If you have been impacted by this film and need support please reach out for help to one of the following amazing charities; www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/getting-help-in-a-crisis/ www.samaritans.org/ afsp.org/

Will, I DEEPLY appreciate you posting this video and for your vulnerability. Mental health is a subject that is hard for people to talk about and I think the more it becomes normalized to talk about our struggles, the more people will be able to get the help they need -- particularly men who often feel it makes them weak to show emotion. My husband thinks that crying or showing emotion makes him weak and I keep trying to gently tell him this is the furthest thing from the truth; I think a man who is willing to show emotion, to cry and be open is an incredibly brave man and one I want to be around. Thank you again Will!

These meditations are perfect. kzfaq.infoUgkxR50id-GIBIDuBvuBGenhx1O5zKIfCVNK him has a gentle, warm, pleasant voice (with a slight Scots accent). The words are simple and clear. The timing is perfect... just as you start to find your mind wandering, he says and if you find that your mind is wandering... . There is no background music and no noise in the background, only his peaceful and engaging voice. The length of the meditations (about 1/2 hour each) works well for me. I find that I tire of some meditations after frequent repetition, but that hasn't happened with this one. The metta lovingkindness meditation always feels right. Some meditation CDs I have tried have not felt right. The voice seemed hurried, or sounded tense; the background music seemed intrusive, or there were noises that interfered with concentration. This is just perfect as an introduction for new meditators, and it's also a meditation that I return to again and again. I'd give this more than five stars if that were an option. Even my students, who are not ordinarily very receptive to meditation, relax when they hear this one!

I had a dog like this. We spent every minute together. She passed away last year and I miss her every day.

Bawled my eyes out at this. I had bad anxiety and panic attacks, and also had a Lab who got me through it. She gave me a reason to get up in the morning and she gave me so much unconditional love. I lost her two months ago - she was almost 17. I didn’t think I could have another dog but our house felt so empty without her. We just got a new Lab puppy two weeks ago!! He’s ten weeks old and we are following your course. He is already doing ‘sit, stay, break’ for his dinner and that amazes me. He bites like a monster but we’ll get there. Thank you so much for what you do, Will, and for sharing your story.

We still have our son because we had a chocolate Lab. When the pain became too great, he would get the dog. He suffered with depression. 15 years on, he's doing fine.

The world is a better place with you in it, Will Atherton. Our dogs give us so much more than they ask of us. You and Sully were matched from the start, by providence or just plain good fortune. Thank you for sharing your deeply painful journey with us, hopefully you have inspired someone on the edge to reach out for help and to have hope.💕🐾🐾

Watched the premiere and as it finished, with tears streaming down my face, I leaned down and my beautiful black lab, Obsidian, looked up at me sweetly and gently licked the tears from my eyes. I never knew how much my dog would open my heart up and allow me to really feel a depth of unconditional love for another being I hadn’t realized was closed off prior to getting him.

Respect for your sharing your pain with us. I've also been there, now I have a pup who makes me do the things I found impossible without him. I have PTSD and depression and my puppy got given to me because the people who had him weren't good people so I couldn't refuse. He hadn't been touched or shown love from a human and weaned early so your videos and help have really helped us progress. Thankyou so much for being the human being that you are and helping me find my leadership for my boy.

Thank you for your honesty Will. So many people suffer in silence and it's a tragedy. You're proof that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, however far away it may seem. Keep doing what you're doing, it's incredibly valuable.

Beautiful Will. Dog whisperers are highly sensitive people, still in touch with our inside animal. I wish you ALL the best, keep on keeping on and educating us!

Dear God. I'm 55 years old. I have 5 rescue dogs. This is probably the best documentary I have ever seen. And I Can explain why. I cried through all of it. Thank you with all my heart. Sincerely frank. I love this man.

A deeply deeply moving account. Just shows never judge a book by its cover. Never in a million years would I have ever thought this was your life before all the dog training. Thank you for sharing. We have a great Labrador and some how all my stress just fades away when we go for a walk. Dogs are amazing and Will you are amazing. Hope to meet in person one day.

