My All-Time Favorite Dogs in Books and Movies

Four years ago, I started writing from the heart of a dog’s eyes. Over the  years, so many wonderful canines in real life and in fiction have influenced my love and respect for dogs. I have ranked and listed my all-time favorites below. They have all contributed in one way or another to how I capture them in my books.

#1 SKIP

The true story of a dog who changed a boy’s life. No other dog story has touched me like this one. I defy you to read it and not love it.

#2 ENZO

I had already written Luke’s Tale when I read this book, but it was a profound discovery for me and got me to thinking a lot about reincarnation!

#3 MARLEY

This is a heartwarming and unforgettable story of a family in the making and the wondrously neurotic dog who taught them what really matters in life. It was key to my realizing how dogs can show us the way.

#4 LASSIE

I grew up loving Lassie, Joe’s prize collie and constant companion. But when Joe’s father loses his job, Lassie must be sold. Three times she escapes from her new owner, and three times she returns home to Joe, until finally she is taken to the remotest part of Scotland—too far a journey for any dog to make alone . . . But Lassie is not just any dog. And, that’s why it is important to me to make my dogs special.

#5 RIN TIN TIN

There are lots of books about famous historical dogs, but Susan Orlean’s Rin Tin Tin is a great place to start. This legendary German Shepherd had a more exciting life than most humans, from his humble beginnings on a WWI battlefield to his international stardom. Again, I grew up with Rin Tin Tin, and he indeed is a role model dog.

#6 BEETHOVEN

An adorable puppy named Beethoven wins the heart of George Newton and his family - only to grow up into 185 pounds of romping, drooling, disaster-prone St. Bernard! The sometimes aggravating but always loveable Beethoven brings a family together. Why is he on my list? Because my twin grandsons, Diesel and Slater, love Beethoven, and it is our special movie together.

Do you have a favorite list? If so, share it with me.

Til Next Time,

Carol