How My Dog Saved My Life: Thirty Tales of Courage and Compassion

by Cate Cochran

Dogs are deeply empathetic and able to understand humans in ways that surpass language. Any dog owner knows how comforting it is to have their dog nuzzle them at just the right moment. Dogs can also act in ways that are at times astonishing—not only sensing danger, but actively finding ways to help in an emergency

How My Dog Saved My Life is full of stories about clever and courageous canines—dogs that save people from a burning building, run a great distance to bring help to the scene of a car crash, or guide rescuers across the freezing tundra to save their owner in the nick of time. These heroic rescue stories are here. But rescue goes beyond world-altering accidents—often, it’s in the everyday.

Dogs and people share a mysteriously communicative bond. Dogs’ unique capacity to intuit the needs of their humans and respond equips them to be trained as sophisticated service animals. Most people are familiar with seeing eye dogs, but there are myriad other types of service dogs, perhaps as many as there are people whose lives are improved by them. You'll meet some of these remarkable dogs in this book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs

256 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2025

Reviews

[Lindsay L · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 dog lover stars!

This book is for any and all animal lovers! Filled with 30 true stories of dogs that have made a real difference in the world. These are insightful, inspiring, heartwarming stories of dogs that have gone above and beyond the title of “pet”. From saving lives to monitoring medical needs. From guarding loved ones to responding to emergency situations. These dogs are being recognized for making a positive impact in the world. All dog lovers will surely read this book with a big smile on their face.

As a therapy dog parent, I have an extra sensitive heart for dogs. I am proud to be able to share my dog Charlie with our local community through the Therapy Tails charity. We go on regular visits to retirement homes, medical facilities and schools to bring joy and happiness. This book was heartwarming and relatable and I loved it!

Audio rating: 4 stars! The audio narrator did an excellent job. Her voice was steady and cheery and definitely added to my overall connection. I could feel her love for dogs through her voice!

Thank you to the publisher for my advanced listening copy!

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on today's Rememberance Day / Veterans Day because dogs are often underestimated, their roles in our lives not valued enough. However, people who work and live closely with them know exactly just how much they carry us through life.

Be it the police, military, search & rescue, medical assistance (for diabetics, people with heart diseases, epilepsy etc.), or "just" family companions, dogs are awesome!

I, personally, grew up with two (technically three but the 3rd was my first stepmother's K-9 and I wasn't allowed near him) and it always amazed me how many roles they fulfilled: friend, playing companion, nanny, bodyguard, even mother/father.

This book tells of all kinds of dogs and their awesome abilities - from natural ones to trained ones that compliment those natural abilities and takes them to a whole new level.

One of the most amazing things I've personally witnessed was on a mantrailing weekend. We all know that a dog's nose is amazing but the group leader's dog was not just sniffing some person's scarf, no. Said scarf had been worn for only about 15 minutes, then BURNT, and then he took the person's scent from the ASHES and tracked her down (in no time at all). Mindblowing!




Or look at how dogs LOVE to save people. From water rescues to people trapped after avalanches to the pups finding survivors after earthquakes or 9/11, they love doing it (so much so that after 9/11 rescuers had to pose as victims to give the dogs successful outcomes because the dogs got too depressed over finding only dead bodies). And don't get me started on puppies jumping out of airplanes with their handlers, rappelling off cliffs and whatnot, learning how to call emergency services, getting help and so much more! All to save us. Because they love us.


The 30 stories presented in this book were really heartwarming and a wonderful nod to all the wonderful things dogs do for and with us. There's nothing groundbreaking or new in here, but it is nice to have a book acknowledge how much poorer (and more dangerous) our lives would be had one wolf not decided to check out that fire with those weird bipeds one day. ;)

[Donne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am such a sucker for a great doggie story and 30 stories of amazing doggies saving their humans lives? I was a goner as soon as I saw the book. As a long-time dog mama, I was just a kid when I discovered the joy of having a bond with a dog and how that bond and love can change our lives in so many ways. I grew up in a family that always had dogs. It was then that I formed my first bonds with the family dogs. I went on to marry two husbands, who were dog guys, that allowed me to continue my love and devotion to having amazing dogs in my life.

Cate Cochran brings to life 30 stories of the phenomenal service dogs that not only improved their humans’ lives, but in so many cases, literally saved the lives of the one person that meant everything to them. These are not the working dogs that spend their days in a police force or on a SAR team, these are support doggies that help their humans overcome physical, mental and emotional trauma and conditions that were negatively destroying their lives. These are wonderful stories of how these people discovered a whole new life and world through their love and devotion of their wonderful support doggies.