Cried a lot watching this. Well done, Will. Dog sat with me. As humans, we owe a lot to animals.

Will, you've helped us greatly with the training of our three (yes 3!) Rottweilers that we brought home at 8 weeks old, a year and half ago. A year before that, on Easter 2021, a pitbull jumped from the window of a house and attacked our family, leaving me traumatized to the point of immobilization. After a year of every therapy in an attempt to recover, I realized the only way I could heal would be to get and train "ferocious" dogs so the ways and sounds of them would not longer create terror in me. These three have helped me retrain my nervous system as I train them. Thank you for your message of responsibility and conscious decision-making for all dog owners--especially for those of "ferocious" breeds. And, thank you for sharing your story with us!

This Moved me to tears. Dogs have a way of healing us just with Their simple presence. I walked out of an abusive marriage and got. myself an aussie pup and he is the light of my life. We are doing your Perfect Puppy course and he loves the exercices. Thank you for Sharing your Story.

Hi Will, Thanks for sharing your story. I am 59 and after 4 years of psychotherapy and 5000+ hours of psychology study my depression has been in remission for a couple of years now. I got a German Shepherd mystery mix puppy from the animal shelter a month ago. He's the 10th Dog I have had in my life. At one point I had two Rottweilers and an Akita mystery mix, then GSD lab mix with a Rottweiler Blue healer mix. I lived in India from 2012-2916 and adopted a puppy I literally pulled out of a sewer -an Indian Pariah Dog. I had to sit up with him for three days changing his IV to treat Parvo. 'Arjuna' was the smartest dog I have had. Unfortunately, when I was in India I had a complete psychotic break into major depression and multiple suicide attempts, ended up living on the street in Bangalore, hospitalized with TB and the US Embassy got me back, and he was left on the street " :( . My new Dog "Spitz" is the first dog I have had in seven years. Otherwise I have had dogs and cats all my life. I am primarily using your training advice with "Spitz" and it's working out really well. I trained the other Dogs I mentioned with the Monks of New Skete method. I have only had to do an alpha roll twice on two different dogs. Otherwise it is similar to yours. I like your emphasis on leadership. It's raining but I am about to take him for a 2 mile hike here in SW Oregon.

One of the saddest truths Will,is that your not alone...my darkest period was a hell I hope to never go back to...and I honestly believe that my beautiful Jack Russell Stanley helped me heal...when I lost him about 8yrs ago a piece of my heart went with him..I've had dogs since that I truly love but stanly will always be my saviour and my heart still hurts when I think of him ❤

I have bipolar and after a break in i had a full break down and I got my girl and she saved my life x. Xls aren’t all bad xxx

Thank you, Will, for allowing me to see this chapter of your journey. It literally broke my heart, but I am so thankful you had your best friend to be there for you during the darkest time of your life. He is definitely your light. You and your beautiful family are truly blessed. ❤

Will , Thank you for putting yourself out there. you made yourself vulnerable and I appreciate it. I lost my dog in august to cancer. This story brought me to tears. Sully is also the lucky one to have you. Regards.

Well done, Will. You should be so proud of yourself

I feel blessed to say I had a dog like that too. I always tell people he was my "soul dog". He died unexpectedly 2 years ago and I miss him every minute of every day. Thank you, Will, for sharing such a personal emotional story.

In one of your videos you said 'If you do not train your dog, it is like the dog is having to drive the lorry and he does not know what to do, but tell your dog what to do and when and your dog will have all the weight of the world taken off his shoulders cos he no longer has to drive the lorry'. This has worked, the dog is really safe and content, and looks to my daughter for guidance even when his food is put down for him (in your puzzle bowl) he asks for permission to eat! And this is a labrador. Thank you Will for all your calm advice. You are a kind man. Uncle Sully is a kind dog.

