This is the story of a little dog who made a big difference in her owner’s life, just when he needed it most.

Our dogs come into our lives as “just the family pet,” but before we know it they become drinking buddies and fuzzy shrinks, playmates and Cheerios-munching vacuum cleaners, alarm clocks and sleeping partners. And, in their mysterious and muttish ways, our dogs become our teachers.

When Dana Jennings and his son were both seriously ill --- Dana with prostate cancer and his son with liver failure --- their 12-year-old miniature poodle, Bijou, became even more than a pet and teacher. She became a healing presence in their lives. After all, when you’re recovering from radical surgery and life is uncertain, there’s no better medicine than a 23-pound mutt who inspires you to live in the moment, even when you’re sick and scared.

In telling Bijou’s tale in all of its funny, touching, and neurotic glory, Dana is telling the story of every dog that has ever blessed our lives. The perfect gift for animal lovers, WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DOG MAKES is a refreshingly witty, occasionally irreverent, and ultimately moving book about the joy animals bring into our lives --- especially when it doesn’t seem like there’s much to be joyful about.