As with all non-fiction books, I only rate on the material provided and the way in which it was provided. Once again, I love a good doggie story and every one of these stories was very special and endearing. I also loved that each one provided some brief history and background on each person, their tragedy or incident and their journey in getting their support dog(s). I want to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins Canada Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #HarperCollinsCanadaAudio #HowMyDogSavedMyLife

[JoJo_theDodo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could also be titled, "Stories of How Dogs are better than Humans."
Seriously, the dogs that come into our lives and just know exactly what we need and selflessly give are angels. I enjoyed the stories of dogs coming into our lives and making such a big drastic difference in our sense of purpose and responsibility to others. I expected the narration to be a little bit different, as I felt like I was being talked to, instead of really experiencing the stories from the perspective of people that experienced it. It might have been nice to have the format include snippets of actually interviewing the people included in the stories.

**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some sweet stories on dogs… and how they sometimes hold a place in our hearts that NO ONE, and nothing else in this world, could ever take!

Multiple short stories about people, some with known disabilities, some without… who bring a dog into their lives… only to find that this spectacular dog is just that!! SPECTACULAR!!
And, that somehow, these dogs come through in the most desperate of times to save a life, or, multiple lives… just in the nick of time!

Stories that involve the specific training of these special dogs… and just how that may come into play.
And others that involve no training at all, and yet, the dog came through and saved a life!! ❤️❤️

Being a dog lover/owner/trainee for my whole life, I can attest to the fact that they bring unending joy to my life… every single day! ❤️🐾❤️🐾
And yes, they have managed to ‘Train Me’ very well over the years! 🤣😊

But to see how these dogs jump in, when there is danger, and just take over the whole scene! Well, it’s just amazing!!!

4 Bold, Bright, Hug-Inducing Stars for me! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

#HowMyDogSavedMyLife by @CateCochran. Narrated nicely by @KateMarcin.

This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!! Look 👀 for it on shelves soon, on 11/4/25!

Thanks so much to @NetGalley and @HarperCollinsCanadaAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

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[Helen H · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you need any further convincing that dogs are miraculous, then look no further. The extent of what those little paws and furry noses can do will leave you thinking ‘wow!’

This book is a compilation of 30 stories of courage and compassion. These personal accounts are truly heartwarming and inspiring. Individuals living with medical conditions, disabilities, seizures, PTSD and autism have experienced life transformations because of a dog. These stories perfectly demonstrate the ways in which dogs offer loyalty, empathy, comfort, therapy and understanding.

A highly enjoyable and relatable book - I know my own life is enriched by the love and bond shared with my canine princess.

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We don't deserve dogs. This collection of true stories about lifesaving dogs is truly astounding. These weren't just trained dogs -- one of the dogs was considered untrainable and got a participation award in his class instead. All of these dogs did what they had to do to help their people.
And dogs are able to help in so many situations: with psychological or emotional problems, physical conditions like epilepsy, and during physically dangerous situations.
What was also amazing was how the dogs understood what they needed to do. There were times when it would have been easy to make things worse but these wonderful dogs found the best way to help.
Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to listen to the audiobook, which was a great experience. The performance was perfect in portraying the tension in the events and the love between the pets and their owners.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a firm believer that we don’t deserve dogs, and this book definitely confirms that. As someone who fully admits to being biased in favor of dogs (like, I’d trust a random dobbie over most people I know), this collection hit me right in the heart. There have been times in my life I genuinely don’t think I’d still be here without my dog, and reading these stories felt like a big comforting reminder of that bond.
It’s heartwarming without being cheesy, and the mix of stories is the perfect reminder that dogs are basically little emotional support miracles with paws. There are stories here about star dogs that are intuitive and dogs trained to be stars, so definitely something for everyone!
A perfect read if you need to restore your faith in humanity or at least in dogs. You’ll finish it wanting to go boop a snoot immediately!

Thank you netgalley for this arc!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Canada Audio for the advanced listener's copy.

I enjoyed listening to How My Dog Saved My Life. The narration by Kate Marcin was engaging and well-paced, which made the stories easy to follow. The book primarily focuses on people living with disabilities or recovering from trauma and PTSD, highlighting how service and support dogs transform their lives in powerful, often emotional ways.

