Dogs Who Live In Bookstores
You've heard of bodega cats but what about bookstore dogs? Check out these charming canines employed in the indie bookstore scene.
In my experience, book lovers are almost always big animal lovers. Although bookstores and cats often get paired together, the connection between books and dogs is just as strong. For instance, the increasingly popular presence of therapy dogs at libraries for children's story hour is one heartening way that canine companionship is infused into literary spaces.
But dogs aren't just showing up for story hour—they’ve also taken up residence in many a beloved indie bookstore. These bookstore dogs serve as unofficial (or official!) mascots, adding to the cozy atmosphere by greeting customers, taking a snooze in the stacks, and helping create a new dog-friendly 'third space' for locals.
So, without further ado, here are 7 bookstore-dwelling dogs for you to "aweee" over (as I did while putting this guide together) and, hopefully, visit if you find yourself passing through any of these towns/cities.
Pippin at Wall Street Books (Waynesville, North Carolina)
Pippin the Goldendoodle is the golden boy at Wall Street Books – a used bookstore in the heart of the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. Pippin can be seen lounging on his staple green couch, proudly endorsing some great new arrivals on the floor, or modeling new merchandise (tote bags and shirts) in his many features on the shop's Instagram. This greeter dog brings joy to all book-loving customers (and must indulge in plenty of naps after all his hard work).
Sophie at Black Dog Books (Zionsville, Indiana)
According to this shop's website, the original black lab behind Black Dog Books was named Chloe, who inspired the owner, Tania, to start a bookstore in 2010. Sophie has now taken over as the resident bookstore dog in this idyllic shop, which occupies a beautiful 1850s home. Sophie "greets everyone and gets lots of tummy rubs," and, as one can see, poses oh-so politely for promotional pictures!
Elvira at Giant Nerd Books (Spokane, Washington)
Elvira (@elvirathebookstoredog) has been employee of the month every month at her bookshop because, well, she deserves it and who would dare dethrone her? Founded in 2005, Giant Nerd Books in Spokane is the quaint and quirky territory of this "Mistress of the Bark," who judiciously oversees the humans from her comfy chair (that is, unless someone decides to toss her toy of the day down one of the aisles)!
Titus at Subterranean Books (St.Louis, Missouri)
This stylish boy is the new star employee at Subterranean Books, a woman-owned independent bookstore that opened in 2000. Titus is a friendly face for human and canine customers alike at this dog-friendly establishment. According to the shop's Instagram, Titus is the second bookstore dog at Subterranean, filling the shoes of beloved Teddy and continuing to spread the love!
Diego at Walden Pond Books (Oakland, California)
Diego is one of many dogs at Walden Pond Books but his iconic likeness alone made it to logo status. As a hardworking customer service representative, this small but mighty pup is definitely the Bossdog! Even from his dog bed perch, he keeps a keen eye on all the goings-on, approving everyone's purchases, etc. Diego contributes to an impressive legacy of indie bookstore success, with this Oakland shop first taking root in 1973.
Jacky Dawson at Blue Willow Books (Houston, Texas)
The 'three-toofed queen' Jacky Dawson is making waves at Blue Willow Books. This little bookseller has lots of love to share and makes this hoppin' literary center truly feel like home for visitors and locals alike. As her staff profile points out, Jacky Dawson's bookseller superpower is threefold: "Greeting people in the store, inspecting their shoes, providing cuteness factor." I'm sold!
Ramona at Uncharted Books (Chicago, Illinois)
"Who is this diva?" You may be asking if you wander into Chicago's Uncharted Books. Well, it's Ramona, of course! This ultra-photogenic pup is living the bookstore dog life to the fullest in this rare and used bookstore founded in 2012. Naturally, Ramona is front and center both at the shop and on the Uncharted Books website, proudly contributing to the location's "unique and cozy atmosphere."
And there concludes our round-up of resident bookstore dogs. Do you know of a canine employee of the month in your area that we missed? Drop a comment and let us know so we can spotlight them in the future!
