Denali: The Story of an Exceptional Dog

In the bestselling tradition of Finding Gobi and Marley & Me, the moving story of a dog, his human, and the friendship that saved both their lives – and inspired countless others.

Ben Moon had no intention of getting a dog until he met the soulful gaze of a husky-pit bull cross pup in a rescue shelter. Ben instantly felt a connection, and his friendship with the extraordinary Denali was born.

The two friends set out on the road together on an adventure that would take them through some of the best years of their lives. When Ben was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 29, Denali never left his side until the pair were back out surfing and climbing crags. Soon after Denali was struck by the same disease, and Ben had the chance to return the favour.

This is the story of an extraordinary friendship, and the power of the love we give and receive when we have our friends by our side.

About the Author

Ben Moon is an adventure and lifestyle photographer turned director and filmmaker. For more than seventeen years his photographs capturing the beauty of people challenging themselves, from Yosemite to the Pacific Northwest, have been featured in Patagonia catalogues. As a rock climber, surfer and adventurer himself, his insights into the subjects he photographs are tangible.

In 2015, Ben’s film production company, Moonhouse, produced his personal story about his battle with colorectal cancer and his relationship with his beloved dog Denali, who passed away from cancer a decade after Ben recovered from the disease. The film attracted more than 15 million views and continues to touch new audiences. This book is the story of that extraordinary friendship. Ben lives in Pacific City, Oregon, with his dog, Nori, who has strikingly similar facial markings to Denali, and shares many of his finer personality traits.