After Elsie Gonzalez’s kids had left home, her furry friends became the centre of her universe…

Elsie will thousands this Christmas, but not on her hubby and kids…

→ When Bella meets Chris Packham, she engages in what the wildlife presenter describes as an “ancient greeting ceremony”. That is to say, she licks his entire face. “Oh, she likes you,” says Big Issue

PETE WICKS on helping Dogs Trust to spread seasonal joy

I’d lost my hubby and the kids had lost their dad. But I knew what to do next…

Round our way, Christmas Day is a right dog’s dinner