Dogs have been a part of our lives for over 14,000 years and to this day people continue to adopt, care for, and enjoy the company of such incredible furry friends. On August 26th National Dog Day is meant to spread awareness of the millions of dogs currently in animal shelters waiting to be adopted into their forever homes. 34% of dogs are adopted from breeders, while only 23% are adopted from shelters. Whether you prefer a mixed breed or a purebred, animal shelters have so many dogs ready to find a home. National Dog Day is also celebrated to ensure all dogs live safe and happy lives. Curl up on the couch with your furry friend and read some of these books from the Piscataway Public Library or watch a movie with your dog!
Adult Books
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Stein’s novel is a wonderful tale of family, love, and living life to the fullest, told from the perspective of man’s best friend.
The Wonder of Lost Causes by Nick Trout
When Jasper is diagnosed with cystic fibrosis his mother decides to get him the dog he has been dreaming about his entire life. When they adopt Whistler, he is not the “perfect” dog they imagined but Jasper and Whistler form an unforgettable bond as they heal one another.
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
Edgar Sawtelle lives with his family and their dog on a farm in Wisconsin. However, when Edgar’s uncle’s return is followed by his father’s death, Edgar believes his uncle has something to do with it. Enjoy this modern retelling of Hamlet.
Jonathan Unleashed by Meg Rosoff
Jonathan’s life is anything but perfect when it comes to his job and his girlfriend. However, when his brother asks him to dog sit his border collie and cocker spaniel, Jonathan begins to realize that maybe dogs are the ones who have life figured out.
Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley
Ted’s most loyal companion is his dog Lily, an elderly dachshund. When Lily becomes ill, Ted vows that he will do anything necessary to save his best friend in this national bestseller “combining the emotional depth of The Art of Racing in the Rain with the magical spirit of The Life of Pi.”
Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck
At age fifty eight, John Steinbeck takes a trip across America with his French Poodle Charley to rediscover the country he had been writing about for so many years.
Young Adult Books (Grades 6-12)
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
When Opal Buloni finds a stray dog at her local supermarket, she names it after the store, Winn-Dixie. The bond she forms with Winn Dixie results in a magical summer filled with friends, family, and new adventures.
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
A young boy living in the Ozarks achieves his heart’s desire when he becomes the owner of two redbone hounds and teaches them to be champion hunters.
The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate
Bob sets out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister with the help of his two best friends, Ivan and Ruby. If you loved The One and Only Ivan, you’ll love Bob’s story!
Cracker! : The Best Dog in Vietnam by Cynthia Kadohata
A young soldier in Vietnam bonds with his bomb-sniffing dog. Cracker! is “told in part through the uncanny point of view of a German shepherd, Cracker! is an action-packed glimpse into the Vietnam War as seen through the eyes of a dog and her handler.”
Navy SEAL Dogs : My Tale of Training Canines for Combat by Mike Ritland
Trident K9 Warriors gave readers an inside look at the SEAL teams’ elite K9 warriors–who they are, how they are trained, and the extreme missions they undertake to save lives.
A Dog’s Life : The Autobiography of a Stray by Ann M. Martin
Squirrel, a stray puppy, tells her life story, from her nurturing mother and brother to making her own way in the world, facing busy highways, changing seasons, and humans both gentle and brutal.
Children’s Books Grades (K-5)
Clifford, The Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell
Emily Elizabeth lives with her enormous dog Clifford. Although he is big, he knows how to be the perfect friend and his loyalty makes him one of the most popular characters for children!
Puddle Pug by Kim Norman & Keika Yamaguchi
Percy the Pug loves puddles—big puddles, small puddles, swamp puddles, stomp puddles. No puddle is just right, though . . . until he finds one with three friendly piglets.
Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann
The children at Napville Elementary School always ignore Officer Buckle’s safety tips, until a police dog named Gloria accompanies him when he gives his safety speeches.
The Stray Dog : From a True Story by Reiko Sassa
A family befriends a stray dog, names him Willy, and decides to keep him.
Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings
A dog looking for a home sends letters to prospective owners on Butternut Street, with surprising results.
How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills
A little yellow bird teaches Rocket the dog how to read by first introducing him to the “wondrous, mighty, gorgeous alphabet.”
Films
Left with a neighbor while their owners go on vacation three pets decide to go on a journey to locate their family, who they suspect must be in trouble.
Based on the true life story of a young Marine Corporal whose unique discipline and bond with her military combat dog saved many lives during their deployment in Iraq
Set in Mississippi in the late 1940s and based on Willie Morris’ boyhood memoirs. Eight-year-old Willie loses his only friend in the world to the draft, until his mother gives him a puppy for his birthday.
The heartwarming true story of a loyal dog named Hachiko. Who waits at the train station everyday for his owner to arrive. During his daily visits he touched many lives and taught the local people about love, compassion, and, above all, unyielding loyalty.
When Josh Framm finds himself in a new city with no friends, he’s too shy to try out for the basketball team. However, he meets Buddy, a runaway golden retriever with the ability to score baskets.
Wow, this is a comprehensive list of viewable content related to National Dog Day. Stephanie, this is very thorough. Thank you!