To continue our monthly series of book lists, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library would like to present some books on dogs. You might say I was pushed to this month’s Recommended Reads by the paws print on the back of my sweatshirt.
June 2011—Dogs—Our best friends, when we’re not telling them to stay down!
A Pedigree to Die For [#1, Melanie Travis series] by Laurien Berenson
After dog breeder Max dies his widow, Peg, who suspects foul play, asks their niece Melanie Travis to find their missing stud poodle. Melanie, a teacher and single mother, enters the cutthroat world of competitive dog shows and uncovers several suspects--as well as a potential romantic interest. 1995. Digital Book DB 71008. Also available as a downloadable digital book from BARD: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.71008.
Working like Dogs: The Service Dog Guidebook by Marcie Davis and Melissa Bunnell
Guide to service dogs trained to assist people with mobility limitations. Describes the process of obtaining a service dog, caring for it, and retiring dogs that can no longer work. Includes assistance dog standards, a list of resources, and training programs. 2007. Cassette Book RC 65497. Digital Book DB 65497 is available as a downloadable book from BARD: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.65497.
Dog Is My Co-Pilot: Great Writers on the World's Oldest Friendship by the editors of Bark magazine
Anthology of essays, short stories, and expert commentaries celebrating the unique bond between humans and their dogs. Over forty selections chosen by the editors of a California-based dog magazine pay tribute to the very first meeting between man and animal, pack dynamics, canine wisdom, and the poignancy of friendship and loss. 2003. Braille Book BR 15158. Cassette Book RC 57155. Digital Book DB 57155 is available as a downloadable book from BARD: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.57155.
Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog by John Grogan.
A columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer reminisces about the untrainable Labrador retriever that he and his wife acquired as Florida newlyweds. Recalls Marley's hilarious escapades and his capacity for love as the Grogans become the parents of three kids. Bestseller. 2005. Braille Book BR 16584. Cassette Book RC 61561. Digital Book DB 61561. Large Print Book LP 21961. Also available as a downloadable digital book from BARD: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.61561.
Pack Of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People And Dogs by Caroline Knapp
The author ponders about emotional bonds between dogs and people using her own experience with Lucille, a young Shepherd-mix. Explores sentiments and expectations about canines by noting animal behavior and past history with humans. Muses on the use of dogs as companions and agents of healing. 1998. Braille Book BR 12217. Cassette Book CBA 7268. Digital Book DBW 7268. Large Print Book 15520. Also available as a downloadable digital book from WTBBL: http://www.wtbbl.org/login.aspx.
A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog by Dean Koontz
Recalls ways that Trixie, a three-year-old golden retriever and former service dog for Canine Companions for Independence, inspired the lives of bestselling novelist Dean Koontz and his wife, Gerda. Details fond and poignant memories of Trixie's short but full life. 2009. Braille Book BR 18728. Digital Book DB 70393. Also available as a downloadable digital book from BARD: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.70393.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Buck, a St. Bernard mix, is stolen and trained to be a sled dog in the Alaskan gold fields. Abused by both men and dogs, Buck learns to fight ruthlessly until he finds a master, John Thornton, whom he loves and respects. For senior high and older readers. 1903. Braille Book BR 12582. Cassette Book RC 49486. Large Print Book LP 19269. Also available as a downloadable digital book from BARD: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.49486.
Dog on It [#1, Chet and Bernie Mystery] by Spencer Quinn
After flunking out of police school, canine Chet becomes partners and roommates with private investigator Bernie Little. Though easily distracted, Chet is a good sleuth. He describes Bernie's latest case--the disappearance of fifteen-year-old Madison Chambliss--and his own frustration when trying to communicate clues. Strong language and some violence. 2009. Cassette Book RC 68453. Digital Book DB 68453. Large Print book LP 24593. Also available as a downloadabledigital book from BARD: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.68453.
The Search by Nora Roberts
Orcas Island, Washington. Canine search-and-rescue trainer Fiona Bristow, who years ago escaped from a serial killer, falls in love while helping artisan Simon Doyle with his puppy. But a murderer who may be copycatting Fiona's earlier abductor disrupts their romance. Strong language, explicit descriptions of sex, and some violence. Commercial audiobook. 2010. Digital Book DB 71318. Also available as a downloadable digital book from BARD: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.71318.
Together: A Novel of Shared Vision by Tom Sullivan
Colorado. Twenty-five-year-old Brenden McCarthy is a first-year medical resident and an avid mountain climber until a climbing accident blinds him. Now Brenden's widowed mother wants to care for him and his fiancée considers leaving him, while Brenden enters rehabilitation and gets a guide dog--thrice-rejected black Labrador Nelson. 2008. Braille Book BR 17900. Cassette Book RC 67040. Digital Book DB 67040. Also available as a downloadable digital book from BARD: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.67040.
Polar Dream: The Heroic Saga Of The First Solo Journey By A Woman by Helen Thayer.
In 1988, fifty-year-old Thayer and her newly acquired Inuit husky, Charlie, set off for a month-long trek to the North Pole. Forewarned about the ferocity of polar bears, Thayer is dismayed to encounter them regularly but deters them with flares and Charlie. They also face raging windstorms--one so violent that Thayer's supplies are lost and her face is cut by ice until her vision is impaired. 1993. Braille Book BR 9304. Digital Book DBW 8096. Also available as a downloadable digital book from WTBBL: http://www.wtbbl.org/login.aspx.