The Best Dog in the World: Essays on Love

by Alice Hoffman

Fifteen beloved authors celebrate the life-changing bond with their canine companions in this heartwarming essay collection edited by New York Times bestselling author and lifelong dog lover Alice Hoffman.

Anyone who has ever been fortunate enough to share their life with a dog knows the experience is both profound and transformative. Here, in this charming collection of essays, fifteen celebrated authors share unforgettable tales of the dogs who left their pawprints on their hearts.

With contributions from Chris Bohjalian, Roxane Gay, Emily Henry, Ann Leary, Tova Mirvis, Jodi Picoult, Elizabeth Strout, Amy Tan, Adriana Trigiani, Nick Trout, and Laura Zigman, The Dog Who Changed My Life captures the full range of the canine-human connection, from the joy of welcoming a new puppy to the heartache of saying goodbye to a beloved friend.

A love letter to the loyal companions who enrich our lives and teach us about empathy, joy, and unconditional love, this anthology is the perfect gift for dog lovers everywhere, offering a blend of laughter, tears, and inspiration that will resonate with anyone who has been fur-ever touched by the love of a dog.

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays, Animals, Short Stories, Dogs

240 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 10, 2026

About the author

Alice Hoffman is the author of more than thirty works of fiction, including The World That We Knew; The Marriage of Opposites; The Red Garden; The Museum of Extraordinary Things; The Dovekeepers; Here on Earth, an Oprah’s Book Club selection; and the Practical Magic series, including Practical
Magic; Magic Lessons; The Rules of Magic, a selection of Reese’s Book Club; and The Book of Magic. She lives near Boston.

Reviews

[Kelsey S · Rating 5 out of 5]

How many tears will you cry while reading this book? Let's just say keep your tissues handy and your pet close by to help you through some of these beautiful stories.

I never want to talk to people that don't believe that animals are the best things on this planet... and as a dog-lover, this book hit the right spots. What I loved was the variety of breeds, backstories, and takes on each dog. They are all love stories, but not all of them started that way.

What I think most people will also enjoy is an introduction to these different authors. You get a good feel for someone by listening about the dog/dogs that shaped them the most.

I cannot wait to gift this to my dog-lover friends. I only wish it came out before the holidays so I could spread the love that much quicker.

Many thanks, treats, and pats on the head to NetGalley, Scribner, and all of the authors for an advanced e-copy of this book. PLEASE check this out when it hits shelves on March 10, 2026!
_____________
Gonna buddy read this with my dog. 🐶 🐾

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you, like me, have ever loved a dog before, then this book is for you. It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming. You will sob one chapter and laugh out loud the next. You will feel so deeply the joy, the grief, and the purest love that these fourteen authors share with us. Nothing compares to the bond we share with our dogs. They are our soulmates. And it is such a gift to experience and share that unconditional love and loyalty.

Thank you Alice Hoffman for putting together this wonderful little book. I know I will be gifting it (with a box of tissues) to all of my friends with dogs.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection full of heart and tears. Had to read with a Kleenex box by my side. If ever you have loved a dog, this book is for you!

[Kelsie Bowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the last book I finished in 2025, a year that was a tough one, a year that I wouldn’t have gotten through if it weren’t for my parents, my sister, and of course my dog. This compilation of stories helped me with the gratitude I feel for my Black Lab and his love which was imperative to me getting through this one.

The magic of dogs is that I believe that all the dogs in this book, and my Lab Sebastian are all the best dog in the world, even the dogs that aren’t really “good”, including Jodi’s Picoult’s Alvin who prompted her to write: “The truth is that we love our dogs not just for who they are, but sometimes in spite of it.” This compilation isn’t a competition of what dog is best, but it is love letters to why these dogs impacted the author’s lives

These relatable stories had me in laughter and tears as I got to hear about different memories these authors have with their lovable companions. We hear from dedicated dog lovers who already knew the power of a 4-legged companion, to first time dog owners who weren’t yet aware of what they were getting themselves into. Unfortunately, some of the dogs die, we know that the rest will eventually, but we know that’s okay because these stories are focused on the reminder of the good moments. Amy Tan writes: “We discovered eventually that Frankie was not entirely perfect. A perfect dog would never grow old and die. He would forever be a puppy.” And Emily Henry echoes that: “The thing this depressing essay has in common with all of my romantic comedies and everything else I’ve ever written: We are so fucking lucky to get to love someone so much that it tears a hole in the world when they’re gone. The dog dies at the end. The dog dies at the end and it breaks your heart, and you wouldn’t change anything. Not one moment.”

