The Best Dog in the World

Essays on Love

By: Alice Hoffman

Narrated by: Karen Gundersen, Max Meyers

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

Fourteen beloved authors celebrate the life-changing bond with their canine companions in this heartwarming essay collection edited by New York Times bestselling author and lifelong dog lover Alice Hoffman.

Anyone who has ever been fortunate enough to share their life with a dog knows the experience is both profound and transformative. Here, in this charming collection of essays, fourteen celebrated authors share unforgettable tales of the dogs who left their pawprints on their hearts.

With contributions from Isabel Allende, Chris Bohjalian, Bonnie Garmus, Roxane Gay, Emily Henry, Ann Leary, Tova Mirvis, Jodi Picoult, Elizabeth Strout, Amy Tan, Adriana Trigiani, Nick Trout, Paul Yoon, and Laura Zigman, The Best Dog in the World captures the full range of the canine-human connection, from the joy of welcoming a new puppy to the heartache of saying goodbye to a beloved friend.

A love letter to the loyal companions who enrich our lives and teach us about empathy, joy, and unconditional love, this anthology is the perfect gift for dog lovers everywhere, offering a blend of laughter, tears, and inspiration that will resonate with anyone who has been fur-ever touched by the love of a dog.

The Best Dog in the World

I walked into a flea market with my husband looking for antiques. We walked into a booth and my eyes locked eyes with a tiny boxer puppy sitting in a crate. The owner of the booth said he was already being held for someone but I was welcome to wait to see if they returned. Two hours later, I lifted him out of the crate and took him home with me. He was my doggy soul mate. When he passed, my heart was broken. I swore I’d never have another dog. I’m convinced he sent my next dog to me 8 months later, because when I looked into his eyes, he was there. 10 years later, I had to say goodbye and each entry in this book reminded me of all the love I’ve gotten in my life from my best friends who were there throughout the years.

I needed this

Two days ago our Gwenny left us. She celebrated her 13th birthday one week prior. For a Rottweiler she was ancient. We never let a day go by where we did not tell her how much we loved her. It is hard to imagine a world without her in it. I may be deluding myself thinking that I can listen to this while the grief is so raw. We shall see.

Actually, I really needed this. It has helped with the raw grief that causes horrible physical pain. My heart feels hollowed out and my bones ache. I am smiling at the memories.