Books and dogs go together like shed fur and your favorite black pants. If you have fans of both on your holiday shopping list, here are 11 they are sure to enjoy.
1. Zen and the Art of Dog Walking, by G. Ray Sullivan
Beautiful pictures and just enough carefully chosen words by author and photographer G. Ray Sullivan combine to make you feel like you’re walking along with Bocephus, a former stray pup who now helps Ray see the beauty in the world around him.
2. Breeds, a Canine Compendium, by Fenella Smith and The Brothers McLeod
Whimsical sketches accompany brief descriptions of more than 100 dog breeds, each with a touch of humor. For example, the Akita is “basically a cuddly ninja.”
3. Thanks for Picking Up My Poop, by the editors of Ulysees Press with photography by Mark Rogers
Fantastic photos of all kinds of dogs are accompanied by heartfelt sentiments and gratitude. This book answers the question, “What if dogs could talk?”
4. Reporting for Duty: True Stories of Wounded Veterans and Their Service Dogs, by Tracy J. Libby
Featuring a collection of true stories that explore the unique bonds and compassion between wounded warriors and the dogs who make a difference in their lives, this is a book filled with inspiration.
5. My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts, by Laura T. Coffey and Lori Fusaro
Photographer Lori Fusaro captures the rewards of rescuing senior dogs, among the most at-risk populations at shelters. Be advised, these awesome true stories and beautiful photos may inspire you to go out to your nearest rescue organization and bring home your next best friend.
6. Wet Dog, by Sophie Gamand
Bath time offers a different perspective on a dog’s personality. Sophie Gamand’s photos capture the intimate — and wet — moments, from the slicked-down fur to the soulful eyes and the joy of the shake afterward.
7. Lick, by Ty Foster
Dog just can’t hold his licker, and dog lovers worldwide love him for it. None of the dogs in Ty Foster’s humorous photos are tongue-tied, but you may wonder how they reach all the way over their noses.
8. The Black Dogs Project: Extraordinary Black Dogs and Why We Can’t Forget Them, by Fred Levy
According to a study by Petfinder, black dogs may spend almost four times as long waiting for their forever homes as opposed to more “adoptable” animals. Fred Levy’s Black Dogs Project sheds light on black dog syndrome with gorgeous pictures and touching stories of these beautiful and often-overlooked pups.
9. Dog Years: Faithful Friends, Then & Now, by Amanda Jones
Portraits of dogs taken as puppies and later as older dogs illustrate how the unique character and soul of each animal is a thread that continues throughout their lives.
10. The Dogist: Photographic Encounters with 1,000 Dogs, by Elias Weiss Friedman
The Dogist book features the best photos from Friedman’s wildly popular website, capturing dogs in the act of being dogs, the kind of pictures that dog lovers find irresistible. Like the Humans of New York for canines.
11. Puzzling Dogs, by Linda Falken
For the younger set, there’s nothing like a book that combines dogs, puzzles, and art from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Each set of pages tells a little about the featured artwork and offers a 16-piece jigsaw puzzles to keep kids engaged.
Read about more holiday obsessions:
- 10 Stocking Stuffers Under $25 for Dogs and Dog Lovers
- 11 Fashion Ideas for Festive Dogs
- 8 Stylish Gifts for Dogs and Dog Lovers
About the author: Susan C. Willett is a writer, photographer, and blogger whose award-winning original stories, photography, poetry, and humor can be found at Life With Dogs and Cats. She lives in New Jersey with three dogs and four cats (all rescues) and at least a couple of humans–all of whom provide inspiration for her work. Refusing to take sides in the interweb’s dogs vs. cats debate, Susan enjoys observing the interspecies interaction among the varied inhabitants of her home–like living in a reality TV show, only furrier. In addition to Life With Dogs and Cats, you can find more Lilah, Jasper, and Tucker (and the rest of the gang) on Haiku by Dog™, Haiku by Cat™, and Dogs and Cats Texting.
