We all know about the amazing work of guide dogs and assistance dogs, too, but this book details all the other incredible things dogs can do for us physically, mentally and emotionally. And not just dogs - horses and donkeys, dolphins and whales, pigs, lions, monkeys, wolves, cats, the list goes on. This book is full of fascinating examples of the healing animals can bring to us through their care, empathy, intelligence and insight.

Through anecdotes, historic evidence, the tales of indigenous populations and scientific discovery, the author provides a vast number of examples of where animals have anticipated the needs of humans, and argues that should we listen and heed animals more we would enjoy a healthier, happier society.

So many aspects of healing are represented here. There's the sound of a cat purring, insects humming or birds singing to bring comfort and peace, and ease loneliness. Horses, donkeys and dogs can alleviate trauma, stress, fear and depression. Griffiths introduces us to Digby the therapy dog with Devon and Somerset Fire and Emergency Rescue, and a dog on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco intervening to prevent individuals taking their own lives.

There's an account of lions who saved and protected a girl from kidnappers, dolphins who led a boat to a woman lost at sea and prevented her drowning, and dogs who can smell cancer, anticipate seizures and call the emergency services.  

Griffiths also tells us that if we were to mimic the lifestyles of creatures in the natural world, we might learn something of a better way to live too. Bees take collective decisions, red deer make decisions by referendum, and wolves can show us something about ethics. 

This book is packed with stories and certainly is a reminder to heed the natural world and respect what the animals, birds and insects might be telling us.