I had expected the collection to feature more individual essays or personal reflections from a broader range of “everyday” dog owners, so it was a bit different from what I anticipated. Still, I appreciated the compassion and insight in each story, and I found the theme of resilience through the human animal bond inspiring.

A meaningful listen for anyone interested in the healing connection between people and their dogs.

[Aga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you HarperCollins Canada Audio and NetGalley for this ALC, released on November 4th.
If you know me even a tiny bit, you know dogs are basically woven into my DNA. They’re with me everywhere - and yes, both of mine are currently asleep across my legs while I’m typing this.
This audiobook brings together 30 real stories from people of all backgrounds who were saved - sometimes in the most literal, life-altering ways — by their dogs. Some chapters hit harder than others (the autistic woman with severe anxiety, the RCMP officer coping with PTSD… yeah, those ones got me), but every single story has heart.
It’s a beautiful, uplifting listen, and narrator Kate Marcin delivers it with so much warmth.
Read it, listen to it, and then go give your own doggos an extra cuddle and a treat - simply for existing and being the absolute best creatures on Earth.

[Luna and Co · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, cozy read (perfect to listen to while petting your dog!). It's interesting to see how many ways dogs can help people's lives! Made me smile on a pretty gray day =) The only negative point I have is that sometimes the changes from narrations to quoting what people said was confusing in the audiobook version.


Thank you, Netgalley and HarperCollins Canada Audio, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Lisa Roppel · Rating 4 out of 5]

How My Dog Saved My Life is a collection of very short stories outlining instances that a dog saves a human. These stories are heartfelt, current and very real. I liked the connection to Canadian locations as I am Canadian. The narration was well done. The narrator's voice is cheery and easy to listen to.

Thank you Net Galley, Cate Cochran and Harper Collins Canada Audio for the opportunity to preview this title. The opinions shared are my own.

[John Rudell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book, a great read. I have learned so much about the relationship between humans and dogs from this book and it now explains various observations I have made over the years of dogs around me and their behavior and reactions. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a first responder or anyone dealing with physical, mental, emotional conditions that challenge a healthy and comfortable life. Thank you so much Cate Cochran for this valuable work.
John Rudell

[Yodamom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: Such an uplifting read ! If you love dogs you'll love these animal support stories. It's all about dogs and how they make our lives better in so many ways. The narrator did a fabulous job and brought these short stories to life. There are all kinds of dogs, working dog, family dogs, support dogs, furry dogs.... great dogs
Your dogs want you to read this

[Mary Clinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet and lovely book about good dogs doing good deeds! If you’re on the fence about getting a pup, this book will tip the scales in favour of a fluffy friend. :) Loved it!

Just a heads up though, some of the stories discuss pretty intense traumas and might have benefited from a trigger warning.

[Chris Dorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an uplifting book with 30 true stories of people in Canada and their beloved dogs. These dogs all saved their lives in one way or another. I shed tears at some stories which were so inspiring that I know our lives are enriched through dogs.
It was great to have a drawing of the dog from the story at the beginning of each chapter. I would have loved actual photographs even better.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute short feel-good listen. I enjoyed the stories of the various dogs and how they impacted lives. The narration however, was rough. The amount of times “chihuahua” was said wrong is crazy for a book about dogs. That said, I would still recommend this book to any dog lover.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recieved this book for a Christmas gift -and really enjoyed! Heartwarming and fascinating stories.

Neat fact - Dogs can detect the equivalent of a half a teaspoon of sugar in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Incredible.

[Caitlyn Gallenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t need a book to remind me how special dogs are but wow 🥹

Dogs are capable of such unconditional love and we are so lucky they let us be their humans 🫶🏻

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't go wrong with a book about dogs!!!

[patrycja · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love dogs😔

[Enid Wray]

Quaint collection. Give it to the die hard dog lover in your life.

[Juana Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hesitant to request this advanced audio book because as you know I lost my guy back in April, however I really wanted to hear positive stories and I’m glad I did. Cate Cochran brought together 30 stories from real people and all kinds of dogs (support, working, family) and how they saved their lives whether it was from a fall or a health condition or even emotional support. Trigger warning: there was one story where one of dogs passed and I literally balled—I happened to be driving when I heard this particular story. Overall they were heartfelt stories. I really enjoyed listening to the different ways these wonderful creatures impact our daily lives.

4 stars!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley, Cate Cochran and Collins for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.