Contributed by Lora Frazier, 9 to 5 Pets
There’s nothing better than stealing away over the summer with a good book, or two, or three. If you’re a dog lover, these books will warm your heart this summer and help you pass the time; whether you’re relaxing on the beach or riding shotgun to your favorite vacation destination! Enjoy!
- The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Enzo is a hyper-intelligent dog who loves racing, his owner, and opposable thumbs. This witty, heart-warming tale is written entirely from the dog’s perspective which gives the book a unique and interesting voice. - Merle’s Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote
This is the true story of a stray dog (Merle) found on a camping trip who has trouble adjusting to an indoor lifestyle. His owner puts in a dog door so that Merle can come and go as he pleases, which leads to some fun adventures and insightful realizations. The author also perfectly blends in behavioral science and history to help explain the touching relationship between himself and his dog. - Dog on It by Spencer Quinn
Chet is a K-9 police force drop-out who works alongside a private investigator in this fun, fast-paced mystery novel. Chet is the main character and he is as easily distracted and foolish as most dogs are which makes his narration extremely funny and light-hearted. I would recommend this book for any mystery lover and luckily there are 8 more Chet and Bernie mysteries to read when you’re done! - Rescuing Finley by Dan Walsh
Finley is a golden retriever whose owner dies in Afghanistan and he suddenly finds himself in a shelter and then on to a training program at a women’s prison. This book is all about healing, redemption, and even has a little romance to spice up the story! - Marley and Me by John Grogan
This book starts with funny misadventures of a poorly behaved dog and transforms into a story about unconditional love and loyalty. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend it (but make sure to have some tissues handy!) - Suspect by Robert Crais
Maggie is a German Shepard in the K-9 Unit of the Marines. When she comes back home, she is diagnosed with PTSD and paired up with a cop with similar problems. They work together to solve the mysterious death of his partner, and become best friends along the way. - The Dogs of Bedlam Farm: An Adventure with Sixteen Sheep, Three Dogs, Two Donkeys, and Me by Jon Katz
This book is a sequel and continues the story of the author’s life with his border collies and his tough, first winter on a farm in Vermont. The story focuses on his dogs but also gives you a glimpse of farm life with sheep and donkeys which I found very interesting. - Homer’s Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale by Gwen Cooper
I snuck a cat book on the list just in case there are any cat lovers (like me!) reading this. This story begins with a three-week-old eyeless cat (Homer) in need of a home and a recently heartbroken woman in her mid-twenties. The two form a strong bond and Homer teaches her how to be brave, even in new and scary situations. - The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs Are Smarter than You Think by Brian Hare, Vanessa Woods
This is a wonderful non-fiction book for anyone that wants to understand their dog a little better. It discusses the history of dog domestication, dog behavioral studies, and how to create a better bond with your own dog. It is a very interesting read and the authors manage to convey scientific information in a casual, accessible way. - A Dog’s Way Home by W. Bruce Cameron
Bella is a sweet puppy who is seized by Denver Animal Control because of the city’s pit bull ban. Her owner is forced to place her in a foster home until he can figure out a solution, but Bella cannot handle the separation and sets out on a wild journey across Colorado to find her owner. This author has lots of great dog-centered books including A Dog’s Purpose and A Dog’s Journey.