What do you think?
Rate this book
Unlikely Friendships: Dogs: 37 Stories of Canine Compassion and Courage
A new book from the New York Times bestselling series.
Enhanced with beautiful full-color photographs, these true stories of camaraderie, affection, and remarkable bravery are from the author of the New York Times bestsellers Unlikely Friendships, Unlikely Loves , and Unlikely Heroes , as well as other books and calendars, with nearly two million copies in print.
Meet Rex, a German shepherd who learned to love and trust again through the improbable friendship of a goose. The pit bull named Dolly, whose antics with her best friend, Sheldon the tortoise, include games of tag.
For the millions of dog lovers, this heartwarming and inspirational book celebrates 37 stories of unusual canine companionship.
Enhanced with beautiful full-color photographs, these true stories of camaraderie, affection, and remarkable bravery are from the author of the New York Times bestsellers Unlikely Friendships, Unlikely Loves , and Unlikely Heroes , as well as other books and calendars, with nearly two million copies in print.
Meet Rex, a German shepherd who learned to love and trust again through the improbable friendship of a goose. The pit bull named Dolly, whose antics with her best friend, Sheldon the tortoise, include games of tag.
For the millions of dog lovers, this heartwarming and inspirational book celebrates 37 stories of unusual canine companionship.
238 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2016
67 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 9, 2022
Quite a lovely series of animal friendship stories that are not so "unlikely", in my view. More than friendships, though, these were stories of incredible dedication, love, and compassion between dogs and mostly other animals, but also for the dogs' human caregivers—or, in some cases, for those the animals are caring for.
Beautiful stories, beautiful photographs. If you love dogs like I love dogs, nothing in this book will surprise you, but it will likely give you that warm, wonderful "love glow" that only dogs can inspire.
5 stars
Beautiful stories, beautiful photographs. If you love dogs like I love dogs, nothing in this book will surprise you, but it will likely give you that warm, wonderful "love glow" that only dogs can inspire.
5 stars
September 25, 2023
Canine Compassion
Another book by Jennifer Holland! The kindness and loving nature of dogs is amazing to read and learn about in different situations. I know first hand with the best dogs I have spent my life with. These stories are dogs who have nurtured different animal species and humans when they needed care the most.
Another book by Jennifer Holland! The kindness and loving nature of dogs is amazing to read and learn about in different situations. I know first hand with the best dogs I have spent my life with. These stories are dogs who have nurtured different animal species and humans when they needed care the most.
September 16, 2016
Being the animal lover that I am, I was absolutely thrilled to receive an ARC of this book!
An utterly charming book about the unlikely friendships that dogs have with humans and other animals. This book only served to reinforce what I already knew about dogs, that they are wondrous, caring souls and nothing can compare. What amazed me were some of the other species that made friends with the dogs here. If you are an animal lover, this book is an absolute must! It makes a lovely coffee table book too!
I want to thank the publisher (Workman Publishing Group) for providing me with the ARC through Netgalley for an honest review.
An utterly charming book about the unlikely friendships that dogs have with humans and other animals. This book only served to reinforce what I already knew about dogs, that they are wondrous, caring souls and nothing can compare. What amazed me were some of the other species that made friends with the dogs here. If you are an animal lover, this book is an absolute must! It makes a lovely coffee table book too!
I want to thank the publisher (Workman Publishing Group) for providing me with the ARC through Netgalley for an honest review.
May 3, 2016
What a fantastic little book! Or should I say big book? It’s almost 250 pages of stories about dogs from all over the world, and the friends of all types that they have affected. This is a wonderful book for anyone who loves dogs, or anyone who loves animals in general, as the dog friends here range from raccoons to ferrets, monkeys to owls, kittens to tigers, and even people. They are heartwarming stories, but what interested me most was how they talked about each animal. You learn something from each story. I thought this was going to be just another cute little animal book, but I was hooked from the first story.
This would make an excellent gift book, but also something to consider buying for yourself if you are interested in animals. There is a lot of information here along with beautiful photos for each story. Just be careful giving to an animal-loving child, or you’ll never hear the end of the begging for a new extraordinary pet.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy in exchange for a review.
This would make an excellent gift book, but also something to consider buying for yourself if you are interested in animals. There is a lot of information here along with beautiful photos for each story. Just be careful giving to an animal-loving child, or you’ll never hear the end of the begging for a new extraordinary pet.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy in exchange for a review.
