EMMA, Age 9
Grade 4, Home-Schooled, Ashton, Illinois
Best Friend: Jett, 18-month-old Blue-Heeler
December 20, 2007

     My dog's name is Jett. He is a year and a half and so sweet I can't ignore him. He's a Blue-Heeler. When he gets in trouble, it's hard to tell him off because he's just too cute.
     I got Jett from Rover Rescue. He had been neglected and mistreated. He had been rescued from an high-kill shelter. I don't understand why a person could put such a wonderful dog on death row. He was the first dog we met and we bought him.
     I trained Jett to jump last summer. I set a low jump up on the slanting driveway. He jumped over it with some hesitation. Once he was good at that jump, I raised it a little. He got really good at that, too. I put a jump the same size as before behind the first one. I ran along side Jett as he jumped both hurdles. Then I set it up on the grass. He jumped the first one, but ran out the side before he could jump the second.
     Soon he got better at jumping bounce-jumps. So, one day I set another jump up behind the second. Jett jumped all of them! One day, when I was jumping Jett, an elderly gentleman came strolling by. When my dog finished, the old man said, "Wow! He jumped all of them. You have a well behaved dog!" I thanked him and continued to jump Jett. I wanted to take Jett to dog shows, but instead I did it for fun!
     One day, late in fall, I decided Jett was strong enough to jump a big hurdle. I set two cat litter boxes up-right. Then I placed a plastic mat on both of the boxes. I put a long, straight stick on the mats. Then, with two other boxes, I put a stick on those. And, finally, I placed a stick in the middle. Then I got Jett and tried to jump him. He ran up to the jump, leaped over it and continued running until I told him to stop. I cuddled him and told him he was the best dog in the world! He laid down and I gave him a belly-rub. Then he was back up and jumping even more!
     Even though it's winter, my dog and I still have fun jumping. The hurdle is about two feet high but Jett clears it with inches to spare!
     When I started jumping Jett this winter, he wasn't very good. He hadn't done it in a while so I started him on an easy jump. I found one of our red sleds and placed it on the side-walk between our hedge and the fence Jett would soon jump over. Jett jumped easily but even so, he improved after a few tries.
     Now Jett jumps over the garden fence without me telling him to do so. I just run up with Jett at my heels and run past the jump. Jett leaps over the jump and tries to herd me.
     Blue-Heelers are crossed between dingos from Austrailia, Dalmations, the Australian Shepherd and Bulldogs. The Aborigines tamed some dingos and used them as cattle dogs. Then, they crossed the dingos with the Australian Shepherd. After that they crossed the mix with Dalmations, to make them friendlier to the horses. But this made them lazy, so the Aborigines bred them with Bulldogs. Blue-Heelers have wide foreheads like the Bulldog, but Jett doesn't act like a Bulldog. He's friendly, smart and loves doing tricks.
     Jett's favorite trick is 'speak' and he does it almost every time you have a treat in your hand. I say 'give me a kiss.' and Jett juts his muzzle out and nudges his nose on my check, nose or forehead.
     When we go to a park, we take Jett. The park is perfect for Jett. Long trails lead into dark forests where, if you're quiet, you might see a deer. I love wandering along the trails with my family and dog. My brothers and I run ahead and have fun while our parents struggle along the rocky paths and hills. I found a pink, six-teen feet leash at a garage sale and Jett wears it every time we go on a walk.
     One path my family and I take is short. But in the middle, there's a spring that we splash in. We build bridges across the water and the river that the spring leads into is deep and fun.
     I love Jett and we take him everywhere we can. He's a wonderful dog and I hope you think so too. My story about my dog is short, but I hope you like it.

ABBY, Age 10
Grade 5, Mill Run Elementary School, Ashburn, Virginia
Best Friend: Maggie, 3-year-old Cockapoo
December 18, 2007

     I've had my dog from when she was eight weeks old and she's always been there for me, and my family. Like once, my friend and I had a fight and I sat down and cried. Maggie sat down next to me and wagged her tail and sniffed my face to make sure that I was O.K. She does that to everyone else, too.
     She's very loyal. Whenever we leave the house, especially my parents, she crys and sits at the window until we come back. When we do get back, she jumps all over us and licks us. She has saved my hamster on two separate occasions and never stops loving us, or anything else. She is my best friend.

