Romantic novel of the year 2010. When the abandoned strays from a local dogs' home are matched with brand new owners, it turns out it might not be just the dogs who need rescuing. Rachel's aunt has left her a house, a border collie and, despite Rachel knowing nothing about dogs, a crowded kennel.
But since her life has collapsed, she's not sure she can deal with any more lost souls. Zoe's ex-husband has given their children a puppy. The kids are in love, but she's the one stuck training Toffee the impossible Labrador.
She's nearly at the end of her tether - until Toffee leads her to a handsome doctor....
Meanwhile Natalie and Johnny's marriage hasn't been easy since they started trying for a baby. But is a fridge-raiding, sofa-stealing Basset hound like Bertie really the child substitute they're looking for?
As the new owners' paths cross on the town's dog-walking circuits, their lives become interwoven. And they - and their dogs - learn some important lessons about loyalty, companionship and unconditional love....