Pets that touch our lives are no less loved than friends and family. Here are stories of unique dogs, precocious pot-bellied pigs, savvy cats, horses, and other animals beloved by humans who have created memorials in loving tribute to their companions.

Canadian history is full of touching stories of animal companionship, and some relationships between people and their cherished companions are legendary. From Grey Owl and the Beaver People to Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King's "little angel dogs" to Emily Carr's menagerie, these stories describe notable people and their relationships with their pets. Cheryl MacDonald also shares the story of the original Winnie the Pooh, describes the eventful life and the tragic end of Jumbo the elephant and looks at the "valiant but voiceless" dogs and horses employed in police work.

Celebrate the true spirit of giving.... This Christmas, Quinn Cooper is combining the two things she loves the most, painting and animals, by making ornaments to raise money for her local pet shelter's "12 Pets of Christmas" drive. The goal of the drive is to find forever homes for twelve cats and dogs before Christmas. With half the proceeds from her ornaments going to the shelter, Quinn plans to use the rest of the money she raises to buy a plane ticket to visit her best friend, who moved away last summer. As Christmas draws closer, the adopt-a-thon is going great... but Quinn's favorite dog at the shelter, Buddy, is proving especially hard to place. Quinn finds the perfect home for the dog, but the family can't afford to take on the financial responsibility of adopting him. Will the magic of Christmas help make sure that Quinn-and all the pets-have a very merry Christmas? ©2017 Hachette Book Group. All rights reserved.