Since the 2005 publication of John Grogan’s mega-bestseller “Marley and Me,” the “pet that rescued me/taught me/helped me grow up” memoir has become a booming literary subgenre.

Brian McGrory’s poignant and funny new book, “Buddy,” which traces much of the Globe columnist’s adult life and career, has some of that same “Marley” flavor, but McGrory takes the pet memoir to a hilarious new place as a crazed rooster competes with him over who will rule his new family’s suburban roost.