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Dog Hearted: Essays on Our Fierce and Familiar Companions
From Carl Phillips asking how wildness is tamed, to Esmé Weijun Wang finding moments of stillness in the simple act of observing her dog, to Cal Flyn befriending a sled dog called Suka in Finland, here we see dogs at every stage of their life.
This anthology promises to bring – much as our four-legged furry friends do – joy and delight, and surprising depth and poignancy. It goes beyond the wet snouts and wagging tails and gets to the heart of what makes dogs our true lifelong companions. These essays are also sometimes toothy, sometimes bloody, sometimes gentle; much like dogs.
This anthology promises to bring – much as our four-legged furry friends do – joy and delight, and surprising depth and poignancy. It goes beyond the wet snouts and wagging tails and gets to the heart of what makes dogs our true lifelong companions. These essays are also sometimes toothy, sometimes bloody, sometimes gentle; much like dogs.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2023
37 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 15, 2023
A cute collection of essays from people who class themselves as dog lovers, and write about this love they have for human's most faithful and loving companions. As a huge dog lover myself, I was really looking forward to this collection and while I did enjoy most stories, I unfortunately didn't love all of them which just tends to be the way with any collection,
Most of the writers who make up the authors in this collection would probably classed as literary writers with a weird or eccentric angle to their art, and I think this comes out a little bit in the stories. There were some I really didn't get along with - Ned Beauman's being the worst as he seems to think because he's a tall man with a little dog in a park people would presume he's a paedophile and it was such an odd take that he was so consistent with in his story, it was really off-putting.
My favourite essay was Jessica Pan's The Master List as I think she endeared herself to me the moment she spoke about wrestling with a slobbering rottweiler as well as showing her terrified husband how she could put her head in his mouth and 'he could kill me but he chooses not to'. I saw myself.
Most of the writers who make up the authors in this collection would probably classed as literary writers with a weird or eccentric angle to their art, and I think this comes out a little bit in the stories. There were some I really didn't get along with - Ned Beauman's being the worst as he seems to think because he's a tall man with a little dog in a park people would presume he's a paedophile and it was such an odd take that he was so consistent with in his story, it was really off-putting.
My favourite essay was Jessica Pan's The Master List as I think she endeared herself to me the moment she spoke about wrestling with a slobbering rottweiler as well as showing her terrified husband how she could put her head in his mouth and 'he could kill me but he chooses not to'. I saw myself.
March 13, 2024
a cosy and heart-warming collection of essays on our fiercely loyal friends. this one is definitely for the dog lovers out there, so if you're not a fan of our little furry companions I'd give this one a miss, but I really enjoyed my time with these essays.
ranging from topics like the history of domestication, poetry, what it feels like to grow up with a family dog, motherhood + dogs, and more, this was like a warm cup of tea and a soft blanket for my brain. it's a beautifully created collection to slip in and out of when you want a little bit of comfort and to be reminded just how wonderful the bond with these little creatures can be
I also LOVED the little illustrations of each authors dog dotted throughout the essays, such a nice touch
ranging from topics like the history of domestication, poetry, what it feels like to grow up with a family dog, motherhood + dogs, and more, this was like a warm cup of tea and a soft blanket for my brain. it's a beautifully created collection to slip in and out of when you want a little bit of comfort and to be reminded just how wonderful the bond with these little creatures can be
I also LOVED the little illustrations of each authors dog dotted throughout the essays, such a nice touch
April 14, 2024
un libro con historias sobre perros…….. en fin qué más puedo pedir
April 1, 2024
I’d definitely recommend this to any dog lovers - a cosy read with a lot of heart.
May 17, 2025
Op de valreep kon het laatste verhaal me overtuigen de oorspronkelijk gedachte 3,5 sterren naar 4 te brengen.
August 20, 2023
I needed a set of easily digestible, well written, and comforting essays about the best thing in the world… dogs. And that’s exactly what this is. Would absolutely recommend.
If people were a bit more like dogs, maybe everything would be slightly better.
If people were a bit more like dogs, maybe everything would be slightly better.
