The Gift of Time: A Story of Love, Loss, and Second Chances
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Christmas is a time for togetherness, joy, and reflection. For many of us, the festive season wouldn’t be complete without our beloved dogs by our sides, sharing in the warmth of family moments. This year, our Christmas advert tells a story that goes beyond festive cheer—a tale of love, loss, and the second chances that only dogs can bring into our lives.
Meet Leah And Keith
Last year, we introduced you to Leah and her gentle, loving dog, Barney. For Leah, Barney was far more than just a pet—he was her family, her unwavering companion through life’s ups and downs. Barney was there for her happiest moments, celebrating alongside her with his wagging tail and playful spirit.
He was also her quiet comfort during the hard times, resting his head on her lap when words failed and tears fell. Every laugh, every tear, and every small moment in between, Barney was by her side, giving Leah a sense of security and belonging that only he could provide.
We also met Keith, whose life revolved around his energetic and loyal dog, Rocket. Rocket wasn’t just a pet; he was Keith’s adventure partner, his confidant, and the very definition of a man’s best friend.
Together, they explored the world, from long walks in the countryside to lazy Sundays on the sofa. Rocket was Keith’s constant source of joy and positivity, always ready to brighten his day with a cheeky bark or a playful nudge.
Tragically, part one of our story ends with the heartbreaking loss of both Barney and Rocket. For Leah, losing Barney felt like losing a part of herself—her home felt quieter, emptier, and so many routines were now missing his presence.
For Keith, the loss of Rocket left a silence that replaced the lively energy Rocket brought into his life. Both Leah and Keith struggled to adjust to life without their beloved companions, feeling the deep ache that only comes from losing a cherished family member.
Their stories remind us of the profound bond between humans and their dogs—a bond so strong that its absence leaves a space that feels impossible to fill. But even in the depths of loss, their journeys show us that healing is possible, and new beginnings can be found.
@yearsuk A Christmas message to all those dogs past and present. Thank you for your love, friendship and joy. You are our life. #christmas #dogs ♬ original sound - YEARS UK
Leah : A Year On
In part two, we find Leah a year later, still grappling with the grief of losing Barney. Her days feel quieter, her routines emptier, and while time has dulled the sharpness of her pain, the ache of his absence lingers. The festive season, once filled with Barney’s playful excitement—his curious sniffs at the Christmas tree, the way he’d curl up beside her during family evenings—feels different now.
Leah is surrounded by love, but there’s a part of her heart that remains lost without him.
As Christmas approaches, Leah’s parents notice the lingering sadness in her eyes and decide to do something extraordinary. On Christmas morning, they surprise her with a gift she never expected: a rescue dog.
Nervously, the dog approaches Leah, and she feels an instant connection. This isn’t just any dog; it’s a soul in need, one who has also experienced hardships and is searching for love and safety—just as Leah is.
At first, their bond is tentative, both of them adjusting to the uncertainties of a new relationship. But as the days pass, something magical happens. Leah begins smiling again, laughing at her new companion’s quirky behaviours, while the dog, once shy and hesitant, starts to trust Leah and finds comfort in her gentle presence.
Together, they begin to heal, each giving the other the gift of acceptance and understanding.
While Leah knows her new dog can never replace Barney, he brings something equally profound to her life: a reminder that love can take many forms and that it’s possible to find joy and connection again, even after loss.
Together, they build new routines, share adventures, and rediscover the quiet comfort of simply being there for one another.
@yearsuk A Christmas message to all those dogs past and present. Thank you for your love, friendship and joy. Help us rehome Sandy and her friends by spreading this video far and wide🎄🐶 #dogmum #dogtok #christmas #christmasadvert #rescuedog #dogsoftiktok ♬ original sound - YEARS UK
Why We Created Years
This story reflects why we started Years. We didn’t set out to create just another dog food company. Years was born from a desire to give dogs and their families more time together—more tail wags, more walks, more cuddles. By providing exceptional, breed-specific nutrition made from fresh, whole food ingredients, we aim to help dogs live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
The Unique Bond Between Dogs and Humans
The bond between a dog and their human is unlike anything else. It’s one of unconditional love, quiet understanding, and moments of pure joy. Just this past month, three customers shared their stories with us:
"I would thank Billy for always being near when I needed comfort and was on my own. He had this way of sensing when I felt low, quietly curling up beside me without asking for anything in return, just being there. On days when I wanted to hide from the world, he gave me a reason to step outside—whether it was for a walk or just to sit in the garden with him.
Billy didn’t care if I was having a bad day or if I wasn’t at my best; he accepted me just as I was. His unconditional love reminded me that I wasn’t alone, even when it felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. He wasn’t just my dog; he was my steady companion, my confidant, and my greatest source of comfort."
Clare D., Birmingham
"For being there since I was 8 years old, through every stage of growing up. When school was far from fun, and the days felt long and lonely, you were my constant. You seemed to know when I needed cheering up, greeting me at the door with an excited wag of your tail, or sitting quietly beside me as if you understood everything I couldn’t put into words. You didn’t care about the mean comments, the hard lessons, or the bad days; to you, I was always enough, just as I was.
You turned those difficult moments into something softer, brighter—helping me find joy even when the world felt heavy. You were my friend, my confidant, and my greatest comfort during the times I needed it most."
Isabel K., Dorset
"For saving my life in ways I could never fully explain. You came into my world when I was at my lowest, when hope felt distant, and every day felt like a battle. You didn’t ask questions or demand anything from me—you just stayed by my side, offering quiet comfort and unconditional love.
Your presence gave me a reason to get up each morning, a reason to take that next step, even when it felt impossible. You reminded me that life could still hold joy, even in the smallest moments—a wag of your tail, the warmth of your head resting on my lap, or the way you’d nudge me to go for a walk when I needed it most. You didn’t just save me—you gave me back the will to keep going. You were my light in the darkest times, and for that, I owe you everything."
Carrie N., Leeds
A Message of Hope
This Christmas, we wanted to share a message of hope: even in loss, there’s room for healing and new beginnings. Rescue dogs, like the one in our advert, remind us of the transformative power of love and the mutual healing that occurs when a dog in need finds a family ready to care.
Giving the Gift of Time
At Years, our mission has always been to celebrate and nurture the extraordinary bond between dogs and their humans. By focusing on the best nutrition tailored to your dog’s specific needs, we’re not just fuelling their days—we’re helping to create more days together.
This Christmas, we hope our story reminds you to cherish the time you share with your furry family members. Whether it’s the wag of their tail, the nudge of their nose, or the comfort of their quiet presence, dogs give us their all—and deserve nothing less in return.
At Years Our meals are crafted with this philosophy in mind. We create fresh, whole food meals cooked by chefs, using seasonal ingredients you’d happily eat yourself, paired with prime cuts of meat. Each recipe is tailored specifically to your dog’s breed, age, size, and unique needs, ensuring they get the perfect balance of nutrients to thrive. At Years.com, we’re here to support your dog’s health, happiness, and longevity at every stage of their life.
From all of us at Years, we wish you and your furry family a joyful and love-filled festive season.
