This Dog Will Change Your Life: How dogs reshape our hearts, minds, and purpose.

As someone who recently lost their soul-pup, the chapter on the passing of a pet was exactly the cathartic experience I needed. It is a treasure of a book that explores how these animals don't just occupy our homes, but actually settle into our souls. Truth is, I cried through several sections because the storytelling is so compassionate and grounded in real-world love. Friedman captures the essence of 'everyday dogs' perfectly, showing that a dog doesn't need a job like herding to be meaningful. This book will change your life if you allow yourself to lean into the emotional lessons they teach us about patience and commitment. Truly a heartwarming read that I'll be gifting to every pet parent I know.

The chapter on dogs and children is worth the price of admission alone. It perfectly articulates how a pet can instill a sense of empathy and responsibility in a child from a very young age. This book is a love letter to the bond between species. Not gonna lie, I was worried it would be too focused on the author’s fame, but he really brings it back to the animals. The storytelling is heartwarming and provides a refreshing look at why we need dogs more than they need us. Every chapter feels like a new lesson in coexistence and unconditional love. It’s an engaging, feel-good atmosphere from start to finish. I highly recommend the physical copy to keep as a reference for the breed info.

This book is a must-read for anyone who feels that their dog has saved them in some way. Elias captures that specific, soul-deep connection with such clarity and grace. I found the smooth narrative flow very relaxing, and it’s one of those books you can pick up and put down easily. It’s full of heartwarming tales that remind us how dogs teach us about forgiveness and staying present in the moment. The author's passion for rescue operations is evident and inspiring. It really shifted my perspective on how I interact with my own rescue pup. Even without the glossy photos, the imagery created by his words is vivid and emotional. A truly wonderful, life-affirming read.

Picked this up because I’ve followed The Dogist for years, and while the lack of photos is a total bummer, the message still hits home. Frankly, the writing is well-crafted and keeps you moving through the chapters quite effortlessly. Elias does a great job explaining why certain breeds fit specific lifestyles, which is information every potential owner needs. It’s an uplifting read that focuses heavily on the optimistic energy dogs bring into our mundane lives. I did find some of the historical bits a little surface-level, but the personal insights into his journey as a photographer were genuinely engaging. If you can get past the missing visuals, it’s a solid addition to any dog lover’s shelf.

Ever wonder why we are so obsessed with our four-legged friends? Friedman attempts to answer this by showing how dogs serve as a sympathetic mirror for our own humanity. The prose is smooth and the book has a very accessible style that makes it perfect for a weekend read. I especially appreciated the sections on how to properly research a breed before committing to a decade of care. Too many people pick a dog based on looks rather than lifestyle, and this book tackles that mistake head-on. It’s full of positive vibes and reminds us that dogs essentially teach us how to be better versions of ourselves. A few parts felt slightly repetitive, but the overall message is beautiful.

To be fair, I went into this expecting a photo book, so the text-heavy format was a surprise. Once I adjusted my expectations, I found a very thoughtfully written memoir about the power of the dog-human connection. Friedman’s personal insights into the various dogs he’s met on the streets of NYC add a unique layer to the narrative. The book offers a different perspective on the responsibility of ownership that goes beyond just feeding and walking. It’s about the emotional labor and the reward of that deep, silent understanding. My only gripe is that some of the stories ended a bit abruptly without much closure. Still, it’s an uplifting and engaging read for anyone who considers their dog a family member.

After hearing about this on social media, I was curious to see if the Dogist could actually write as well as he takes photos. I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging the prose turned out to be. He has a way of weaving together personal stories with broader lessons about animal husbandry and care. The book provides a different perspective on the 'everyday dog' and why their simple presence is a gift. It’s a very easy read that doesn't demand too much of you but leaves you feeling better about the world. To be honest, I think some of the critiques about the dry narration are a bit harsh; I found the matter-of-fact tone quite refreshing. It’s a solid 4-star read for anyone who needs a dose of canine-induced joy.

Finally got around to reading this and I have mixed feelings about the tone. While the stories about rescues and the history of the human-canine bond are fascinating, the author occasionally comes off as judgmental. There are moments where he describes other people’s struggles with their pets in a way that felt a bit condescending. The book is definitely an easy read and offers some different perspectives on how we view our pets, but it avoids the tougher ethical questions in the dog world. It’s a breezy narrative for a casual fan of his Instagram page. However, if you're looking for a deep, scholarly dive into canine behavior, you might find this a bit shallow. It’s a fine coffee table read minus the actual photos.

Look, I love dog stories as much as the next person, but this felt a bit like a missed opportunity. The writing is technically fine and the stories are pleasant, but it lacks the 'punch' I was hoping for. It feels like a very safe, middle-of-the-road book that doesn't want to ruffle any feathers. I liked the practical advice on breed pairing, but the memoir portions felt a bit dry in places. Personally, I think the author’s voice works better in short captions than in long-form chapters. It’s an okay book if you’re a die-hard fan of The Dogist social media. For others, it might just feel like a collection of anecdotes that don't quite build to a grand conclusion.

Not what I expected from the guy who usually lets the dogs do the talking. I opted for the audiobook, but I found the narration surprisingly devoid of real emotion. It felt flat, which is jarring when you're listening to stories that should be heartwarming. Also, the focus stays way too much on his personal 'The Dogist' brand rather than the dogs themselves. To be fair, there is some good info on breed needs, but most of the stories felt like they were missing a deeper connection. The lack of photos in a book by a famous photographer is a baffling choice that makes the whole experience feel incomplete. I really wanted to love this, but it just didn’t click for me.