Book excerpt: Pets make us laugh. They are usually waiting for us when we get home from work and school. They give us unconditional love. They are often our best friends. And they depend on us for everything: food, water, healthcare. They are our pets and part of the family. Our pets also depend on us when emergency strikes. Are you ready with your pet preparedness plan? This how-to guide describes how pet owners can protect their pets during everyday emergencies and weather catastrophes such as hurricanes, tornados, floods and fires.