My Top 3 Favorite Pet Books – A Review by Pebbles the Blind Cat

If you’re gonna read, there’s only one way to go: pet books! From funny to uplifting to downright sad, there are so many to chose from. I picked just three of the many, many wonderful books out there. Because these three books aren’t just a casual way to pass the time. They all mean something to me. Somehow I feel connected to each of these books in special sort of way.

And *spoiler alert!* I don’t like to read pet books with a sad ending…

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

3.) Oskar & Klaus: The Search for Bigfoot

This one may not be like the typical pet books most people recommend, but it is very special to me. This children’s book is centered around two cats that go on an exciting adventure to find Bigfoot. They meet many new friends along the way (including a snail – which Mom is totally terrified of!). They also have some close calls. The illustrations are amazing, and the story is generally quite fun.

But this book is not just a typical silly story. It is based on the real-life kitties, Oskar the Blind Cat and brother Klaus. Oskar is my hero. When Mom first saw me as a kitten, she did not hesitate to take me home, because she knew how amazing sweet Oskar was. Not only was he an inspiration to all “disabled” animals and humans alike, but he was also a feline Braille Literacy Ambassador for the National Federation of the Blind. Amazing work for such a humble guy!

In February 2018 I was heartbroken to learn of sweet Oskar’s sudden and unexpected death. He was happy and seemingly healthy that morning, and just a few hours later he was gone. It was suspected that he had heart disease, that can, unfortunately, be undetectable in some cats until it’s too late. He was only 7 years old.

Oskar, you were dearly loved, such a hero and an inspiration. I will not forget you!

Remember Oskar and follow his brother Klaus on Instagram.

2.) Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund: Adventures of the Wiener Dog Extraordinaire

Here’s a great pick for all you dog people out there. What?! You haven’t heard of Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund? Well, I’m afraid we can’t be friends anymore!

Crusoe is the hilarious little guy that runs around playing hockey, playing cops and robbers with his half-brother Oakley, and going to exotic locations that most humans only dream about.

His first book is full of pictures, recipes from Chef Crusoe, and stories from his life and travels. It is very light-hearted and fun to read. While there is no riveting plot with twists and turns, it is impossible not to smile. And by page three if you are not totally smitten with this funny little dachshund, then you must have no soul.

To be honest, Mom is a member of Cru’s Crew, Crusoe’s fan club. (And Dad is, too, although, for some reason, he doesn’t talk about it with his friends.) She realized her dream in 2017 when they got to go meet Crusoe and Oakley (Oakley’s one and only tour) in person in Knoxville. Who cares about the Hollywood nonsense? Crusoe is the real celebrity!

And now we have some more exciting news. Crusoe has written a new book to be released this fall! It is available for pre-order now. If you pre-order your copy, Crusoe will even send you a personal pawtograph with your book. Now, what’s better than that?!

1.) Homer’s Odyssey

Isn’t it obvious why this is on my list? But of all the amazing pet stories out there, this one is so touching and so relatable. Homer was an amazing blind kitten adopted by a hesitant Gwen during a transitional time in her life. She tells his sweet story in an amazing way. It captures perfectly life with a blind cat. I feel like I knew Homer and wish I could have met him. One of my all-time favorite books.

4.) Bonus Pawesome Pet Books! 

Okay, I know I said three. But the last books aren’t in the “pet books” category specifically. It is the wonderful James Herriot collection. Alfred Wight was a most beloved British veterinarian in the mid-1900s. He practiced medicine back in the day when people were kinder and things were simpler. His books (under the pen name of James Herriot) are classics and an absolute must-read!

And as a follow-up his son, Jim Wight, wrote his memoir in The Real James Herriot: A Memoir of My Father.

You seriously can’t proclaim yourself to be an animal lover if you have not read James Herriot. Just don’t even pretend.

So if you haven’t read all of these, what are you waiting for? The next time it rains, turn that Netflix off, pull up a cozy blanket, some hot cocoa, and a cat, and get to reading!

Until next time… keeping Pebbles Strong!