Dog books: great reads about good dogs
Some of these might just make excellent Christmas presents, too...
As a writer, I’m always ashamed to admit I don’t read very much. I should try harder, but when I spend all week playing with words for work, the last thing I want to do at my weekends is look at more words. That was, until I discovered Audible. In the past 12 months, I have devoured tens of audiobooks and a fair few of them have, predictably, been about dogs. So, in the spirit of the impending festive season, I thought a round-up of my favourite dog books (and a few on my to-read pile) might be pertinent — these could be glorious gifts this December for your dog-loving friends…
1. The Worried Whippet: A Book of Bravery by Jess Bolton
Full disclosure here: this one’s written by a friend of mine, but it is one of the most beautiful little books you’ll buy. It looks a little like a kids book, but there are lessons for adults in this one too and it’s a very sweet read. Written about the life of Jess the whippet, who passed away earlier this year, it’s a gorgeous tale of bravery, friendship, love and worry, all with adorable illustrations.
Made famous for the world on Instagram, Jess the dog might not longer be here 💔 but Jess the human is still running the account, using its platform to help rescue dogs find their homes. Go follow, and get the book.
2. Isle of Dogs by Clare Balding
I listened to this while towing my caravan around France and it was a fine distraction from the tarmac. The book explores a little of the history of dogs in Britain while delving into the way we keep dogs today, from pets to service dogs to working dogs. It’s all written from Clare’s own perspective, who as you most likely know has been presenting TV coverage of Crufts for many years, and is an amusing amble around the British Isles peppered with plenty of good dogs. Get the book here.
3. Collared: How We Made the Modern Dog by Chris Pearson
This one’s on my “to read” list, as I’ve not yet managed to get my hands on a copy but it looks like a fascinating book. It charts the history of dogs and how they got here, being pampered by us or put to work in the fields. The book looks at breeding standards, animal rights and the evolution of working dogs. No doubt a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand the human-dog relationship. Get it here.
4. Boogie up the River by Mark Wallington
I listened to this on Audible as the BBC Radio 4 adaptation has been uploaded, but if you can get your hands on a copy of the book it’ll be just as hilarious. This book is a work of fiction by writer Mark Wallington and one of a handful of books about Boogie, his wily mutt who follows him on various adventures. This one takes you on a paddle to the source of the Thames and is a completely ludicrous tale of unrequited love, a motorbike courier and some curious characters on the banks of the river. Oh, and of course, a completely unhinged dog. A delightful distraction for anyone looking to escape the chaos of the world today through books — get it here.
5. Not Just A Dog: Understanding and Comfort When your Dog Dies by Pippa Shay
This one’s less of a read-in-one-go book and more of a tool for anyone who might be experiencing pet grief. When our dogs leave us, they leave an enormous hole in our lives and author Pippa Shay knows that all too well. This book is informed by her own experiences of losing a dog and has helpful advice on coping and finding comfort at such a time. It’s the sort of book you might devour if you’re going through it, or dip in and out of if you get struck by the grief monster on occasion. The book is available on Amazon, but Substack doesn’t allow Amazon links so you’ll have to search it out yourselves!