“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”

– Mark Twain

Dogs are some of the most selfless creatures in the world. If you do a little thing for them, like giving them a bit of food, they will lay down their lives for you. It is no wonder that dogs are men’s best friends. Over a period of more than 10,000 years, a bond has been created between dogs and humans. They have an innate understanding and some amazing superpowers that help them make our lives better. However, over time, some people have started taking the furry beasts for granted. Today, there are men who torture dogs or breed them for their own benefit. You would be surprised to know the number of dogs out there in need of rescue. It is heartbreaking as dogs give their everything to protect their masters.

In 2004, animal rescue advocate, Colleen Paige, decided to celebrate August 26 as International Dog Day in honor of the love and sacrifice shown by our selfless furry friends. Since then, the day is celebrated worldwide.

As we are approaching August 26 this year, let us take out some time and read some amazing books starring dogs.

Book: The Call of the Wild

Author: Jack London

The Call of the Wild is a classic novel penned by Jack London in 1903. It follows Buck, a beloved pet dog, who is suddenly wrenched from his family and sent to Alaska to work as a sled dog. The harsh and cold wilderness in Alaska gradually brings out his wild instincts as he tries his best to survive in the new environs. Jack London’s The Call of the Wild is a must-read for all dog lovers.

Book: White Fang

Author: Jack London

In 1906, Jack London came out with White Fang, a book revolving around a wild wolfdog named White Fang. It is the companion novel of The Call of the Wild and its plot is almost like a mirror image of the last book. White Fang is rejected by his first dog pack. Then, he becomes the subject of human cruelty and is compelled to participate in dog fights. Finally, his life changes when he is shown human kindness for the first time. White Fang is an engrossing read that is sure to make you appreciate your pets.

Book: Kashtanka

Author: Anton Chekov

Kashtanka is a short story written by the master storyteller, Anton Chekhov. Written from the point of view of Kashtanka, a dachshund and yard dog mix, it tells the story of an ill-treated dog who loses her way and finds herself as a performing artist in a circus. It is a treat to see her reunion with her family. As it is written from the animal’s perspective, this book really hits a lot of chords. It aptly depicts the mindsets of our furry friends and makes us relate with them.

Book: I Love You As Much and More Than This

Author: R.M. Rozman

R.M. Rozman literally presents us with a plethora of ways to express our love for someone in his book, I Love You As Much and More Than This. The book is filled with beautiful ways to say I love you. These are all complimented by pretty illustrations. The Rozman family Yorkie dog, Squirt, features in this tome. This shows the author’s love for his beloved fur baby whom he lost a short while ago. I Love You As Much and More Than This is a short read that is bound to bring a smile to your lips.

Book: Love Snaggs: A Little Dog’s Courageous Journey

Author: Melanie Joy Mezzancello

Love Snaggs: A Little Dog’s Courageous Journey by Melanie Joy Mezzancello is the brave tale of Snaggs, who finds a loving home with his human mommy and daddy. When his parents bring more pets into the family, he becomes the proud alpha of their little coven. Snaggs is there with his family for better or worse every step of the way. However, life runs its course and Snaggs has to leave for his heavenly abode. However, he does not want to stay in the Garden of Souls in Summerland. Snaggs wants to go back home to his parents. He literally traverses forests, scales mountains, and fights dragons to fulfill his goal. Along the way, he makes many friends. Snagg’s story portrays the depth of love a dog has for its human parents. It is a story that might very well make you start believing in miracles.

Book: Dogs of the Deadlands

Author: Anthony McGowan

Anthony McGowan weaves a tale of resilience and survival in Dogs of the Deadlands. When Reactor Number 4 explodes in Chornobyl, the entire neighboring area is evacuated. Only the animals are left behind. Natasha is separated from her beloved puppy, Zoya. The way Zoya survives in the wilderness devoid of humans and builds a family of her own is heart-touching. Zoya, Misha, and Braten live a life of adventure and survival. It is indeed eye-opening to see the condition of all the animals left behind after the disaster. Natasha’s life, after being separated from her fur baby, changes drastically as well. It was heart-warming and beyond surprising to see her reunite with a part of Zoya years later. This miraculous reunion will not only surprise you but also bring tears of joy to your eyes. Dogs of the Deadlands is a tale that should be read by every pet lover.

Conclusion

Dogs are warm and fuzzy creatures. They support us and are there for us, even when nobody else is. For them, we are their entire world. Similarly, for pet parents, their dogs are just like their own babies. The bond between a dog and its human family is special. Very few relationships match up to it. This International Dog Day, let us cherish our fur babies and honor them for everything that they do for us.

Do comment and let me know which of these books have caught your fancy.