Book excerpt: Dogs serve us, adore us, entertain us, work for and with us, but most of all they warm our hearts. An homage to our canine companions, Great American Dog Stories presents a collection of enduring tales penned by an impressive array of authors. These are stories to laugh, weep, and shake your head over, knowing that the nature of dogs (and their human friends) has not altered in all the years since these stories were first written. Exemplars of unconditional love, dogs offer companionship without complaint and loyalty without a price. Whether these stories make you laugh or cry, they will also make you appreciate our most loyal friends. Great American Dog Stories is a rich treasury, filled with tales of unforgettable dogs, that will make a perfect gift for any dog lover. With contributions from O. Henry • Jack London • Stephen Crane • Bret Harte • and many others.