I’ve struggled with depression myself, and I’d wanted a dog for 15 years but was never confident enough to do it. In August I made the jump and got Bowzer (my Mini Schnauzer) and I cannot put into words how much confidence your videos and guides have given me. I watched ALL of them to make sure I knew everything. Bowzer was top of the class at puppy class, and it’s because of you that I was able to get him into that position. He’s still an over excitable Knobhead when meeting other people and dogs 😂 but we’re working on that. You don’t know me, and I don’t know you, but I want to thank you so much for giving me the confidence to get my new best friend and my life wouldn’t be the same without him…or you.

It needs a lot of courage to let everybody know what is inside your soul. Respect. A lot of respect. Hope you will be on your path out there

beautiful and so true ! he doesn't care how many views you get, he just wants to be with you.

What an incredible friend, you have. I am grateful you have a friend like that. If it not for him, then we, wouldn’t have you. You are a talented gift from God. Doing what you do, is your purpose in life, to save all these dogs. Just like Sully’s purpose, was to save you. You MATTER! So please, say thank you, to your friend, from me.

I had no idea you were there, I a sorry. I look up to you as an amazing dog trainer and I follow and take all of your advice into consideration. You taught me to teach my dog to "wait" at areas of egress (gates, bridges, crossing busy driveways etc.) and many other tips that have helped us both. Your videos and advice profoundly helped me at a time I was struggling with my highly reactive, super strong 65-70 lb. Staff rescue and u was beginning to think I could not manage her anymore. I was ready to give up and you saved me and her. YHANK YOU!

Depression is such an insidious thing. It pushes the worst to the forefront and makes the illogical logical. Thanks for showing a ton of vulnerability and bringing these issues to light. More men especially need to talk about this.

Will, Sully deserves a medal. Not only did she save you, she also saved your family from a life of sorrow and regrets. Well done both of you.

Currently in college and really struggling, knowing my dog is there every time I come home is keeping me going. He's a true friend in a way no-one else is.

Total respect to you Will for an extremely well produced documentary. You were one of the first online trainers I started following and I’m so glad you are still here to share your knowledge with us all. I would love to train emotional support dogs in the future and believe everyone should have access to such a dog during times of crisis. Keep on keeping on 🐾🤞

OMG Will, when you said about the Dog Whisperer…same. Became obsessed from that moment on, (15+ years ago) everything dog that I could watch, read, dog courses - namely The Dog Listener. Love helping people, although I find humans a challenge, the dogs…easy. I love watching you and I can still learn something every time I watch your clips. Thank you Lad, you make a difference. ❤

I hear the pain and I’ve felt that similar pain and it’s unsettling the feeling of helplessness that comes over you, fear, hurt, love, loss, everything rushes in all at once and you feel like you’re in a deep dark well digging your way out. Writing, sitting with myself, staying off social media, tv off and just sit and write. It’s helped me in healing myself and I’m still a work in progress as I continue on this unedited process and new journey. My heart goes out to Will.

Will, you don't know how much this means. I'm going through a horrific time. My beautiful fiancé has cancer. It's destroyed our dreams, it's taken over, and it's turned our lives upside down. But you so eloquently put across how amazing the beautiful and unconditional love a dog (and my cat) bring. I don't know what I'd do without them right now. They are the light in the very dark tunnel I've found myself in. I love them so much. Thank you for this. It's wonderful to hear your story.

Will I am looking forward to this. Dogs are also my life, I dealt with crippling depression and anxiety and made a plan to end my life as well. At my lowest point my retriever Bailey came into my life and I spent hours working with her, she became my best friend. Her and my other dogs got met through it. I now have a beautiful daughter and my dogs, I help others with dogs as well. You've been an inspiration, but also a reference of what I want to do with my life because of the similarities in our stories. I'm looking forward to seeing this documentary. Thank you for your content.

Will, you made me cry. I too have been where you were. Last year we lost our working line black lab at the age of 13 very suddenly. I picked her as a pup as she came and sat by my foot and looked up at me very quietly. She was the most well behaved, joyous and beautiful dog. Angel by name and nature. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding me of all her special qualities and what she did for me everyday. Thanks.

