Famed names from the world of TV, fashion and music have posed with their beloved pets for a series of candid portraits that are being sold in an online auction to raise money for Dogs Trust.

In a touching testimony to the power of relationships between Man's Best Friend and their owners, the four-legged friends of celebrities including Blur's Alex James, Charlotte Olympia Dellal, Elle MacPherson and Daisy Lowe, were captured in photographs taken by famed animal portrait artist Gerrard Gethings. He worked with PetsPyjamas.com, an online style emporium for dogs, to create the limited edition prints.

Bidding in the auction began yesterday here, with opening prices starting from £200. The portraits will also go on show from 21 - 29 March at the PetsPyjamas gallery at 81 Leonard Street, London. Funds raised will go to the Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity.

We've grabbed a sneak preview of some of the celebrities featured, along with their heartfelt tributes to their pets. These photos show the stars photographed with their pets - but in the online auction photos, the pets appear alone...

Fashion expert Caryn Franklin with Major Wendy Tigson, the Mini Schnauzer

Celebrities and their dogs star in portrait auction