Books

In this moving memoir, Danielle Steel tells the story of how she met a dog the size of a mouse with a personality that could light up an entire room. From Minnie’s arrival at home in San Francisco to clothes-shopping jaunts in Paris, her adventures provide the perfect backdrop for a heartfelt look at the magic that dogs bring to our lives, and how they become part of the family, making indelible memories.

We meet Steel’s childhood pug, James; and Elmer, the basset hound who was steadfastly at her side in her struggling days as a young writer; Sweet Pea—unveiled in a Tiffany box for a dog-loving husband—and all those lucky dogs who shared a household of nine children, other canines, and one potbellied pig. As she reflects on the beloved pets who have brought joy, and sometimes chaos, to her home through the years, Steel also shares her thoughts on the trials and tribulations of bringing a new dog into a household, the challenges of housebreaking and compatibility, the losses we feel forever.

Filled with colorful characters (human and otherwise), delightful photographs, practical wisdom drawn from long experience, and brimming with warmth and insight on every page, Pure Joy is a love letter to this special relationship—and one of the most charming books yet from the incomparable Danielle Steel.

“This heartwarming book is for those who appreciate tales of adventure, overcoming adversity, and the strong relationships formed between dogs and their people.” —Library Journal, starred review

While hiking on a solo vacation in a remote, uninhabitable region of Arizona, Zachary Anderegg happened upon Riley, an emaciated puppy clinging to life at the bottom of a 350-foot canyon. In a daring act of humanity that trumped the deliberate savagery behind Riley’s presence in such a place, Zak single-handedly orchestrated a delicate rescue.

Zak and Riley’s destinies were intertwined long before they improbably found each other. For much of Zak’s childhood, he was at the bottom of a veritable canyon himself—a canyon in which imprisoning depth and darkness were created by bullies who just wouldn’t quit and parents who weren’t capable of love.

When Zak found Riley, the puppy’s condition bespoke his abusers’ handiwork—three shotgun pellets embedded beneath his skin and teeth turned permanently black from malnutrition. The meeting was one of a man and a dog singularly suited to save each other. As a former US Marine sergeant, Zak was one of only a few people with the mettle and physical wherewithal to get Riley out. And in rescuing him, Zak was also attempting to save himself, conquering the currents of cruelty that swelled beneath his early life and had always threatened to drown him.

When volunteer dog walker, Brynn, grows to love two dogs at the animal shelter, she vows to find them both the best forever homes.

Brewski found himself living in a large animal shelter filled with unfamiliar faces and is filled with fear and uncertainty. He was the security system at his old house. He lived his life in a small igloo outdoors while chained to a fence 24/7. Now he must learn to navigate life in a shelter for several months as he is considered live evidence in an ongoing court case.

When Brewski crosses paths with Piper, he starts to come out of his shell. Piper came to the shelter as a stray after being re-homed by a loving family who decided they could no longer care for her. She is confident, sassy, and fearless. Her time in the shelter also seems to drag on as no one seems to want her. Piper and Brewski form an unbreakable friendship that helps them both during their extended stay in the shelter.

Run With Me offers the story of two shelter dogs from the unique perspective of a volunteer, while capturing the unforgettable personalities of both dogs. It is filled with real-life experiences and heartfelt moments shared with a volunteer and her two favorite shelter dogs.

In the heart of every shelter volunteer lies both joy and heartache, but above all, unwavering love for the animals.

She has to be OK, I pleaded silently to myself. She has to be.
‘We’ve alerted the RNLI and they’re sending a lifeboat out.’
‘The RNLI?’ I said, surprised. ‘They do that?’

Saved from the Waves is a heart-warming collection of first-hand accounts from RNLI volunteers of the myriad dangers they face during each mission to save beloved pets, wildlife and livestock.

This remarkable book shines a light on the bravery of the volunteers, and the necessity of these rescues – not only to save animals at risk of drowning, but to prevent people putting themselves in danger when trying to save a cherished furry friend.

Each mission requires courage, determination and an unrelenting commitment to helping those in danger. Each day brings a new challenge for the extraordinary volunteer crews who are the lifeblood of the RNLI.

“I fell in love with Sadie as you will, too.”—Fern Michaels

Joal Derse Dauer was donating blankets at a local no-kill shelter when an injured and despondent dog caught her eye. With three “fur babies” already at home, Joal wasn’t looking to adopt another dog. But there was something special about Sadie . . .

With patience, hope, and plenty of love, Joal saw her canine companion grow in strength and joy. And before long, she discovered that sweet Sadie had transformed her life in ways she never could have imagined.

Joyous and inspiring, Saving Sadie is a triumphant story about the power of unconditional love and second chances—for humans and animals alike.

“A triumphant tale of second chances that shows how patience, hope, compassion and love can truly transform lives.” —Modern Dog

“An uplifting story with tremendous heart. I couldn’t put it down.”
—Helen Brown

“Saving Sadie will lift your spirit and open your heart. A must-read.”—Jodee Blanco

“What a wonderful book—moving and inspirational, touching and heartwarming.”
—Sue Pethick

The thrilling and inspiring story of a US Marine and his dog Rex, a bomb sniffing German Shepard, who forged a bond of trust and loyalty while serving on the war-torn streets of Iraq’s most dangerous city.

