If there is any sure way to cheer you up and take your mind off the national news agenda for five minutes, it is seeing the cutest puppies, kittens and ponies Northampton has to offer.
Lockdown has presented many people with a lot of spare time on their hands to train a pet and working from home opportunities have made the dream of one day owning a dog or cat a reality.
In August 2020, statistics provided by The Kennel Club revealed a picture of the state-of-the-nation of life in lockdown, as thousands sought canine companionship to get through the isolation and anxiety caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Almost two thirds (63 per cent) of those who bought a puppy during the pandemic believed lockdown was the perfect time to get a puppy – with three quarters also stating their dog was the best thing about lockdown.
Let's take a look through the picture gallery at the cutest new additions to homes across Northampton.
5. Willow and Boris
Ashleigh Harding now has two new additions in her family. A bunny called Willow and a cat called Boris. The rabbit keeps her youngest son company and the kitten belongs to her older son who was devastated when they lost their last cat. She said: "My son aptly named him Boris - we thought they had similar hair." Photo: Ashleigh Harding
6. Gracie
Gracie, a street cat from Romania, was found trying to care for her two kittens - who are now also in the UK. Sharron French has since adopted her and said: "She is the most cuddly cat ever, made possible with the great support from The Pack Project." Photo: Sharron French
7. Ruby
One lucky girl had the best Christmas Day ever after being gifted Ruby, a chesnut mare riding pony. After asking for six years, she finally got her dream come ture. Venisha said: "It's the biggest secret I have ever kept from her for three very long months. She is totally besotted by her best friend." Photo: Venisha Patel
8. Patch
Patch has helped to filled a hole in Apryl Fleming's heart during lockdown. After losing their Staffordshire Bull Terrior in March, she found out her uncle's dog was pregnant and she decided she would love to have another puppy. In april, Patch was welcomed into the family. Photo: Apryl Fleming