Book excerpt: As one of the world's best-loved comic strip characters, Snoopy has been our constant companion for more than 45 years. Inspired by Charles M. Schulz's boyhood pet dog, Snoopy has evolved from Charlie Brown's silent, four-legged companion into a multifaceted, philosophical and wonderfully imaginative native character. This unprecedented keepsake treasury showcases the lovable beagle's many colorful personalities -- from Joe Cool to the World War I Flying Ace, Golf Pro, Literary Ace and so many more. Whether he's piloting his Sopwith Camel, leading the Beagle Scouts on retreat or simply waiting for a filled supper dish, you can always count on Snoopy to be entertaining. In the foreword, Schulz describes his inspiration for Snoopy and the evolution of this popular beagle into the character that the world knows today. The introduction features the art and words of Tom Everhart, a close friend of Schulz and one of the few artist authorized to draw and paint the "Peanuts" characters. Complete with glassed-for-viewing 3-D images, a timeline gatefold showing the development of Snoopy over the past five decades and quotes from celebrities revealing their thoughts about everyone's favorite beagle, this book is a delightful treat for any Snoopy fan. Snoopy: Not Your Average Dog celebrates the art and humor of Charles M. Schulz. Through his creation of Snoopy, Schulz shows the world again and again that all it takes is a good heart, a little imagination and a few good friends to truly enjoy life.