Marley & Me by John Grogan (2005, Hardcover)

John Grogan writes about his relationship with his dog Marley; but it is so much more than that. Marley is big, goofy and sometimes destructive, but Grogan reaches somewhere most of us can't go to understand and love this beautiful creature for what he is -- a loyal companion who returns Grogan's love unconditionally. The relationship between Grogan and his wife as they start their marriage and family with the dog named Marley is hillarious. Marley runs wild through an upscale outdoor cafe in Boca knocking down people and tables as he goes, he tears up the house and gets kicked out of dog school...but he seems to understand the loss of their baby as he stands so quietly with his head down as Jenny hugs him and sobs. The book is well written, moves quickly along and ends up to be so much more than a book about a dog. It's about life, dedication, loyalty and promises.