Dog Lovers Book Club - June 2026

Written by Australian Dog Lover 12:54:00 - 0 Comments

As the frosty winter chills settle across Australia, there is nothing better than curling up on the couch with a warm cuppa and a loyal dog by your side. This June, our adult line-up delivers the ultimate seasonal comfort reads. From inspiring real-life memoirs and cosy canine fiction to critical winter health roadmaps for our beloved seniors, these six selections are guaranteed to warm your heart all month long. 

Organised from independent junior reads down to toddler picture books, our Kids Corner's June selection explores wonderful themes of animal advocacy, cosy winter safety, and teamwork. Plus, with the FIFA World Cup kicking off this month, we have the perfect soccer-themed read to get your mini athletes excited!

NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS

A heart-warming story of how many thousands of abandoned dogs were found new homes and given happy lives
by Clarissa Baldwin

We proudly call ourselves a nation of dog lovers, yet every year, thousands of dogs across Australia and the globe face the heartbreak of abandonment. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn those upsetting beginnings into joyful, happy endings, this moving memoir is an absolute must-read.

We all know the world-famous phrase, "A dog is for life, not just for Christmas"—but do you know the incredible woman who actually wrote it? Clarissa Baldwin, the legendary former CEO of the UK’s Dogs Trust, spent 40 years on a crusade for rescue dogs. Under her inspiring leadership, the Trust pioneered non-destruction policies, raised millions for state-of-the-art rehoming centres, and successfully changed legislation to improve canine lives forever.

Without her fierce determination, tens of thousands of dogs would never have received a second chance. Far from a heavy or sad text, this book is a heart-warming celebration of daily success and hope. It invites readers behind the scenes into the lives of dedicated carers, vets, and professional staff who work tirelessly to restore lost and confused dogs to life. 

Woven throughout are the unforgettable, uplifting stories of rescue dogs like Blossom, Teddy, Footie, and Freddy as they find their way into loving forever homes. A deeply touching and inspiring read for rescue lovers worldwide.

Paperback, 116 pages
Publisher: Marble Hill Publishers, 7th May 2026

RRP: $38.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

FINDING GREYFRIARS BOBBY

The amazing story of the Disney film star
by Dave Hunter (Author)

This is a heart-warming true account that will captivate any dog lover. The legendary tale of Greyfriars Bobby was made world-famous by the 1961 Walt Disney film, but this book shares the incredible, true story of what happened to the young stray dog from the Isle of Lewis who starred in the movie and was later adopted by the author’s family.

Written by a member of that very family, the book is packed with fascinating details about the filming, Bobby's subsequent celebrity status in Edinburgh, touching anecdotes of daily life with him, and private family photos never made public before.

The main plot takes a dramatic turn nearly half a century after Bobby was buried on private land in the Scottish Borders at a funeral fit for a film star; when the author discovers that Bobby's gravestone and monument were destroyed years ago and the land is about to become a building site, he is compelled to act. He embarks on a high-stakes quest to find the lost grave before it is lost forever, aiming to bring the canine star home to a new, permanent resting place near his famous historical namesake at Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh.

Joined along the way by a passionate group of volunteers who showcase the absolute best of the human spirit, the author faces overwhelming odds in a true race against time.

Paperback, 296 pages
Publisher: Troubador Publishing, 28th May 2026

RRP: $31.99 from www.booktopia.com.au

THE DOG SITTER

by Eva Lesko Natiello (Author)

The Dog Sitter is a wry, feel-good romp about a woman whose life has gone sideways, forcing her to take a 30-day dog sitting job in New York City despite not being a dog person (or a people person, frankly), in this irreverent and insightful story about starting over.

Recently divorced, newly evicted, and suddenly strapped, Colleen Fitzroy is out of options. She reluctantly agrees to work for former boss, Massimo Locatelli—editor of Savor Magazine—dog sitting his precious Aldo while he’s out of town. At least no one will bother her.

That’s until an endless parade of New Yorkers arrives unannounced, pulling Colleen into their knotty orbit. As she juggles strangers, a high maintenance dog, and her unravelling plans, Massimo takes note of her grit. He offers her a role in an ambitious new venture inside Manhattan’s rarefied restaurant scene—which triggers a shameful secret.

Colleen must confront the life she’s been living—and decide if she has the courage to seize the life that’s long overdue.

Kindle, 336 pages
Publisher: Fine Line Publishing, 19 May 2026

Price: $7.99 from www.amazon.com.au

DRIFT AND RETURN

Two Stories of Healing, Change, and the Dogs Who Lead Us Forward

by Neil S. Plakcy

This gentle, deeply moving work of fiction is the ultimate winter comfort read, exploring what happens after the life you thought you understood suddenly changes.

Set against the cosy backdrop of the fictitious Smiling Dog Café, this book delivers two beautifully interconnected stories of second chances. First, we meet Tom, an Olympic luge medallist who finds himself completely adrift after retiring from the ice—until a gentle Golden Retriever leads him to the café's doors to rediscover connection.

Then there is Margaret, a woman confronting the silence of retirement after an intense, disciplined career, who is guided by a clever Dachshund to learn how to live a life no longer dictated by strict control.

With its touch of quiet magical realism, this is a beautiful exploration of emotional healing and how our canine companions always seem to know exactly when—and how—to lead us forward. 

Series: The Smiling Dog Cafe
Paperback, 246 pages
Publisher: Samwise Books, 11th May 2026

Price: $21.99 at www.amazon.com.au

COMPANION FOREVER

Unlocking the Science of Longevity for Your Canine
by Ascanio Fedeli

This practical, science-backed roadmap is designed to cut through the modern misinformation of pet care and help your dog live a longer, healthier life. Written with compassion and grounded in the latest canine health research, this comprehensive guide replaces guesswork with clarity, transforming complex data into easy-to-follow daily habits.

