Man’s best friend holds that title for a reason. Dogs have consistently been our constant companions throughout life, offering kindness, support, and protection without asking for anything in return besides belly rubs, food, and lots of love. Its no surprise that dogs have been hugely popular throughout literature, from classical mythology to modern novels centering around our canine companions. In honor of these special, let’s take a look at 5 of the best books centering around furry friends. Cuddle up with your pet and take a look through these wonderful novels centering around them!

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5. The art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is a beautiful, poetic, and moving novel. This story doesn’t have an easy beginning, as its told from the dog’s perspective on the eve of his death. The dog in question is Enzo, the beloved pet of an up-and-coming race car driver. This is a captivating look at the joys of life as only a dog could tell it. The novel is funny, uplifting, and utterly heart wrenching. For any dog lover, its a must read and may even showcase how your dog views the world around him/her.

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4. My Dog: The paradox by Matthew Inhman

My Dog: The Paradox by Matthew Inhman is a volume of hilarious, on-point comics by the creator of The Oatmeal. These comics are laugh-out-loud hilarious, containing witty observations about how a dog functions while being backed up by goofy, over the top art that nevertheless manages to be adorable. But beneath the laughter, this a genuine heartfelt ode to a lovable little dog who is both a source of goofiness and joy.

3. E.B White on Dogs Edited by Martha white

In E. B. White on Dogs, his granddaughter and manager of his literary estate, Martha White, has compiled the best and funniest of his essays, poems, letters, and sketches depicting over a dozen of White’s various canine companions. This is a book for readers and writers who recognize a good sentence and a masterful turn of a phrase; for E. B. White fans looking for more from their favorite author; and for dog lovers who may not have discovered the wit, style, and compassion of this most distinguished of American essayists.

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2. A dog’s purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron is heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog’s Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog’s many lives, but also a dog’s-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man’s best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.

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1. The Call of the wild by Jack London

The Call of the Wild  by Jack London is a much more adult novel than the previous efforts, being full of brutal moments and a showcase of how hard the life of a dog can be.

Telling the story of a heroic dog thrust into the American Frontier unfolding in the Alaska Gold Rush, the dog is torn between two lives, the wild and the world of man, all the while forced to survive in the harsh environment around them. Adventure fans and dog enthusiasts will love this novel, which captures the perspective of the wild with memorable, beautiful prose.

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