July 31, 2016
This was a cute little book. The pictures were great and the stories sweet. A few of them were repeats from previous books, so if you read the older ones this may be a bit of a repeat for you. Not bad, because who can resist gorgeous pictures of adorable and loving animals?
This was cute, but it didn't make me tear up more than once and it was a quick read. It didn't touch my heart or tear ducts like I was expecting. Doesn't make this bad, but that is the reason for the three stars only. Good, but not great/amazing.
If you are an animal lover, especially if you love dogs, you will probably enjoy this very much. I did enjoy it, but liked a few of the previous ones a little better.
My thanks to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This was cute, but it didn't make me tear up more than once and it was a quick read. It didn't touch my heart or tear ducts like I was expecting. Doesn't make this bad, but that is the reason for the three stars only. Good, but not great/amazing.
If you are an animal lover, especially if you love dogs, you will probably enjoy this very much. I did enjoy it, but liked a few of the previous ones a little better.
My thanks to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
September 17, 2017
The title says it all. A very sweet book with different real life stories of dogs and their friends of various species, dogs with cats, horses, tortoise, birds, ferrets, raccoons etc. Very nice and heartwarming.I had my favorite stories. Glad I had the chance to read this sweet book.
July 5, 2017
Like most of the books within the series this one is full of stories that will make you want to snuggle up with your pup if you have one or with someone else's pup if they will allow it (both the pup and the pup's owner). Although for readers of the series some of the stories seem to be repeats it is just one of those subjects that you could continue to re-read over and over again.
Each story is presented with a title involving the animals that are mentioned in the story or a quick description if a human or more than one human is involved. Furthermore the reader gets a chance to see silhouette versions of the main characters so that way they can compare sizes as well as are provided with the location of the story and the year(s) that each take place. Following most of the stories are given four or five pages max along with colored photographs to give the reader the short version of the story without leaving out any details.
All in all for those who loves animals, especially dogs, this book will be the one that you want to grab and curl up to read in the warm comfort of your own home. And if you have one of those pups by your feet or snuggling up to you than rub their ears, give them a pet and a loving kiss as you reaffirm to yourself that dogs are definitely a species to be treasured even with all their quirks.
Each story is presented with a title involving the animals that are mentioned in the story or a quick description if a human or more than one human is involved. Furthermore the reader gets a chance to see silhouette versions of the main characters so that way they can compare sizes as well as are provided with the location of the story and the year(s) that each take place. Following most of the stories are given four or five pages max along with colored photographs to give the reader the short version of the story without leaving out any details.
All in all for those who loves animals, especially dogs, this book will be the one that you want to grab and curl up to read in the warm comfort of your own home. And if you have one of those pups by your feet or snuggling up to you than rub their ears, give them a pet and a loving kiss as you reaffirm to yourself that dogs are definitely a species to be treasured even with all their quirks.
August 20, 2016
This was a cute little book about dogs with unique friends across the globe. From heroic deeds to odd pairings to assisted daily living, there was a story for every dog lover. This would be a perfect coffee table book to pick up on occasion, flip thru pictures and read a heartwarming story. I have one of the earlier books on my coffee table so I jumped on the chance to review this one. Some of the stories were repeats, but all of the photos were so cute. I like picking up these books as small gifts for animal lovers.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2016
Simply can't go wrong with reading any book of this series.
The stories are lovely and uplifting. The photos are touching. Even the occasional story with a sad ending is bearable because Jennifer's words emphasize the joy of their lives.
One note, some of the stories in this book weren't about a friendship but rather a dog who had performed some kind of heroic deed. Which are pretty impressive!
An easy and enthusiastic recommend for any dog lover.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The stories are lovely and uplifting. The photos are touching. Even the occasional story with a sad ending is bearable because Jennifer's words emphasize the joy of their lives.
One note, some of the stories in this book weren't about a friendship but rather a dog who had performed some kind of heroic deed. Which are pretty impressive!
An easy and enthusiastic recommend for any dog lover.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 18, 2025
This was a book of uplifting stories about dogs and their unique best buddies. And of course, the accompanying pictures were adorable!
