Is there anything better than man’s best friend?
Since that first celebration in 2004, National Dog Day has grown in popularity and is now celebrated across the world as International Dog Day.
International Dog Day focuses on all breeds, mixed and pure, and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year from public shelters, rescues, and pure breed rescues.
There are many ways to celebrate International Dog Day including adopting from a rescue. You could also consider making a donation to a rescue, local dog charity, or shelter in the Richmond area. Many organizations would also appreciate the donation of your time.
You could also watch a dog movie or read a book about a dog! Check out some of our favorite stories about dogs below!
The Art of Racing in the Rain
Author: Garth Stein
Genre: Fiction
Summary:
Enzo, a philosophical golden retriever, narrates the story of his life with Denny Swift, an aspiring racecar driver. Enzo’s unique perspective offers insight into human relationships, love, loss, and the challenges Denny faces on and off the racetrack. Enzo is a loyal companion, observing Denny’s relationship with his wife Eve, the birth of their daughter Zoë, and other challenges they face along the way. Through Enzo’s eyes, readers witness the resilience of the human spirit and the power of family, loyalty, and the pursuit of dreams.
Birdie & Harlow: Life, Loss, and Loving My Dog So Much I Didn’t Want Kids
Author: Taylor Wolfe
Genre: Biography/Humor
Summary:
Birdie & Harlow is a memoir by Taylor Wolfe, exploring her journey into motherhood and the profound impact of her relationship with her dog, Harlow. Initially resistant to the idea of having children, Wolfe recounts her adventures and challenges throughout her twenties, finding companionship and solace in Harlow, a Vizsla puppy who becomes her closest confidante and best friend. Her bond with Harlow eventually helps her realize she wants to be a mom, leading to the birth of her daughter, Birdie. The memoir celebrates the many facets of modern motherhood, highlighting the unique love for both human and fur babies, and showcasing how families come in diverse forms.
The Friend Zone
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Summary:
Kristen Peterson, a woman facing a necessary hysterectomy that will prevent her from having children, finds herself drawn to Josh Copeland, the best man at her best friend’s wedding. Josh, a firefighter newly arrived in Los Angeles and recovering from a breakup, has his heart set on a big family. Despite their undeniable chemistry and the adoration of Kristen’s dog, Stuntman Mike, Kristen tries to keep Josh in the “friend zone” to protect him from a childless future with her. This leads to a complex relationship where their growing attraction clashes with Kristen’s secret and Josh’s desires, exploring themes of infertility, love, and the challenges of open communication.
Where the Red Fern Grows
Author: Wilson Rawls
Genre: Fiction
Summary:
Where the Red Fern Grows tells the story of Billy Colman, a young boy in the Ozark Mountains who dreams of owning coonhounds. After years of saving money, he buys Old Dan and Little Ann. They become a legendary hunting team, admired for their skill and loyalty. The novel explores their adventures, focusing on the unbreakable bond between Billy and his dogs. The story culminates in a championship coon hunt where they are victorious. The book ends with a tragedy, but echos themes of friendship, love, and loyalty.
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
Author: David Wroblewski
Genre: Family Fiction
Summary:
David Wroblewski’s debut novel, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, follows the life of Edgar, a mute boy living with his family on a Wisconsin farm where they breed and train a unique type of dog. Edgar shares a special bond with Almondine, one of the family’s dogs. Tragedy strikes when Edgar’s father dies under suspicious circumstances, and his uncle Claude returns to the farm, creating tension and leading Edgar to suspect his uncle’s involvement. Forced to flee into the wilderness with three of his loyal dogs, Edgar embarks on a journey of survival and discovery before eventually returning to confront his uncle and the secrets surrounding his father’s death. The novel explores themes of family, loyalty, communication, and the complex relationship between humans and animals.
The Friend
Author: Sigrid Nunez
Genre: Psychological Fiction
Summary:
Sigrid Nunez’s The Friend explores grief and unexpected companionship after a woman’s beloved mentor, a renowned writer, dies by suicide. Left with his enormous Great Dane, Apollo, the narrator navigates her own grief while also caring for the traumatized dog. Their shared mourning creates an unusual bond, despite her tiny New York apartment and apartment building’s no-pet policy. The novel delves into themes of love, loss, friendship, and the role of writing in coping with profound sadness, ultimately celebrating the unique connection that can exist between humans and animals.
Merle’s Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog
Author: Ted Kerasote
Genre: Biography
Summary:
Merle’s Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote chronicles the author’s extraordinary bond with Merle, a stray Labrador mix he encountered while camping in the Utah wilderness. Realizing Merle’s innate intelligence thrived with independence, Kerasote installed a dog door, allowing Merle to explore the wild outdoors as he pleased. Merle, a true character, taught Kerasote profound lessons about canine consciousness, behavior, and the true meaning of partnership beyond traditional ownership. Through Merle’s adventures and Kerasote’s insights drawn from research into human-animal bonds and animal behavior, the book challenges readers to reconsider our relationships with dogs and the freedoms we allow them.