It was Nick Trout’s story about Maverick, a dog he treated as a vet that struck me on the eve of the New Year as I reflected on surviving a tough year with the help my most loyal companion as he wrote, “Sometimes their acceptance and lack of judgment feels like the biggest lesson of all: If you give your best, it’s okay to be flawed.”

The Best Dog in the World is a fantastic read for dog lovers especially, but for anyone. There is sadness yes, but without that sadness we wouldn’t get the joy of our most beloved loyal companions.

[jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

selfishly (and stupidly) i only wanted to read this because i knew if anyone could put my jumbled mess of a brain’s grieving thoughts into words it was emily henry. she did, as always.

this was a brutal read for me… but it was also really touching and comforting. i loved so many of the essays in here. i laughed, i cried, i thought about my zoey the whole time, i saw her in so many of the other dogs in this collection and i saw myself in so many of the humans writing about them. we are so lucky to have dogs in this world <3 i only wish they got to live forever :(

[carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

the love of a dog is something truly unconditional. if you have the privilege of ever knowing it, you’ll find it’s the kind that it settles deep in your bones and gives you rich stories to tell. the honesty and vulnerability captured in this collection of essays acts as kindling for own memories, allowing it to deeply resonate. in this format of sharing love, both new and old, and grief for our beloved companions, we also have the privilege of connecting with and discovering new authors and storytellers. with my experience, i find that these essays are best read with a box of tissues, an open heart, and a dog by your side.

thank you so much to netgalley and scribner for this arc!

[Corinne Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have ever had a dog and know that unconditional love that a dog has for its “people,” you will absolutely fall in love with this book. It is a compilation of stories written by a number of renowned authors about the dogs that have touched their lives. Warning: there will be some stories where the dog dies and your heart will be broken, but there will also be so much joy in reading the uniqueness of each of these dogs.

Many thanks to NetGalley & Scribner for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Eyre_i_breathe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Scribner Books and Netgalley for this gifted ARC. The Best Dog in the World releases March 10th.

Grab your tissues and your favorite canine reading buddy, friends. If you're a dog lover as I am, I can't recommend today's featured book enough. The Best Dog in the World is a collection of essays from bestselling authors like Emily Henry, Elizabeth Strout, Jodi Picoult...the list goes on. As if gathering these powerhouses in one place isn't enough, they each take turns writing about a beloved dog who stood out from the pack and stole their heart. It's no surprise that I experienced all the feels while reading this book and that I fell in love many times over. I even found myself looking up these authors and their dogs, which made the stories even more special. Simply put, this book gets a big four paws up from me. I adored it.

[Dina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Edelweiss + for the review copy. Some great authors in here and some awesome dogs.

[Dogsandbooksanddogsandbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything dogs. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the memories that tend to focus on the good and how these beloved pets left their mark on the author's life.

A lovely collection of essays by beloved authors all dedicated to the canine(s) in their life. Some feel like a conversation one might have with another dog lover while visiting in an off-leash dog park. Others feel as though a deep dive into the author's own psyche and how that dog fits within it.

I read two essays a night, spreading out the enjoyment. As one dog lover and reader might imagine, these essays spark joy, renewed sense of loss, laughter, and commensuration with the acts of mischievous dogs. I felt all the feels as a dog lover for my whole life and enjoyed the tales lived by others.

I can easily recommend this one to the dog lovers out there who also enjoy getting a peek into their favorite author's lives.

[Vmndetta ᛑᛗᛛ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essays about dogs by different authors about their dogs and meaningful experiences they shared. Reading this book made me feel something warm and comforting, seeing the bond between each author and their dog. Dogs, it turns out, are than just companions, they are family.

I read this book quickly and felt deeply immersed in every essay. Each one left an impression and had something special to offer. One thing I especially loved about this book was the art photos of the dogs before each chapter, which made it easier for me, as someone who's not very familiar with dogs, to picture them alongside the story. A truly memorable book and one that shouldn't be missed.

