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BOOKS
NON-FICTION
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Jon Katz tells the tale about his Border Collie Orson, a dog that hardly could be called good — chasing school buses, herding small dogs through neighbor gardens or scaring the hell out of the sheep, he captured his owner heart. In the end, some heartbreaking choices had to be made.
Publisher: Random House (2006)
A Three Dog Life (Abigail Thomas)
Memoirs. Abigail Thomas remembers life after a tragic accident with her husband; to help coping with the tragedy, she had 3 canine friends by her side: Harry, Rosie and Carolina.
Publisher: Harcourt (2006)
Ahound the World: My travels with Oscar (Joanne Lefson)
"Moved by the plight of the approximately 475 million homeless dogs in the world, Oscar and his owner Joanne, decided to create a unique platform from which to draw positive attention towards the problem of dogs dying for a second chance in shelters around the world. The two came up with the first world tour to be undertaken by a dog: the World Woof Tour. Selling up almost everything they had to fund it, they set off on an eight-month journey across five continents for the adventure of a lifetime." Source: Amazon
Sadly, on January 11, 2013, Oscar died after being hit by a car.
Publisher: Struik Publishers (2011)
All I Know About Management I Learned from My Dog (Martin P. Levin)"When 91-year-old legendary management guru Martin Levin decided to adopt a dog by the name of Angel, he thought he was in for an interesting experience, yet not a challenging one. It didn’t take long for him to learn that he was wrong. Very wrong. Following one of the guiding mantras of his life to never stop learning, Levin found that each day with his dog brought new insights. Through interacting with Angel, he began to recall some personal adventures that added to this insight."
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing (2011)
Angel Dogs: Divine Messengers of Love (Allen & Linda Anderson)
Allen and Linda present several canine tales, showing how dogs are special creatures and can be very important in one's life. They sometimes perform miraculous acts of mercy and heroism (even after death), or simply they are a great source of peace and security for their owners who are in trouble. The authors are the creators of the Angel Animals Network.
Publisher: New World Library (2005)
Before Your Dog Can Eat Your Homework, First You Have to Do It: Life Lessons from a Wise Old Dog to a Young Boy (John O'Hurley)John O'Hurley's Maltese Scoshi tells his point-of-view on the arriving of O'Hurley's first son, William — life lessons for father and son.
Publisher: Hudson Street Press (hardcover, 2007), Plume Books (paperback, 2008)
Dog Years: A Memoir (Mark Doty)
Award-winning American memoirist and poet Mark Doty tells how he was saved from a severe depression after losing his lover, who died because of AIDS, by two dogs: Arden and Beau.
Publisher: HarperCollins (2007)
Finding Gobi (Dion Leonard)
"Finding Gobi is the miraculous tale of Dion Leonard, a seasoned ultramarathon runner who crosses paths with a stray dog while competing in a 155-mile race through the Gobi Desert in China. The lovable pup, who would later earn the name Gobi, proved that what she lacked in size, she more than made up for in heart, as she went step for step with Dion over the Tian Shan Mountains, across massive sand dunes, through yurt villages and the black sands of the Gobi Desert, keeping pace with him for 77 miles."
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (2017)
From Baghdad, With Love (Jay Kopelman and Melinda Roth)
Memoirs. Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman, a Marine serving in Fallujah, Iraq, finds a stray puppy during a raid in a abandoned house and falls in love with him. The problem is that it isn't allowed to the military to keep any kind of pets in their headquarters. Nevertheless, anything prevents Kopelman from trying to save Lava, smuggling him out of Iraq with help from his troop mates, a journalist, animal protection associations (The Helen Woodward Center and Military Mascots), a kennel (Vohne Liche), a security company (Triple Canopy) as well as from an Iraqi who has become friends with Lava. In the process, Jay ended up saving his own troubled soul, after seeing so many horrors in Iraq.
Back home (with Lava), Kopelman wrote another book telling how difficult is for a soldier (and a dog) to resume life after having been in hell: From Baghdad to America: Life Lessons from a Dog Named Lava.
Publisher: The Lyons Press (2006)
Good Dog. Stay. (Anna Quindlen)Anna Quindlen writes about the black Labrador Beau — a cherished and loyal friend of hers, her husband's and her three children's — and Bea, the second canine addition to the family.