June 1, 2016
Unlikely Friendships: Dogs is a simply charming collection of uplifting pictures and stories that will bring a smile to your face, whether or not you are a dog lover. The immense variety of inter species friendships demonstrate how dogs and other animals are capable of compassion, forming nurturing mutually beneficial relationships. It also shows that animals are at times even more than "human" in their honesty and willingness to give. Some of the dogs featured are working dogs, while others are household pets who have behaved in amazing ways.
The stories are a true delight - From Razor the dachshund and Tillie the setter, who each managed to alert their owners that a fellow canine friend needed help, to the charming bond between the two legged chihuahua Roo and his best friend Penny, a silky chicken. It is difficult to pick a favourite.
Unlikely Friendships: Dogs makes a lovely gift for animal lovers of all ages.
5/5
Unlikely Friendships:Dogs is available for preorder and will be released August 23, 2016.
I received a copy of Unlikely Friendships: Dogs from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
The stories are a true delight - From Razor the dachshund and Tillie the setter, who each managed to alert their owners that a fellow canine friend needed help, to the charming bond between the two legged chihuahua Roo and his best friend Penny, a silky chicken. It is difficult to pick a favourite.
Unlikely Friendships: Dogs makes a lovely gift for animal lovers of all ages.
5/5
Unlikely Friendships:Dogs is available for preorder and will be released August 23, 2016.
I received a copy of Unlikely Friendships: Dogs from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
December 16, 2019
Unlikely Friendships Dogs is a fantastic book of stories of dogs and some of their unusual friends. Each story is unique and shows the devoted, warm, and unconditional love a dog brings to each relationship. Even the Shepard in the story, which was going to be put down as he bit everyone he came in contact with, brought friendship and love to his buddy the goose. The goose, of course, bit the Shepard upon meeting him, but they bonded and were inseparable from that point forward. The Shepherd mourned the goose when he passed.
The heart of these creatures carries through several stories of dogs rescuing horses from a burning building, to a Pit Bull momma caring for a small kitten before the kitten's eyes even opened. Anyone who knows me knows my love for dogs and this book once again reminds me that we should love and accept others with an unconditional love and compassion.
Beautiful read! I highly recommend this book for animal lovers everywhere!
The heart of these creatures carries through several stories of dogs rescuing horses from a burning building, to a Pit Bull momma caring for a small kitten before the kitten's eyes even opened. Anyone who knows me knows my love for dogs and this book once again reminds me that we should love and accept others with an unconditional love and compassion.
Beautiful read! I highly recommend this book for animal lovers everywhere!
January 29, 2018
I just fell in love with this box and all its stories about dogs who befriended other animals and humans. I can’t even pick one favorite as they are all so sweet.
I also liked that all the animals, dogs and humans had backstories and we got to know what happened before and after they meet the dog in question . How one seemed to make the other better. This is suck a heartfelt book.
This I would say is a must have for every animal lover ( like myself) and you learn a little bit from each new story. Among other that it is never too early or too late to make a new friend.
I also liked that all the animals, dogs and humans had backstories and we got to know what happened before and after they meet the dog in question . How one seemed to make the other better. This is suck a heartfelt book.
This I would say is a must have for every animal lover ( like myself) and you learn a little bit from each new story. Among other that it is never too early or too late to make a new friend.
February 26, 2016
This sweet book will have you saying "aw" after each chapter. It tells the stories of amazing relationships between dogs and creatures great and small (from humans and elephants to kittens and chameleons). And adorable photographic evidence abounds.
Read
October 3, 2016Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Sniff sniff sob. Such good books!
December 28, 2018
As a dog lover, I enjoyed reading these little stories about dogs and their impacts in other animals and people. Each story is a quick read that includes great photography. Uplifting and cute!
October 26, 2019
Really enjoyed the stories and the beautiful, heartwarming photos. Now if humans could just accept differences so well!
January 23, 2020
Short and sweet, really easy and enjoyable read. It had fun facts throughout the book and highlights what we all know...animals are amazing teachers
March 20, 2023
-4 stars. wonderfully adorable and cute, with great photos. i only wish they weren't such short little stories. each story had some fun facts included.
"she's all feather and no peck."
"Silkie chickens can have black skin and bones, and blue earlobes."[
"a tortoise is a turtle, but a turtle isn't a tortoise. a turtle is any shelled reptile of the order chelonii. the term tortoise is more specific, referring to terrestrial turtles rather than aquatic ones. a group of tortoises is called a 'creep', even though the animals are usually solitary."
