Recent Bestsellers for Pet Lovers: From Dean Koontz's Trixie to a 9-11 Cat

Pets are important as friends, companions, and sometimes even life savers. Cats and dogs have always graced the pages of fiction and nonfiction books because of their prized connection with their owners. Also, they usually make ordinary books into bestsellers, just look at Marley and Me. Here's a short list of recent books that pet lovers might enjoy.

A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog by Dean Koontz

Non-fiction

If you're a fan of bestselling author Dean Koontz, you probably already know that this book is about his beloved golden retriever, Trixie, the beautiful dog who graces many of his biographical photos at the back of his hardbacks. Trixie had worked for Canine Companions for independence as a dog to help the disabled before an injury put her up for adoption. The middle-aged Koontz and his wife, Gerda, took her in and their life was changed forevermore. If you've read his fiction from front cover to back, you probably already know of the impact Trixie had on Koontz's life. To hear the whole story, from Trixie's adoption to her tragic passing and how it changed the Koontz family, read this book.

http://www.deankoontz.com/whats-new/press-releases/hyperion-to-publish-dean-koontz.php

Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper

Non-fiction

You're probably familiar with Gwen Cooper's amazing cat, Homer, from news articles and the press he received a few years back. Maybe you don't know his name, though. He's the little eyeless cat that survived being trapped in an apartment for days after 9/11. Cooper tells the story of her relationship with her handicapped cat and explores what she's learned from Homer about life, love, and endurance.

http://www.amazon.com/Homers-Odyssey-Gwen-Cooper/dp/038534385X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252937934&sr=1-1

Walking in Circles Before Lying Down by Merrill Markoes

Fiction

This book isn't exactly new, but it's still a steal for pet lovers. Walking in Circles Before Lying Down is a tale with a bit of a Doctor Dolittle flair for humor. Dawn Tarnauer is going through a rough patch in her life, especially with the latest news of her boyfriend's cheating ways. It seems that the only person she can rely on isn't a person at all, it's her pit-bull mix named Chuck. Taking pity on her, Chuck begins to talk to his owner about her relationship problems. Que the humor.

http://www.powells.com/biblio?PID=28734&cgi=product&isbn=9780812975468

Lost and Found by Jacqueline Sheehan

Fiction

Mourning the death of her husband, Rocky dumps her old career to start fresh as an Animal Control Warden. She soon meets her first catch, a Labrador named Lloyd with an arrow in his shoulder. As she tries to find a home for Lloyd, as well as solve the mystery of the arrow, Rocky opens herself up to the friendship a dog can provide.

http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Found-Jacqueline-Sheehan/dp/0061128643

NEW (Released Sept. 15, 2009)

Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know by Alexandra Horowitz

Non-fiction

Horowitz uses her knowledge as a cognitive scientist to explore what's really going on into your dog's head. In this fascinating look at the physical and mental boundaries of man's best friend, Horowitz paints a picture for humans that will let them better understand what it's truly like to be a dog.

http://www.amazon.com/Inside-Dog-What-Dogs-Smell/dp/1416583408/ref=pd_ts_b_28?ie=UTF8&s=books