We asked you to send us pictures of your dogs. . . and you did. Here is just a selection of the dogs you love.

Great British Life: Buddy, Jojo and Rocco, owner Bethany SkuseBuddy, Jojo and Rocco, owner Bethany Skuse (Image: Archant)

The recent past has shown many of us just why dogs have long been known as our best friends.

For most of us, our dog is our companion – another member of the family or the other half of a couple. But for many people with disabilities or illnesses, their assistance dog is a lifeline, providing emotional and practical support. It’s well documented that having a dog in our life can be beneficial for our physical and mental health in so many ways. It was pictures of pets, especially our dogs, doing crazy, cute and laugh-out-loud things, that were the first pictures to flood social media in the early days of lockdown.

As well as helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness, there are all the physical and psychological benefits that come from exercising a dog. Daily walks outdoors are just so good for us. Playing with a dog – throwing a ball, chasing around the park – is a great physical and mental pick-me-up.

And don’t let’s forget that dogs – domesticated by humans for centuries – have always been willing workers when we need them, performing important tasks for farmers, police and armed services, Border Force, search and rescue among others.

Great British Life: Albert in Ickworth Park by Stephanie DownesAlbert in Ickworth Park by Stephanie Downes (Image: Archant)

Suffolk is a great place to own a dog with so much coast and countryside to explore together. We should always observe the Countryside Code, of course, only go where we’re allowed, never worry animals and always clean up. So, here’s our celebration of Suffolk dogs.

Join our Facebook group and share pictures of your life in Suffolk

Great British Life: Chokka, owner Jessica EdwardsChokka, owner Jessica Edwards (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Deeks, owner Kerry WheelerDeeks, owner Kerry Wheeler (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Daisy by Michelle DunnellDaisy by Michelle Dunnell (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Parker at Martlesham Creek, owner Kate WidlingParker at Martlesham Creek, owner Kate Widling (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Lola, owner Madeleine MarjoramLola, owner Madeleine Marjoram (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Roo, owners Charlotte and Shane MorrisonRoo, owners Charlotte and Shane Morrison (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Rosie. owner Gail PrykeRosie. owner Gail Pryke (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Seamus, owner Stephanie DownesSeamus, owner Stephanie Downes (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Hachie, owner Liz NiceHachie, owner Liz Nice (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Lulu, owner Claire BarrLulu, owner Claire Barr (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Rosco, owner Jennie SquirrellRosco, owner Jennie Squirrell (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Neville, owner Bianca RansonNeville, owner Bianca Ranson (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Molly, owner Gill SadlerMolly, owner Gill Sadler (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Bonnie and Buster, owner Katie MayhewBonnie and Buster, owner Katie Mayhew (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Bruno and Jasper (honourary dog, really a kitten), owner NicolePearsonBruno and Jasper (honourary dog, really a kitten), owner NicolePearson (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Podge and Possum, owner Julie SchwerPodge and Possum, owner Julie Schwer (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Bailey by Karen DuttonBailey by Karen Dutton (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Pebbles, owner Chantelle RackhamPebbles, owner Chantelle Rackham (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Indie, owner Sarah Ayling-BateIndie, owner Sarah Ayling-Bate (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Stanley, owner Tracey VealeStanley, owner Tracey Veale (Image: Cat Ekkelboom-White)

Great British Life: Winnie, owner Evelynn DrawsWinnie, owner Evelynn Draws (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Kratu, owner Tessa Eagle SwanKratu, owner Tessa Eagle Swan (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Tink, carer Sue PartingtonTink, carer Sue Partington (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Guide dog Willow, trainer Penny ParkerGuide dog Willow, trainer Penny Parker (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Fury, owner Tracey VealeFury, owner Tracey Veale (Image: Archant)