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. Brought to life with colour photographs of the writers and their beloved canine companions, this is an ideal bedside or coffee table book that can be read cover-to-cover, or simply skimmed. My Dog, My Friend conveys the key message that dogs can - and do - have a positive impact on the way we feel and live. All author royalties go to the charity Samaritans, to support its invaluable work of alleviating emotional distress and reducing suicidal behaviour.

Contributors to the anthology come from all walks of life, and include -

Alan Titchmarsh

Antony Worrall Thompson

Ben Rimalower

Robert Alper

Robert Vetere

Brix Smith-Start

Charlie Dimmock

Clare Allan

David Belcher

David Blunkett

David Shrigley

Ed Stourton

Emma Chichester Clark

Esther Rantzen

Fidelma Cook

Fred MacAulay

Helen Fitzgerald

Ian Hamilton

Jackie Kay

Jenni Murray

John Hegley

Jon Landau

Julie Myerson

Lynne Truss

Marion Janner

Marty Becker

Matthew Offord

William McIlvanney

Melanie Reid

Mohamed Al Fayed

Nanette Mutrie

Quintin Jardine

Rankin

Ray Kelvin

Richard Holloway

Sally Beamish

Simon Callow

Stanley Coren

Tim Dowling

Tony Roper

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.