One sweep through the bookstore or library, and you know you’re in trouble. You can fill your arms in five minutes flat, and you’re still not able to carry everything you want to read. You want that, and you want to read this, and that, and oh yes - that one... Well, here are five notable books for 2010 that you and your pet should have on the shelf:

First, what do you know about your dog? You may think you know him, but in the book “Inside of a Dog” by Alexandra Horowitz, you’ll see that your pup has learned more about you than you’ve learned about him.

Horowitz, a psychology professor, realized one day that we humans don’t know a thing about what our dogs see, smell, hear, or perceive. When was the last time you got down on your dog’s level and spent a day? You’ll want to do just that after you finish this fun and fascinating book.

And once you and Poochie reach a complete understanding, why not spend some quality time reading “A Nose for Justice” by Rita Mae Brown?

This novel pits two canine heroes – a German Shepherd and a Doxie – their woman and her niece against an environmental nightmare and a nameless skeleton. Whodunit fans will love sniffing out the clues in this mystery.

If things are a little more somber at your house this year, reach for “Help Your Dog Fight Cancer: What Every Caretaker Should Know About Canine Cancer” by Laurie Kaplan. This book makes a difficult subject a lot more accessible and it will help you be the best advocate your dog needs. Nobody wants to have to have a book like this around, but it’s a good one to own when you do.

Also take a look at “So Easy to Love, So Hard to Lose”, also by Laurie Kaplan. And keep a box of tissue handy.

Finally, no matter what kind of pet you have, you’ll want to read “Winging It: A Memoir of Caring for a Vengeful Parrot Who’s Determined to Kill Me” by Jenny Gardiner. With a title like that, I shouldn’t have to tell you that there are plenty of laughs in this book, as well as a lot of love.

When husband-and-wife team (and new parents) Jenny and Scott Gardiner adopt an older, cranky African Grey, they dream of wonderful conversations with a wise feathered friend that fits into the household seamlessly. Instead, they learn that such fanciful thinking is only for birdbrains.

This is a cute book for you, for a gift, or for a book group. Look for it, and make room for it in your arms next time you’re in the bookstore or library.