Why am I passionate about this?

Being “mommy” to a deaf dog has taught me so much about canine disabilities, and how intelligent and capable dogs can be despite their limitations. I enjoy reading about other people who have gone through similar experiences with their dogs. These animals don’t let their disabilities stop them from leading full, fun lives. With their determination and positive attitudes, disabled dogs make wonderful role models!


I wrote

Paw Enforcement

By Diane Kelly,

Book cover of Paw Enforcement

What is my book about?

Officer Luz is lucky she still has a job after tasering a male colleague where it counts the most. He…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

The books I picked & why

Book cover of Piglet: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind, Pink Puppy and His Family

Diane Kelly Why did I love this book?

Knowing I have a deaf dog, a reader sent me this non-fiction book, thinking I’d enjoy it. She was right! The author is very open and honest about the challenges she faced taking on a dog who was not only deaf but also blind. It was incredibly heartwarming to see Piglet grow from a fearful pup into an icon who inspires schoolchildren - and adults! - to adopt a can-do attitude. I liked that the author raised issues of animal welfare in the book, including the unfair treatment of animals used for medical experiments as disposable equipment and the horrific treatment of animals in factory farming. The book addresses many aspects of the human relationship to other creatures, and what we owe to animals who are at our mercy. 

By Melissa Shapiro, MIM Eichler Rivas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Piglet as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In the tradition of the beloved New York Times bestsellers Marley and Me and Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love, "a beautiful, inspiring" (Laura Schroff, New York Times bestselling author) memoir about empathy, resilience, kindness, and an adorable deaf blind pink dog.

When veterinarian Melissa Shapiro gets a call about a tiny deaf blind puppy rescued from a hoarding situation in need of fostering, she doesn't hesitate to say, "yes." Little does she know how that decision will transform her, her family, and legions of admirers destined to embrace the saga of the indomitable pink "puppy with a…


Book cover of Suspect

Diane Kelly Why did I love this book?

In this thriller, both the police officer and his newly assigned K-9 partner are suffering PTSD from horrific things they endured on the job. The police officer’s partner was killed months earlier as they tried to take down some criminals, and he can’t get past the survivor’s guilt. The dog, a German shepherd, lost her previous handler to an explosive that severely wounded her, as well. I loved how the book showed that all sentient creatures suffer and grieve, often in very similar ways. Animals are capable of incredible emotional depth. 

By Robert Crais,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked Suspect as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

LAPD cop Scott James is not doing so well. Eight months ago, a shocking late-night assault by unidentified men killed his partner Stephanie, nearly killed him, and left him enraged, ashamed, and ready to explode. He is unfit for duty - until he meets his new partner.

Maggie is not doing so well, either. A German shepherd who survived three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan sniffing out explosives before losing her handler to an IED.

They are each other's last chance. Shunned and shunted to the side, they set out to investigate the one case that no one wants them…


Ad

Book cover of Evil Alice and the Borzoi

Evil Alice and the Borzoi By DK Coutant,

Cleo Cooper, a cross-cultural psychology professor, is living the dream on the Big Island of Hawaii. With ocean-dipping weekends, she enjoys her dog, her job, and her boyfriend Ben - until the day she’s on a research vessel and a dead body is caught in the dragline.

The police determine…

Book cover of Primal Force

Diane Kelly Why did I love this book?

In this romantic suspense novel, it’s veterans who are disabled rather than the dogs. The book stars a woman who trains canines to be service dogs for former military members. I enjoyed learning about the training process and everything the dogs can do for the people they serve, including the attractive romantic hero featured in the story. D.D. Ayres’s books are very well researched, and the reader comes away with quite a bit of knowledge. I like books with that kind of take-away value. The story was also very engaging, with the characters facing difficult challenges but finding hope and love through the process. 

By D.D. Ayres,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Primal Force as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Passion is always worth fighting for…

Jori Garrison trains dogs for Warrior Wolf Pack, which provides service animals for disabled veterans. Four years ago, she was wrongly convicted of a crime―thanks to her no-good ex- fiancé. Now she just wants to live her life in peace with her beloved dogs. No men, no complications. But it's hard to play it cool when a lethally hot male is on her tail―and the attraction is fierce, mutual, and dangerous….