"raccoons have sensitive whiskers that grow from their fingers. called vibrissae, the little hairlike extensions on their forepaws transfer info about whatever they touch to the brain."
"she's all feather and no peck."
"Silkie chickens can have black skin and bones, and blue earlobes."[
"a tortoise is a turtle, but a turtle isn't a tortoise. a turtle is any shelled reptile of the order chelonii. the term tortoise is more specific, referring to terrestrial turtles rather than aquatic ones. a group of tortoises is called a 'creep', even though the animals are usually solitary."
"raccoons have sensitive whiskers that grow from their fingers. called vibrissae, the little hairlike extensions on their forepaws transfer info about whatever they touch to the brain."
September 28, 2023
If you love this cover, then you will be over the moon for this book. Each of the 37 stories is accompanied by gorgeous full-color photographs showing the featured dog in action or with its favorite companions. The cover is one of my favorite stories. Bob Marley is a golden retriever who "is quite partial to species that most dogs would treat as chew toys. He seems most content--chin resting on the floor and tail flapping madly--when surrounded by parakeets and finches and hamsters."
And that is just the start of the book. Learn more about a The Junkyard Dog and the Goose, The Bionic Dog, The Miniature Horse and the Terrier, and The Seeing Eye Dog Who Can't See plus 33 additional amazing and inspiring stories. This is a book for all animal lovers. 🐕🥰
And that is just the start of the book. Learn more about a The Junkyard Dog and the Goose, The Bionic Dog, The Miniature Horse and the Terrier, and The Seeing Eye Dog Who Can't See plus 33 additional amazing and inspiring stories. This is a book for all animal lovers. 🐕🥰
January 13, 2021
The cover alone tells the reader that this is a cute book to read. Holland includes 37 different stories about dogs forming bonds with other creatures - raccoons, penguins, foxes, even dolphins! Dog owners (even just animal lovers in general) will find themselves grinning constantly while reading this book. I would most recommend this book for parents who are thinking about getting a dog and wish to introduce the concept to children - it would certainly be beneficial for a child to know just how loving and versatile their new canine companion will be.
January 20, 2021
"Dogs are wonderful that way, taking in those that are rejected."
I picked up a book that promised to be full of cute dog stories, and I was not disappointed. Stories about dogs adopting different species when they needed it most, stories about courageous dogs that rescue others, stories about hard working dogs changing the world, stories about injured dogs that haven't given up, and stories that just made me go awww. They just make you want to be a better person. I see these little furry heroes, and I just think, "If a dog can do it, so can you."
I picked up a book that promised to be full of cute dog stories, and I was not disappointed. Stories about dogs adopting different species when they needed it most, stories about courageous dogs that rescue others, stories about hard working dogs changing the world, stories about injured dogs that haven't given up, and stories that just made me go awww. They just make you want to be a better person. I see these little furry heroes, and I just think, "If a dog can do it, so can you."
June 28, 2020
This is a great book. I love animals and found these stories fit right in with that love. I did cry a little once or twice. I have a very precious little girl in my life that has a tender heart for animals and wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up. I plan to give her this book to go with her expanding collection of animal books.
July 17, 2021
This was a very pleasant compilation of stories involving dogs and their friendships with other animals (mostly unlikely companions). There's not much to say -- the stories were very heartwarming, and Holland does a good job telling them. The book's meant for younger audiences, but people of all ages will enjoy it. A fine read.
May 9, 2022
This was a great book about dogs and interesting relationships they have with other animals. It was fun and interesting. Reading about dogs brings peace to my soul. They are amazing creatures with a huge capacity to love and serve. This was a great book. I enjoyed all of the stories and shared many w/my husband who is also a dog lover.
June 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this that I'm going to look into getting some more of her books
July 16, 2017
Completely enjoyed the short true stories in this book. If you love dogs and don't want to read a sad novel about one, this book is for you.
December 25, 2017
More reasons why dogs are amazing .
January 5, 2018
I have a Copy of the book and it is the best relationships I love.
August 5, 2018
Great picture- and storybook about dogs and the people - and other animals - they make friends with. Includes some heroics, some drama, and some tragedies but all with a sweet ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews