life and strengthening Bella’s role as my little angel.

A few years ago, my parents and I decided to foster dogs as we were not quite ready to replace our family dog of 13 years. We were unsure what this might entail but it turned out to be one of the best things we’ve ever done!

Fostering provides a safe and healthy environment for animals who need to heal, grow or need some extra TLC while they look for their forever homes. In total we fostered 7 dogs, each and every one of them bringing so much love, personality and companionship to our house. They opened our eyes (and hearts) to breeds we would never have considered before this amazing experience.

Toki, foster dog number 6, was an Akita and overall, the sweetest, fluffiest, gentle giant who always lifted my spirits. Standing up on his back legs, he was the same height as me, but his size shouldn’t fool anyone – he was only interested in cuddles and snuggling up on the sofa, even if he did take up the majority of the seat!

As hard as it was to say goodbye once adopted, it was so rewarding knowing that we had supported them all and been a part of their journeys to finding forever homes. A process I would recommend to anyone wanting some furry companionship but unable to commit full time.

Martha (also known as ‘beans’) and recently rescued Pushkin (also known as ‘grumbles’) are our four-legged feline friends that have lived with my partner and I since 2021 and 2023 respectively. In their short time with us, they have already provided countless moments of companionship, affection and unplanned medical expenses that we now couldn’t imagine living without. The emotional connection you create with your pets is truly special and has a profoundly positive impact on your mental wellbeing. As well as this, having pets helps you to establish new, productive routines and adapt to new responsibilities to manage your pets’ welfare.

Meet Gary, our guinea pig with a lot of personality. Gary is a fluffy ball of joy who brings comfort to our lives. With his soft, furry coat and gentle nature, Gary loves people of all ages, especially his 7 year old owner Ted. Whenever Ted feels down or needs a moment of calm, Gary is always there, ready to snuggle up and keep him company. Gary’s funny behaviours like jumping into Ted’s hands on demand or following him round the house never fail to make us laugh and feel happy. Whether he’s hopping around his cage, zooming through cardboard boxes or simply curling up in our laps, Gary’s presence is adored by all the family. Rescuing Gary has taught Ted the responsibilities of looking after a pet as well as patience and empathy.

Having our fluffy chicks around brings so much joy to our family. Their playful chirping and cute antics always put a smile on our faces and help us relax after a long day. It’s simple but incredibly rewarding to watch them grow and explore their surroundings. They’ve become a part of our daily routine and taking care of them teaches us a lot about responsibility and empathy. Overall, they might just be chicks, but they’ve found a special place in our hearts.