Can I Be Your Dog?

By Troy Cummings,

Book cover of Can I Be Your Dog?

Book description

The New York Times bestseller featured on THE TODAY SHOW!

A heart-tugging dog adoption story told through letters--deeply sincere and almost desperate pleas for a forever home--from the dog, himself!

This picture book shares the tale of Arfy, a homeless mutt who lives in a box in an alley. Arfy…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

3 authors picked Can I Be Your Dog? as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

The author gives his pen to a dog looking for a master. Without success, he writes to everyone on his street, offering his services.

The ending is as surprising and refreshing as all the pages of this book. Author, illustrator, and page designer created a fabulous picture book.

Children will love reading and rereading this gentle, emotional book. This book is sitting on my coffee table. My friends all smile as they read this book, which will touch the hearts of readers of all ages.

The author makes readers aware of the importance of taking good care of adopted animals. He gets his message across by bringing to life a dog who writes handwritten letters to everyone on Butternut Street.

I love hearing and seeing my children and friends' reactions to this irresistible bedtime story book. It makes us smile and feel good.

This adorable and funny picture book is about a stray dog looking for his forever family by writing letters to each family on Butternut Street, but no one wants to take in poor Arfy. The illustrations are bright and colorful with lots of fun details for kids to point out. I love the exchange of letters between Arfy and the prospective families - each one unique to the sender. Will he ever find the right family? You’ll have to read to find out!

From Alexandra's list on joyful picture books about dogs.

Want books like Can I Be Your Dog??

Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Can I Be Your Dog?.

Browse books like Can I Be Your Dog?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in dogs, bedtime stories, and pet adoption?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about dogs, bedtime stories, and pet adoption.

Dogs Explore 393 books about dogs
Bedtime Stories Explore 15 books about bedtime stories
Pet Adoption Explore 10 books about pet adoption