[Victoria Yetnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me completely by surprise. I loved the different perspective and situation for each touching dog moment. It completely enveloped me in love in the universal experience of owning and loving a dog. I am already recommending this book to all of my fellow vet med world friends.

The story written by the veterinarian was my favorite!

(ARC Review)

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Best Dog in the World is a pensive compilation of short stories written by some of literature’s most celebrated authors. Each story recalls a dog who has touched and made a significant impact on the respective authors life. Each vignette is a glimpse into the magic that only dogs possess, and how these creatures (who do not speak our language) understand us in a way most people cannot.

As a dog person, I found myself nodding along when reading about the joys, frustrations, and wonder that comes with loving a dog. I also felt my heart breaking at the stories where the author had to say goodbye to their steadfast companion. And though I could relate to the stories, the brevity of them left me wanting more. Overall, an enjoyable, albeit short, read.

Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reader, I adopted him.

from Alvin by Jodi Picoult in The Best Dog in the World

I have known eight dogs who meant the world to me. My first companion came to me when I was five years old. Pepper followed me to school one day and appeared at my classroom door. She laid her chin in the crook of my back as I watched tv or colored. I loved her soft floppy ears.

As an adult, my husband and I had successively two black and tan male dachshunds. Pippin was high spirited and went on vacations with us. PJ was bossy and demanded a hour of fetch every day. Our son’s first word was the dog’s name.

Then for sixteen years our first Shiba Inu, Kili, was the heart of our family, the dog our son grew up with. Friendly, beautiful, intelligent, a real chick magnet when our son walked her. When he went off to college, she jumped into the car hoping to go with him.

After her came more Shibas. There was Suki, a puppy mill breeder who had never been socialized with people or dogs. She was the smartest dog we ever had and understood things like “lets go right”. We got her a companion, Kara, who had been a breeder in a puppy mill for nine years. Friendly and loveable, he taught Kili how to cuddle and play chase. Sadly, he had kidney failure and was gone a year later. Suki was devastated with his loss so we brought home another puppy mill breeder, Kamikaze, a brash, bossy and spirited girl. She and Suki grew old together. And last year we brought home Tessa whose owner had died. She spent three months in a local shelter. She avoids being touched so people passed her by. Tessa loves walks and playing chase and sleeps at my feet. She is no longer fearful of hands, but avoids being touched still.

The Best Dog in the World is a heartwarming series of essays on how dogs changed each writer’s life, even the difficult dogs, the problem dogs, the ugly dogs, as well as the gorgeous dogs and those who brought comfort and healing.

Alice Hoffman writes that when growing up, “I had long ago realized that the member of my family I was closest to was my dog.” As an adult, her Houdini ‘trained himself’ while Hoffman was busy with jobs and school.

Emily Henry’s Dottie was the saddest specimen in the shelter, unloved and scared and likely soon to die if not adopted. It took her months to learn to trust. Bonnie Garmus rescued a greyhound who understood when people or animals needed comforting. Tova Mirvis brought home Sunny during the pandemic and is a comfort as the growing children leave home. Roxane Gay’s animal loving wife convinced her they needed a dog and over time realized they were obsessed with each other.

Adriana Trigiani’s daughter knew that Lola chose her knowing they were the lucky ones. Jodi Picoult’s rescue was “the dog equivalent of Napoleon”, small but imperious. Isabel Allende ‘s dog saw ghosts. Chris Bohjalian writes, “I’ve made three incontrovertibly wise decisions in my life: Marrying that woman. Becoming a parent. And listening to my wife when she said we were getting a dog.”

The truth is that we love our dogs not just for who they are, but sometimes in spite of it. Not all dogs are angels. from Alvin by Jodi Picoult

Laura Zigman’s son wanted a sibling but got a dog. He knew “That’s my dog” upon first sight. Veterinarian Nick Trout tells of the heartbreak of a failed surgery on a dog. Amy Tan’s love of Yorkies took her into the world of show dogs. Elizabeth Strout and her husband had his dog’s name engraved inside their wedding bands.

