Books for Proud Dog Parents Who Always Ask, “But Does the Dog Die?”

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

If you have been lucky enough to share any part of your life with a dog, you know that the relationship is deeper and richer than what any non-dog person could ever comprehend! Alice Hoffman has edited a lovely collection of essays from well-known authors celebrating the bond that humans and canines can share.

Readers will experience the full range of emotion while reading this book (which has an excellent cover by the way)! From welcoming a brand-new puppy to saying goodbye to a beloved friend, every chapter of a dog’s life is worth celebrating.

Tons of great authors made contributions to this collection, including Roxane Gay, Chris Bohjalian, Jodi Picoult, Amy Tan and more. This is the ultimate gift for any dog lover in your life … including you!

“I’m not one to spend a lot of time on author bios and acknowledgements, but I read every last word printed in this slight (240-page) collection in search of more to delight; I just didn’t want it to end.” — 4 stars (out of 4); Barbara Ellis, The Denver Post

This book will also change your life! Even if you don’t recognize his name, you’ve probably encountered his work. Known as The Dogist, Friedman found fame when he started sharing photos and unique dog stories online.

Friedman has spent decades studying the bond and relationship between dog and human. This book brings together some of the best from both his personal and his professional life. The overall tone of this book is chatty and light, but there are some serious issues mentioned as well, so go ahead and prepare yourself for that.

In addition to being a prolific artist, Friedman is also an advocate for organizations that support dog rescues and advocacy. Still unsure if you are a dog person or not? Pick this one up and let me know how you feel when you are done reading it!

Friedman partnered with Ben Greenman, a prolific writer who has collaborated with many subjects and adds some panache to the tone. You’ll lose yourself in this homage to man’s best friend.

“In an era where human connections are often strained, This Dog Will Change Your Life offers a timely reminder of the unconditional love and companionship that dogs provide. The book serves as both a celebration of dogs and a call to recognize and cherish the lessons they impart.” — By The Book Reviews

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

Okay, friends. This is a tough one. I’m actually tearing up just thinking about it! Having to say goodbye to one of life’s most wonderful companions is truly one of the most difficult experiences we go through. It can be difficult to find comfort or solace. However, there are a lot of “it was just a dog” people out there who just can’t understand. This remarkable book, where Taylor’s watercolor art just jumps off the page, is narrated by a loving angel dog who wants readers to know that it is just a matter of time until you are reunited.

“I’m still here. … But I’m also where all the animals run free, with no pain, waiting for you. …” Cathryn Michon co-wrote the hit movie A Dog’s Purpose, so we can definitely consider her an expert. Full of compassion, joy and sadness, this is a perfect book for anyone who has had to say goodbye too early. Read it and honor the dogs that you have loved and lost with a book that looks at grief head-on.

“This is not a book about grief, this is a book about a return to joy. Who better to explain the eternal nature of our souls, and the love between them, than one very wise dog who loved you and is watching over you, eagerly waiting until you meet again? I’m Still Here is a brilliant, healing, happy book!” — W. Bruce Cameron, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of A Dog’s Purpose

“This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever loved and lost a dog, offering comfort, solace and a reminder that our furry friends are never truly gone — they are forever a part of us.” — Dr. Annie Harvilicz, Founder of Animal Wellness Centers and Animal Wellness Foundation

Lori Weise spends a lot of time in some of L.A.’s poorest and most underserved communities. She’s spent multiple decades in those desperate areas, caring for people and animals living in extreme poverty. Weise knew long before anyone else that human and animal suffering are inextricably intertwined. Her proposed solution? Create a brand-new narrative and empower pet owners to reduce the number of pets that are surrendered when their owners lose their housing.

It boils down to one simple thing: animal welfare and social justice are often two sides of the same coin. Who “deserves” the love of a pet? Should poor people be “allowed” to own animals? Everyone has the same amount of love to give. But looking at the demographic breakdown, there is an existing racial bias, too. It is an extraordinarily complex issue.

