I would recommend the Iris Johansen novels. In a couple of the them she has an awesome golden retriever named Monty. Also Dean Koontz, James Patterson, Sandra Brown, Nici French, Jonathon Kellerman, Jane Green, Robin Cook, and Patricia Cornwell. They are my favorites.
I believe the new Wally Lamb one you are referring to is "I know this Much is True". Is it the one with the Twins??? Good book, if that is the one you are talking about.
If anyone would like to trade we can start another branch of the PetTalk book club. I would be happy to share. I know that the other books we are sharing with each other, we signed our comments and names to the inside of the books.
Just a thought!