nothing tugs at the heartstrings like a book of sad dogs. When people say that a dog is a person’s best friend, it’s more than just a catchphrase.
dogs have been our companions and friends since before the agricultural revolution, a kind of friendship that can be measured in millennia. It’s no wonder stories about furry canine friends can grab our attention like few others.
You are reading: Sad books about dogs
Stories about dogs are therefore exceptionally engaging, and sad dog books even more so. once you’re done with these books, you can check out our dog shirts and clothes (for humans).
the best sad books about dogs
1. where the red fern grows
by wilson rawls
- 5-star rating
- reading level: ages 8-12
- where to read: where the red fern grows is a children’s literature classic. it can be found on amazon, barnes and noble, and at your local library.
You may have read Where the Red Fern Grows in school at some point, though some teachers are hesitant to tell this sad story to younger readers. It is a semi-autobiographical story with the main character, Billy Colman, instead of author Wilson Rawls.
As an old man, Billy remembers the two dogs he had as a child, dogs named Dan and Ann, and the experiences he had with them.
Of course, it’s a sad book because the dog dies at the end, but the message of the book is a strong message of faith and that even sad things can be for the better.
2. the story of edgar sawtelle
photo credit: thefirstedition.com
by david wrobleski
- 4 star rating
- reading level: adult
- where to read: amazon, barnes and noble
the story of edgar sawtelle was chosen by oprah’s book club and was widely acclaimed as a brilliant first novel by this author. However, calling it a sad story about dogs might be an understatement, as Edgar’s story is pretty tragic for everyone. Edgar is a deaf boy whose family raises dogs for a living.
Along with his dog named Almondine, Edgar attempts to take over his family’s business after his father mysteriously dies. However, that is not the end of the problems, and this book follows a similar plot to Hamlet.
3. the art of running in the rain
by garth stein
- 4.5 stars
- reading level: adult
- where to read: amazon, barnes and noble
This is the first book on this list told from the point of view of the dog, rather than its human owner.
The dog, Enzo, believes that if he prepares properly he will be reincarnated as a human in his next life. To that end, he spends his time observing the humans around him and trying to understand their lives.
The name ‘enzo’ comes from enzo ferrari, founder of the car company, as the human in the story, denny, is a fan of racing cars. Enzo helps Denny through their lives, and while this is a sad story, the ending is ultimately hopeful.
4. I love that dog
by sharon creech
- 4.5 stars
- reading level: ages 8-12
- where to read: amazon, barnes and noble
Unlike the other books on this list, I Love That Dog is actually a book of poems, although they all tell a story. they are written from the perspective of a child who would prefer not to write poetry at all, which the author manages to mimic with some humor.
See Also: List of Dr. Seuss Books by Reading Level – Teach Beside Me
The book was a finalist or winner for several children’s book awards, including the Carnegie Medal.
5. sad, the dog
photo credit: childrensbooksdaily.com
by sandy fussell
- 5 stars
- reading level: ages 3-7
- where to read: amazon, barnes and noble
This story is also told from the point of view of a puppy. in this case, the main character doesn’t even get a first family name from him, instead he chooses the name ‘sad’ for himself.
that tells you everything you need to know about how you’re being treated. Although things seem to get as sad as they can when his family moves in and leaves him behind, things quickly start to look up for him.
ultimately about accepting people for the things that make them special, sadly ends with a new and better name at the end.
6. old cry
by fred gipson
- 5 stars
- reading level: ages 10-13
- where to read: amazon, barnes and noble
This has to be the quintessential sad book about dogs. A farming family struggles, the father is away and working, and most of the work falls to the main character, Travis.
A stray dog, Old Screamer, shows up and stays to help, though Travis initially tries to get rid of the dog. The old screamer proves his worth more than once, saving each member of the family from a threat in a different way.
Old Screamer saves them one last time, forcing Travis to face an incredibly difficult decision.
7. hachiko wait
by leslea newman (writer) and machiyo kodaira (illustrator)
- 4.5 stars
- reading level: ages 8-11
- where to read: amazon, barnes and noble
This illustrated children’s book tells the true story of Hachiko, an Akita dog who lived in Japan during the 1920s and 1930s. The dog and the owner had a very particular schedule every day, and every day the dog was with its owner at the train station at the same time.
one day hachiko’s owner goes to work and never comes back. Hachiko’s care is entrusted to a boy named Yasuo and the owner of the train station to which the dog still went every day, waiting for the owner that he will never return.