Man that’s a good friend, walking out of work and finding Will on some bench next to the train tracks

That hit me in the feels. I know the darkness all too well. Luckily I've managed to give it a place and built myself to a point where I might not fully know what I want yet, but I do know what I don't want and what is detrimental to my health. There is always light, even if you are too far to see it. Thank you for speaking about your experience. Men's mental health is very much ignored in society. Please give uncle Sully a nice pat on the head for me.

I watched your video and cried with you ,by making this video you have helped more people than you know , you brave man ,you are such a wonderful human being and the world is a richer place for having you in it , wishing you many ,many years of peace and happiness, you were meant to have that dog you know it was meant to be

Will, thank you so much for your honesty and being willing to share such a painful time with us. Sending blessings to you, your family, and all your pups, especially Sully. 💜

Being a Beagle Person I can Resonate with you completely. My Pogo helped me like anything to get out of my age old anxiety, Addiction, Trauma Bond and what not! Cant imagine my life without him! He is so very a Therapy Dog. 🌸🌸🌸❤️❤️❤️

Wow what a beautiful story. This is so weird. But today I was driving alone and thinking of getting another dog as my old girl is 17 yrs old and I’ve never been without a dog my hole life. Well driving alone and I thought my next dog will be a lab & gonna call her fly , what a call name ❤ You are a LEGEND OF A MAN ❤❤❤❤❤❤

Your intuition chose Sully. I had a similar experience. I had a Vizsla that was going to have a litter, and I planned to keep a puppy. I told myself that when the puppies were being born, the one I placed a yellow collar on would be my puppy. He turned out to be the most amazing dog-my heart dog. What a gift he was! Wow what a touching film, thank you for sharing.

The world is a better place with you in it. My darkness has been losing 3 dogs in 9 months xxx

It's remarkable how often I come across stories like this, ones that echo my own experience. There's a passage I once heard that encapsulates this connection many of us have with our dogs perfectly: "And when man became so blinded with science that he could no longer percieve the mystery of angels, God sent them forth as dogs. Perceived as lesser beings, they were able to move about freely on earth, giving love and comfort to those still able to open their hearts to this healing. Surely I have lived with an angel."

Your story reminds me of someone close to me who was under immense pressure working in a high school, they were heading for a breakdown but left the job and decided to foster rescue dogs. It's been tough but those dogs have been their saving grace.

I’m so grateful to Sully and I know your family is, too.

Will, thank you for sharing your story. You help so many people who may be going through a painful time and think there ‘s no hope for them. Give Sully a BIG hug for helping to keep you with us! ❤️🐾🌵

Thank you for being brave enough to share your story, it really brought a tear to my eye. I've just recently picked up a beautiful black labrador called Chester and came across your channel whilst searching for training advice. So far, less than a week in and I've got sit, paw, play (break), leave it, bed, and lie down all coming along strong. I was so apprehensive about getting a dog due to the added stress, especially with a toddler around the house but my wife was adamant it would be good for my mental health. After watching this it's taken me back to my late teens, a time I had probably locked away and forgotten about and how I found so much relief in just walking the family dog. I would be gone hours with her and it always helped me. We don't deserve dogs, they're incredible creatures.

So many parallels. Rescued my GSD as a pup at one of the lowest points in my life, where I lacked hope and goals I now had a responsibility I had to plan ahead for - something that depended on me taking care of myself, forcing me to get out of bed and into the fresh air.

We owe our dogs so much. Their unconditional love and loyalty are truly a blessing.

I've watched many of your videos. It was obvious that you were a fine trainer. Not it is obvious what a fine man you are.

You are loved. I'm getting my first puppy in less than 2 weeks and your videos are unparalleled teaching tools - I'm learning how to be a better leader, not just a dog dad. Thank you. We've never met, but you've had a positive impact on my life. Keep your chin up and keep on keeping on. ❤

Beautiful story. There is usually a silver lining in dark as well as light times in our lives. Dogs have always been a central figure for me. Teach us so much.

