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A GOOD READ: Libraries have bounty of books for dog lovers

People love their dogs. One visit to a local dog park is all that's needed to discover that no one has a clue about the names of the humans inside the fence while everyone knows the names, ages and idiosyncrasies of each dog.

People love their dogs. One visit to a local dog park is all that's needed to discover that no one has a clue about the names of the humans inside the fence while everyone knows the names, ages and idiosyncrasies of each dog. Some of these dogs are even wearing better rain gear than mine.

With all this going on it's not surprising that there is growing interest in books about dogs.

Dog lovers know their dogs become an integral part of the family. They always seem so connected to the emotions of those they love. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is written from the perspective of Enzo, the family dog. Enzo's story begins as a puppy and he continues to give us a view of what it is like to experience the ups and downs of family life from the viewpoint of a well-mannered dog. This book features a dog that speaks, the thrill of competitive racing and a heart-tugging storyline.

Have you ever wondered what it is like to live your life two feet off the ground? Alexandra Horowitz explains how dogs relate to the world around them from a dog's perspective. Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know is an engaging book that will give you valuable clues as to what your dog is really trying to tell you with its eyes, ears, tail and posture.

One of my dogs was trained as a therapy dog and visited with seniors at a local hospital. She seemed to know exactly what to do for each person she met. It was amazing to see how people would light up when she visited. Every Dog Has a Gift: True Stories of Dogs who Bring Hope and Healing into our Lives by Rachel McPherson is a collection of uplifting stories about dogs that help people cope with physical, mental and emotional problems. This book gives insight into the remarkable ability dogs have to heal people.

You don't have to be a dog lover to enjoy Stay by Allie Larkin. This is a humourous story about a heartbroken young woman and the arrival of her clumsy, 100 lb. puppy that only responds to commands in Slovak. It turns out her new dog was the friend she needed to help mend her broken heart.

It's difficult to make the right decision about how to care for pets that are nearing the end of life. Going Home: Finding Peace when Pets Die by Jon Katz is a thoughtful book about saying goodbye to a beloved pet. Katz writes about his border collie, Orson, and his experiences in coping with his own grief. Katz provides guidance and support for those struggling with their loss. There is also a chapter about the special challenges of talking to children after the loss of a pet.

David Wroblewski set out to write a book about a boy and his dog. Specifically, as he says, "one that integrated our contemporary knowledge of canine behaviour, cognition and origins with my experience of living with dogs." The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is a beautifully written examination of both human and canine emotions. This intriguing story is couched in mystery and suspense that keeps one turning pages until the tragic end. As a dog lover, I found myself absorbed by his novel.

Everyone loves a puppy but not everyone wants to think ahead to a time when their new friends are no longer quite so spunky. Old Dogs are the Best Dogs by Gene Weingarten has remarkable photos of dogs paired with their enthralling stories. Each dog is uniquely different and there is so much love in their stories and in their photos. So many of these old-timers seem to be smiling for the camera.

These titles are just a small selection of the many books available for dog lovers. Library staff can help you find more books or lead you to information on how to choose a pet that's right for you.

A Good Read is a column by Tri-City librarians that is published every Wednesday. Susan Clark works at Terry Fox Library in Port Coquitlam.