Dog Beautiful

Originally published in 1893. Listen to Marshall Saunders' Beautiful Joe today.

When US Marine Rob Kugler returns from war not only had he given up a year of his life in service to his country, but he had also lost a brother in the fighting as well. Lost in grief, Rob finds solace and relief in the one thing that never fails to put a smile on his face: his chocolate lab, Bella. Exceptionally friendly, and always with - you wouldn’t believe it - a smile on her face, Bella is the friend Rob needs, and they spend their days exploring nature and taking photos. But then Bella develops a limp in her front leg. It’s cancer.

This beautifully written account of a woman's unique relationship with an exceptional dog is called Please Let Me Tell You About My Moose. It's a heartwarming memoir that serves as a reminder that real friendship is indispensable, there is a reason for everything, and genuine love never dies.

Cassius, an eight-year-old pitbull, has been stuck in the shelter for quite some time. It becomes his mission to rally all the other “special needs” animals together to change adopters' minds and find loving homes for himself and his friends. This time, the Paws 'n Claws Adoption Day turns into a life lesson for all. Cassius keeps his friends positive and their heads held high, proving that looking different is not a bad thing - in fact, being yourself is the best way to be.