10 Heartwarming Books About Animals
If you own pets or love spending time in nature, you probably feel a connection to animals. Whether they're wild or domestic, animals are fascinating, and there are plenty of wonderful books that put them front and center. The works listed here include both fiction and non-fiction and are sure to pluck at your heartstrings. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
Books for Animal-Lovers: Our 10 Picks
8 Great Films About Animals
- The Incredible Journey (1963)
- Babe (1995)
- Turner & Hooch (1989)
- War Horse (2011)
- Bambi (1942)
- The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1986)
- We Bought a Zoo (2011)
- March of the Penguins (2005)
Products Pet Owners Should Have
| Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|
| Bed | House |
| Bath tub | Ear cleaner |
| Food | Food |
| Chews | Toys |
| Car seat | Carrier |
| Nail trimmers | Scratching post |
| Pooper scooper | Litter |
| Flea collar | Flea treatment |
8 Common Misconceptions About Animals
In Depth
Animals bring out the best in people. Their loyalty and devotion help us smile in tough times, and their playfulness brings joy and perspective to our lives. Presented in no particular order, here are ten books about our lovable non-human friends.
#1 on the list is "Homer's Odyssey," a memoir by Gwen Cooper. Sometimes animals show up in our lives at odd times. That was the case for Cooper, who already had two cats and a broken heart when her vet called about Homer, a tiny kitten with no eyes. The fearless feline didn't let blindness keep him from climbing shelves, catching bugs, and even scaring off intruders. Along the way, he taught his owner that love has no boundaries.
At #2 is "Joey" by Jennifer Bleakley. After his career as a show horse ended, Joey was passed through numerous ranches. His final owner abused him so much that he ended up malnourished and blind. Eventually he was saved by Hope Reins, an organization that pairs rescue animals with children who have been neglected or emotionally damaged. In this touching true story about hope and faith, the titular Appaloosa teaches kids about recovering from difficult times.
After his career as a show horse ended, Joey was passed through numerous ranches.
Coming in at #3 is "Love at First Bark" by Julie Klam. After owning numerous purebreds, the author came to realize the importance of choosing rescue dogs. Her memoir chronicles the lessons she learned by caring for pups who needed a little extra love. Through humor and pop culture references, Klam shares stories of the mutually-rewarding relationship between pet and owner.
#4 is "Travels with Casey" by Benoit Denizet-Lewis. In an attempt to bond with his pet, the author takes off on a four-month road trip across the country, with his yellow Labrador, Casey, as his only companion. The pair meets many other pet owners, as well as animal psychics, K9 units, and everything in between. After traveling through thirty-two states, Denizet-Lewis realizes that he and Casey have formed an unbreakable bond.
At #5 is "The Jesus Cow," a comedic novel by Michael Perry. Rancher Harley Jackson enjoys his simple, single life. But suddenly things start changing, as he meets a woman, confronts a man trying to develop his land, and, most importantly, discovers that the calf in his barn bears an image of Jesus. The cow goes viral, and suddenly people are showing up to see it. Harley reluctantly capitalizes on the marketing opportunity, and ends up with lots of money, but an equal amount of trouble.
The cow goes viral, and suddenly people are showing up to see it.
#6 on the list is "Bear Bloopers" by Carolyn Jourdan. This collection of true stories covers the crazy, silly, and lovable bears that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From infiltrating bathroom stalls, to jumping into vehicles, these wild beasts tend to do funny things when they come across humans.
At #7 is "What the Dog Knows" by Cat Warren. It's remarkable what canines are capable of. Some can sniff out explosives. Others can smell humans who have been dead for many years. Warren explains the many things that working dogs can do, and how these pups are trained. Through interviews with handlers, cognitive psychologists, forensic specialists, and other professionals, this work brings to light just how intelligent our four-legged friends are.
#8 is "Stable Relation," a memoir by Anna Blake. A mid-life crisis leads the author to return to her farming roots. Abandoning her city life, she moves to a run-down ranch in rural Colorado. At first, Blake only has horses and dogs. But she eventually acquires llamas, donkeys, and even a duck. As more and more creatures come under her roof, she has the poignant realization that her animals are part of her family.
At first, Blake only has horses and dogs.
At #9 is "Life on the Leash," a romance novel by Victoria Schade. Cora's life is straightforward and perfectly planned. She has a cute pitbull and a canine training business, and that's all that matters to her. But things get complicated when she falls for a handsome client who is already in a relationship. While discussing her love life woes with a geeky friend, she starts to develop feelings for him as well. Caught between two men and numerous puppies, Cora has a lot to figure out.
Finishing the list at #10 is the novel "Dogs of India" by Polly McGee. Seeking revenge on the man who broke her heart, Lola heads to India to marry a stranger. But it turns out that the wedding is merely a visa scam. Her journey becomes a wild and unpredictable ride, featuring vengeance, romance, and an adorable abandoned dog. Lola just wanted to find herself while traveling, but instead she found a canine friend, and a whole lot of adventure.