August 24, 2023
a tender and bittersweet collection of essays that delve into what it means to love and have a dog as a companion. this makes me definitely want to consider having a samoyed pup in the future…
September 2, 2023
Could’ve easily been kitschy and boring, but was actually deeply felt and interesting. Though many of the essays read like they were from the same writer hiding behind different alter egos. And almost all of them were more about their respective author than the dog itself. While I get why, it would’ve been nice to have at least one piece that looked at a dog as it is, on its own terms, as a creature that is not just a reflection of its human. Just as it was refreshing to have the funny piece by Ned Beauman, or the historic look by Chris Pearson, amid mostly melancholic ones.
November 9, 2023
Apparently I am a cat person.
September 6, 2023
A beautiful collection of essays about the love, magic and adventure dogs bring to our lives. Reading this made my simultaneously miss my childhood dogs and yearn for a new furry friend who will enrich my life.
May 7, 2024
I love dogs so naturally I loved this book, but I think if it was about anything else other than dogs I would have disliked it quite a lot.
August 27, 2023
💛 “people often say that dogs live in the present and so help you in the moment too.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
this was a fantastic collection of short stories and essays by fourteen different authors. illustrated by rowan hisayo buchanan (who I met in my creative writing undergrad, hii!), we get to fall in love with each of the writer’s dogs and truly get to experience all the different emotions they bring out in us.
this book made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me feel nostalgic and most of all it made me grateful that I still have my little odi by my side (although I’m sure we’re getting to the end of our little story now too- she’s thirteen years old). dogs are honestly such special animals that we somehow just let into our homes, onto our furniture, even in our beds, and we get to know them on such a microscopic level that sometimes they feel like humans. so it’s no surprise that some of these dogs continue to show that they suffer from memories from before they were rescued, some really keep to themselves and have this high-royalty air to them that exudes a “you cannot touch me” vibe, and some are just downright wild and eat everything in their radius, and nothing can stop them 😂
“such is the agony of dog ownership: the way our timers draw down in asynchrony” and “I’ll miss these dogs until I die. they were always there” are two quotes that sum up my experience reading this book. the authors did an amazing job getting all their unique personalities on the page, and what can I say, if you’re a dog lover, you need to dedicate a day reading this 175-page book 🥺🫶🏻
bookstagram: @lilianisbooked
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
this was a fantastic collection of short stories and essays by fourteen different authors. illustrated by rowan hisayo buchanan (who I met in my creative writing undergrad, hii!), we get to fall in love with each of the writer’s dogs and truly get to experience all the different emotions they bring out in us.
this book made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me feel nostalgic and most of all it made me grateful that I still have my little odi by my side (although I’m sure we’re getting to the end of our little story now too- she’s thirteen years old). dogs are honestly such special animals that we somehow just let into our homes, onto our furniture, even in our beds, and we get to know them on such a microscopic level that sometimes they feel like humans. so it’s no surprise that some of these dogs continue to show that they suffer from memories from before they were rescued, some really keep to themselves and have this high-royalty air to them that exudes a “you cannot touch me” vibe, and some are just downright wild and eat everything in their radius, and nothing can stop them 😂
“such is the agony of dog ownership: the way our timers draw down in asynchrony” and “I’ll miss these dogs until I die. they were always there” are two quotes that sum up my experience reading this book. the authors did an amazing job getting all their unique personalities on the page, and what can I say, if you’re a dog lover, you need to dedicate a day reading this 175-page book 🥺🫶🏻
bookstagram: @lilianisbooked
April 11, 2023
After an hiatus of two years, I was delighted to read that Daunt Books would be publishing another collection of essays this year, having enjoyed their past collections, particularly In The Kitchen: Essays on Food and Life. For this collection, the central topic of our pooch pals could not have been more apt for me given that I have recently been initiated into the cult of canine companionship for the very first time!
This was a charming collection of essays portraying an extremely diverse cast of dogs that were both charming and confusing in equal measure. The essays were surprisingly intimate, as if the authors' dogs provided a window into their domestic lives, whether that be current or remembered, that might not otherwise have been exposed. Perhaps this intimacy and vulnerability is encouraged by the simple and honest love that most have for their canine companions, unlike the complexity of human-to-human relationships.
