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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Life Lessons from the Dog: 101 Tales of Family, Friendship & Fun
You can’t help but be changed when you have a dog. They teach us about devotion, loyalty, and the value of living in the moment. They show us how to appreciate every day, and somehow, in those deep eyes, we learn about ourselves as well, becoming better humans.
Our canine companions teach us many lessons, from their puppy days to their quiet senior years. Along the way they keep us company, provide unconditional love, and share in the ups and downs of our lives. These 101 real-life stories will delight dog lovers of all kinds. You’ll laugh a lot, tear up at times, and nod your head in recognition as you read these tales about the wonderful experience of sharing life with a dog. Part of the proceeds go to support the work of American Humane, providing a better life for dogs everywhere.
Our canine companions teach us many lessons, from their puppy days to their quiet senior years. Along the way they keep us company, provide unconditional love, and share in the ups and downs of our lives. These 101 real-life stories will delight dog lovers of all kinds. You’ll laugh a lot, tear up at times, and nod your head in recognition as you read these tales about the wonderful experience of sharing life with a dog. Part of the proceeds go to support the work of American Humane, providing a better life for dogs everywhere.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
73 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Amy Newmark
371 books177 followersAmy Newmark is the bestselling author, editor-in-chief, and publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. Since 2008, she has published 191 new Chicken Soup for the Soul titles, most of them national bestsellers in the U.S. and Canada, more than doubling the number of Chicken Soup for the Soul titles in print today.
Amy is credited with revitalizing the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand, which has been a publishing industry phenomenon since the first book came out in 1993. By compiling inspirational and aspirational true stories curated from ordinary people who have had extraordinary experiences, Amy has kept the thirty-year-old Chicken Soup for the Soul brand fresh and relevant.
Follow Amy on Twitter @amynewmark. Listen to her free podcast, The Chicken Soup for the Soul Podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, the Podcasts app on iPhone, or by using your favorite podcast app on other devices.
Amy is credited with revitalizing the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand, which has been a publishing industry phenomenon since the first book came out in 1993. By compiling inspirational and aspirational true stories curated from ordinary people who have had extraordinary experiences, Amy has kept the thirty-year-old Chicken Soup for the Soul brand fresh and relevant.
Follow Amy on Twitter @amynewmark. Listen to her free podcast, The Chicken Soup for the Soul Podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, the Podcasts app on iPhone, or by using your favorite podcast app on other devices.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 4, 2019
Words cannot express how these stories tug at the heartstrings.
July 25, 2022
Pretty good dog stories. I think this is my 4th Chicken Soup for the Soul book relating to dogs, and not one of my favorites. Somehow most stories did not strike a chord with me to be too exceptional. I enjoyed the stories, but probably because I read so many dog stories maybe I am a more critical audience. I did like the first story and copied out a quote:
"Emmy loves every aspect of mowing – the shoes, the rev of the engine, the pats on her furry head, chasing sticks and getting extra attention – but most of all, she loves the company. I seldom enjoy mowing – it is tedious, and often hot and grueling – but thanks to our dog Emmy, I do love one thing about it, the joy it brings to each other!" – David Warren in the story My Dog Mows Best
For those who don't want to read books where Kleenex is needed at the end, some of the stories do end that way, but then in life all dog life stories end that way. For me the painful part is hearing of expensive vet bills and struggles to heal or survive injuries or illness. Dogs live each day as it comes, even in the face of hardship, but still makes for a tough story for me.
"Emmy loves every aspect of mowing – the shoes, the rev of the engine, the pats on her furry head, chasing sticks and getting extra attention – but most of all, she loves the company. I seldom enjoy mowing – it is tedious, and often hot and grueling – but thanks to our dog Emmy, I do love one thing about it, the joy it brings to each other!" – David Warren in the story My Dog Mows Best
For those who don't want to read books where Kleenex is needed at the end, some of the stories do end that way, but then in life all dog life stories end that way. For me the painful part is hearing of expensive vet bills and struggles to heal or survive injuries or illness. Dogs live each day as it comes, even in the face of hardship, but still makes for a tough story for me.
June 23, 2019
I have loved Chicken Soup for the Soul books since I read my first one years ago and this one is no different.
December 24, 2020
Several heartwarming stories of real people with dogs who made a difference in their lives in some way. If you like dogs, it is an uplifting read.
June 10, 2019
While I did used to collect “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books in the late 90s/early 2000s, I don’t think I had actually read one in at least 10 years.
But I was shopping at walmart, getting ready to head out of town & to the beach for a week, & so I always check the ‘new arrivals in books’ section, and they had this one front & center, for under $10, with several signs that said the royalty proceeds made from the sales of the book would all go to “American Humane”, a non-profit, charitable organization I like & fully support. I stood there in the aisle, looked it up on here, (goodreads), saw how highly rated it was, & decided there was no reason not to buy it!
And I still stand by the decision. I liked it. It had a lot of cute stories, & ones’ that made me giggle or even want to shed a tear.
But I would say that overall, & from what I remember of the “Chicken Soup” stories I used to read, it was only okay. Many of the stories sounded similar, even a few times made the same references or jokes. Some of the stories were pretty cheesy too.
Like I said, I definitely liked it, & there even were a few stories I loved. & I did also like the way the chapter sections were categorized & broken up. But overall, it just wasn’t as good as I remember “Chicken Soup” stories once being, & I did have to push myself to keep reading on when I felt the stories were getting slow or repetitive.
