A kaleidoscope of vivid, moving and highly entertaining accounts of the delights and benefits of dog ownership: an anthology of stories, freely contributed, from TV personalities, broadcasters, politicians, writers, and many others.

Jacki Gordon resigned from the Scottish government to be at home and satisfy her yearning for a dog, and - five years on - still marvels at the positive impact that her scruffy lurcher has had on her life. Trading her long career within the public sector to that of a self-employed consultant, Jacki has continued to specialise in deepening the understanding about how people can be helped to flourish, feel more positive, and be happier. Jacki's book brings together her passion for dogs and her long-standing interest and expertise in mental health. All author royalties are being donated to the Samaritans. Samaritans trustee and author of this book's Foreword, Stephen Platt recently retired as Professor of Health Policy Research at the Centre for Population Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh. For over 30 years, Stephen has pursued a research interest in mental health and suicidal behaviour, and has written extensively on these topics. Together with Jacki Gordon, Stephen co-edited (with Rory O Connor) the International Handbook of Suicide Prevention: Research, Policy and Practice. Stephen remembers with great fondness the many hours he spent as a child playing with two very lively family Corgis.

Jacki Gordon resigned from the Scottish government to be at home and satisfy her yearning for a dog, and – five years on – still marvels at the positive impact that her scruffy lurcher has had on her life.

Trading her long career within the public sector to that of a self-employed consultant, Jacki has continued to specialise in deepening the understanding about how people can be helped to flourish, feel more positive, and be happier.

Jacki's book brings together her passion for dogs and her long-standing interest and expertise in mental health. All author royalties are being donated to the Samaritans.