Death of a Dog Whisperer
Author: Laurien Berenson
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Summary:
Death of a Dog Whisperer, by Laurien Berenson, is the 17th novel in the Melanie Travis Canine Mystery series. Protagonist Melanie Travis, juggling marriage, motherhood, and six poodles, finds herself entangled in a murder investigation when Nick Walden, a popular dog whisperer, is found dead. Nick’s sister, Claire, enlists Melanie’s help to find the killer. Melanie must navigate a long list of suspects including Nick’s clients, girlfriend, and even her own aunt. As Melanie dives deeper into the mystery, she uncovers secrets within the seemingly idyllic world of Fairfield County’s dog owners, eventually coming face-to-face with the killer.
What the Dog Knows: The Science and Wonder of Working Dogs
Author: Cat Warren
Genre: Non-Fiction/Animal Behavior
Summary:
Cat Warren’s What the Dog Knows delves into the captivating world of working dogs, focusing particularly on cadaver dogs like her own German Shepherd, Solo. She combines personal anecdotes about training Solo, a difficult but talented dog, with extensive research into the science and history of working dogs. Warren examines how dogs are trained and deployed to locate missing persons, detect drugs and bombs, and even find historical graves, exploring the impressive capabilities and limitations of canine scent detection. The book also highlights the deep bonds between handlers and their dogs, and how this unique partnership is woven into the fabric of society.
War Dogs: Tales of Canine Heroism, History, and Love
Author: Rebeccca Frankel
Genre: Memoir
Summary:
Rebecca Frankel’s War Dogs explores the vital role of military working dogs and their handlers throughout history and in modern warfare. The book blends personal stories, on-the-ground reporting, and scientific insights into canine abilities. Frankel highlights the incredible bond and teamwork between handlers and their dogs, who are deployed for tasks like bomb detection, tracking, and even therapy. She makes a compelling case for a robust war-dog force, emphasizing their effectiveness in saving lives and their profound impact on human soldiers. The narrative delves into the challenges and complexities of war for both dogs and their human companions.
Sergeant Rex: The Unbreakable Bond Between a Marine & His Military Working Dog
Author: Mike Dowling
Genre: Biography
Summary:
Sergeant Rex: The Unbreakable Bond Between a Marine and His Military Working Dog recounts the experiences of Mike Dowling, a U.S. Marine, and his K9 partner, Rex, a bomb-sniffing German Shepherd, during their deployment to Iraq. Initially, Rex suffers from a fear of explosions, but with Dowling’s unwavering support, he overcomes his fear. The book depicts harrowing moments of bomb detection and their extraordinary bond that helped them navigate the dangers of war, saving countless lives. Sergeant Rex is a powerful testament to the loyalty, sacrifice, and love shared between a human and canine amidst the psychological and physical tolls of combat.
Fairy Tale
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Dark Fantasy/Thriller
Summary:
Stephen King’s Fairy Tale follows Charlie Reade, a seemingly ordinary high school student burdened by his mother’s death and his father’s subsequent descent into alcoholism. He befriends an eccentric recluse named Howard Bowditch and his German Shepherd, Radar. When Bowditch dies, he leaves Charlie a mysterious legacy: a hidden portal to a parallel world called Empis, locked within his backyard shed. Charlie discovers that Empis is a realm in peril, with its royal family overthrown and the populace afflicted by a strange illness. Alongside his faithful dog, Radar, Charlie embarks on a fantastical adventure to save Empis from the encroaching darkness and restore it to its former glory.
The Forever Dog
Author: Rodney Habib & Dr. Karen Shaw Becker
Genre: Non-fiction/Nutrition
Summary:
The Forever Dog by Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker offers a guide for pet owners to extend their dogs’ lives and improve their health. The book draws on scientific research and interviews with longevity experts to demonstrate how optimizing diet, exercise, environment, and stress levels can combat the rising rates of chronic diseases in dogs.
The authors emphasize feeding fresh, minimally processed foods, debunking myths surrounding commercial pet food. They advocate for a holistic approach, providing actionable steps and tailored advice to help dog owners become informed advocates for their canine companions’ well-being.
Dog On It
Author: Spencer Quinn
Genre: Mystery/Crime Fiction
Summary:
Dog on It is the first book in the Chet and Bernie Mystery series by Spencer Quinn. Narrated by Chet, a lovable but easily distracted K-9 academy washout, it follows his adventures alongside Bernie Little, a struggling private investigator. They are hired to find a missing teenage girl, Madison, whose disappearance soon turns into a complex case involving unsavory characters and surprising twists. Chet’s canine instincts and Bernie’s detective skills combine to solve the case, but not without confronting danger. The book is filled with humor, suspense, and a unique perspective on human-canine partnership in crime-solving
Finding Gobi
Author: Dion Leonard
Genre: Memoir
Summary:
Finding Gobi, by Dion Leonard, is the true story of an ultramarathon runner’s unexpected bond with a stray dog during a grueling 155-mile race across China’s Gobi Desert. The dog, later named Gobi, joined Leonard for 77 miles of the race, enduring the harsh conditions and forging an unbreakable connection with the runner. Leonard, a competitive runner, found his priorities shifting as he ensured Gobi’s well-being, sharing his limited supplies and carrying her across rivers. After the race, a crowdfunding campaign was successful in raising funds to bring Gobi home to Scotland, but she went missing in the sprawling Chinese city where she was being kept. Leonard embarked on a global search for his furry friend, ultimately reuniting with her and facing the challenges of bringing her home. The story explores themes of friendship, loyalty, determination, and the transformative power of the human-animal bond.
