Books get your tail wagging? Here are some great reads you may enjoy!

Dog Days

This debut novel by Ericka Waller shows us the ways dogs can bring out the best in us, even in the face of life’s challenges. George is a grumpy, belligerent older man who has just lost his wife and is stuck with a puppy he doesn’t want. Dan, who has OCD, has channeled his energy into a career as a therapist, and his most meaningful relationship is with his dog. Lizzie, who lives with her son in a women’s refuge, distrusts dogs, but when she has to start walking the refuge’s resident dog, things begin to change. As these three strangers’ lives unravel and intersect, they must accept what fate has in store for them with their dogs by their side. The book is an inspiring and moving novel about life and the ways dogs can help us understand it. Published by St. Martin’s Griffin.

How Stella Learned to Talk

A trained speech-language pathologist, author Christina Hunger adopted Stella as a puppy and immediately drew similarities between Stella’s behaviors and those of her young patients with language development delays. In her work with children, she used Augmentative and Alternative Communications (AAC) devices to help her patients communicate, making her wonder: If dogs can understand words we say to them, shouldn’t they be able to say words to us? Can dogs use AAC to communicate with humans? Inspired by her passion for technology and her belief that everyone deserves to share their voice, she adapted an AAC device to suit Stella’s needs. Today, Stella has a bank of more than 40 words, using them individually or together to create near-complete sentences. In the book, Christina draws on speech-language techniques to map out how dog parents can teach their own dogs to “talk” and shares the heartwarming exchanges she’s had with Stella. Published by William Morrow/HarperCollins Publishers.

Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy

Are you training a new puppy? Considering adopting a dog? Researching dog breeds? Or are you just curious about your own dog’s happiness? This book by Zazie Todd has the answers. A respected dog trainer and social psychologist, she demystifies the inner life of canines and shares recommendations from leading veterinarians, researchers and trainers to help you develop a rewarding and respectful relationship with your dog. You’ll find all kinds of information, including a checklist for a happy dog; enrichment exercises; how to socialize and train a new puppy; how to reduce your dog’s fear and anxiety; tips for vet visits; and much more. Published by Greystone Books.

101 Rescue Puppies

Over the last decade, author Kathy Callahan and her family have taken in more than 100 rescue puppies. This book features the wonderful stories of these foster pups who were suddenly surrounded by a nurturing family, including patient adult dogs and curious cats. Filled with delightful photos, the book brings you inside the world of fostering. And not only is it an inspiring read about puppies, it’s also about family and human connection, and finding your own way. Published by New World Library.

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