Book excerpt: A book about the extraordinary bond between humans and animals, which is everlasting--animals as hard workers, friends, and faithful companions. They have been with us since time immemorial. Some are close to us, others we treat with great respect. And they help us: dogs as guides, elephants as warriors, cats as gods, cheetahs as hunters, pigeons as postmen, horses as therapists, dolphins as rescuers, pigs as truffle hunters, geese as guards, camels as racers, and cows as carriers. To find out more, open this book, feast your eyes on its pictures and read the stories about how wild animals became helpers and true friends of humans.