I applaud you. Being open and honest about these kinds of experiences is hard but also very important. The more open we are about these issues, the more people are willing to open up about their struggles, which saves lives.

Will, just started this and so wanting to watch through it, thank you for sharing this. my dog saved my life too and i treasure every beating moment with her

You’re a true inspiration will ❤️

Will, thank you and Sully for telling your Story. The world truly is better with you in it. i also have a rescue dog that was the only one there for me in the darkest of times!!! Thank you so much

Bloody hell will...that was brave..and I'm bloody glad you are still here ..dogs eh...who would be without them ❤

Cried pretty much the whole time. I am glad you had this good of a friend by your side, I wouldn’t be here commenting if it weren’t for them. You have a great friend that you texted as well because I too am happy you’re here. I’ve watched nothing but your videos for a week now in preparation for my puppy this coming Saturday. You inspire me and countless others. Keep doing what you do sir.

My old collie saved me from driving off cliffs or into trees multiple times just because she was always in the car with me and I couldn't do that to her. She left the world 9 months ago, age 16, and it's like I've lost a child, I won't ever get over it. I now have a little rescue collie who is bringing light back, and I hope I can bring light to her as she hasn't had the best start. Some people just need best friends who happen to be dogs.

My lab saved my life too, I'm training him to be my service dog, but really I'm just encouraging his natural careing behavior

Will, I’ve been enjoying your videos so much. I lost my youngest daughter to suicide. Please stay. For all of us, please stay.

I always knew Sully was special for you (just the way you talk about him) but I didn't know how much. I'm very glad you have made it to the other side. Thank you so much for your hard work Will. Mental health issues are horrible, I have been through the same, and I can't see myself without my dog Cindy.

Sully you are such a good boy 💙 your grey muzzle can't help but break my heart because it reminds me of my doggy we lost just before my eldest was born. I truly wish dogs lived as long as people 💙💙💙

Well done Will mate, brave and vulnerable of you to share. I get it, you're brain, when it's not very well, can make the worst things seem like the best option. You can Really feel like your family are better off without when of course...Of course they absolutely are not and you know that 100% when you're well. Well done mate. Day at a time...

Thank you for openly and honestly sharing your struggles. What a blessing your Sully is! Dogs instinctively know us deep down and will never betray us. Sully has such a beautiful soul and obviously means so much to you as you do to him. ❤

What an absolutely beautiful story. Thank you for being humble and vulnerable enough to share these details with us. You and your boy are an inspiration. Though I never wish emotional suffering on anyone, it is so important that we see that those who seemingly have it all together have often had to come to nearly the end of themselves to get there. Thank you, Will and keep up your blessed journey.

Thank you for sharing your humanity, your truth, your heart. It’s great to see you 💛

This really hits me in the heart

Respect. There's no other word. ❤

God bless you Will. I had no idea! We have personally watched your videos and used what we learned from you to have a better relationship with our own dogs. Sending you lots of love and positive thoughts. Please take care of yourself-there are plenty more dogs and humans out there that are waiting for your wonderful help.❤

I have so much respect for you sharing your story and helping others showing the beauty of dogs and what they can do in our lives!

Uncle Sully 🖤 so important that you released this man, amazing that you had the courage to be so open and share with the world 🙏🏼

Wow, that’s so impactful! I want to thank you for sharing such a hard time, you don’t know how much it has helped me to see that there can be a light at the end of the tunnel … thank you.

My living room got awful dusty watching this one m8. Thank you for helping me with my dog, and give a treat to uncle Sully from me!