Publisher: Random House (2007)
Haatchi & Little B (Wendy Holden)This book tells an inspiring true story - one astonishing little boy (Little B) and the very special dog (Haatchi) who has changed his life forever.
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Huck (Janet Elder)Huck helped the Elders cope with Janet's cancer; when life was finally getting back to normal, the dog decides to run away! The family, friends, and a whole city didn't rest till he was returned home safe and sound.
Publisher: Broadway (2010)
It's Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump (John O'Hurley)John O'Hurley (J. Peterman on Seinfeld) tells how many life-lessons he learned by having dogs around him, from his childhood (Taffy) to these days (Scoshi and Betty). Totally worth reading.
Publisher: Hudson Street Press (2006), Plume Books (2007), Hodder Paperback (UK, 2008)
John and George - The Dog Who Changed My Life (John Dolan)"For years, John Dolan had been living rough, trying his best to get by. Born and bred on the estates of east London, his early life was marked by neglect and abuse, and his childhood gift for drawing was stamped out by the tough realities outside his front door. As he grew older, he found himself turning to petty crime to support himself and ended up in prison. On coming out, with a record and no trade, he soon found himself on the streets, surviving day-by-day, living hand-to-mouth.
It wasn’t until he met George, a tearaway Staffy puppy, that his life changed for the better. To begin with, George was a handful: he had been abused himself and was scared of human contact. But in a matter of weeks. John and George had become inseparable. It was then that John decided to pick up his long-forgotten gift for drawing, sitting on Shoreditch High Street for hours at a time, sketching pictures of George which he would sell to passers-by. With his best friend by his side, and a pencil in his hand, John suddenly found his life’s calling."
Publisher: Century (2014)
Last Dog on the Hill: The Extraordinary Life of Lou (Steve Duno)
"Born of guard dogs on a secret marijuana farm in Mendicino County, Lou truly was one dog in a million. On the winter day that the ailing, tick-infested feral pup was rescued by Steve Duno, neither dog nor man had a clue as to what they were getting into, or where the relationship would lead.
Publisher: St. Martin's Press (2010)
Last Dog on the Hill tells the story of an indigent young Rottweiler mix who, after abandoning his pack and the hills of his birth, went on to change the lives of hundreds of people and dogs, including the author’s, whose career as a behaviorist and writer was made possible through Lou’s extraordinary intelligence and heart. Lou won the respect of gang members, foiled an armed robbery, caught a rapist, fought coyotes and kidnappers, comforted elderly war veterans and Alzheimer patients in their final days, taught ASL to kids, learned scores of unique behaviors and tricks, amassed a vocabulary of nearly 200 words, helped rehabilitate hundreds of aggressive dogs and saved them from euthanasia. He was also a clown, consummate performer and Steve’s best friend for sixteen years. His story will make readers laugh and cry in equal measures."
Frank Robson and his wife Leisa Scott wanted a dog, but not any dog; they wanted a dog who loved sailing. They had luck, when they adopted a terrier who was abandoned and was about to be put to death. The couple saved his life and Lucky turned out to be a great sailor! More Lucky's adventures in Lucky Goes to Sea.
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (2007)
Marley & Me - life and love with the world's worst dog (John Grogan)
When John Grogan and his wife Jenny decided to get a dog to test their parenting skills, they never imagined how big the trouble would be; well, it was the size of a Labrador Retriever, as wild as a tornado (bad choice of word, since the dog was terribly afraid of storms) — he was Marley. Years of shredded mattresses, gouged drywall and swallowed valuables, however, didn't make the Grogans give up Marley; they loved and took care of him from start to the very end, 13 years later. A wonderful book that makes those who had a canine friend get all emotional and crying.The idea of writing a book telling Marley's journey came after the good feedback Grogan had on his Saying Farewell to a Faithful Pal, published on The Philadelphia Inquirer on January 6, 2004. Also published an illustrated edition, an especial adaptation for young kids (Marley: A Dog Like No Other), anda an illustraded book for children (Bad Dog, Marley!).
Publisher: William Morrow (2005)
Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog (Ted Kerasote)
Ted Kerasote narrates his life with Merle, a stray dog he adopted (or was adopted by?) during his stay in the San Juan River region. Living and working in the small community of Kelly (Wyoming), Ted let Merle ran completely free — and the dog was totally capable of enjoying, for 13 years, his freedom with intelligence and responsibility.
