5 Books For Every Pet Lover

I absolutely adore reading—it’s the perfect way to relax after a long day at work or school. As the weather starts to turn cooler, I find myself wanting to curl up with a blanket and a good book. As a proud pet-owner, I love when I can find a good story that features some of my favorite furry friends. If you’re looking for something new to pick up, here’s a list of great books that feature pets:

1. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillio

This was a childhood favorite of mine. I recently started to reread it with my sister and I fell in love with it all over again. It’s technically a children’s book, but there is something in this story for everyone to love.

It’s about a young girl named Opal who finds a stray dog in the Winn-Dixie supermarket and decides to bring him home. The dog is dirty and smelly and pretty darn ugly, but he wins over Opal (and her daddy, the preacher) with his sense-of-humor and charming personality. Winn-Dixie (named affectionately after the store he was found in) helps the preacher open up about Opal’s mom who left when she was just a baby, and helps Opal meet a whole bunch of other amazing, quirky characters.

It’s a beautiful coming-of-age story about a girl learning to love and forgive with the help of her dog. It also had a really great film adaptation in 2005, starring AnnaSophia Robb and Jeff Daniels!

2. I Could Pee on This by Francesco Marciuliano

If you’re in the mood for something funny, this is the perfect book. It is a collection of

poetry written from the perspective of a cat and, as the title suggests, it really captures their true personalities.

There are poems about a cat feeling ignored, being jealous over a new addition to the family, and just simply being a cat. One of my favorites is called “Why are you screaming?” and it’s about the owner’s reaction when the cat presents him with an unwanted gift—a dead mouse.

These poems will have you almost in tears from laughing so hard, especially if you are a cat owner. As the mom of two adorable but mischievous cats, I can tell you that you will definitely relate.

3. E.B. White on Dogs by E.B White

E. B. White wrote the beloved children’s book Charlotte’s Web, another wonderful book about animals. During his life, he loved dogs and owned many Dachshunds. After his death, his granddaughter put together this collection of essays, poems, letters, and sketches all about the various dogs that he owned throughout his life. I will say that some are more focused on dogs than others, but the entire collection is witty, funny, and heart-warming.

If you are a fan of non-fiction or just a lover of dogs, this book is perfect for you. In one essay, he writes a beautiful obituary for his dog, Daisy. He said, “she never grew up, and she never took pains to discover, conclusively, the things that might have diminished her curiosity and spoiled her taste. She died sniffing life, and enjoying it.” It’s a beautiful collection of writing.

 

4. Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Bret Witter and Vicki Myron

If you are in the mood for a real “feel good” book, Dewey is sure to tug at your heart

strings. Inspired by real events, this book starts with Vicki Myron, the head librarian at the Spencer Public Library in Spencer, Iowa. She finds a small kitten on the verge of freezing to death in the book drop box. The library adopts the kitten and they hold a contest where the town decides to name him Dewey Readmore Books.

Dewey inspired the entire town of Spencer and his popularity eventually spread across the entire world. Dewey even had his own documentary in Japan! The book follows Dewey’s life and the effect he had on those who loved him.

If you have small children, Dewey is also now the star of his own children’s book series!

 5. The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks

For those of you in the mood for a good romance, is there really any other place to look than Nicholas Sparks? This book follows Julie, a woman trying to navigate life a few years after her husband has passed away. Her late husband left her with a Great Dane puppy in the hopes that the dog would look after her when he’s no longer there. Julie is ready to pursue a new relationship and, at first is stuck between two men, but one relationship evolves into a dangerous situation. This book is not just a romance, but also a thriller.

Julie’s dog, Singer, is not just a dog–He is her best friend. He will do anything to protect her and is just as much a character as the humans in this novel. The Guardian is a beautiful story about what it really means to love someone.

As with all Sparks novels, keep your tissues nearby! This one is a tear-jerker.

What is your favorite pet-related book?