Ann Leary discovered her brilliant dog was half Australian cattle dog who needed lots of stimulation and play. Peter Yoon’s first dog was “an animal that allowed me to explore and navigate all the landscapes outside the small tidy box I had created around myself.”

Hoffman notes these essays are about loss, family, new relationships and hardships, but also about love. Dog lovers, this book is for you.

Thanks to Scribner for a free book through NetGalley

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara · Rating 5 out of 5]

ThankThank you to the Goodreads Book Giveaway and Scribner for gifting me this copy of such an extraordinary collection.

Let me prepare you: the tears will come. I read this entire anthology and loved every single essay. The authors included here are masters of their craft, and page after page you’re reminded exactly why dogs have earned the title of humankind’s best friends.

Whether your heart belongs to a Shih Tzu or a Newfoundland, a companion Cocker Spaniel, a service Golden Retriever, a hardworking Blue Heeler, the shelter pup who chose you, or even the fictional dogs you adored as a child — Snoopy, Clifford, Scooby‑Doo, Bluey — this book taps into that universal truth about how deeply dogs connect with us. And how completely they undo us when they leave.

This collection celebrates every precious moment of their time with us. These writers invite you into their worlds: the instant spark when dog and human meet, the chaos and joy of puppies coming home, the quiet triumph of rescued dogs finding their forever families, and yes, the heartbreak of saying goodbye. The essays hold all of it — the laughter, the grief, the memories that ache and glow at the same time.

This book has it all. The generosity of spirit in these pages, paired with the authors’ skill, will transport you. You’ll laugh out loud, you’ll tear up, and you’ll walk away feeling seen in that very particular way only dog people understand.

It’s a wonderful reminder that the love we share with our furry companions never disappears. It stays with us, and it comes back to us tenfold in the memories that never fade. you to Scribner and Goodreads for this galley arc of Best Dog in the World.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished book November 25, but GR now considers that “before” November 25…..so new GR does not acknowledge that one can start and finish a book on the same day. I really hate new GR.

ARC for review. To be published March 10, 2026.

5 stars

Alice Hoffman is the editor of this volume of fourteen essays about maybe the most wonderful thing in the world…dogs! The writing comes from such heavy hitters as Elizabeth Strout, Amy Tan, Jodi Picoult, Emily Henry and Chris Bohjalian. I loved all the essays and cried at “Dottie” by Henry where she makes some profound statements about the loss of a dog, for example, “[it was] like the house had died around me, like she was the soul who animated it.” “Dottie” hit me hard; when I read it I was just a few weeks out from having lost my soulmate dog and as I sit here typing this review, from my notes, my husband and I have just returned from having the last of our three dogs put to sleep. Sidney Marie, a rescue from our local animal shelter, was a dachshund/chihuahua mix (according to our vet. She would have been seventeen in January. She was named after Pittsburgh hockey player Sidney Crosby (by my husband.). She survived parvovirus which she got at the shelter, but unfortunately her littermate, Jerome (after Bettis,) we adopted him too) did not. She will be much missed.

Back to the book. “Dottie” was the only hard essay, most were very happy. More along the lines of author Paul Yoon’s wife’s answer to what living with his dog meant - “unbridled joy.” I adored this. A perfect gift for yourself or a canine lover.

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I made the mistake of taking myself out to dinner (alone) and thought starting this book was a good idea. Reading it is a great idea, but not through tears of joy and sorrow.

The Best Dog in the World is a moving (I put it down a few times to allow myself some tears) collection of essays that honors dogs who leave permanent paw prints on our hearts. With contributions from beloved authors like Emily Henry (Dottie), Jodi Picoult (Alvin), Elizabeth Strout (Ethan), Amy Tan (Frankie), and Isabel Allende (Olivia), each piece feels both intimate and universal - capturing the joy, chaos, loyalty, and inevitable heartbreak of loving a dog. Paul Yoon's essay about Oscar was the best essay to close out this collection - Alice Hoffman did a fantastic editing job.

I nodded along as these talented writers reflected on how their dogs shaped their daily lives. It was nice reading into a few adoption experiences and how the dog chose the owner, or how spontaneous of a decision it was to adopt a dog. These essays read like love raw and honest love letters. I absolutely loved this peek into the various lives of these authors as dog parents, and look forward to picking up some new-to-me work from authors I was unfamiliar with.