EMILY, Age 9
Grade 4, Fuerte Elementary School, San Diego, California
Best Friend: Micky, 3-year-old
December 8, 2007

     Do you have a dog? Not me, well I used to have one, but not now. We (my family) had to give him away. Even though he's far he's still my best pall. My dog's name was Micky. He was brown with white spots. He wasn't the tallest guy. He was about a foot high. And about 1-million miles wide. Yes, he was fat! Micky, to tell you the truth was a pretty ugly bulldog. His teeth stuck out, he had big eyes, and he farted a lot! Trully I still loved him a lot.
     From this previous passage you might think who could love Micky? I could love Micky! Every day when I woke up or came from school he would run over to me happy, happy with his heels trit, trot, trit, trot down the hall with a lot of warm heart to great me! You know what the neat thing was? He never ran out of love! Every day he must of given me gallons of love! Boy I loved that dog!

MILLIE, Age 10
Grade 5, Dabbs Elementary School, Pasadena, Texas
Best Friend: Millie, 8-year-old mix
December 5, 2007

     I first became friends with my dog in January 2003, we were babysitting her for a friend but when she got back from out of town, we couldn't give her up! So, our friend let us keep her!
     We were living in apartments at the time so we didn't have much space, plus she wasn't potty trained but that didn't stop us one bit from loving her just as much! When my mom got married, about about 1 year later, we moved in with him and of course, Millie came with us.
     But, since she wasn't potty trained she had to stay outside. I definetly wasn't ready to let her stay outside, but I had no choice! I tried as hard as I could to keep her company, and play with her and that made her adapt to the new environment very quickly. I continued to play with her until the school year started.
     That definetly cut down my time with her, but I had to make sure I still played with her. I love her so much! She is so sweet and very playful, and very cute! We searched for a very long time for the perfect dog and we definetly found one, my best friend in the whole world, Millie.

ALYSSA, Age 10
Grade 5, San Elijo Elementary School, San Marcos, California
Best Friend: Princess Lilly, 6-year-old Yorkshire Terrier
December 4, 2007

     We met Princess Lilly when she was a couple days old and I was about 4 years old. When we went to the house were her mom was, all of her brothers came running up to us. Lilly was the only girl and she was the runt. While her brothers were jumping on us, Lilly waited her turn in the corner. She was really cute and we all wanted her.
     A couple weeks later, my babysitter was watching my sister and myself. My mom and dad went out to "dinner". They called and said they had a surprise for us. We didn't know that it was going to be Lilly. They came in with a bag and i looked at the tag. It said Petco on it. Then I knew it was most likley to be Lilly. We opened the bag and her head poped out of the bag. We took her out and she started rolling on her back.
     A couple weeks later, we were playing outside with her. Then all of a sudden, she passed out. I took her inside and my dad took her to an animal hospital. They said she had an allergic reaction to a bee sting. Now Lilly is fine and she loves to get attention. She has a whole wardrobe full of dog clothes. She is my best friend!!!

JORDYN, Age 10
Grade 5, Greene-Hills School, Bristol, Connecticut
Best Friend: Kiley Katrina, 2-year-old Schnoodle
December 2, 2007

     One time I had a very bad cold for 3 days which made me have to miss school for 3 days. I was always curled up on the couch and my mom would ask me if I needed a teddy bear and I said," No, Kiley is curled right up and she is comforting me".
     I think that Kiley knew that I did not feel well because she would be glued to me no matter what. Every single minute she was kissing me. I love my baby girl, she makes me feel great all the time!!

ALEXANDRIA, Age 10
Grade 5, Tuslaw Middle School, N. Lawrence, Ohio
Best Friend: Bella, 16-month-old Black Lab
November 20, 2007

     Bella is so special to me because she is a great friend. When ever I'm bord to death she always starts a good game of Tug-A-War. She usually wins, but then I start it back up again. :)
     Another game we play is called Get'er. What I do is when she does not know I'm around I sneak up behind her and she gets it!!! (But she usually gets mad at for doing that!) Bella is the BEST FRIEND EVER.
     Bella, a good dog, sometimes has a way of getting mean. When I say she gets mean I mean she kinda gets angry. Like for example, we have the Christmas Tree up so she keeps attacking it. And sometimes she might try to rip your nose off, but I mean she's only a little puppy so you can't blame her.
     Bella is a very good dog and I LOVE her with all my heart so, I hope she wins the contest!

