It is a little known truth that Lucky Diamond is a voracious reader. And while most other animals may not be as literate as little Lucky, that does not mean that our four-footed friends have not been the inspiration behind the written word for ages. The Puppy Love felt between people and pets has been showcased across countless novels, guide books, photographic collections, and children’s books and the list keeps getting longer!
Wendy’s hit book, It’s a Dog’s World: The Savvy Guide to Four-Legged Living, was recently praised in The New York Post as “perfect beach reading”. Always eager to share the spot light, Wendy and Lucky wanted to expand your beach reading roster with some of their favorite books that warm the heart, nourish the soul, and feed the mind. While it may be taboo to brag about one’s human children we’ve always made exceptions when it comes to stories about our pets, perhaps that’s why we so eagerly devour the books on this list!
1. Clarice and Friends…How They Helped Mend the Hole in My Heart
By Maria Milito
Broadcasting Classic Rock hits as a DJ on WAXQ by day, Maria Milito could never wait to come home to her precious Pug, Clarice. When Clarice, a frequent fixture of her radio program dubbed “Clarice the Wonder Pug”, passed in 2006 Maria turned to the support of her fans to get her through the most difficult, inevitable moment of any pet parents journey with their beloved best friend. Clarice and Friends is a compilation of the touching, compassionate, inspiring emails that Maria received during her time grieving Clarice. A world’s worth of support in 78 pages, no Pet Parent can ever feel alone with Clarice and Friends in tow.
2. Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Dog’s Life & My Cats Life
By Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Jennifer Quasha with a forward by Wendy Diamond
The Chicken Soup series is timeless and beloved for a reason. People like to feel good. And, even though it may seem cliché, the power of puppy love truly is unstoppable. There is nothing that can make you feel warmer than these collections of inspiring stories that showcase the unconditional love and loyalty that dogs feel for their parents. With a witty and insightful forward by the one and only Wendy Diamond, these entries walk proudly into the Chicken Soup Pantheon.
By Melanie O’brien
It’s nothing new to see an animal acting as the star of children’s book, but Melanie Obrien repurposes the cuddly appeal of puppies for an education in ethics. Pat Them Gently features bright, friendly illustrations and a simple story to teach even the youngest children how to respect their four-legged brothers and sisters. Pat Them Gently is the perfect tool for the pet parent cum person parent with an appreciation for animal welfare.
4. Dogs
By Catherine Johnson and William Wegman
Famed canine photographer, William Wegman, teams up with the renowned Catherine Johnson to compile a collection of deeply fascinating vintage photos. Of course, this isn’t your average time capsule as it features photographs of dogs spanning from the turn of the century through the 1950’s. Dogs is the perfect gift for pet lovers and history buffs alike, and is sure to be as hit on your coffee table.
5. Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love
By Larry Levin
When Larry Levin met Oogy Puppy Love was instantly in the air, but Levin knew that his journey with Oogy would not be without a few bumps along the road. In fact, Oogy joined Larry’s family with his fair share of bumps and bruises. After having been used as a bait dog, essentially a living puppy punching bag, in a dog fighting arena Oogy was missing one ear and half of the tissue on his face. When Oogy was found during a police raid on his prison there was certainty that he would make it long enough to meet Levin and begin his new life. Oogy is a story of love, trust, and the incredible resilience and hope that lies within each and every one of us. Grab a copy of Oogy today, just don’t forget the tissues.
6. Unleashed
By Brad Pattison
Unleashed is not your typical training manual. Doing away with treats and verbal commands are the first commandments of canine empath, Brad Pattison. Pattison’s methods revolve around trust, respect, and confident leadership as the building blocks of the perfect pet to parent relationship. Unleashed is sure to have your dog “sitting”, “staying”, and “heeling” with confidence while building the bond between you. Unleashed is your one stop solution to perfect pet parenting!
By Bruce Littlefield
The Bedtime Book for Dogs is ingenious fun for the entire family, and is the only reading experience for which humanity is not a prerequisite! This colorfully illustrated story is written using the words that most dogs already know how to respond to. The lines of the story as the listener to come sit and lie down before listening to the story with the epithet, good dog, sprinkled liberally throughout. In this family friendly gem, Littlefield has stumbled upon an interactive experience that will have all of your childrens’ tails wagging regardless of species.
By Jennifer Arnold
Rolled up newspapers are a thing of the past! In this deeply compelling read, Jennifer Arnold, a renowned trainer of service animals, turns everything you ever thought you knew about pet parenting on its head. Eschewing conventional wisdom, Arnold does away with the notion of a pack mentality, preferring to view dogs as “incredibly trusting beings” that always aim to please. Arnold’s book is as effective as it is inspiring and is a must have item for any interspecies home.