The best books about life with dogs

As a single woman who considers her dogs as family members, I felt an intense connection with the author of this book the moment I opened it. Similar to Knapp, I've gone through a lot in my life and have found myself turning to my dogs to help me make it through. The deep connection she forged with her rescue dog, Lucille, remined me of my own canine companions who consistently provide me with the unconditional love and sense of belonging that only a dog can provide. Her story reaffirmed for me the strong connection between humans and animals, showing how dogs, in particular, can fill our lives with purpose, comfort, and unwavering support.

What moved me about Caroline Knapp's book, "Pack of Two," was the way she shared her own personal journey of self-discovery and transformation. At 36 years old, Knapp faced immense challenges, including the loss of her parents and the overwhelming task of overcoming her addiction to alcohol and food. As she grappled with questions of identity and purpose, her unexpected bond with a rescued puppy named Lucille became a lifeline.

She really nails it when she talks about the unexpected joys that come with having deep relationships with dogs. I totally get what she means—there's this unspoken bond between dogs and us humans that can be incredibly powerful, sometimes even stronger than our connections with other people. Knapp's raw and introspective narrative is a testament to the enduring bond between man (or woman) and dog.

As a lover of books and dogs, life doesn’t get much better than reading a John Steinbeck book with your canine companion by your side. Plus, Steinbeck’s standard poodle, Charley, is central to the story, with the profound bond between a man and his dog as a central narrative. I found it fascinating to read about the roundtrip he took with Charley across the United States in the 60s. Steinbeck shares his actual experiences traveling across interstates and country roads, meeting all sorts of fascinating characters along the way. It’s like reading a slice of our country’s history with a dash of dogness included. Every dog lover should read this classic.

One of the things that struck me about the book was Steinbeck's keen observations on the American character of the 60s—from racial tensions to the pervasive sense of loneliness, issues we still face today. Yet, the book does not include all trials and tribulations. He also writes about unexpected moments of kindness and generosity from strangers. To me, the book is a masterpiece, highlighting the compassion inherent in the human spirit and, of course, in dogs.

This book holds a special place in my heart. I’ve reread it many times over the years, finding inspiration in Steinbeck's deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of life on the road. Moreover, as a dog lover myself, growing up with Siesta, a little Chihuahua mutt, the central theme of unconditional love shared between a human and his dog told a story beyond words. Before this book, I thought I was the only weirdo when it came to my intense love of dogs. But after the first reading, I knew I was not alone. 

Through a collection of heartwarming and inspiring true stories, this book beautifully illustrates how dogs have the innate ability to teach us lessons about life, compassion, and resilience. I fell in love with the idea of this book before it was even published. Why? Because one of my own stories from my first memoir is included!

I'm a big fan of short stories, especially when they involve dogs. Well-crafted short stories focus on a single, life-changing moment, giving us a glimpse into a character's inner world, how they're impacted in that moment, and how they move forward. Each tale in this book revolves around the profound influence dogs can have on the lives of their humans. From acts of bravery to moments of deep connection and healing, from detecting illnesses to offering solace in times of sorrow, the dogs in these stories are truly extraordinary.

Take, for instance, Mazie, the Lab who rescued her new family after being rescued herself, or Luna, the Retriever who saved her owner's life. My personal story of Baldwin, my first therapy dog, is also featured. What really struck me was how the book celebrates the everyday miracles and blessings that dogs bring into our lives. Make sure to have some tissues handy when you crack open this book.

Discovering this book was a transformative experience for me, coinciding with my immersion into the world of dog sports alongside my rescue Puli, Baldwin, and my first Australian Shepherd, Bliss. I resonated deeply with Jon Katz's journey as he welcomed a border collie named Orson into his life. I couldn't help but envy the author as he settled into an old farmhouse, complete with a herd of sheep for his dog to work every day. Katz's candid reflections on training Orson struck a chord with me, particularly when a dog trainer advised him that to have a better dog, he must strive to be a better human. That’s so true!

I found myself unable to put the book down as Katz's shared his insights into the amazing bond between humans and dogs. His honest portrayal of the challenges he faced navigating through life alongside his hyper-active border collie was completely relatable. I first read the book during the period I dedicated to caring for my father. Despite the stark contrasts in the specifics of our daily lives, I couldn't shake the feeling that the emotions we experienced were eerily similar. It became apparent how dog love can profoundly influence and shape our lives, regardless of the circumstances.

This book really got me thinking. It inspired me to start writing my own books, capturing the incredible bond I share with my own dogs. And let me tell you, I haven't looked back since!

Every dog lover should have a copy of this book by their bedside. It’s filled with inspirational stories of how dogs have served as our muses, mentors, and loyal companions throughout history, influencing us as healers, guides, and co-workers. Much like dogs, humans are inherently pack animals, and through the touching stories of others, I gained invaluable lessons and found I am, in fact, part of a greater pack of dog lovers.