Great Reads for You and Your Dog

There’s not much better than curling up with a good book - except maybe if it's also with a cuddly dog and it's a great book about a lovable or heroic dog. Here’s a list of some feel-good, exciting, triumphant or funny reads to share with your dog. 

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Toto has to be one of the most well-known and beloved dogs in the world of literature and film. Dorothy’s trusty and brave terrier sidekick also appears in other books in the Oz series as well as some offshoot books, Toto in Oz by Chris Dulabone and Toto of Oz by Gina Wickwar.
 

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Lassie Come-Home by Eric Knight

Few realise that this heroic Collie was first brought to life by Eric Knight in a 1938 newspaper story, then a novel in 1940. Knight, who himself had a rough Collie was reported to have based the story on a 1924 true event where a dog travelled vast distances to be reunited with family. The first novel, Lassie Come-Home tells of Lassie’s long and miraculous journey home to the boy she loves. There are many subsequent books in the series detailing Lassie's bravery that you and your dog will love to sink your teeth/fangs into. 
 

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The Hundred and One Dalmations by Dodie Smith

This book has it all - the strength of the family bond, pupnapping, danger, revenge, good versus evil and reunited loves. In this novel Smith introduces us to Pongo, Missis, Perdita, Prince and Colonel. The Starlight Barking is the sequel.

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Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up or Peter and Wendy by J. M. Barrie

A novel of adventure and fairytale. Although not a main character, Nana, the Newfoundland, is the nanny and friend of Wendy, John, and Michael Darling. Nana was based on Barrie and his wife’s own Newfoundland named Luath but in screen adaptations the character became a Saint Bernard. 

The Famous Five series by Enid Blyton

This much loved series tells of the school holiday escapades of Julian, Dick, Anne and Georgina and her dog Timmy. Timmy is loyal, brave, smart and protective. There are 21 books written by Blyton in the series so you may want to get cracking!

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And for some more light-hearted and shorter readings don’t forget these wonderful comic based works. 

Peanuts and of course the witticisms and observations of Snoopy.

The Adventures of Tin Tin which feature the irrepressible Snowy.

Garfield and his unlikely friend, the loveable dog Odie.

Fred Basset, yes he’s a Basset Hound, and is joined by various canine characters.

Marmaduke the Great Dane and his life with the Winslow family.

Footrat Flats and its main character the Border Collie who prefers to be known as ‘Dog’ rather than his real name. 

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