9 Must-Read Books for Dog Lovers

They say books are a man’s best friend. But as a pooch parent, you’d probably disagree – and you’d be right too. After all, nothing compares to the joys of having a canine companion right by your side.

However, you can’t deny that books are a great source of knowledge. Plus, reading books for dog lovers can help you understand your pet better as you explore the dog world even further.

Here, we have compiled a list of the best dog-themed books that you will surely love to read.

The list features a wide variety of books, including novels, classics, and memoirs, as well as books for animal nutrition, training, and more. But rest assured that they all have one thing in common – they put dogs right where you’d like them; smack dab in the middle of the story!

1. Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog

There’s a high chance you would have read this already. And in case you haven’t, you are missing out on one of the most famous dog books of all time.

Marley & Me by John Grogan is an autobiography based on the author’s experience with his dog named Marley.

Marley is a yellow Labrador Retriever that causes huge trouble for the author and his family. He is a strong and energetic, but somewhat undisciplined, dog, often destroying the family’s property as an act of playing.

Will they keep him nonetheless, or put him up for adoption instead? Read the book to find out.

2. Sophie: The Incredible True Story of the Castaway Dog

Sophie is the real-life story of an Australian cattle dog written by Emma Pearse.

Sophie is a 3-year old dog beloved to the Griffith family. She goes to the beach one day along with her owners, but what ought to be fun family picnic soon turns into a disastrous trip as Sophie falls overboard when riding on a boat with the Griffiths.

Read Sophie to follow the life-threatening adventures of the resilient dog as she fights for survival Robinson-Crusoe-style.

3. Merle’s Door: Lessons From a Freethinking Dog

Written by Ted Kerasote, Merle’s Door is a bestselling book that explores the relationship between humans and dogs.

Ted is looking for a pup to adopt when he stumbles upon a stray dog in the most unlikely of places – the Utah desert. Merle is a Labrador mix used to living on his own but eventually learns how to live around wildlife as he gradually becomes attached to Ted.

Humorous yet enlightening, Merle’s Door teaches the readers the importance of independence and how animal intelligence is affected by the environment in which they live.

4. The Art of Racing in the Rain

If you want to see the world through the eyes of your pooch, try reading The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein.

Beautifully written, this soulful novel revolves around a philosophical old dog named Enzo, living with an up-and-coming race car driver. In this New York Times bestselling novel, Enzo will show the world how to be human.

Be warned that some parts of this novel are rather heart-wrenching. But overall, it’s an uplifting story of love, loyalty, hope, and the bonds of friendship between humans and dogs alike.

5. A Dog’s Purpose: Every Dog happens for a Reason

A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron is a series of three novels that have also been adapted in a major motion picture. It revolves around the life of Bailey, the protagonist pooch, who tries discovering his purpose in life over the course of several years and different owners.

It’s lighthearted, funny, insightful, and sure to make you laugh and cry at the same time.

6. Born to Bark

Written by Stanley Coren, Born to Bark is a memoir of the author’s adventures with an irrepressible and unforgettable little terrier. The dog was a Christmas gift to Coren from his girlfriend, but little did she know how difficult it would be to manage the little fellow.

The goofy yet emotional story follows a series of events in which Coren gradually learns how to speak ‘dog’ as he gets a deeper insight into the way dogs think.

7. Home Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog

Whether you have become weary of store-bought dog food or are just trying to do something special for your furry friend, this is one of the best books for dog lovers when it comes to feeding fido.

Compiled by Christine Filardi, Home Cooking for Your Dog is a collection of delicious and nutritious dog food recipes that you can easily prepare for your pooch. It includes recipes for full cooked meals, doggy treats, and even raw dishes that will help keep your pet happy and healthy.

8. Raw and Natural Nutrition for Dogs

Written Lew Olson, a Ph.D. in canine nutrition, Raw and Natural Nutrition for Dogs is a comprehensive guide to homemade meals.

Since the raw diet is becoming a big trend in the pet food industry, we suggest you give this book a read. It will help you learn more about the benefits of a home-cooked diet for dogs as well as teach you the best way to go about introducing raw food to your pup.

9. Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love

Dog Training Revolution is an easy-to-understand and highly effective book for training and raising your dog in the best manner. It is written by Zak George, a dynamic dog trainer following a new approach to discipline pets.

Whether you need help with basic dog training or are looking for ways to rectify aggressive dog behaviors such as biting, barking, and leash pulling, this book probably has all the answers you need.

Whether you are a dog owner eager to see things from your pet’s perspective or a bookworm looking for the next best book to read, these dog-themed books are a must-read.

We say this with confidence because these books for dog lovers have a lot to teach us with respect to the bond between humans and their canine companions.


by Bobby J Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™

Facts About Animal Homelessness:

  1. Only 1 out of every 10 dogs born will find a permanent home.
  2. The main reasons animals are in shelters: owners give them up, or animal control finds them on the street.
  3. Each year, approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are killed every year because shelters are too full and there aren’t enough adoptive homes. Act as a publicist for your local shelter so pets can find homes. Sign up for Shelter Pet PR.
  4. Approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.9 million are dogs and 3.4 million are cats.
  5. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), less than 2% of cats and only 15 to 20% of dogs are returned to their owners.
  6. 25% of dogs that enter local shelters are purebred.
  7. About twice as many animals enter shelters as strays compared to the number that are relinquished by their owners.
  8. It’s impossible to determine how many stray dogs and cats live in the United States. Estimates for cats alone range up to 70 million.
  9. Only 10% of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. Overpopulation, due to owners letting their pets accidentally or intentionally reproduce, sees millions of these “excess” animals killed annually.
  10. Many strays are lost pets that were not kept properly indoors or provided with identification.
  11. According to The Humane Society, there are about 3,500 brick-and-mortar animal shelters in the US and 10,000 rescue groups and animal sanctuaries in North America.

Here are a some adoptions for consideration:  puccicafe.com/adoptions