Discover the inner workings of our relationship with dogs in this gentle, informed and fun look at the reasons why we love our four-legged friends.

Many of us know the joy, love and chaos of having a dog in your life. But have you ever wondered why we can feel such an attachment to dogs in particular? Pairing adorable images with the latest research, Dogs & Us is an investigation into – and celebration of – human-canine relationships.

With the rise of hybrid working and average lifespans increasing, dog owners are spending more and more time with their pets. This book explores how dogs affect and improve a multitude of aspects of our lives, covering themes including affection, calming, exercise, friendship and play. It also captures the link between human wellbeing and our animal companions – a particularly wonderful aspect of life with dogs.

Dog lovers everywhere will adore this fresh and vibrant look at the bond we share with our canine companions. With fascinating insights from organisations such as the Human Animal Bond Research Institution, it brings brand new academic research together with playful quotes and images in a collection that will inform, intrigue and delight. Join the growing number of dog owners who want to know more about our relationship with ‘man’s best friend’, and dive into Dogs and Us.

Gareth St John Thomas is a lifetime animal observer, wordsmith and nature enthusiast who has lived in the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand. Words and creativity run in Gareth’s family – his grandfather was Gilbert Thomas the Poet, his father was David St John Thomas, the founder of publishing house David & Charles, and his son is Nathan James Thomas, the founder of travel writing journal Intrepid Times.

Gareth’s previous books on the subject of our animal friends include Cats Work Like This, which he co-authored with his father David, and Oliver Kitten’s Diary.