In Iraq we put our lives in each other’s hands (and paws) day after day. We took care of each other no matter what. Rex and I have a bond that will last for the rest of our born days. If ever there was a marine who lived up to Semper Fidelis, the motto of the Marine Corps, it’s Rex.Deployed to Iraq’s infamous Triangle of Death in 2004, Sergeant Mike

Dowling and his military working dog Rex were part of the first Marine Corps military K9 teams sent to the front lines of combat since Vietnam. It was Rex’s job to sniff out weapons caches, suicide bombers, and IEDs, the devastating explosives that wreaked havoc on troops and civilians alike. It was Mike’s job to lead Rex into the heart of danger time and time again, always trusting Rex to bring them both back alive.

Dowling had turned twenty-five and Rex three just after they arrived in Iraq. Neither of them had any idea what to expect, and no training could fully prepare them for this job. An animal lover since childhood, Dowling had fostered and trained dogs for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and he was determined to serve in the military’s K9 unit after joining the Marines. On their first patrols in Iraq, Rex suffered a seemingly incurable fear of explosions and gunfire, but with Mike at the other end of his leash, Rex gained the courage to perform his duty.

Filled with harrowing tales of knife-edge bomb-detection work, including an extraordinary baptism by fire, Sergeant Rex is a heart-pounding account of how an unbreakable human-canine bond helped Mike and Rex to stay focused on their mission and save countless lives. Dowling takes us into the searing 130-degree heat, the choking dust, and the ever-present threat of violent attack that seemed to permeate Iraq’s streets. We experience Dowling’s visceral fear of walking down an IED-laden alley where dismemberment or death can come with any footstep, only his trusted partner, Rex, by his side.

Loyalty is one of the hallmarks of any good Marine, and nowhere is that quality more evident than in this astonishing account of Mike Dowling and Rex’s wartime experiences. A moving story of how a man and a dog developed complete trust in each other in the face of terrible adversity, Sergeant Rex is an unforgettable tale of sacrifice, courage, and love.

Meet Sergeant Stubby: World War I dog veteran, decorated war hero, American icon, and above all, man’s best friend. Stubby’s story begins in 1917 when America is about to enter the war. A stowaway dog befriends Private James Robert “Bob” Conroy at the Connecticut National Guard camp at Yale University and the two become inseparable. Stubby also wins over the commanding officer and is soon made an official member of the 102nd Infantry of the 26th division. What follows is an epic tale of how man’s best friend becomes an invaluable soldier on the front lines and in the trenches, a decorated war hero and an inspiration to a country long after the troops returned home.

Also read our article: Heroic Stray Dog Became First Canine Sergeant and America’s Most Decorated War Dog

Move over, Rin Tin Tin. Here comes Sgt. Stubby! That German shepherd star of the silver screen may have been born behind enemy lines during World War I, but Stubby, the stump-tailed terrier, worked behind enemy lines, and gained military honors along the way. Private Robert Conroy casually adopted the orphan pup while attending basic training on the campus of Yale University in 1917. The Connecticut volunteer never imagined that his stray dog would become a war hero. He just liked the little guy. When Conroy’s unit shipped out for France, he smuggled his new friend aboard. By the time Stubby encountered Conroy’s commanding officer, the dog had perfected his right-paw salute. Charmed, the CO awarded Stubby mascot status and sent him along with Conroy’s unit to the Western Front. Stubby’s brave deeds earned him a place in history and in the Smithsonian Institution where his stuffed body can still be seen. Almost 100 years later, Stubby’s great deeds and brave heart make him an animal hero to fall in love with and treasure all over again.

Read our article: Heroic Stray Dog Became First Canine Sergeant and America’s Most Decorated War Dog

Bumper and Willis are much-loved Pit Bulls who became Internet superstars when their friendship was captured in a series of sweet “photo booth” photos by Lynn Terry. In the photo set, Bumper licks Willis in one of the photos and both dogs smile happily for the camera. But what is really great is that the story behind these two dogs turns out to be even sweeter than their photos.

Read more about Bumper, Willis and Lynn Terry’s photography in this article: Pit Bulls In Photo Booth Break Breed Stereotypes And Have Inspiring Stories

The classic bestseller that established the Monks of New Skete as America’s most trusted authorities on dog training, canine behavior, and the animal/human bond, updated to include the latest developments in canine health.

In their two now-classic bestsellers, How to be Your Dog’s Best Friend and The Art of Raising a Puppy, the Monks draw on their experience as long-time breeders of German shepherds and as trainers of dogs of all breeds to provide–brilliantly distilled–the indispensable information and advice that every dog owner needs.

This new edition of The Art of Raising a Puppy features new photographs throughout, along with updated chapters on play, crating, adopting dogs from shelters and rescue organizations, raising dogs in an urban environment, and the latest developments in canine health and canine behavioral theory.