Dogs are man’s best friend. What better way to spend time with them than to curl up with a good book as they cuddle next to you? Here are 10 books all about your favorite furry friends.

“A Dog’s Purpose” by W. Bruce Cameron (2010) (Fiction) (Fantasy)

I will tell you now; the dog doesn’t die once, but several times. However, the good news is the dog is reincarnated as other dogs, and you get to read each story as the dog figures out their purpose. Have tissues. You will need them.

“Paw Enforcement” by Diane Kelly (2014) (Cozy Mystery) (Romance)

After tazing a male co-worker where it can hurt men the most, Officer Megan Luz is on thin ice at work and only allowed to have non-human police partners. Here enters Brigit, Luz’s new canine partner. Now, Luz and Brigit must sniff out a killer before it’s too late.

“Stargazing Dog” by Takashi Murakami (2008) (Manga) (Fiction) (Young Adult)

Oto-san, a man without family or friends, goes on a road trip with his recently adopted dog. The dog seems to be the only thing he can count on. Go on an adventure with Oto-san and learn all about friendship and loyalty. This is another tearjerker, so have the tissues you needed for “A Dog’s Purpose.”

“The Forever Dog: Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer” by Rodney Habib and Karen Shaw Becker (2021) (Non-Fiction) (Health)

While dogs cannot live forever, Habib and Becker have teamed up to provide a plan that focuses on nutrition, diet, stress, environment and movement to ensure they live their best life.

“No Place Like Home” by James Bird (2023) (Middle Grades) (Realistic Fiction)

Opin, his brother and mother are unhoused and room at the local shelter is never guaranteed, meaning their car is their only constant roof. They are on their way to Los Angeles where they hope an uncle will take them in. Opin finds a stray dog and they quickly realize they need each other. However, shelters don’t take dogs and Opin has to find a way to keep his new friend.

“Cujo” by Stephen King (1981) (Horror) (Fiction) (Suspense)

Saint Bernards had to recover their reputations after King released this novel. Cujo, a family pet turns rabid after being bitten by some sick bats and wreaks havoc on the small town of Castle Rock, Maine.

“From Baghdad, With Love: A Marine, the War, and a Dog Named Lava” by Jay Kopelman and Melinda Roth (2006) (Non-Fiction) (Memoir)

When Marines search a house in Fallujah, the very last thing they expect to find is an abandoned puppy. Despite the ban on pets with deployed troops, Lava is creatively de-flea-ed and de-wormed and sustained with MREs. Lava becomes one of the gang and rescues the Marines as much as they rescued her.

“The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein (2008) (Fiction)

Enzo is different from other dogs; he is a philosopher. He has learned a lot by watching tons of television and listening to his owner, an up-and-coming racecar driver. As he is nearing the end of his life, Enzo reminisces on his fascinating adventures. A film adaptation was made in 2019.

“Harry the Dirty Dog” by Gene Zion and artwork by Margaret Bloy Graham (1956) (Classics) (Children’s)

I remember repeatedly reading this book in elementary school because Harry’s misadventures always made me laugh. Harry doesn’t like baths, so he buries his bath scrubber and runs away from home. He gets so dirty on his adventures that when he comes home his family doesn’t recognize him and he must, of course, get a bath.

“Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World’s Worst Dog” by John Grogan (2005) (Non-Fiction) (Memoir) (Humor)

All dogs are good dogs, except for Marley, a horribly behaving dog (okay he is still a good boy). Grogan recounts his 13 years spent with Marley with all of the ups and downs of dog-ownership. You can also catch the 2008 film adaptation.