Book excerpt: From small mixed-breed pets to devoted work partners performing life-saving duties, dogs are remarkable and versatile creatures, and they enrich our lives immeasurably. Roxanne Willems Snopek shares 11 moving stories that illustrate the bonds between exceptional dogs and their owners. A service dog named Zephyr changes the life of celebrated children's author Jean Little. Mojo, an aging black Labrador retriever, gives the gift of courage to a cancer-stricken young boy. A woman who rescues unwanted and abused dogs is herself saved by a pair of brave Rottweilers during a hike in the bush. Eve, a sheepdog with a fear of sheep, becomes the first civilian-owned dog in Calgary to be certified as an RCMP Civilian Search and Rescue Dog. These inspiring tales of the love, dedication and intelligence of humankind's canine companions are certain to be treasured by all dog lovers.