Moving Stories Where Dogs Are the Main Characters

See the trials and tribulations of a fraying family from the heartwarming perspective of their dog, Enzo. Man’s best friend has much to teach us about winning, losing, and loving — lessons that sustain readers during this novel’s emotionally turbulent ride.

This heartwarming story is told from the perspective of a dog who gets reincarnated several times, thus subverting the typical “the dog dies at the end” trajectory. (You still need tissues, though.) From pound pup to family companion to trained K9 partner, “A Dog’s Purpose” highlights how selfless dogs are and reveals all the ways they make the world a better place. Josh Gad (“Frozen”) voices the dog in the 2017 movie adaptation.

No list of books about man’s best friend is complete without London’s 1903 American classic. Follow the adventures of Buck, a dog stolen from his California home and sold into service as a sled dog in Yukon, Canada during the Klondike Gold Rush. Buck becomes increasingly wild in his new environment and eventually heeds the call of the wilderness, but not before experiencing the best and worst of humanity.

Ted is a lonely writer whose best friend is an aging dachshund named Lily. No surprise to any dog owner, Ted holds conversations with Lily about life, love, and other woes. He also converses with the “octopus” on Lily’s head. The octopus is a tumor, by the way — just so you know what you’re getting into. There will be eye rain. (That’s what Lily calls tears.)

A hiker meets a super smart golden retriever named Einstein on a walk in the woods. Sounds like a warm and fuzzy story, right? Not when suspense master Koontz puts his terrifying touch on it. Something is hunting Einstein, and the hiker must help the dog escape. This tale of genetic engineering (and a lovable dog) balances thrills with tenderness.

Like “Watchers,” many Koontz novels feature golden retrievers. This memoir explains his affinity for the breed. Namely, his adored dog, Trixie, and the profound impact she had on the Koontz family.

Dogs are more than just pets: They’re our teachers, protectors, companions, and mentors. In “Stay,” Burchett shares the story of a dog named Hannah, and how her final days taught Burchett to slow down and appreciate the small, beautiful moments in life. You’ll want to cuddle up to your own furry friend as you read this tear-jerker.

A well-trained dog is a happy, healthy dog. McConnell, an expert canine behaviorist, goes beyond the soulful eyes and fluffy ears and inside the mind of a dog. What do they experience? How do they feel? What can their behavior tell us? She then teaches readers how to harness this knowledge for effective training. This is a vital read for anyone who wants to better understand and connect with their best friend.

Poor Cujo — he was a good boy until a nasty bat bite transformed him into a monster. King’s classic horror story of a demented dog wreaking havoc on a small town may be a departure from the rest of this list, but it will certainly make you appreciate your docile companion. (It’s also a great reminder to keep up with those rabies shots!)