Inside, you’ll discover:

✔ Tailored Nutrition: How to build a science-backed diet plan that supports long-term vitality.

✔ Longevity Routines: The crucial role daily exercise and mental stimulation play in extending your dog's lifespan.

✔ Environmental Safety: How to identify and protect your pet from hidden hazards in your home and neighbourhood.

✔ Emotional Well-being: Proven strategies to reduce stress and anxiety in dogs.

✔ Senior Care: Expert prevention and management tips for age-related diseases to help senior dogs thrive.

Paperback, 172 pages
Publisher: Orbita Media GmbH, 18th April 2026

RRP: $34.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

DEMENTIA IN DOGS

Diagnosis, Therapy, and Everyday Help for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
by Elisabeth Napp

As highlighted in our feature on winter health risks, the onset of colder weather and shorter daylight hours can suddenly make the subtle signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) much more noticeable. 

If you’ve recently observed an older companion pacing at night, staring blankly at walls, or becoming disoriented in familiar corners, this practical handbook is an invaluable companion guide.

Elisabeth Napp cuts through complex veterinary jargon to deliver compassionate, real-world solutions for managing "dog dementia." 

From implementing stress-free daily routines and environmental safety adaptations to offering brain-boosting cognitive enrichment, this affordable guide provides a clear roadmap to help you support your senior dog's mental vitality and ensure their golden years remain comfortable and secure.

Paperback, 130 pages
Publisher: Bremen University Press, 8th October 2025

Price: $50.05 from www.booktopia.com.au

BOOK CLUB - KIDS CORNER

GEORGIA THE GREY – COMES HOME TO STAY

by Hannah Danesfaleh (Author), Emily Norman (Contributor), Katayha Gould (Illustrator)

An Australian Greyhound runs for her life. She wins all her races and pleases her trainer—until a bad fall leads to pain and uncertainty. Could love and freedom heal a racing dog's broken heart? Fortunately, a beautiful new life is waiting for her where she'll find a sister, a new talent, and a best friend.

Why it’s so special: This is the brilliant debut book written by Hannah, a young primary school student from Western Australia and the human sister of Georgia the Grey (a rescued Greyhound living in Perth). Hannah is a passionate advocate who has been volunteering to help hounds since she was just five years old! Written entirely from a young advocate's perspective, this story beautifully features stunning illustrations by Katayha Gould that bring the characters to life.

Hannah just won the national Australian Alliance for Animals Young Political Advocacy Award for her incredible work! 

Softcover, 46 pages
Reading Age: 6 – 12 years

RRP: $20.00. Available from Greyhound Rescue and other greyhound rescue groups.

DOGS NEED SHELTER, YES THEY DO!

by Robin Lapre, Zoe Saunders (Illustrator)

Teaching the next generation about responsible pet ownership can be a challenge, but this delightful new rhyming picture book makes the lesson both fun and highly engaging. 

While most children easily understand that dogs need plenty of food, love, and fresh water, this charming story explains why proper protection from the elements is just as vital to a dog's health and happiness.

Written specifically for kids aged 5 to 8, it gently explores how to protect pets from harsh winds, rain, and cold temperatures, while also offering clever tips on keeping indoor dogs safe from everyday household hazards. Complete with adorable illustrations and an interactive question-and-answer section at the back, it’s a fantastic educational tool for any young dog lover's library.

Paperback, 36 pages
Publisher: Robin Lapre, 30th April 2026
For Ages: 5 - 8 years old

Price: $15.41 from www.amazon.com.au

ALL DOGS BARK

by Catherine Meatheringham, Deb Hudson (Illustrator)

2022 Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Shortlist

All around the world, dogs bark. 

Jappe! Gav! Woof! 

From country to country, dogs greet the world in their own noisy way. Join the journey and discover the many different barks heard across the globe in this joyful, read-aloud celebration of language, sound and our much-loved canine companions.

Paperback, 28 pages
Publisher: Windy Hollow Books, 11th May 2026
For Ages: 4 - 8 years old

Price: $18.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

SIGGY THE SOCCER DOG

A Playful Picture Book about Football, Friendship and a Little Dog's Big Dreams
by Brian Frederick (Author), Vivien Sárkány (Illustrator)

✔ Why We Love It: With the excitement of the FIFA World Cup kicking off this June, there’s no better time to get your little ones excited about teamwork and sport!

✔ The Story: Meet Siggy, a small dog with an enormous passion for the world's most popular game. While the other dogs are content chasing sticks, Siggy has his eyes firmly on the ball and big dreams of playing on the grand stage.

✔ Themes: This beautifully illustrated picture book is perfect for young readers, seamlessly blending a love for football with important life lessons about persistence, true friendship, and never letting your size get in the way of your dreams.

Paperback, 32 pages
Publisher: Tiny Tree Books, 28 May 2026
Best For: Ages 3–7, mini athletes, and any dog-loving families gearing up for a big month of soccer!

Perfect pre-World Cup reading! Grab your copy of Siggy the Soccer Dog here.

THE CASTOFF CANINE

by Amanda Morena (Illustrator), Jeannette Elum Greulach

Once unwanted and left behind, Rocky's life changed the day he was rescued. The Castoff Canine tells the tender, true-to-heart story of a dog who went from forgotten to forever loved.

Through gentle eyes and a loyal heart, Rocky reminds us that even the most broken souls can find healing in love. 

His days were filled with comfort, family, and joy and his story will stay with you long after the final page. A touching tribute to rescue dogs and the humans who give them a second chance.

Paperback, 26 pages
Publisher: Jeannette Greulach, 17 November 2025
For Ages: Baby - 18 years

Price: $24.64 from www.amazon.com.au

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