Books about dogs can be heartwarming and fill you with so much joy. Who wouldn’t want to curl up with a delightful book about man’s best friend? Unfortunately, a lot of books about dogs end with the dog dying. It seems unfair.
If you are looking for books about dogs that don’t end with the dog dying, we have compiled a list of six books you can check out!
“Call of the Wild” by Jack London
The dog-book classic Call of the Wild by Jack London follows the adventures of a Yukon sled dog named Buck. This book can get dark at times since it reflects experiences the author knew well—the harshness of the Canadian wilderness. However, the bond between Buck and his owner is powerful and pulls them through many difficulties.
This is a book about survival and nature. It has been commonly assigned to middle school children in literature classes for decades. The novel has strong themes and simplistic yet vivid depictions of nature. Keep in mind that this book was published in 1903, so the writing style and language is a bit archaic. Some of the vocabulary and sentence structure may be more difficult than modern readings.
However, this classic stands the test of time for a reason. It is well-regarded by literature and dog lovers alike. It is one book all dog owners should read at some point.
“Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo
First published in 2000, “Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo is a heartwarming story about a 10-year-old girl named Opal who goes into a supermarket and comes out with a dog. The dog, which she names Winn-Dixie, begins to change her life.
Opal learns about why her mother is absent, and she also meets people within her community whom she would have never spoken to had it not been for Winn-Dixie. Through her lovable dog, Opal can let go of the past and embrace a new future full of friends she never expected to make.
This novel not only won several awards, but it was also made into a film in 2005. The novel is geared towards children in grades three to six, but it is a great tale for any dog lover.
“Dog on It” by Spencer Quinn
If you love mystery books and dogs, “Dog on It” by Spencer Quinn is perfect for you. This novel follows the narrator, a dog named Chet, who helps his private investigator owner, Bernie, solve mysteries. Together they gather clues, get into mischief, and solve mysteries.
Quinn first published the novel in 2009. It is the first in a series of books and short stories following this sleuthing duo. The canine narrator has a strong, interesting voice that makes the novel feel lighthearted and fun. This novel does feature swearing and some sexual innuendo, but it is all portrayed from the perspective of the dog.
This refreshing New York Times Bestseller is a great read to check out if you are looking to laugh as you follow along with an intriguing mystery.
“The Watchers” by Dean Koontz
“The Watchers”by Dean Koontz was nominated as one of America’s favorite books by PBS’s The American Great Read. The novel follows human Travis Cornell and a genetically altered Golden Retriever, Einstein, who has super intelligence. He and a monster were both created in a secret laboratory operated by the government.
This story takes many twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow the tale of Einstein’s found family and their struggles. This novel has elements of horror and science fiction mixed in, so it has a wide range of appeal.
The best part of this novel is that even though Einstein and his family have some close calls, you don’t have to worry about the dog dying at the end.
“A Dog Named Christmas” by Greg Kincaide
Greg Kincaide’s sweet, holiday tale about Todd, a mentally challenged young man, and his foster dog, Christmas, will bring you joy and tears. In “A Dog Named Christmas,” Todd and Christmas go on a journey to save the shelter dogs in their local town, while also dealing with issues such as Todd’s disability and his dad’s PTSD.
This story is about kindness, love, community, and family. Although there are a few close calls for Christmas, he does survive. This little dog inspires so many people and warms the heart of the community throughout the entire novel.
Hallmark turned this story into a movie that you can check out, as well. This is a must-read for dog lovers looking for a yuletide tale.
“The True Story of a Little Dog”
Published in 2017 and following the true story of a stray who followed marathon runner Dion Leonard in a 155-mile race across the Gobi Desert, this story is about love and determination. This thrilling tale is about so much more than a marathon race. It is about the bond between man and dog.
The second half of the book is full of thrilling drama, as Dion struggles to adopt the dog who stole his heart. This book is a well-beloved homage to the determination and spirit of man’s best friend.
If you are looking for a heartwarming non-fiction tale about a resilient and lovable dog, this is the book for you.
There’s a Book for Every Dog Lover!
Sit back, grab a copy of one of these six books where the dog doesn’t die, and enjoy these heartwarming, thrilling, and sweet tales about man’s best friend. Whether fiction or nonfiction, thriller, mystery, or drama, each of these books will leave you feeling glad to have dogs in your life.
