Bashan and I

This is not only the best book ever in this genre (admitedtly there are some terrible examples of dog memoires), but it is also extremely fine literature, worth reading even for non-dog people and a real treat for dog people. Thomas Mann was a great writer, and his grace and elegance are delightfully on display here.

This is a poor translation, unfortunately, of a great essay. I would suggest finding a copy of "A Man and His Dog" which is contained in most popular collections of Mann's short stories. e.g. "Death in Venice (and seven other stories)" Translated of course by someone else.

With its great love and warmth, this book is a very special gift to readers: a great writer turning his attention to something commonplace--the relationship between a pet and its owner--resulting in a story that is not sentimental, hackneyed, or sweet, but a moving exploration of the love between animals and humans. Just reading Mann's simple description of how he speaks his dog's name, Bashan, and the electricity that name sends through his pet, is worth every penny.