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.
13. Tommy
Tommy, a British short-haired cat, is now nine months old and is always "full of beans", according to his owner, Kerry Horne. She said: "He loves playing ball and also loves attacking people's feet." Photo: Kerry Horne
14. Poppy
Poppy the pup and owner Nessa Austin were united at Vets4Pets, where she came in from a puppy farm via the RSPCA. Nessa said: "I gave her a bath and fell in love! After an assessment and adoption process I was allowed to welcome her home. It’s hard work owning a puppy (and two cats) but she is adorable, cuddly and funny too! We love her to bits and couldn’t imagine life without her." Photo: Ness Austin
15. Sonic
What's new pussycat? Kellie Phillips got Sonic at five weeks old and said: "She is so in love with my little boy, they don't leave eachothers side." Photo: Kellie Phillips
16. Dutch
Carly Preen's children were in for a Christmas to remember in 2020 as they welcomed their new present, Dutch, a six-month-old Shetland pony. She said: "He's just coming out of his shell now, he's a right little character. My horse, however, is not so sure he wanted a little brother..." Photo: Carly Preen