I also find it inordinately upsetting when the pet is killed in a book. I don't know why, it's much worse than a person getting killed. That was a big problem I had with
As far as "dog books" I think Marley and Me is a really good read for any dog-lover. But I think that The Art of Racing in the Rain is just a great book. You don't have to be interested in dogs or car-racing. The writing is just excellent, and the POV is fresh.
eP