Although there was a dose of the intimacy of domestic life in each essay, this varied from the rawness of alice hiller's Because Rescues Go Both Ways by alice hiller to Chris Pearson's historical, contextual and almost scholarly essay, Walking Through the Past and Present with Cassie. For me a real highlight was Child-Friendly by Ned Beauman, in which Beauman spends the entirety of the essay trying to convince the reader that he is not a paedophile, despite his adorable little dog's tendency to attract pre-teen girls. This essay felt like a comic detour within the collection as a whole and had me laughing out loud.
This was a charming collection of essays portraying an extremely diverse cast of dogs that were both charming and confusing in equal measure. The essays were surprisingly intimate, as if the authors' dogs provided a window into their domestic lives, whether that be current or remembered, that might not otherwise have been exposed. Perhaps this intimacy and vulnerability is encouraged by the simple and honest love that most have for their canine companions, unlike the complexity of human-to-human relationships.
Although there was a dose of the intimacy of domestic life in each essay, this varied from the rawness of alice hiller's Because Rescues Go Both Ways by alice hiller to Chris Pearson's historical, contextual and almost scholarly essay, Walking Through the Past and Present with Cassie. For me a real highlight was Child-Friendly by Ned Beauman, in which Beauman spends the entirety of the essay trying to convince the reader that he is not a paedophile, despite his adorable little dog's tendency to attract pre-teen girls. This essay felt like a comic detour within the collection as a whole and had me laughing out loud.
September 17, 2023
I am always drawn to books with dogs on the cover but most of the time I put them back on the shelf (I’m sensitive and self-aware). However, for the most part I picked this book up every night for the past week or so and read one/ two stories at a time. I looked forward to this new routine and it encouraged me to read more regularly and consistently - I would recommend this book be read this way, in little chunks.
I assume most people who want to read this book are dog lovers and while I didn’t love every story, I could appreciate the insights shared. The essays are relatable and balanced sharing positive and negative situations stretching from puppy-hood to senior-hood. The authors discuss different life events and the impact of dogs on their lives throughout. Many of the essays made me feel nostalgic as I recalled similar experiences with my now, 11 year old golden retriever. This book reminded me each day that it is such a privilege to love and care for a dog.
It is “a warmer, fuller kind of life.” - Sharlene Teo
I assume most people who want to read this book are dog lovers and while I didn’t love every story, I could appreciate the insights shared. The essays are relatable and balanced sharing positive and negative situations stretching from puppy-hood to senior-hood. The authors discuss different life events and the impact of dogs on their lives throughout. Many of the essays made me feel nostalgic as I recalled similar experiences with my now, 11 year old golden retriever. This book reminded me each day that it is such a privilege to love and care for a dog.
It is “a warmer, fuller kind of life.” - Sharlene Teo
March 25, 2025
Lovely and empathetic collection.
The quality of essays varied from poor (very few) to good (most) to great(few).
This essay collection felt homogenous - which is why I gave it only three stars, an example of the sort of sanitised groupthink that seems to have infected contemporary literature. If you asked me to name or point out any significant "voice" amongst the authors here I would struggle to do so (except for Ned Beaumann's excellent tongue in cheek essay that I found myself chuckling along to).
I think these collections are a great resource for some refreshing approaches to a single topic but I would like to come away from a collection like this with a hunger to read more work from these authors and excepting Ned Beumann I don't find myself looking forward to that.
Still worth reading because there were several essays I liked.
The quality of essays varied from poor (very few) to good (most) to great(few).
This essay collection felt homogenous - which is why I gave it only three stars, an example of the sort of sanitised groupthink that seems to have infected contemporary literature. If you asked me to name or point out any significant "voice" amongst the authors here I would struggle to do so (except for Ned Beaumann's excellent tongue in cheek essay that I found myself chuckling along to).