Thank you so much for this. I've been in a similar situation and I wouldn't have made it without my JRT. Sadly he passed away in August after 14yr wonderful years. I got a rescue jackabee a couple of months ago and he was the reason I found your videos. You have helped me calm a highly reactive and aggressive puller. He was 18 months old when I got him. He had never been leash trained just left to run around the garden and had no other training. In just 2 months you have given us both a new lease of life. Thank you. ❤

Iv learnt so much from you!! I fostered for 3 years, I needed training, you were there** and now I have my own pup, a mastiff" I adore, and thanks for all iv learnt from you - I'm raising a well behaved obedient pup - so thank you!!! Blessings 🐾🐾

Not even 10 seconds in, and I have a lump in my throat. I remember someone commented on a video of mine years ago, saying, "I discovered you through Fenrir Canine." I had yet to learn who you were, but you were recommending another canine professional for your following to look into. That speaks volumes to who you are as a person and what it means to you to help dogs. You're an incredible, creative human being, a supportive, loving husband and father, and a dear friend to me. I will always be there for you, my brother, and don't forget it!

This was one of the most moving documentaries I have watched. You watch people who teach, or entertain you and you never think of them this way. You just assume they always wanted to do this and good for them, must be nice. You never think of the struggles they went through, how they are real people with actual problems or troubles. I cried through this whole thing. I have a new respect for you and your videos, I've always liked your teaching and how you are with animals, this makes you so more realistic, not just a show or video. Dogs are amazing creatures, you are very lucky to have your puppies, your beautiful wife and children and friends that make you wait for them.

My staffy I lost last year was always by my side no matter what. Got me through a nasty accident. Only thing that kept me going and getting out the house. So completely get it. She trained my other dog better than I ever could. There a lot better trainers than us.

Thank you Will for sharing your story. It is not easy to be this vunerable. Sully is your guardian angel on Earth. Dogs are the best at that.

your story really hit home for me and i can relate i have suffered from depression on and off my whole life dogs have always helped me through life and my current dog saved my life and she is my world

I'm not crying, you are!

Omg I just came a cross your site today.. you are so brave sharing your mental health journey and reconising it’s ok not to be ok.. 🥰🥰🐶

Wow! This is just fabulous. I recently brought a Red Fox Lab puppy into my life and I had the same experience as Will. I just knew instantly that he was the one. And thank god, because my Bear has been the most perfect dog I could ever wish for. Everything I ever wanted and needed. I came across Will when preparing myself to bring Bear home, and I can safely say that his teaching has helped us no end with every aspect. Thank you Will, you are brilliant

Thanks for sharing this part of your story with us Will.

I love you Will and family! ❤

Thank you for sharing your story❤

It was a privilege to view this short doco so soon after publishing.

Great story, Will. I imagine a lot of people can relate to much of it. Glad you pulled through- I am thoroughly enjoying your training materials and methods. Hope to thank you personally some day!

Beautiful documentary and even more beautiful boy, the grief we go through shared by our k9 companions is a bond like no other. Unless your a dog person... You wouldn't understand 😊

Aww Dude, that was heart-breaking and beautiful. I appreciate You.

Only the strongest of men would cry. Much love and respect sir

A beautifully raw and honest portrayal of how a dog's companionship can profoundly change one mans life's course

So proud of you Will. There are hundreds of thousands of people AND dogs who are grateful that you’re still here. Please know just how important your contribution to this world has been and still is so needed. The indelible mark you’ve made in people’s and dogs lives is immeasurable. You’ve given just so many people the confidence to handle their dogs and have a fulfilling relationship with them. These dogs may not been given the chance otherwise. You’ve literally saved so many lives. From the bottom of my heart: thank you for sticking around ♥️🐾

I too owe a to a dog. Glad we both made it out and found some measure of meaning and happiness.

"I owe a lot to that dog" are words that resonate so much with me. Seven years ago my partner took her own life and it was my labrador that gave me something to focus on, something I was responsible for, and something that meant I had to get out of bed and get out of the house every day. I had to say goodbye to him last week which was one of the saddest days of my life. He was with me through the hardest times in my life and I will never forget him and the bond we had. Thanks for sharing your story Will and for a reminder of the ways in which dogs are more than pets.