I always adore Courtney Peppernell poetry and this was no different. All dogs are good is such a true statement, as I read I count help but remember the impact my first family dog had on me.

All Dogs Are Good by Courtney Peppernell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

*ARC provided by the author, publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

There are some books that feel as though they were written specifically for you. All Dogs Are Good was one of those books.

As an avid fan of Courtney Peppernell, owning all of her poetry collections and following her work for years, I was already incredibly excited to read this one. But it also arrived at exactly the right time. My dog Benson is my best friend, and earlier this year I lost my childhood dog, Eddie, who was an enormous source of comfort throughout some of the hardest years of my life. He was by my side from the time I returned home after a psychiatric admission at sixteen until I finally left an abusive home at twenty-two. Needless to say, this collection was always going to be an emotional experience, but it somehow managed to be both deeply moving and incredibly comforting.

Before I had even reached the first poem, I knew this book was going to be special. In the preface, Courtney talks about her own dog, Benjamin, affectionately known as Benny and BenBen. I immediately laughed because Benson answers to Benny, Ben and BenBen too. It was such a small detail, but it instantly made the collection feel personal.

The book is divided into two beautifully complementary sections.

The first, Pawprints, is written from the perspective of the dogs themselves. These poems imagine what our dogs might say if they could put their love into words. Some are reflective, some are emotional, and others are genuinely funny, but every single one is filled with warmth and heart. I found myself smiling as I imagined Benson narrating many of these poems himself.

The second section, Footprints, shifts to the human perspective and explores what it truly means to love a dog. Courtney captures something that every dog owner understands: dogs are never just pets. They are companions, family members, protectors, comedians, therapists, and constant sources of unconditional love. They bring chaos into our homes, but they also fill them with immeasurable joy.

The poems that resonated with me most were those exploring the quiet ways dogs carry us through our darkest moments. Their ability to comfort without words, to simply sit beside us when we need them most, is something that feels almost impossible to explain unless you've experienced it yourself. Courtney captures that bond with incredible tenderness.

I also adored the poems celebrating the wonderfully ordinary moments of life with a dog—the little habits, the mischief, the routines, the quirks that somehow become the moments we treasure most. Reading them, I couldn't help but think of Benson and all the little things he does every single day that make my life brighter. At the same time, I found myself remembering Eddie and the dogs who shaped my childhood. Reading this collection with Benson curled up beside me made the experience even more meaningful. It was bittersweet in the most beautiful way.

A special mention also has to go to illustrator Justin Estcourt. The artwork throughout the collection is absolutely stunning and complements the poems perfectly, adding another layer of warmth and emotion to an already beautiful book.

This is one of those collections I'll be returning to again and again. I already know I'll be buying a physical copy (or two) the moment it's released so I can fill the pages with annotations, sticky tabs, highlights and little notes in the margins.

Whether you're currently sharing your life with a dog, remembering one you've loved and lost, or simply understand the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs, All Dogs Are Good is a collection that will almost certainly find a place in your heart.

Courtney Peppernell has once again reminded me why she remains one of my favourite contemporary poets.

Some books find people at the best (and worst) of times. I got this a week ago and my cat passed away a few days ago. The way this book hit me in waves. The emotionally captivating prose, the perspective shift and imagery in this was incredible. I cried, I laughed and I won't forget this read. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and enjoy this. I also now love your dogs. I got to experience their personalities and quirks in this, and it feels like connecting with the author on another level.

"Perhaps this is how life should be led, stopping to smell the grass, admiring the sky, living in every moment before it passes us by."

This was literally so sweet. I personally have never had a dog for myself but I used to dog sit all the time and these poems really brought me back to getting a chance to love each and every one of them. I loved the addition of the cute drawings of all the precious doggos and the pictures at the end.

This book is one of my favorites as an animal lover.
I feel the poems in my bones, and I relate to them so much.
If you have dogs or if they are your favorite animals in the world this is the poetry for you.
It makes you smile, it makes you cry.
It gives you a heartbreak and tears of joy.
This was absolutely one of my favorites ever.
10/10 <3

I absolutely adore dogs so of course I had to read this. I loved everything about this. The illustrations were beautifully and the poetry was heartwarming. This was a great collection for dog lovers of all ages

This charming compilation of short stories, poetry and pencil sketches will delight anyone who has ever loved, or been loved by, a dog. Courtney Peppernell uses brief, evocative descriptions to show how deeply dogs love their owners. From that joyful greeting at the door to the thrill of outdoor walks to sad, emotional memories, she beautifully illustrates just how important dogs are in our lives. All Dogs are Good is a quick read that will leave you with smiles and tears. 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Central Avenue Publishing and Courtney Peppernell for this ARC.

Gosh, this was beautiful
I hope its the truth, that Dogs feel the way as described in this book
With longing that's mutual and love incomprehensible.
I thank the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this gem before its release
I have volunteered at shelters and always lacked a word to describe the way the dogs looked at me. It was just happy or smiling, it was deeper and more left me unknown.
This book had the answer.

This is a must read for anyone who has ever loved a dog. My dogs are my entire world, and this beautiful collection of poems has something to suit everyone's story. It made me laugh, smile and sob uncontrollably. Humans don't deserve dogs. Thank you for sharing this with us Courtney!

All Dogs are Good (Deluxe Edition), by Courtney Peppernell 📚

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I read the original version of this a while back and loved it. I still absolutely love it and really enjoyed my re-read of the deluxe edition.

This was really good timing because we just came upon the fourth anniversary of having our sweet Marley girl 🐶🩷

This is such a beautiful collection of poems that cover all aspects of having a dog — the easy parts and the hard parts. The good, bad, happy and sad. I couldn’t help but cuddle up with our dog while reading this.

All dogs are in fact good.

Special thanks to Courtney Peppernell, Central Avenue Publishing & NetGalley for this ARC 🫶🏻 Be sure to check this one out on Pub day — 10/27/2026!