This is a five-star read for dog lovers everywhere and a reminder that even when it hurts, loving them is always worth it. (Cat lovers and animal lovers will also enjoy this essay collection - it tears at your heartstrings in all the best ways).

Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Best dog in the world is a great book for dog lovers, especially dog lovers that are readers as we get glimpses of the hearts of fourteen favorite authors. as in any essay collection, some touched me more than others, but I did need tissues for a few, and I need to warn you as these are essays about dogs that touched these authors lives, sometimes the dogs die.

Some of my favorite essays were from those authors that were professed non dog people, until that one dog touched their heart. I found myself closely identifying with Chris Bohjalian as he notes that strangers rarely talk to each other, but strangers often talk to strangers with dogs, and his realization that his dog taught him to be more present in the moment. I found myself wishing that Vet and author Nick Trout was not only my vet but my personal surgeon, when he so willing took responsibility for a surgery that did not go quite right and who so obviously cared for every patient that came through his doors.

If you are an animal lover looking for a short yet heartwarming book I highly recommend this one. Thank you to net galley and scribner for the e galley of of this book.

[Madeline Given · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ This collection of short essays about the unique bond between humans and their canine companions is an absolute gift to the soul. Featuring contributions from a stellar lineup of well-known authors, the book captures the full range of the dog-human connection, from the hilarious joys of puppyhood to the profound heartache of saying a final goodbye.

What I Liked: The essays are beautifully written, each offering a unique and deeply personal perspective on the transformative power of a dog's love (and I’m not even what many would call a “dog person!”). They are rich with sentiment but manage to avoid becoming overly saccharine, striking a perfect balance of laughter, tears, and inspiration.

The inclusion of small illustrations of each author's dog breed throughout the book was a delightful and personal touch that made the experience even more immersive.

The only minor critique in this otherwise wonderful anthology is that with such a diverse group of authors, the quality and tone of the essays can be a little uneven. While most are brilliant, a couple didn't resonate as strongly with me, which slightly disrupted the overall flow.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC copy!

[Niki McDowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not usually one for short stories, but I AM one of the biggest dog lovers on the planet. So when Scribner Books offered to send me a copy of this upcoming collection of short stories, I was dying for its arrival on my doorstep!

What’s not to love? Fourteen award winning authors, many of whose novels I regularly devour, now give us all an insight into the four-legged friend who deeply affected their lives in the most profound and sometimes unexpected ways.

Now I know we all hate it when the dog dies, so I am not going to sugar coat it…the dog dies in some of these stories, but it’s necessary to share, so that we can experience the most touching tributes to how they dug their way into the hearts of their owners.

They know us and protect us, they love us unconditionally, they long to just be by our side, and they are the most wholesome souls on the planet. If you’ve ever had a dog touch your life in an unforgettable way, you will love this book as much as I did.

Thank you to Scribner, to the authors who shared their stories, and thank you to my four-legged shadow Maggie for making this book resonate with me so much.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warmhearted ode to canine companions The Best Dog in the World is a collection of essays written by authors we know and love about how bringing a dog into their lives brought unexpected changes. If you've ever had a special critter in your life this book will move you. Like any collection I had my favorites Isabel Allende's and Paul Yoon's submissions were exceptional like a zing to my emotional center. But I felt a camaraderie with each of these pet parents because animals have changed my life for the better. Now, for those that want to know up front if any of the dogs die in their stories the answer is yes. Their brevity of life is one of the lessons they teach our hearts. 💔💔The heartache of losing your furry best friend is devastating, yet given time most of us end up with another. That's the beauty of their perfect love. As we said on our little backwoods farm upon finding a shivering stray in the barn, "What's one more?" Now there are four, but who's counting?!🐕🐶🐕🐶
💓💓💓💓💓💓
If you love dogs give this a go you won't regret it!

All the stars!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to Scribner for providing a gifted copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars

The Best Dog in the World: Essays on Love, edited by Alice Hoffman, is one of those books that finds you exactly where it hurts, and somehow makes that feel okay.

Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book.

If you have been lucky enough to meet your soul dog, this book is for you.

