A boy and his dog by Harlan Ellison

This book was recommended by a member. The author, Harlan Ellison was born in Cleveland and later lived in Painesville. Fun to read about his life on Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlan_Ellison

His published works include more than 1,700 short stories, novellas, screenplays, comic book scripts, teleplays, essays, and a wide range of criticism covering literature, film, television, and print media. Some of his best-known works include the 1967 Star Trek episode "The City on the Edge of Forever" (he subsequently wrote a book about the experience that includes his original screenplay), his A Boy and His Dog cycle, and his short stories "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" and "'Repent, Harlequin!' Said the Ticktockman". He was also editor and anthologist for Dangerous Visions (1967) and Again, Dangerous Visions (1972). Ellison won numerous awards, including multiple Hugos, Nebulas, and Edgars. - Wikipedia

So give A Boy and his Dog a try, and maybe see if you can find the movie to watch. I will also watch the Star Trek episode, which I have likely seen, I just don't know it by name. Not like The Trouble with Tribbles episode.