Stories about animals are just the most heart-warming; I love all of them. There are the real-life stories of amazing, heroic animals that come into a person’s life at just the right time or a novel where we get to experience life from a dog’s perspective.
It’s that time of year to slow down and enjoy some quiet time with a book or plan to pick some to read or listen to for the new year. I have hand-picked some of my favorite pet books from over the years that I have really enjoyed.
Please note that I will link to each book’s Amazon page, but I always recommend supporting your local bookstore or library!
Title: A Dog’s Purpose, A Novel for Humans
Author: W. Bruce Cameron
Notes: A truly magical book about a dog trying to find its purpose through living several lives. I laughed and cried reading this dog’s commentary on human relationships. It really made me think deeply about the meaning of life.
Where to find it: Amazon
Title: Alex & Me, How a Scientist and a Parrot Uncovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence-and formed a Deep Bond in the Process
Author: Irene M. Pepperberg
Notes: Birds are amazing! Irene, a professor at Harvard worked and had a deep bond with Alex, an African Gray parrot for over 30 years and realized how a bird with a walnut-sized brain could understand concepts, numbers and sound out words. His last words to Irene were, “You be good. I love you.”
Where to find it: Amazon
Title: Wesley the Owl
Author: Stacey O’Brien
Notes: I learned a lot about barn owls reading this book. Wesley was injured as a baby and had no chance to survive in the wild and, Stacey, a biologist, gave the owlet a permanent home with her. It was interesting learning about an owl’s personality, emotions, intelligence and how protective they are. It was a bit scientific at times but it really made me more appreciative of these amazing animals.
Where to find it: Amazon
Title: The Lost Dogs, Michael Vick’s Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption
Author: Jim Gorant
Notes: This was a hard book to read and you will never be a Michael Vick fan after reading this. The first half of the book was about investigating Michael Vick’s brutal dog fighting operation. There were accounts of people that were there and witnessed what went on. The second half was about the rehabilitation of the dogs. Most went on to live in loving forever homes and some even became therapy dogs. A true testament to how loving and resilient the pit bull breed can be.
Where to Find It: Amazon
Title: Tell Me Where It Hurts
Author: Dr. Nick Trout
Notes: Dr. Nick Trout is a captivating storyteller and veterinarian that takes you on a vicarious journey of one day of visits with all his furry patients and their crazy, demanding, loving pet parents. Most of it is funny and light hearted while he shares his knowledge in the progress in veterinary medicine, treatments and new technology and still makes sure to maintain humanity and compassion.
Where to find it: Amazon
Title: Marley & Me
Author: John Grogan
Notes: This is a true story of unconditional love. The unrelenting trials and tribulations of Marley, a 90 lb. Labrador Retriever was a true test for the author, John and his wife. Through all the mishaps and at their wits end they never gave up on Marley and found the key to happiness.
Where to find it: Amazon
Title: Making Rounds with Oscar
Author: David Dosa, MD
Notes: The true story of Oscar, an otherwise ordinary cat, could sense when people were about to die. He was adopted as a kitten and lived at a nursing home. And provided companionship to people that would have been alone. It’s not something people really talk about too much so it was interesting to learn about the inside of a nursing care facility from the viewpoint of the patients, their families and the author.
Where to find it: Amazon
Title: Following Atticus
Author: Tom Ryan
Notes: An inspiring true story of transformation. Tom, middle-aged and overweight, and a little dog pay tribute to a friend that died of cancer by attempting to climb all forty-eight of New Hampshire’s four-thousand-foot peaks twice in one winter. It took me about 50 pages to get into the book but it was worth it.
Where to find it: Amazon
Title: Dewey
Author: Vicki Myron
Notes: Dewey Readmore Books, the beloved library cat of Spencer, Iowa was found as a kitten on a cold winter night stuffed into a library return book slot. He became the library’s cat and for the next 19 years he charmed and loved the people of Spencer. Dewey became known worldwide while helping transform the small farm town.
Where to find it: Amazon
Thanks for checking out my list of great pet books! Do you have any pet-related books to add? Let me know!