Publisher: Harcourt (2007)
Dog's-eye perspective on behind-the-scenes at the White House; Millie was Barbara Bush's Cocker Spanie. Before Millie, Barbara published another book: C. Fred's Story.
Publisher: Harper Perennial (1992)
My Dog Skip tells the real story of writer Willie Morris and his Fox Terrier Skip, whom he first met in 1943. Morris recollects growing up with the dog, in Yazoo, Mississippi; the little animal helped Willy gain confidence, since he was a very shy boy who hadn't many friends.
The book was made into a movie in 2000, starring Frankie Muniz.
Publisher: Vintage (1996)
"The distinguished British man of letters [J. R. Ackerley] hardly thought of himself as a dog lover when, well into middle age, he came into possession of a German Shepherd called Queenie (her name was changed in the book). To his surprise, she turned out to be the love of his life, the 'ideal friend' he had been searching for in vain for years. My Dog Tulip is a bittersweet retrospective account of their sixteen-year companionship, as well as a profound and subtle meditation on the strangeness that lies at the heart of all relationships. In vivid and sometimes startling detail, Ackerley tells of Tulip's often erratic behavior and very canine tastes, and of his own fumbling but determined efforts to ensure for her an existence of perfect happiness." [New York Review Books]
Delightful, very touching to see Tulip's love and dedication to his ideal best friend J. R. Ackerley; the book has several editions; you can also read it [online]. My Dog Tulip was made into a well praised [animated movie], targeted to an adult audience, in 2009; a great piece of work, too!
Publisher: first published in 1956
My Life with George (Judith Summers)
Judith Summers had lost her beloved husband Udi and she and her son Joshua were taking very hard the emptiness of their house. So they decided to adopt a dog — a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called George. He is the cutest thing, and they love him to no end, but life with King George isn't too easy... "things happen with George": deseases, accidents, attacks by other dogs — turning him a very expensive pet to keep...
Publisher: Voice (2007)
Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish (Mark R. Levin)After adopting Sprite, the life of lawyer Mark Levin and his wife changed completely. Sprite was a happy fellow, always playing with the other dog on the house (Pepsi), till the day he collapsed and had to be taken to the animal hospital; it was the first of many visits, and the start of a long journey for the Levins.
Publisher: Pocket Books (2007)
Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend (Susan Orlean)
Biography of Rin Tin Tin. No. This book is much more than a simple bio of the most famous German shepherd in film history... mascot of ex-soldier Lee Duncan or beloved character worldwide. The author, after searching for 10 years, reveals all about this great legend who became Rin Tin Tin — since 1918, when the dog was just a puppy and was found by soldier Duncan in France, through Duncan's determination to transform his dog in movie star, until the death of the canine friend in 1932 — and after, when Rinty became a character loved by many, many fans. Orlean also talks about other canines that were successful in film and TV: Blair/Rover (English mascot considered the first star of the canine world, appearing in 1905 in the silent film Rescued by Rover), Jean (the Vitagraph Dog), Strongheart (the German shepherd dog that stole hearts well before Rin Tin Tin and Lassie.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (2012)
Tell Me Where It Hurts (Dr. Nick Trout)
"A day of humor, healing an hope" in the life of Dr. Trout, an English veterinary surgeon working at the Angell Animal Medical Center in the United States.
Publisher: Broadway (2008)
The Boy Who Talked to Dogs: A Memoir (Martin McKenna)
"When Martin McKenna was growing up in Garryowen, Ireland, in the 1970s, he felt the whole world knew him as just 'that stupid boy.' Badly misunderstood by his family and teachers, Martin escaped from endless bullying by running away from home and eventually adopting—or being adopted by—six street dogs. Camping out in barns, escaping from farmers, and learning to fend for himself by caring for his new friends, Martin discovered a different kind of language, strict laws of behavior, and strange customs that defined the world of dogs. More importantly, his canine companions helped him understand the vital importance of family, courage, and self-respect." Source: Amazon
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
The Dog Lived (and So Will I) (Teresa J. Rhyne)
Auto-biography of cancer survivor Teresa Rhyne; before her own fight, she had to save her beloved Beagle Seamus from the same decease — and both won!
Publisher: Sourcebooks (2012)
The Dogs Were Rescued (and So Was I) (Teresa J. Rhyne)Teresa Rhyne continues telling her story with her beloved Beagles.
