Dog Days: More Books Featuring our Furry Friends
When I was a kid, all I wanted was a dog. My desire was so great that my friend and I concocted a plan to run away from home, go to the local dog shelter, and adopt a puppy. By the time our parents found us, our 7-year-old-selves reasoned, they wouldn’t be able to make us return the dog. Strangely, our plan didn’t work as well as we had planned and we were returned to our frantic parents by the friendly local police.
As an adult, I’ve had several of my own dogs. After our last dog passed away, my husband and I knew that we would have to hold off on another adoption if we wanted to travel. Instead, we started fostering dogs for our local rescue organization. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made and we had a lot of fun with the dogs who came into our home. While traveling, though, I’ve really missed having a dog around. Have a look at this previous list which included several of my favorite dog books and then check out a few others for those of us who love everything dog:
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
This book made me cry, which is not unusual for a dog book. What is unusual about this book is that it is narrated by a dog. The relationship between Enzo and Denny really got to me and was very touching.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London (and White Fang)
These were my original dog-obsession books. They both feature dogs with a special bond with a human. It was something I desperately wanted when I was a child (and now). The dogs (and worlds) in these books are more wild and savage than those in the other books.
Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard
I was a Disney kid and Big Red was always one of my favorite movies. When I found out that not only was it a book but that the author wrote other books about dogs I was thrilled! I’m fairly certain I read all of them but Big Red remained my favorite.
Red Dog by Louis de Bernieres
This is an Australian classic (and Australians are very proud of it). It’s the story of a stray dog who is adopted by a town of people. Unlike the movie, it’s told in vignettes rather than a continuous story. This is worth reading for the Aussie slang.
The Dog Stars by Peter Heller
This is the only one on the list that isn’t actually about the dog, but I felt that he was such an important part of the character’s life that I wanted to include it. Plus, the book made me cry dog-related tears while sitting between two strangers on an airplane. For that, it gets included in my dog book list.
Marley and Me by John Grogan
I refuse to read this book. I’ve had many people tell me I should give it a try but I know that it will destroy me at the end. When my non-dog friends tell me they cried at the end of the movie or book then I know I do not stand a chance. I’m sure it’s a good book, though.
Dog books always tug at my heartstrings. I’m sure there are a lot of great ones out there and I would love to hear your recommendations! Let me know what I missed in the comments.
Remember, your local dog shelter and rescue communities are always in need of volunteers to play with, walk, foster, and adopt dogs. If you’re a dog-lover like me, consider volunteering with local organizations to help some adorable furry friends find their forever homes.
