Take a look around: Denver loves pets. We’ve got dog parks, natural food businesses, and pet groomers. It should come as no surprise then, that this year’s One Book, One Denver selection is all about a furry friend.

When someone first recommended this title last year, we were a little hesitant about reading a book written from a dog’s perspective. Come on, how much can a lab-terrier mix say? But Enzo, the main character in Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain, won us over.

As part of the Swift family, Enzo cleverly manipulates events to protect his family, including Denny, a talented but humble racecar driver who learns that success isn’t always about going fast. The Art of Racing in the Rain deals with death, legal battles, and love, but still manages to be heart-warming and downright funny. (To wit: Enzo’s thoughts on baths.)

 If you haven’t read this book, it is sure to please. If you have, this is the perfect chance to revisit a favorite, especially with all the racing and dog-themed events to celebrate this month. Here, four of our favorites.

1. The Denver Film Society presents family-friendly, dog or racing themed movies every Monday this month, including the heart wrenching Marley and Me (bring some tissues) and 1993’s Look Who’s Talking Now. (Mondays in September, 7 p.m., 2510 E. Colfax Ave.)

2. We didn’t even know we wanted to make dog food until we saw the description for the Seasoned Chef Cooking School’s “The Art of Salsa and Dog Bones.” You nosh on salsa and make homemade dog bones for your furry friend. Seating is limited, so RSVP to 720-865-4325 or register online. (Fridays in September, 6:30 p.m., 999 Jasmine St., Suite 100)

3. We love a good scavenger hunt. The Oxford Hotel has hidden copies of the book in its public spaces, with prizes tucked inside. You could win spa treatments or even a hotel stay. (1600 17th St.)

4. Geek out during a reading and Q&A session with the author, Garth Stein, at the Studio Loft at Ellie Caulkins Opera House. (Oct. 28, 7 p.m., 1101 13th Street)

For more events, check out Denvergov.org.