The author describes some of the dogs that have had special places in his life, including his first dog, Snowball, in the Philippines; Dirk, who protected him from bullies; and Cookie, who saved his life.

"A memoir and elegy to the author's deceased dog, The Speckled Beauty"-- "Speck is not a good boy. He is a terrible boy, a defiant self-destructive, often malodorous boy, a grave robber and a screen-door muncher who spends his days playing chicken with the FedEx man, picking up livestock, and rolling in donkey manure, and his nights howling at the moon. He has been that way since the moment he appeared on the ridgeline behind Rick Bragg's house....

You'll recognize your own dog in this entertaining collection of stories about the surprising, amusing, and heartwarming things that our dogs do. We learn so much from our canine companions, and along the way, they keep us company, provide unconditional love, and share in the ups and downs of our lives. You'll laugh a lot, tear up at times, and nod your head in recognition as you read these tales about the magical experience of sharing life with a...

Many dogs have human owners. Not this dog. He fetches his own slippers, curls up at his own feet, and gives himself a good scratch. But there is one spot, in the middle of his back, that he just can't reach. So one day, he lets a human scratch it. And the poor little fella follows him home. What can the dog do but get a leash to lead the guy around with?

Publisher Annotation: The author of the heartwarming Craig and Fred tells the deeply emotional and inspiring story of the next phase of their lives together: working closely with prison inmates in Maine who raise and train puppies to become service dogs. 224pp., 50K

Publisher Annotation: Melanie Travis?s new book club caters to readers craving fiction?with bite! But when a real-life murder case bares its fangs, she?ll need to swap dog-eared novels for a lengthy suspect list . . . Kensington mystery series, 304pp., 25K

A comic look at dog show participants (and the pooches who love them).

While preparing for the spring dog show, Melanie must investigate a murder after a talented canine portrait artist turns up dead behind her concession booth and her Aunt Peg's longtime dogsitter also disappears on the same day.

Melanie Travis needs a little peace from her busy life this Christmas. But the usual holiday hubbub is a joy compared to the killer surprise she finds tucked underneath the tree ... With a demanding teaching job at Connecticut's elite Howard Academy and five poodles scampering around the house, Melanie barely has energy for the upcoming Christmas rush. But she unwraps an unexpected challenge when her brother and ex-husband, elated by the recent success...