As I write this, my French bulldog (Blu) is enthusiastically licking my leg, so trust me when I say I understand the deep, unconditional love between bookworms and their pups. For my fellow dog lovers and book collectors, in honor of the Dog Days of Summer, this list is for you. Check out these authors who are just as obsessed with their dogs as they are with storytelling. From putting a noteworthy dog in each of their books to filling their Instagram feed with their perfect pooches, these are the authors who have four-legged friends nearby as they scribe some of our favorite stories.
Mia Manansala
Mia Manansala, author of Arsenic and Adobo, describes herself as a lover of all things cozy, including her two dogs Max Power and Gumiho, who often make cameos on Instagram.
She’s a proud dog mom and vocal about the joys (and chaos) of writing with furry sidekicks by her side.
Arsenic and Adobo by Mia Manansala
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Sarah Pekkanen
#1 New York Times bestseller Sarah Pekkanen is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. Beyond her writing, she is the founder of India Street Paws, a non-profit organization that rescues street dogs in India.
Her love for dogs, including her own Bella, is a core part of her life and public advocacy.
The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen
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Valerie Burns
In Icing on the Murder, Valerie doesn’t just write about dogs; she lives with one who inspired her stories. Her real-life mastiff mirrors the loyal canine companion in her Baker Street Mystery series. Valerie regularly celebrates her love of dogs both on the page and in her personal life.
Icing on the Murder by Valerie Burns
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W. Bruce Cameron
The man behind A Dog’s Purpose, W. Bruce Cameron, has built an entire literary legacy around dogs, including his own pup, Tucker. Cameron is a passionate advocate for animal welfare, and he works with Life is Better Rescue in Denver to help find homes for dogs in need.
A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
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Abby Jimenez
Rom-com queen Abby Jimenez is also a full-time dog mom to Stuntman Mike, Bitty Smalls, Magwai, and Tess.
A deep love for dogs is a recurring theme in her personal life and books. Jimenez is also a vocal advocate for animal rescue and volunteers for Midwest Animal Rescue & Service in her home state of Minnesota. From her Instagram posts to her books, her love of dogs runs just as deep as her love of happily-ever-afters.
Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
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Steven Rowley
Steven Rowley’s breakout novel Lily and the Octopus is a love letter to his late dachshund, Lily, a beautiful and poignant tribute to the unconditional love between humans and dogs.
Today, he shares his life and many Instagram photos with his rescue dog, Tilda. For Steven, dogs are more than pets; they’re muses, family, and frequent scene-stealers.
Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley
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Anne Abel
Anne’s dog Milo is never far from her side, and often right in the spotlight on her socials.
Whether she’s working on her next book or out exploring, Anne’s life is infused with love for her four-legged best friend, who’s a constant companion and content co-star.
Mattie, Milo, and Me by Anne Abel
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Tracey Garvis Graves
When Tracey isn’t writing heartfelt fiction, she’s posting updates about Chloe, her energetic dog. While her novels cover a range of topics, her love for her canine companion is evident in her personal life and in the details she shares with her readers.
The Trail of Lost Hearts by Tracey Garvis Graves
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Ann Garvin
Ann Garvin wrote The Dog Year for a reason—her dog Peanut has seen her through life’s highs and lows.
From heartfelt essays to Instagram posts, Ann is outspoken about the healing power of dogs and how deeply Peanut has become part of her story, both on and off the page.
The Dog Year by Ann Garvin
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Garth Stein
Few stories tug at the heartstrings like The Art of Racing in the Rain, a deeply sentimental tale narrated by a wise, loyal dog named Enzo that became a beloved film.
Garth’s real-life pup, Comet, keeps that inspiration alive. His love for dogs shines through in his writing and in how he cherishes his four-legged companion.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
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