Publisher: Sourcebooks (2014)
The Philosopher and the Wolf: Lessons from the Wild on Love, Death, and Happiness (Mark Rowlands)
British writer and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Miami Mark Rowlands grew up in a family who loved dogs, even the crazy ones (Blue, a Great Dane, for instance, thought that nobody could leave a room he himself was in). One day, Rowlands read in a newspaper about a litter of wolves and decided to take a look at them. He came back home with a cub in the same day. He lived with Brenin for 11 years, a friend who teach him many lessons and led to this book — an autobiography mixed with philosophy.
The wolf... is the clearing in the human soul. The wolf uncovers what is hidden.
Publisher: Pegasus (2009)
The Story of Scotch (Enos Mills)
"This has been a fan favorite for nearly one hundred years! This little book is the tale of Enos' border collie, Scotch, and their adventures together. Anyone who loves dogs needs to read this book."
Publisher: Nabu Press
The Year of the Puppy (Alexandra Horowitz)
"By slowing down to observe Quid from week to week, the book makes new sense of a dog's behavior in a way that is missed when the focus is only on training. Horowitz keeps a lens on the puppy's point of view—how they (begin to) see and smell the world, make meaning of it, and become an individual personality."
Publisher: Viking
Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero (Michael Hingson with Susy Flory)Michael Hingson, blind since he was born, escaped from the seventy-eighth floor of the World Trade Center's north tower on September 11 with the help of his faithful guide-dog Roselle. She saved his life that day, keeping him calm and leading her beloved master out of that hell before it collapsed over them.
Publisher: Publisher: Thomas Nelson (2011)
Trusting Calvin: How a Dog Helped Heal a Holocaust Survivor's Heart (Sharon Peters)
"The touching story of Holocaust survivor Max Edelman, who witnessed a German Shepherd killing a fellow prisoner and developed a decades-long fear of dogs, but whose blindness would later require the assistance of a guide dog. Enter Calvin, a chocolate Labrador retriever who guided Max to greater openness, trust, and engagement with the world."
Publisher: Lyons Press (2015)
Walking Ollie: Or, Winning the Love of a Difficult Dog (Stephen Foster)One day British author Stephen Foster decided he wanted a dog; his wife Trezza already shared custody with her ex-husband of Dalmatian Mingus, and thus Foster thought it would be a good idea to have a dog in the house all the time. So the couple happily adopted a Lurcher at the National Canine Defence League (Dogs Trust) — and soon found out how hard it would be to deal with the new member of the family. Ollie turned out to be a dog with so many behavior problems, being the fear of his own owner (for no apparently reason) the one that used to upset Foster the more. But he didn't give up, and on the book he tells how he won the love of his difficult dog.
Publisher: Short Books (2007), Perigee Trade (2008)
Wally's World: Life with Wally the Wonder Dog (Marsha Boulton)
Canadian journalist Marsha Boulton left a good job in the city to live in a farm. There, she and her husband (writer Stephen Williams) had many dogs — (Akita Stella, Shar Pei Diva, Shetland Sheepdog Sheltie, Bullmastiffs Hank and Mingus) — but the one who was special, a wonder dog, was Wally (named after poet Wallace Stevens), the Bull Terrier.
Wally loved to play with a ball!!! After years of research and testing, Marsha finally found a ball that "would withstand destruction and was light enough and playful enough to satisfy Wally the Wonder Dog." See it here.
Publisher: Mcarthur & Co (2006), Thomas Dunne Books (2008), St. Martin's Griffin (2009)
Walter, The Improbable Hound (Fred Ayer, Jr.)
A Socially Insignificant Study with Copious Annotations and a Brief, Shameful Appendix.
Delicious book about a wonderful, resourceful and adventurous Basset Hound called Walter (AKA Turdington, Revolto or Old Sad Sack). A stubborn Noble Dog, Walter liked very much to sleep (at home and in very inappropriate places) and eat (from various sources, including garbage cans — but not forgetting good quality ice cream, for instance). To fulfill his desires, he used to wander all over the city, sometimes going miles away from home... the family owned by Walter was always getting calls from unknown people asking politely to come and retrieve the dog from their sofa or bed.
Obs.: It took me (Gisele) more than 10 years to find and buy this book, but finally, in 2021, I succeed!
Ilustrator: Erich Sokol
Publisher: Henry Regnery Company (1958)
