Experience the world from the perspective of Enzo, an insightful elderly dog, in this expansive novel. Enzo's owner is a promising race car driver, and through the dog's eyes, we witness a profound contemplation of life's highs and lows that grips readers from beginning to end.
By the end, you'll realize that the relationship between two souls who are meant for each other never really comes to an end. With a seamless combination of wit, poignant storytelling, eloquent prose, and instances that stir up emotions, it has everything you could ask for. This wonderful tale has also been adapted into a well-known movie. So you can check that out as well.
2. Dog Is Love: Why and How Your Dog Loves You by Clive D. L. Wynne
Dogs possess undeniable intelligence. In fact, in a recent study, they were taught unique names for over 130 toys. This high level of intelligence contributes to their effectiveness as assistance and support animals. However, according to dog behavioral psychologist Dr. Clive Wynne, it is their capacity for love that truly sets them apart as a remarkable species.
This affectionate trait can be traced back to their ancestors, wolves, and has allowed humans to form deep connections with them. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of dog evolution can provide insights into early human cultures.
Dr. Wynne also highlights a groundbreaking technological advancement that reveals the extent of a dog's ability to love. For instance, one particular study demonstrates that dogs react to changes in their owner's heart rates, as their own heartbeats synchronize with their owners'.
3. Lassie Come-Home by Eric Knight
Maybe you've already watched the movies, but this classic book is still worth revisiting. First released in 1940, this tale of a dedicated collie who goes to great lengths to be reunited with her cherished human remains timeless. People discovered this book in their youth and frequently revisit it, often sharing it with their own kids and grandkids. It's a story that never loses its charm.
4. Tomorrow by Damian Dibben
In Damien Dibben's book, the protagonist is a dog who undertakes a journey spanning centuries to find the person responsible for granting him eternal life. It is an evocative work of historical-time-travel fiction narrated by an unforgettable pup, who travels through historical events in pursuit of reuniting with his beloved owner. Dibben describes it as a heartfelt tale of love and loyalty between a master and his dog, resonating deeply with all dog enthusiasts.
5. Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know by Alexandra Horowitz
Alexandra Horowitz, the director of the Dog Cognition Lab at Barnard College, Columbia University, has encountered numerous furry buddies. However, it was her study of her own dog, Pumpernickel, that truly gave her an in-depth perspective on life from a dog's point of view.
For those who have ever wondered what it's like to be a dog, Inside of a Dog provides all the answers. Does a dog truly perceive the world in black and white? How does time unfold in a dog's perception? Is the act of sniffing buttocks akin to dogs shaking hands?
Horowitz asserts that the insights gained from this book can enhance your comprehension of how dogs acquire new commands and process external information.
6. Marley & Me by John Grogan
Grogan's memoir about his mischievous dog offers a refreshing twist in a genre filled with heartwarming tales of extraordinary canines. Despite Marley's chaotic antics wreaking havoc on Grogan's household, readers will likely see him as a lovable companion, even when he's causing mayhem. Although this sentiment may be easier to embrace when it's not your own furniture! Marley & Me achieved great success as a New York Times bestseller and also inspired a touching film adaptation.
7. Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy by Zazie Todd
Although Zazie Todd's book focuses on enhancing your dog's happiness, it is bound to bring joy to readers as well. Wag distinguishes itself from other books on the same subject by providing practical advice, particularly tailored to assist both new and experienced dog owners in maintaining the well-being and contentment of their furry companions.
Drawing from her expertise as a dog trainer, Todd utilizes insights from various professionals, such as veterinarians and animal psychologists, to ensure that her recommendations are grounded in research. Moreover, the inclusion of anecdotes from Todd's own experiences makes this book a delightful and easy read for dog enthusiasts of all kinds.
8. Off the Leash: A Year in the Dog Park by Matthew Gilbert
Having a dog, particularly as a novice owner, can result in peculiar behavior changes, and few things are stranger than spending time in an unrestricted area with unfamiliar people and their various dogs. Gilbert, a television critic from the Boston Globe, recounts his initial year as a dog owner and frequent visitor to dog parks. The book portrays a delightful blend of humor, empathy, idiosyncrasies, and the bonds formed through both human and canine companionship, all presented with cleverness and charisma.
9. I'm a Good Dog: Pit Bulls, America's Most Beautiful (and Misunderstood) Pet by Ken Foster
Pit bulls have been unfairly linked to violence and danger more than any other breed. Ken Foster argues that this perception is unjust towards the dogs themselves. Their negative reputation stems from a history of being bred and raised for dog fights, which led to irresponsible breeding practices and inadequate socialization by owners, or even encouragement of aggressive behavior.
Foster's nonfiction work aims to rectify these unjust stereotypes surrounding pit bulls. The inspiring book highlights the need to give these underdogs a second chance by exploring their past as beloved family dogs nearly a century ago and showcasing profiles of modern pit bulls serving as search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and affectionate friends.
10. A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog Named Trixie by Dean R. Koontz
While most people are familiar with the popular suspense novels by this bestselling author, Koontz presents a unique offering in his heartfelt homage to Trixie, a Golden Retriever and retired service dog that he and his wife warmly welcomed into their lives. Trixie's presence brought immeasurable joy and displayed exceptional intelligence, ultimately motivating the author to venture into non-fiction writing. Through his debut in this genre, Koontz beautifully conveys the profound and transformative bond between humans and their canine buddies.
