Here at the Dorset Echo we are as passionate as our readers about our animal friends.

In a bid to celebrate the joy our pet dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, hamsters, guinea pigs and reptiles bring to our lives we have launched Pets of the Week.

This is a dedicated space to nominate your four-legged friends or your cold blooded reptiles for the coveted title of the Dorset Echo’s Pet of the Week.

Now, without further ado, let's meet the pets in the spotlight this week.

Dorset Echo:

Charity, a black Labrador, 7, here at work at Weymouth College, owned by Nola Smith, who tells us: “Charity is a fully trained Assistant dog.

"I spent some time socialising her a few years ago. Her anxiety around other dogs meant she needed a community placement and long story short she now works with me at Weymouth College.

"She has saved my life- my mental health is better than ever and she makes a huge positive impact on the lives of lots of students daily- even during COVID through her Facebook page- Charity Smith.

"She can take your socks off, open and close cupboards and doors, take the washing out of the washing machine, fetch, roll over, play dead and she gives THE BEST hugs ever!

"I can only ever see benefits of having a pet like this. We live and work together. We come as one! She is my soul mate and my best friend and she gets me through the toughest of days.

"She spent 5 years in training as an assistance dog and was socialised to many families because of her anxiety around other dogs. It meant she struggled to stay at the farm with the other dogs there. She was therefore quite unsettled and anxious. The first time she stayed with me was like a perfect moment!

"Her trainer always said “we cannot provide the perfect pet but we can create the perfect partnership” and THAT is exactly what Charity is for me! My perfect partner in all that matters."

Dorset Echo:

George Ezra ( left ) and Ed Sheeran (right), Abyssinian and short haired guinea pigs, 1, owned by Josephine Cade.

Josephine tells us: "I got Ed And George from a guinea pig breeder a couple of miles from where i live, i went into a an enclosure with lots of guinea pigs but Ed and George just stood out.

"Both of their unique little personalities make them so special, every time I walk into my garden they come running out of a shelter and start squeaking, George also likes to sit on my shoulder- they are just so cute!

"Guinea pigs are surprisingly messy creatures and keeping them clean and tidy is quite a big job."

Dorset Echo:

Herby the border terrier, 15, owned by Tony Jacobs, pictured on a nature watch together. Tony tells us: “Herby’s a mind reader and falsetto singer!"

He also said: "Herby came joint first in a very large dead heat finish for title of 
Best Dog Ever. We think he just shaded it!

"He's just one of many Dorset dogs who love and are loved by their families."

If you'd like to see your pet in this purrrr-fect section of the Dorset Echo, fill out a simple Q&A form and submit one or more photos here.

Dorset Echo:

Roxi, 7 months, a French bulldog cross owned by Kirsty East, who says: "She has one floppy ear. She's gentle and loving. She makes me laugh.

"She is quirky and comical. I am originally from Dorset and moved to Thanet (Kent) recently. I struggled to talk to people in the area. Since having Roxi, I now have lots of people I regularly see in the area who also have doggys. Roxi has a special boyfriend who is a security dog (German shepherd) who she loves. We meet regularly so they can play and cuddle. It's the cutest thing. She makes it easy for me to get out and has definitely helped during lockdown and working!

"She eats everything. She's always hungry even though she was recently told by the vet to go somewhat easy on the treats.

"She locked herself in the bathroom once and it took me a total of five minutes to find her.

"Roxi loves a groovy jumper now and then! Saving them for winter and building her doggy wardrobe."

Dorset Echo:

Ziggy, four and a half, a Bedlington Lurcher owned by Callie Davies. She tells us: "I met Ziggy in Bridport, he was very neglected. He was was full of fleas, faeces and worms. We have given Ziggy the best life since.

"Ziggy has a grade 3 heart murmur and only one dew claw on his right foot. But he lives the best life and enjoys all his walks around Portland. He is my fur baby and best friend.

"Ziggy is a large dog and he is a Lurcher so needs plenty of exercise. Due to his heart murmur however, I have to be careful not to strain his heart."