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 rabbits Milton Keynes 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 Milton Keynes.
1. Best friends
Six-month-old Hecate was rescued from a farm in Wales in August and is now a "cheeky but very loving" new addition to the Smith family. She is the new best friend of a little boy, who "adores her". The two have become inseperable and "one isn't the same withouth eachother."
2. Woman's best friend...
Sinéad Keller has welcomed "gorgeous" Harry the havachon, who is a hybrid dog and a mix between a bichon frise and a havanese.
3. "Hello, pretty bird"
Helen Diggins owns two Indian ring neck parakeets called Jack and Marble. Her family went from owning one pet to 11 during lockdown - with the additions of 2 chickens, 6 praying mantises, and they already had a bearded dragon called Poppet.
4. Two is company
Esmé and Nala joined Jenny Head's family one year ago and she wouldn't be withouth her furry friends now.