It’s a bittersweet story, one that highlights the deep relationship between the dogs and their people, which ultimately lives on in the lives impacted by hachiko during her lifetime.
A statue of Hachiko now stands in a prominent plaza outside Shibuya train station, where Hachiko once waited for his master.
8. a wolf named romeo
by nick jans
- 4.5 stars
- reading level: adult
- where to read: amazon, barnes and noble
At once beautiful and heartbreaking, the story of Romeo the Wolf offers a glimpse into the earliest friendly interactions between humans and the dog’s ancestor, the wolf.
romeo was a black wolf who lived near juneau, alaska. Though initially distrustful of him, Juneau residents found him to be friendly and curious. he would join the cross-country skiers on their snow trips, play fetch, or sit and keep people quiet company.
everyone knew him and liked to greet him. None of the books on this list have a happy ending and you may have guessed that Romeo is not allowed to live long and in peace. however, it is clear that as long as he lived, he was loved.
9. rescue goblin
by brand r. levin
- 4.5 stars
- reading level: adult
- where to read: amazon, barnes and noble
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another memoir, sprite rescuing is the story of the author and his family who adopt a new dog. sprite proves to be happy and friendly, so everyone in the family quickly falls in love with him.
Unfortunately, as is sometimes the case with rescue dogs, the sprite proves to have serious health problems. Soon, sprite’s short time with the Levin family comes to an end.
Many people have cited this book as helpful after the loss of a pet, the writing is so authentic and beautiful it’s cathartic.
10. say goodbye for now
by catherine ryan hyde
- 4.5 stars
- reading level: adult
- where to read: amazon, barnes and noble
A mid-1950s American doctor wrestles with her past, caring for abandoned animals. She soon finds love and family in an ad hoc family, made up of an African-American father and son, an abandoned child, and an injured dog.
After all, life is better with a dog. Although the small town they live in does not accept the little family, the friendship eventually stands the test of time. this book highlights the fact that found families can be just as strong as those that are linked by blood, and that dogs are as much a member of the family as anyone.
11. barry: the bravest saint bernard
by lynn hall (author) and antonio castro (illustrator)
- 4.6 stars
- reading level: 5 to 8 years old
- where to read: amazon
Barry was a Saint Bernard who lived in early 19th century Germany. If you ever think of a big, sloppy Saint Bernard saving people from avalanches or the cold, it’s thanks to Barry.
Like many large dogs, he had a shorter lifespan, dying at the age of 12. however, during his lifetime, he is credited with saving at least 40 people in the mountains around his home.
Barry has long been remembered, recognized as the most famous Saint Bernard of all time. The hospice where Barry lived has kept a Saint Bernard named after him ever since.
12. timoleon vieta come home
by dan rhodes
- 4 stars
- reading level: adult
- where to read: amazon, barnes and noble
There’s an entire genre describing the adventures of dogs and other pets on epic journeys. one of the best known is lassie come home.
This book is something of a twist on that classic, with a little mongrel taking on the lead role. timoleon vieta is left by his owner in rome, abandoned to please a demanding lover. The book describes Timoleon’s journey through Italy back to his home.
Like many of these stories, you may be missing your dog. is an irreverent take on a classic that still shows affection for the pup at the center of the story.
13. wolfie cards
by patti sherlock
- 5 stars
- reading level: 10 – 12 years old
- where to read: amazon, barnes and noble
This story isn’t just sad, it’s heartbreaking in a particularly moving way. Wolfie is a German Shepherd mix who lives with a family in the United States during the Vietnam War.
the young man who is friends with wolfie decides that he can help in the war and keep the soldiers safe by sending his dog as a scout in the army.
The book tells the story of Wolfie’s time in Vietnam and the story of the young man who volunteered him. while the plot is sad enough, the book depicts some of the complexities of patriotism and sacrifice.
Reading sad books about dogs doesn’t seem like much fun. stories are always heartbreaking, and a punch to the stomach usually doesn’t make for a good time.
Maybe these stories are a guilt-free way to watch man’s best friend do his thing, staying loyal and happy no matter what. however, after you wipe away your tears, you may want to get yourself a fun cup of coffee or two to lift your spirits and thus increase your loyalty to your own plucky dog.
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