I cried through the entire thing, even though my own soul dog is only five years old and perfectly fine. I’ve always been especially sensitive when it comes to dogs and the dog-owner experience, particularly the deep, quiet devastation that comes with losing your best friend, your confidant, your co-pilot, your partner in crime.

I once read that some people pour into their dogs the kind of love that can feel too vulnerable, too risky, to give another person. Dogs love you back unequivocally. No conditions. No hesitation.

This book is for the “it’s not just a dog” people.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely.
Just… bring tissues.

[Sheila The Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cozy little collection of essays from a bunch of beloved authors, all sharing the dogs who changed their lives, made them laugh, and broke their hearts in the way only dogs can. It’s tender, funny, and quietly emotional, the kind of book you pick up when you want to feel understood about how much a dog can mean.

If you are a dog lover, this is going to be right up your alley, just like it was mine. I’ve had so many wonderful dogs in my life, and I felt genuinely connected to each of these little vignettes of life with a dog. Some are funny, some are sad, but all of them show not just how much a dog can mean, but how much a dog can give your life meaning. I loved it, and it ended up being the perfect reset between heavier books, a gentle reminder that life feels a whole lot brighter when you have a good friend by your side.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complementary copy of this book before publication. All opinions are my own.

[Waverli Almand · Rating 5 out of 5]

DRC via Edelweiss.

Did I read this book because Amy Tan is one of the writers? Obviously. But I was surprised to find that her essay wasn’t my favorite, or even close. Not that I didn’t love it—I would read her grocery lists—but I was moved by every single one of these stories. I cried. Several times.

Something one of the authors says is that people who don’t have a dog or haven’t loved a dog could never understand what it is to love and be loved by a dog, and I think this is at once cliche and so true. I was brought into this world with two malamute-siblings, and I hope to leave it with a best friend, too. I finished this book at the office and all I want is to go home and hug my chocolate lab.

[Christine Savukinas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very cute compilation of short stories by well known authors about dogs in their lives. I love dogs. I truly believe that life is better when there is one in your life. In these stories I learned that not all dog families are the same. Some families get dogs to make a partner happy, some to make a kid happy, and some just because during the pandemic they thought it could be fun. Luckily, these are all good stories about how dogs can change your life for the better. There are some deaths, but if you’re a dog lover you’ve probably experienced it yourself. The stories are worth it, just keep a tissue or two nearby, just in case.
Thank you Netgalley and Scribner for the digital ARC.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, heartfelt group of short stories that are all placed in this book telling about each person's beloved dog.

We all know that our own dogs are the smartest, cutest, and absolutely the best family member ever, but every author who has a chapter in "The Best Dog in the World" definitely loves, respects and cares for their precious pup and in some cases each small story is funny and in others there are tears for a life well lived.
This is a must read for all dog lovers. I know I adored it.

Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Scribner for this ARC and allowing my review after reading.

[Jg · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Hoffman’s introduction and the first story I realized I need tissues. Lots of tissues. Animals are better than people, and people who are owned by animals know this. These stories by well- known authors highlight that fact. There is love and loss, pain and redemption while definitely knowing although they are with us for too short a time, they’ve taught us life lessons through unconditional love, and we are so lucky to have known and lived with our pets. A book to savor and give to all your friends.

[Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice Hoffman has gathered stories of a diverse group of writers who talk about dogs in their lives. People who have always loved dogs, people who have never had a dog before (or even thought they were not dog people) write of the dogs who have influenced them. Many are once-in-a lifetime dogs, some rescue some pedigreed, others are naughty or misunderstood, but all come alive with the storytellers Hoffman has selected. Recommended for all dog lovers. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advance copy.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book all about dogs written by some of the greatest contemporary authors out there? Sign me up! This book was just simply wonderful. I loved each story and felt very connected to the authors’ experiences and I read. I thought a lot about my good dogs that have been gone for a while now and about my good dog who drives me crazy daily but I love her. I highly recommend for any dog lover or book lover. The pub date is coming soon so not long to wait!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of essays is a thoroughly beautiful tribute to the love of dogs. This will leave you weeping your way through your walk with your dog, lovingly remembering your childhood dog, and mourning the loss of a stranger’s dog. Receiving love from a dog is such a gift to our lives, and these essays encapsulated that perfectly.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for providing this
ARC in exchange for an honest review!