These books will warm the heart of any dog lover.
I’ve been a dog owner for almost 20 years now and needless to say, I’m as big of a dog lover as you’ll ever see. In fact, I’m the type of person who waves to dogs in windows and will stop and say hello to any dog I meet.
So, thanks to my love for dogs, I do love to read a good dog book, especially when I can curl up with my big, sweet black lab for some quality reading time.
Here are some of the best books for dog lovers I’ve read lately and ones that I know you’ll love too.
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Best Books for Dog Lovers
If you ask for a great dog book recommendations, chances are the first book you hear about is The Art of Racing In the Rain. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great book and well worth your time. But I’d like to move beyond that one because I’m going to assume you’ve already read that one if you’re interested in dog books.
Here are some more great dog books I’d recommend.
Marley & Me: Life and Love with the world’s worst Dog by John Grogan
Marley & Me is the book that kicked off my interest in other books about dogs. I laughed, I cried, and I had to hug my own dog.
In case you’re sensitive about this type of thing, remember that a dog’s lifespan is much less than that of his/her human’s. If you’re currently grieving the loss of a pet, you may want to skip this one for a bit.
This fantastic memoir tells the story of the Grogan’s relationship with Marley as well as the story of their marriage and all it’s ups and downs. READ MORE HERE.
Dog Medicine: How My Dog Saved Me From Myself by Julie Barton
Dog Medicine is not just a book about a dog, it’s also a memoir of depression and the story of how Barton’s relationship with her dog helped her heal.
Barton adopted her Golden Retriever, Bunker, at a very low point in her battle with depression. Throughout this book you’ll get a very open and raw look at depression and the journey Barton took to heal with the help of Bunker.
This book is a great and hopeful book for anyone with depression or who loves someone with depression. It’s also great for anyone who believes in the healing power of dogs. READ MORE HERE.
Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust by Michael Hingson
On September 11, 2001, Michael Hingson and his guide dog Roselle were at work in the World Trade Center. This book tells the story of how they survived. But, it’s much more than that. You’ll read about Hingson’s journey navigating the world as a blind man, how guide dogs work, and Hingson’s experiences with Roselle.
Thunder Dog is a heart-warming and interesting story for anyone who enjoys memoirs, people who enjoy stories of working dogs, and anyone interested in personal experiences during 9/11. READ MORE HERE.
Craig & Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other by Craig Grossi
One day, while Grossi was serving in the Marines in a remote part of Afghanistan, a young stray dog showed up. Grossi and Fred had an immediate connection and they’ve been together ever since. Craig and Fred tells the story of Grossi’s time in Afghanistan as well the steps it took to get Fred to the US.
This book is also the story of a young vet and his experience with PTSD. Fred’s been with him every step of the way. I loved the warmth of this story, the relationship between Craig and Fred, and getting a chance to see life through the eyes of a veteran. READ MORE HERE.
When Harry Met Minnie by Martha Teichner
It was a chance meeting that let Martha Teichner to Harry and his owner Carol. Carol was dying of cancer and needed someone willing to adopt and love Harry once she was unable to care for him. Teichner was the perfect person to ask.
When Harry Met Minnie is more than just the story of Harry’s adoption. It’s the story of deep friendships, friends that become family, and death and cancer. It was at times a tear-jerker and other times the heart swelled because of all the love that was shown. This is the perfect book for dog lovers and anyone wanting to read about friendship. READ MORE HERE.
Purchase When Harry Met Minnie here.
The Dog Who Couldn’t Stop Loving: How Dogs Have Captured Our Hearts for Thousands of Years by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson
Anyone that’s ever had a dog can tell you that there’s nothing like the love of a dog (and vice versa). Masson explores that love in this enjoyable book with anecdotal evidence and science.
Unlike the books mentioned above, The Dog Who Couldn’t Stop Loving is not a memoir. It takes a scientific approach to explore the relationship between dogs and humans. I thought it struck a good balance between stories about the author’s own dog and cultural and scientific evidence. It’s a fascinating read. READ MORE HERE.
Purchase The Dog Who Couldn’t Stop Loving here.
Did I miss any of your favorite books for dog lovers? Let me know which books I should check out next!
You May Also Like These Book Lists
Do you love a good mystery? Check out our list of Mystery Series for Dog Lovers here.
Or, if you love a good romance, try this list of Romance Novels for Animal Lovers at Book Riot.
Shop For More Great Books for Dog Lovers
Find all of my favorite dog lover books at my Amazon Store. Click here for a one-stop shop for these books.
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