Well its that time of year again where we frantically look for gifts for our friends and family. The ultimate gift for dog lovers who enjoy reading and beautiful books is of course - a book about dogs! Even better - why not gift yourself?

If you are a dog lover as I am, and enjoy cuddling up with a good book, or browsing through wonderful photos and stories of real life dogs, here are five of my favourite reads.

1. “Old Faithful: Dogs of a Certain Age” by Pete Thorne

It really is heart wrenching to watch our four-legged friends grow old. This book will undoubtedly resonate with people who have a senior dog.  It showcases gorgeous portraits of elderly dogs and highlights their poignant stories.

Dog Photographer Pete Thorne started taking photos of elderly dogs and documented their lives and wisdom through photos of their aged faces and their stories as told by the people that loved them. He called this collection of beautiful portraits “Old Faithful.”

Here is a quote from one of the dog’s owners demonstrating the powerful connection between dogs and their owners, the lessons learned from dogs and the emotional feelings associated with the end of their lives.

“I know Maggie’s time will come. I don’t think I will ever be ready for that. She’s been there for me in ways I can’t even express. She’s shown me such simple pleasures and has taught me so much. After all this time, I realize that it really has been Maggie that’s been taking me for the walk . . . the best walk anyone can have”

Also worth mentioning for you Toronto dog lovers, is that the author and photographer lives in Toronto.

If you have a senior dog, I honestly believe that you too should have beautiful portraits and tell your dog’s story. Do it now - before it is too late.  Read more about my senior dog photography sessions.

2. “No Ordinary Dog: My Partner from the SEAL Teams to the Bin Laden Raid” by Will Chesney with Joe Layden

This inspirational book, tells the true story of US Navy Seal team operator and military dog handler, Will Chesney and his Belgian Malinois, Cairo, the dog that saved his life, the dog that was his partner in the attack on Bin Laden.

True stories always resonate and this one is no different. These two were soulmates and partners in the midst of the Middle East conflict. This book also focuses much time on the personal suffering of Will as a result of his time in the military. Warning: You’ll need a box of tissues!

3. “Dog’s Best Friend: The Story of an Unbreakable Bond" by Simon Garfield

This heartwarming, witty book investigates our relationship with man’s best friend through history, art, science and the author’s own experience with dogs.

Simon Garfield looks at how dogs became our closest allies, assisting us decades ago in hunting, and later in bomb disposal, cancer detection and more. Dog’s Best Friend examines how dogs have become our closest companions ultimately transforming countless lives, both human and canine.

This wonderful book is a celebration of our connection with dogs and will be a joy to read for anyone who has ever loved a dog.

4. “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein

This is an oldie but a goodie! While this is an older book ( 2010) and later became a delightful movie, I mention it here in case you or your loved ones have not yet read it. 

This beautiful story is told with the dog as the narrator.  The book is both heart-wrenching and humorous. It tells the story of a dog’s  role in “saving” his human family in the face of a divisive custody battle.

Read it!  You’ll enjoy every moment.

5. “The Dogist: Photographic Encounters with 1,000 Dogs” by Elias Weiss Friedman

Does everyone here know The Dogist and his famous instagram account?  

in this great Coffee Table Book - an ultimate dog lovers gift, you can enjoy 1,000 of his dog portraits. The photos are cute, funny and beautiful and explore the unique character and spirit of the dogs he photographed.  Everything you would want from your own dog portraits!  

Yes,  you can get your own gorgeous Photo Book with beautiful photos of your own dog!  Terri J Photography creates amazing dog portraits right here in the Greater Toronto Area.  Just contact me for no-obligation consultation.

A gorgeous Photo Book or Heirloom Quality Album are my most popular pet photography products.

And that’s it for my dog lovers 2021 Christmas and Hannukah Gift Guide.

For more holiday gift ideas please check out last year’s recommendations for gifts for the dog lover from local Canadian pet businesses.