I think these collections are a great resource for some refreshing approaches to a single topic but I would like to come away from a collection like this with a hunger to read more work from these authors and excepting Ned Beumann I don't find myself looking forward to that.
Still worth reading because there were several essays I liked.
May 12, 2023
definitely the best of the series! (yes, i’ve read all four of them) probably because they were mostly personal, with only one being more scholarly. and also probably because i love dogs more than i do gardening, the ladies pond (have never been), and food (i like food but would give up anything if it meant having more time with my childhood dog).
this was what i wanted dog songs by mary oliver to be, and reading it definitely helped soothe the disappointment i felt from being let down by the latter. the little dog-shaped hole in my heart feels a little fuller today; the last essay had me holding back tears in a starbucks :’)
this was what i wanted dog songs by mary oliver to be, and reading it definitely helped soothe the disappointment i felt from being let down by the latter. the little dog-shaped hole in my heart feels a little fuller today; the last essay had me holding back tears in a starbucks :’)
February 25, 2025
The first of the essay series from Daunt Books that I've read! I really enjoyed this set, although it was interesting to read from the perspective of someone whose dog is a mutt and a rescue, especially as some of the essays were about dogs with pedigree. I was startled somewhat by the vast range in how people engage with their dogs, and there was a good array of the types of places - different countries, different landscapes - where the essayists experience their relationship with dogs, I found quite eye-opening and unexpected. The general effect, though, was to make me extremely nostalgic and sad about my dog even though he is only about 7 years old and is fine health.
March 30, 2024
It really can't be a surprise to anyone who knows me (and my whippet) that I bought this book because it kept staring at me whenever I walked into a Daunt bookstore when I was in London a few months ago. After reading it, I can say that I'm happy I went with my gut feeling. All the emotions I've ever felt while owning a dog pass by in this collection of stories. I chuckled, I aaww'ed and I cried. I think I might find something new in these essays if I read them again in a few years time. Until then, I remain dog hearted.
November 27, 2023
This was a delightful collection of short essays about people's relationships with their dogs. The essays showcase a wide variety of dog personalities, and what we might learn from them about aging and death, relationships, domesticity and wildness, and care.
A good book to pick up and read a chapter or two, or for some inspiration for writing about the commonplace, yet transcendent furry companions in our lives.
A good book to pick up and read a chapter or two, or for some inspiration for writing about the commonplace, yet transcendent furry companions in our lives.
October 11, 2025
Well of course I didn't like every single essay in this collection. I've returned the book to the library so can't remember the most off putting essay - I know there was one that talked about self harming, another about poo, etc. I was more interested in the relationships between a dog and a person. Nina Mingya Powles and the author after her stood out, but there were a few others that really seemed to capture the essence of life with a dog and the privilege of sharing time with a dog.
February 25, 2025
a really enjoyable, interesting collection. not too cutesy or overly similar.
different topics explored through different writers essays. exploring adopting dogs, training dogs, elderly dogs and wanting a dog, with all sorts in between.
with really accurate and fun illustrations of each dog too. a great, well put together, little collection.
different topics explored through different writers essays. exploring adopting dogs, training dogs, elderly dogs and wanting a dog, with all sorts in between.
with really accurate and fun illustrations of each dog too. a great, well put together, little collection.
May 30, 2023
Lovely collection of short stories about dogs. Some I found more engaging than others.
July 1, 2023
Hard to rate a collection of different authors. Some were not good, but Ned Beauman brought up the average with Naska.
July 3, 2023
Interesting essays about dogs and their roles in human's life. Some very personal stories, and some are more historical, but all are enjoyable to read, very recommended for any dog lovers!!
July 15, 2023
Lucky enough to have stumbled upon the book display at Daunt’s brick and mortar shop. A wonderful, easy read that provides a perfect respite of warmth and love.
August 1, 2023
Beautiful if you like dogs
August 8, 2023
DOGS!!! I love dogs. Genuinely this book was so emotional
August 9, 2023
Nell Stevens, Carl Phillips Evie Wyld, Nel Beauman and Chris Pearson really were great.
September 22, 2023
I loved these essays so much 🥹🥹🥹
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews