Roxy was born on 12 November 2016. I adopted her on 4 January 2017, when she was still a very young German Shepherd puppy.

At the time, I lived alone in a terrace house. My original plan was to have a dog who could help me feel safer at home. German Shepherds are known for being alert, loyal and protective, so Roxy seemed like the right choice.

However, it did not take long for our relationship to become about much more than security. Roxy brought energy, companionship and happiness into my home.

I adopted her because I wanted a security dog, but I soon gained a loyal friend. Neither of us knew then how much our lives would change—or how important we would become to each other.