As the social and political environment gets crazier here in the U.S., we can expect record-breaking numbers of animal surrenders or abandoned pets. Pick up Rethinking Rescue to gain some perspective and hope. Like Tolkien said, there is good in the world, and it is worth fighting for (a paraphrase, of course).

“An eye-opening look at the systemic challenges faced by loving pet owners whose only ‘crime’ is being poor — and the inspiring advocates working tirelessly to give both animals and humans a life-changing (and in some cases, lifesaving) helping hand.” —Bobbi Dempsey, journalist specializing in poverty and income inequality

“[An] eye-opening account … Mithers’ finely crafted narrative applauds Weise’s work but doesn’t cut corners; it unflinchingly depicts the harrowing conditions pets face in homeless encampments. The result is a provocative challenge to contemporary mores regarding animal welfare.” — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

WINNER OF THE AUSTRALIAN INDIE BOOK AWARD FOR NONFICTION

Markus Zusak (author of The Book Thief) is the perfect writer to tell the story about one family adopting three dogs! Reuben, Archer and Frosty were big, they were wild, and all three of them came right from the streets.

This book has its share of dog-related chaos: property damage, fights at the park and a ton of shame. But there were also tender moments that made the downsides worth it.

Oh, the adopting family is Zusak’s own, by the way, so he is perfectly placed to share the travails and trials of an overwhelmed dog dad/pet owner. This is a lovely story about what being a family really means, even when certain members of that family are … challenging.

“Three Wild Dogs (and the truth) joins that long tradition of dog-books and glows with painful, joyful realities that every dog-person will feel in their bones. None of those dog-people should miss this book.” — Open Letters Review

“A self-deprecating tale of dog-ownership mayhem that is sure to win over many a reader.” — Kirkus Reviews

Todd is a dog trainer and social psychologist (for people, I think?) who’s written a book about the one question that all dog owners have: is my dog happy? She shines some light on your dog’s inner life and moods and offers tips for interpreting their body language.

Researchers, vets and trainers weigh in too, helping you cultivate a relationship with your dog, no matter at which age/stage they enter your life.

Todd does have a doctorate, and evidence-based science is presented in an accessible fashion so that you don’t need a different expert to tell you what the first expert actually said! Topics include vet visits, socializing and training, and more. After you complete the enrichment exercises, peruse the Checklist for a Happy Dog and bask in your mutually beneficial petship. Who wants a treat??

“The author’s evidence-based analysis simplifies the science and reduces essential elements into practical, replicable activities geared toward enriching a dog’s life.” — Library Journal, Starred Review

“In reading this book, you will truly benefit from Zazie’s impeccable research, sound knowledge and immense love of dogs.” — Pam Johnson-Bennett, bestselling author of Think Like a Cat

“Dog owners and those considering becoming one should appreciate Todd’s substantial insight into how dogs and humans relate to one another.” — Publishers Weekly

Clear the rest of your day because once you pick up this first-hand account of subzero temperatures and complex group dynamics during “The Last Great Race on Earth,” you’ll be hooked.

Many veterinarians apply to work the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, but only a few are selected to care for the incredible animals that are at risk for injury or fatigue along the route. Dogs are examined and evaluated at each checkpoint along the way. At times, the decision to replace them on the team has to be made. Fun fact: when a dog is pulled from a race, they often refuse to eat!

The dogs may change, but some things have stayed the same since the inception of the Iditarod. Rivalry, camaraderie, and for a few, triumph still abounds. Follow Dr. Morgan and the rest of the expert veterinary corps along the route.

“Veterinarians are the unseen heroes of the Iditarod ― working around the clock in frigid temperatures, deep in the wilderness, giving their all to keep the dogs safe and healthy. At long last, Lee Morgan gives us a glimpse of the stories behind the scenes.” ― Blair Braverman, author of Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube

“Morgan shares a journey that is, like many, from the back of a sled, from a freezing tent and neck-deep in snow. But it’s also about a 10-year love affair with the land, the Iditarod, the mushers that run it and the dogs that make it happen. His front-of-the-line perspective is different, and the race-to-dog balance of the tale is just right.” ― Terri Schlichenmeyer, Wyoming Tribune Eagle