And after extending an invitation to readers on our Bendigo Advertiser Facebook page to send us their favourite pics of their pampered pooches, we were overwhelmed by the response.

More than 2000 readers have commented and posted a photo of their furry family member in just a couple of days, and almost 52,000 people have since read our story and scrolled through the gallery of dogs of all shapes and sizes, and of breeds from around the world.

The pet gallery was the most viewed across the vast Australian Community Media network for the week, and it's a powerful reminder of just how much Australians love their pets and the love and enjoyment they provide in return.

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