But alas, I will ALWAYS be a sucker for any dog stories, so I still liked it! And as a grammar natzi, always obsessed with grammatical errors in published works, I definitely appreciate the very last page of the book, where they actually ask you to email them if you find typos, & they will correct it for future printings. THAT’s awesome! & honestly? I believe this is a 1st edition, & there weren’t a ton of grammar mistakes that I picked up on. A few, but really not many.
In the end, I’m still glad I bought & read it. Cute stories.
But I was shopping at walmart, getting ready to head out of town & to the beach for a week, & so I always check the ‘new arrivals in books’ section, and they had this one front & center, for under $10, with several signs that said the royalty proceeds made from the sales of the book would all go to “American Humane”, a non-profit, charitable organization I like & fully support. I stood there in the aisle, looked it up on here, (goodreads), saw how highly rated it was, & decided there was no reason not to buy it!
And I still stand by the decision. I liked it. It had a lot of cute stories, & ones’ that made me giggle or even want to shed a tear.
But I would say that overall, & from what I remember of the “Chicken Soup” stories I used to read, it was only okay. Many of the stories sounded similar, even a few times made the same references or jokes. Some of the stories were pretty cheesy too.
Like I said, I definitely liked it, & there even were a few stories I loved. & I did also like the way the chapter sections were categorized & broken up. But overall, it just wasn’t as good as I remember “Chicken Soup” stories once being, & I did have to push myself to keep reading on when I felt the stories were getting slow or repetitive.
But alas, I will ALWAYS be a sucker for any dog stories, so I still liked it! And as a grammar natzi, always obsessed with grammatical errors in published works, I definitely appreciate the very last page of the book, where they actually ask you to email them if you find typos, & they will correct it for future printings. THAT’s awesome! & honestly? I believe this is a 1st edition, & there weren’t a ton of grammar mistakes that I picked up on. A few, but really not many.
In the end, I’m still glad I bought & read it. Cute stories.
August 8, 2019
Sacrifice, love, humor, heartache, struggle, and devotion of dogs and their owners are all presented in these tales. Most are two to three pages in length and read in minutes. I’m currently dog-less, but these antics brought back the memories of dogs I’ve owned and known. So, take a break from your routine and read a tale or two or three. Give yourself a happy diversion and have some Chicken Soup for the Soul.
You can see the full review here. https://leeandleapublishing.com/2019/...
You can see the full review here. https://leeandleapublishing.com/2019/...
January 21, 2020
Loved it! Dogs really are man's best friend! This book warmed my heart and was a great read with a cup of coffee on a chilly day. I love dogs and this book was an excellent showcase of these amazing "fur babies"!!
April 19, 2020
Outstandi Selection of Short Stories for Any Dog Lover
This is one of the best Chicken Soup books I have ever read. I loved each of these stories. A must read if you are a dog lover.
This is one of the best Chicken Soup books I have ever read. I loved each of these stories. A must read if you are a dog lover.
May 31, 2020
My parents got me this book for me soon after I adopted my dog Pup. She’s always making me laugh so they thought I’d enjoy other stories. They were definitely right! This book gave me joy and brought smiles and a few tears. Loved it.
September 12, 2021
Absolutely amazing. This is my second CSftS book and just as the first, I loved every little bit of it. It just had to end on a story about an Australian Cattle Dog! I cried so much, thankfully I had my own ACD to cuddle with afterwards. Amazing!
December 3, 2018
Very short, but some wonderful stories
May 4, 2019
Loved it! If you have a dog you will absolutely love this book!
May 15, 2019
Who wouldn't love stories about dogs and the silly things they do! As an avid dog lover, I can never get enough of these fun, silly, sometimes sad stories.
November 28, 2019
Cute book with stories on people and their fur babies. It's a heartwarming read.
May 4, 2020
Great entry in the Chicken soup series.
June 15, 2020
That was a nice little soul cleanse. Now I want a dog more than ever.
June 26, 2020
Loved these stories about dogs! Made me laugh, cry, and appreciate my dog more. Thanks for putting this together. I am a huge dog lover myself!
December 10, 2020
Cute, feel-good book that was gifted to me by a friend (thanks Leslie!). Makes me want to adopt a puppy, something I’ve wanted for a while now 🐶💜
September 7, 2020
I few tear jerkers in here, but an uplifting read about canine companions! I recommend! (Even if you are a cat person.)
January 17, 2021
3.5 stars
101(true?) stories about dogs, covering various themes, and each starting with a dog related quote. If you love and have dogs, you will relate to many of them.
101(true?) stories about dogs, covering various themes, and each starting with a dog related quote. If you love and have dogs, you will relate to many of them.
April 24, 2021
Have had a dog most of my life and really enjoy relatable stories.
May 14, 2023
2019 - Trade
May 13, 2023
A collection of heartwarming stories that make you think, laugh, and cry. If God sends ministering angels into our lives, He sends some of them to us as dogs.
September 6, 2022
Who wouldn't want to read 101 dog stories?
November 8, 2022
Whenever I need an uplift in life, I will reread one of the stories.
August 21, 2022
Quick read, good heart warming dog stories!!!
February 11, 2024
After reading a couple of heavy, intense books, this book was an easy and enjoyable read.
August 8, 2025
Always been a fan of the CS series, and this topic does not disappoint. Short, heartwarming stories and people who have a heart for pets will enjoy this read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews