One of our favorite things about summer is kicking back on the beach with a great read!  And we love ourselves a good book about dogs…you know, the one that makes you laugh, makes you cry, reminds you that you don’t have the only dog who can steal a hamburger off the table in a nanosecond!  We polled our staff and came up with some of our all-time favorite canine tales!

Nicole’s Pic: Merle’s Door by Ted Kerasote

Merle and his unwavering relationship with his owner stole my heart and a love triangle ensued, with me as the third person. I fell in love with Merle and his life, his daily agenda, his view of the world, his wanderlust, his adoration of and loyalty to Ted, his owner. Ted selflessly allowed Merle to live freely, in a way he believed every dog should live and the result of such liberties is a bond between man and dog like no other. Merle’s Door is insanely heartwarming and offers great insight into the way a dog thinks. If it’s possible for a book to increase the bond between you and your own dog, it’s Merle’s Door.

Ashely’s Pic: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

The Art of Racing in The Rain is not just a great dog book --- it's one of my all-time-favorites. It's a charming take on the bond between humans and their canine family members written in the perspective of Enzo, a funny, spiritual, TV loving retriever. It will break your heart --- in a good way. Warning: have tissues nearby.

Hannah’s Pic: Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell

With 3 (or more) redheads at Hot Diggity, I submit Clifford the Big Red Dog! I think we can all relate to feeling different than others, but being kind and careful will make you loved! 

Jordan’s Pic: Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

Because of Winn Dixie is one of the first books I can remember loving as a child! A young girl in a new town finds a dog that changes her life. It’s a great depiction of the bond kids have with their pets and how much loving a special pup can change your heart and life.

Other Recommendations:

Free Days with George by Colin Campbell
You can’t help but root for Newfie rescue George and new owner Colin as they find their way together.  There are so many tender moments in this book, but the last page of chapter 15 really struck us.

A Dog’s Journey by W. Bruce Cameron
Buddy returns in the sequel to A Dog’s Purpose and he reminds us again how unwavering loyal our dogs are to us.  We especially love that it’s told through the voice of Buddy, giving a fun and insightful peek into what really goes on in a dog’s mind.

Devoted by Rebecca Ascher-Walsh
A quick read with 38 true tales about dogs. This is feel-good book and a powerful reminder of the many, many different ways dogs serve, protect and love us!

Marley & Me by John Grogan
Because no “best dog books” list would be complete without this classic!

Okay, your turn!  Got a great recommendation to add?