PRIMAL FORCE

Lauray "Law" Batisse is a Military Police veteran who was wounded in Afghanistan. Haunted by the loss of his K-9 partner…


Book cover of Hogan's Hope: A Deaf Hero's Inspirational Quest for Love and Acceptance

Diane Kelly Why did I love this book?

I was initially drawn to this book because it features a deaf Dalmatian. My dog Reggie is also deaf and likely part Dalmatian, given her white fur and black spots. She was found as a stray puppy and taken to the city animal shelter where we adopted her. We think Reggie is also part American bull terrier. She has a very similar build to that breed, with a barrel chest, pointy ears, and distinctive eye shape. Like the author of the book, I communicate with my deaf dog using hand signals. A deaf dog learns to pay close attention, and Reggie can communicate with amazing nuance. I loved how the book portrays the relationship between a dog and its guardian as a spiritual bond. I found that aspect extremely relatable. 

By Connie Bombaci,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hogan's Hope as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Gain the inspiration to hope, no matter what the circumstance, from a deaf dog’s courage to overcome the challenges, prejudices, and death sentences plaguing deaf dogs. Hogan’s heartwarming story teaches us never to give up and reveals to everyone that choosing hope can make anything possible!


Ad

Book cover of Songbird

Songbird By Laci Barry Post,

It's 1943, and World War II has gripped the nation, including the Stilwell family in Jacksonville, Alabama. Rationing, bomb drills, patriotism, and a changing South barrage their way of life. Neighboring Fort McClellan has brought the world to their doorstep in the form of young soldiers from all over the…

Book cover of The Adventures of Penny the Famous Three Legged Dog

Diane Kelly Why did I love this book?

This book is written from the dog’s point of view, is intended for children, and is clearly a labor of love by the author as a tribute to her Jack Russell terrier, Penny. The poor dog had a difficult start in life. She was the runt of the litter and born with dental problems. She initially lived in the country, became ensnared in a claw trap, and had to chew her leg off to escape. When her owner married someone with a larger dog who did not take kindly to Penny, finding a new home became necessary. Luckily, the author took her in and clearly adores her. The photos were cute and amusing, and it was uplifting that Penny found a good friend in Tansy, the author’s other dog. 

By Joan Betzold, Kathy Kupka (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Adventures of Penny the Famous Three Legged Dog as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This is the story of Penny, a Jack Russell Terrier, which became handicapped as a young dog. Faced with mounting adversities and through a stroke of luck, she was adopted by a woman that had professional expertise with special needs individuals. Through the love and support of her new "Mom", Penny learns to take on the challenges of everyday life with handicaps and learns to enrich others lives as well as her own, while being an inspiration to all that meet her.


Explore my book 😀

Paw Enforcement

By Diane Kelly,

Book cover of Paw Enforcement

What is my book about?

Officer Luz is lucky she still has a job after tasering a male colleague where it counts the most. He had it coming - which is why the police chief gives Megan a second chance. The catch? Her new partner can’t carry a gun, can’t drive a cruiser, and can’t recite the Miranda Rights. Because her new partner is a big furry police dog. So that’s what the chief meant when he called Megan’s partner a real b*tch … 

The two alpha females form a formidable pack. It’s a good thing, too, because someone’s been planting bombs around town and it’ll take expert crime-solvers to sniff out the lawbreaker. Can this doggedly determined K-9 team catch the bomber before it’s too late?

Book cover of Piglet: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind, Pink Puppy and His Family
Book cover of Suspect
Book cover of Primal Force

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,628

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 You might also like…

Book cover of What You Made Me Do

What You Made Me Do By Barbara Gayle Austin,

Willem and Jurriaan have a miserable childhood thanks to their cruel, controlling mother—Louisa Veldkamp, a world-renowned pianist. Dad turns a blind eye. One day, Louisa vanishes without a trace during a family vacation.

Adoptee Anneliese Bakker survives a toxic childhood and leaves home, vowing never to return. While searching for…

Book cover of Knife Skills

Knife Skills By Wendy Church,

"Dizzying . . . Audiences who wished the TV series The Bear had made room for Russian mobsters are in for a treat" - Kirkus Reviews Starred Review

Sagarine Pfister is a great cook but has been blacklisted by almost every restaurant in Chicago. She gets her chance at Louie's,…

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in dogs, disability, and murder?

Dogs 429 books
Disability 55 books
Murder 1,079 books