FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The Eastern Shore as a whole is known for its panoramic views of the bay, quaint shops, fine restaurants, friendly people and stunning sunsets. But, when it comes to Fairhope, dogs add a furry texture to the quality of life we enjoy.

That’s evident in Terri Sommé’s new book, The Dogs of Fairhope. At more than 210 pages, the coffee-table book is packed with photos and stories of 94 of the dogs that have brought a little extra life into the families with whom they live.

Sommé met many of Fairhope’s four-legged goodwill ambassadors (and their humans) during her walks through town and down by the bay since she moved here in early 2000. The owners often talked about their best friends, and she learned many were rescued from abuse or neglect by animal shelters before they were placed in good homes.

“It’s easier to start up a conversation with someone with a dog,” she said. “They always have a good story about the dog.”

A few of the stories might make some wonder why a sane person would want a dog living in their home. There are tales of chewed shoes, destroyed furniture and missing socks. They are all tempered, however, with details of each dog’s special personality — those qualities that mean everything is forgiven, no matter the offense.

Sommé has an intense passion for dogs. She is a longtime volunteer at the Haven, the no-kill animal shelter located in Fairhope, and a percentage of the profit from the $42 volume goes toward helping the nonprofit agency continue its mission of rescuing pets and finding worthy families to adopt them.

She said, “You may not know the person walking them, but you know the dog and its name,” she said. The book project led her into conversations with pet owners, who told her how their dogs make their lives richer on a daily basis.

Fliers seeking stories for the book, as well as word of mouth, brought more interest than Sommé ever imagined.

“Next thing I knew, I was getting calls from people who said ‘my dog needs to be in your book,’” she said.

Because she wanted the book to be high on quality and relatively low on price, she had to set a limit on the number of stories she could tell. Her sole criteria for selecting dogs for inclusion was they had to live in Fairhope.

“This was a labor of love,” Sommé said. “I’m not a professional writer of photographer. This is probably the most fun I’ve had doing something, and the one thing I’m most proud of.”

She said too many people select a pet based on the breed they like rather than how an animal with a certain personality might fit into their lifestyle. Others shun breeders and puppy mills, and instead turn to shelters as a way of finding a dog perfect for them.

Sommé said until 2006, she lived in a home where dogs were not allowed, but she nonetheless fostered many from the Haven. She took them to a pet store where they could choose toys to play with, would give them a Victoria’s Secret bath and let them sleep in her bed.

“A lot of awareness has been made about shelter animals,” Sommé said. “You can’t save every one, but you can help one. The Haven is really good about asking questions and screening (potential adoptive families).”

Sommé pointed out that dogs roughly represent a 14-year commitment. She said, “Our four-legged friends depend on us, and we need to care enough to take care of them. They’re helpless without us.”

Shelters are overcrowded as a general rule, Sommé said, “with wonderful animals that are nothing but unconditional love.”

Sommé noted canine companions can teach us all a little about how to face each day, saying, “Dog’s don’t have to figure it out. They’ve already got it. They live in the moment.”

The Dogs of Fairhope is available at The Haven Resale Shop, Four Bags, Fairhope Engraving Shop, Downtown Animal Clinic, East Bay Clothiers, Fairhope Antiquary and the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa gift shop.