If you’ve ever lived with a dog, you know—they’re not just pets. They’re friends, confidants, and teachers. That’s what David Wilk reminds us in his moving book, Amazing Dog Stories, a National Dog Writers Association Book of the Year finalist. This book of true-life stories doesn’t merely make you laugh and cry—it makes you consider the profound and significant role dogs play in our lives.
Wilk’s experience with dogs started with a Golden Retriever named Jenny. With her wagging tail, bright eyes, and unwavering loyalty, Jenny introduced Wilk to the amazing universe of dog friendship. Through her and many subsequent dogs, Wilk understood the real definition of love, trust, and bond.
The stories in Amazing Dog Stories aren’t just about dogs being cute or funny—though there’s plenty of that. They’re about dogs being family. They’re about how dogs lift us when we’re down, stay beside us when we’re sick, and show us how to enjoy every moment of life—whether it’s chasing seagulls on the beach or curling up beside someone who needs comfort.
One story that especially resonates is about Yosemite, a Golden Retriever with a keen sense of human emotions. When Wilk’s wife, Terryle (nicknamed Tunes), was battling serious health issues, Yosemite refused to leave her side. She stayed close, offering quiet support and comfort that no human could match. That’s the kind of loyalty that stays with you.
Another unforgettable moment is when Gracie and Yosemite are swept away in a flash flood after leaping into their usual placid stream that had swollen with rain into a raging river. Against all odds, both dogs miraculously survived. These aren’t just adventure tales—they’re stories about courage, survival, and the unbreakable spirit of dogs.
What Wilk captures so beautifully is that dogs are here to teach us. They remind us to greet each day with joy. To be present. To love without conditions. Even in their passing, they show us how to grieve, how to remember, and how to keep loving, even after they’re gone.
Wilk’s writing is friendly and intimate—having coffee with a friend while hearing stories. And since all the stories are true, there is honesty and a sense of relatability that captivates readers. We recognize ourselves in these stories, and we recognize our dogs, too.
It’s easy to see why Amazing Dog Stories was named a finalist for Book of the Year by the National Dog Writers Association. The book celebrates dogs not just as pets but as family members, life coaches, and everyday heroes. If you’ve ever loved a dog—or been loved by one—this book is for you. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and above all, make you grateful for the paw prints left on your heart.