Reading on Topic: 3 Books for Dog Lovers

Although the Beth Fish Reads household is currently petless (sad face), we both grew up in families of dog lovers and have a soft spot in our hearts for four-legged companions.

All three books in today's Reading On Topic: Dogs are perfect for animal lovers. The first might turn you into an animal rights activist, and the others will make you smile and maybe even cry a little. In any case, you'll want to add all of them to your reading list.

A Matter of Breeding by Michael Brandow (Beacon Press, 2015, ISBN: 9780807033432). This is a well-crafted exposé on how kennel clubs, dog shows, and status-seeking humans have caused much pain and suffering for their dog companions--all in the name of purity of breed. Journalist turned dog-care professional, Brandow relies on a combination of research and personal experience to demonstrate how breeding for "desirable" traits has led to numerous medical problems for the dogs in question. For example, some breeds have chronic breathing problems, congenitally weak bones, and even digestive issues. Written in an easy-to-read style, A Matter of Breeding is an important book for every dog lover.

Good Dog edited by David Dibenedetto (HarperWave, 2014, ISBN: 9780062242358). Editor Dibenedetto put together a collection of beautifully written short pieces about man's best friend, all of which first appeared in the "Good Dog" column of Garden & Gun magazine. All kinds of authors--from novelist Jill McCorkle to humorist Roy Blount Jr and journalist T. Edward Nickens--contributed their recollections of working dogs, rescue dogs, and family companions. Humor, love, and respect radiate from these personal stories of people and their pets. Some of my favorites are the stories of the role dogs played in bringing couples together and the sweet recollections of favorite childhood pets. Put Good Dog on your bedside table and read these moving tales (tails?) one or two at a time.

Dog Crazy by Meg Donohue (William Morrow, 2015, ISBN: 9780062331038). Author Meg Donohue makes no secret of her love of furry friendship in her newest novel. This story is about Maggie Brennan, who works as a pet bereavement counselor and volunteers as a dog rescuer, and focuses on how important our pets are in our daily lives and how their love can heal the most troubled soul. The deep emotions surrounding the loss of a much-loved dog are lightened with humor, romance, and a mystery. I haven't yet read this novel, but the reviews of Dog Crazy assure me that despite the potential for tears, the story is ultimately uplifting. This sounds like the perfect read for a lazy Saturday afternoon, especially with a cup of tea and a beloved dog or two curled up at your side. (And I can't help but love the cover!)