Fiction

Notes from a liar and her dog by Gennifer Choldenko — Ant, stuck in a family that she does not like, copes by pretending that her "real" parents are coming to rescue her, by loving her dog Pistachio, by volunteering at the zoo, and by bending the truth and telling lies.

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo — Though this book is shelved in the youth department, the story of Opal and the dog that she finds should not be missed.

Julie of the wolves. Pictures by John Schoenherr by George, Jean Craighead, 1919- — While running away from home and an unwanted marriage, a thirteen-year-old Eskimo girl becomes lost on the North Slope of Alaska and is befriended by a wolf pack.

A ring of endless light by Madeleine L'Engle — During the summer her grandfather is dying of leukemia and death seems all around, 15-year-old Vicky finds comfort with the pod of dolphins with whom she has been doing research.

Non-fiction

Chicken soup for the pet lover's soul : stories about pets as teachers, healers, heroes, and friends by [edited by] Jack Canfield ... [et al.] — "Stories about pets as teachers, healers, heroes, and friends."

Chicken soup for the cat & dog lover's soul : celebrating pets as family with stories about cats, dogs, and other critters by [edited by] Jack Canfield ... [et al.] — "Celebrating pets as family with stories about cats, dogs, and other critters."

Lost and found : dogs, cats, and everyday heroes at a country animal shelter by Elizabeth Hess — The book the author hopes will "turn the most common myths about animal shelters inside out." A journalist, the author begins volunteering at an animal shelter and tells about the animals she sees, the people who abandon them, and the people who take care of them. Includes some heartbreaking tales and joyful moments, too.

Opportunities in animal and pet care careers by Mary Price Lee, Richard S. Lee — In addition to careers that you already know about, like veterinarian, you'll also find information about jobs that are becoming more popular, like working with animals as therapy for humans who are sick or injured.

Rascal, a memoir of a better era. Illustrated by John Schoenherr by North, Sterling, 1906- — The autobiographical account of the author's childhood adventures with his pet raccoon, Rascal. You could also listen to the book on tape or the book on CD!

The tarantula whisperer : a celebrity vet shares her secrets to communication with animals by Laura Pasten ; foreword by Stephanie Laland — Uses lots of funny and endearing stories to explain how to communicate with your pet! The author was the veterinarian for Morris, the famous cat of the 9 Lives cat food commercials.

My life in dog years by Gary Paulsen ; with drawings by Ruth Wright Paulsen — Paulsen is the author of many novels, including Hatchet. In this autobiography, he tells about his life by telling about the different dogs that have had special places in his life. If you like this, also try another of his books: Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers: Reflections on Being Raised by a Pack of Sled Dogs.

To touch a wild dolphin : a journey of discovery with the sea's most intelligent creatures by Rachel Smolker — Smolker has studied the dolphins of MonkeyMia, Australia for the past 15 years. She shares not only her research and observations, but the personalities of the dolphins she has grown to love and respect.

Dog miracles : inspirational and heroic true stories by Sherry Hansen Steiger and Brad Steiger — Stories about the kindness, intelligence, and loyalty of canine companions. From dogs who solved crimes to dogs that saved lives. To find more books about animals you can try several different headings in the Canton Public Library catalog. Some possible general subjects include animals, human animal communication, and human animal relationships. You can also search under individual animals such as grizzly bear, dolphins, or cats.