My favorite books on inspirational animal and human connections

An emotional story that talks about bravery, hope, and loyalty. During an adventure race through the jungle of Ecuador in South America, a Swedish race team lead by Mikael Lindnord befriends a mangy, but determined dog. The dog (Arthur) joins the team and their adventure begins. In the end, the team saves the dog. But, as is so often the case in these animal/people encounters, it is the dog who becomes the quiet hero and ultimately saves the human.

A fascinating story about two unlikely comrades, who, in their own way, save each other. James Bowen, the Author, is a London street performer (a busker), who earns a living playing his guitar. He's a recovering drug addict, who struggles to stay focused and clean. Bob is a homeless Ginger Cat who James finds injured in his apartment building and takes to the vet. James spends most of cash-on-hand to get antibiotics to treat Bob's wounds, and this act of kindness and sacrifice is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. You'll come to care about them both very quickly and you'll really hope that everything turns out well for both of them. James tells his story in very blunt terms, about dealing with addiction and trying to turn his life around.

Cameron Bloom, his wife Sam, and their three boys were a normal, happy family - until a near-fatal fall left Sam paralysed and she sank into a deep depression. But in the darkest days of Sam's struggle a new and unexpected member of the family came into their lives: an injured magpie chick abandoned after she fell from her nest, who became known as Penguin Bloom.

The Blooms rescued Penguin, and in return, she saved them in ways they could not have imagined. As her damaged little chick grew into a strong and beautiful bird, Sam found a joy and strength of her own. This is a wonderful true story of courage, love, commitment, and inspiration.

This is the uplifting and unforgettable true story of a US Marine, the stray dog he met on an Afghan battlefield, and how they saved each other. While on patrol, Craig spotted a young dog "with a big goofy head and little legs" who didn’t seem vicious or run in a pack like most strays he’d encountered. After eating a piece of beef jerky Craig offered—against military regulations—the dog began to follow him. What follows is a very moving and loving homage to the dog named Fred and to his fellow vets that was very heartfelt. The length he goes to bring Fred home to the USA from Afghanistan was so sweet and the fact that Fred not only helped him with PTSD but also gave Craig a deeper purpose for his life is truly inspirational.

Nala's adventure shows how the love of an animal can change the trajectory of a man's life. Dean set out to explore the world on his bike. Along the way he met and fell head over wheels (!) with a kitten, whom he named Nala. Something about the piercing eyes and plaintive meowing of the bedraggled little cat proved irresistible. He couldn't leave her to her fate, so he put her on his bike and then, with the help of local vets, nursed her back to health. Soon on his travels, they forged an unbreakable bond -- both curious, independent, resilient and adventurous.