SARAH, Age 11
Grade 6, East Sparta Elementary School, Waynesburg, Ohio
Best Friend: Molly, 6-year-old Cockapoo
November 19, 2007

     My dog Molly is 6 years old. She is a cockapoo which is a Cocker Spaniel-Poodle mix. She is black and white. She is my best friend because if I start to cry she comes over and licks my tears. That makes me laugh so hard! Then I don't feel sad anymore because Molly cheered me up. Molly sleeps with me every night at the foot of my bed. I feel like she protects in the night. Molly and I watch television together and play together.
     I love Molly. She is the one person (well dog but she acts like a person) that I can always turn to. I can tell her my secrets and I don't have to worry that she'll tell anyone! I tell her if I'm mad and I always talk to her. I teach her math a little bit too! I say "Molly, two plus one equals?" And I can tell if she's right or not because she would lick me three times! Molly was sick last week and I sat with her the whole time! I felt so bad because we didn't know what was wrong! She looked so helpless. So we took her to the vet and she got some medicine and is all better! I love Molly and she will always be my best friend!

CLARA, Age 9
Grade 3, Northwest Elementary School, Austin, Texas
Best Friend: Zoey, 1-year-old Westie
November 16, 2007

     My dog Zoey looks out for me, and she also sleeps with me. She takes me to school in the morning. She likes to run. She has never bitten me.
     Zoey is a Westie, and another name for her is a West Highland white terrier. I love her so much I did a project about her last year, and I also did it because I wanted to know more about her.
     I think the best dog is a Westie. I love my dog. She is my best friend. I trust her and she trusts me. She comes from Arizona. When she lived in Arizona, she had a lot of brothers and sisters. I wish she could of come with one of her brothers or sisters, so she would not be homesick.
     I think Zoey is the best dog in the whole wide world!

CYLE, Age 12
Grade 7, Hebron Middle School, Shepherdsville, Kentucky
Best Friend: Jackson Pawl, 5-month-old German Shepherd-Collie mix
November 16, 2007

     My best friend is my dog, Jackson Pawl. He is a Collie German Shepherd mix. He is 5 months old. Whenever I feel sad and I go to my room, without me telling him he'd follow me up the stairs quietly and sit with me on my bed until I feel better and then he'd come down with me.
     He never lost his energy and always went to bed on time (which is more than I can say for my brother). He is and forever will be a good dog, but more importantly he'll always be a good friend.

ANDREW, Age 12
Grade 7, Hebron Middle School, Shepherdsville, Kentucky
Best Friend: Lexas, 7-8-year-old Labrador
November 16, 2007

     the definition of a friend is...a person who gives assistance. That friend is my dog Lexas. What does that mean for you? Labradors are the best friend that you could ever have. Dogs especially Labradors love there owners because they have nothing better to do.
     Everytime something went wrong my dog was there they know when things are wrong. My grandmother had a heart attack on christmas day. There were four dogs there they sure did know something was wrong. They waited shaking, for my grandmother to come home safe and sound. They know when i'm sick or that something is wrong. Dogs are my friend and they are yours.

ALLISON, Age 12
Grade 7, Hebron Middle School, Shepherdsville, Kentucky
Best Friend:  Porsha, 3-year-old Siberian Husky
November 16, 2007

     One day My parents and I went to go and get a puppy and a few weeks before that we went to go and pick out the that very special puppy and we got there the puppy we picked out wouldn't leave her mother or father, so instead one puppy came up to me and wanted to play so I chased her around the house a few times before we had to leave and she followed me all the way to the car like a little shadow and when I opened the door I bent down and picked her up but she did try to run away from me but she was too slow and I put her in the seat next to as my dad paid for her, that's where our friend ship began.
     After a few minutes we finally got home and Porsha and I stayed in the car a little while as my parents let out our grumpy old cat, Tuffy, and me and Porsha got out of the car and I led Porsha to the gate and as she entered the back yard she ventured to the strange creature and sniffed his nose and this annoyed him a lot and his hissed at her and gave her little friendly pat on the head and with a yelp and a jump back Porsha knew not to mess with him!

CASH, Age 12
Grade 7, Hebron Middle School, Shepherdsville, Kentucky
Best Friend: Lucy, 22-month-old GOLDEN RETRIEVER
November 15, 2007

     My dog is special because she will always play with because will always play with me, she is also my favorite breed of a dog which is a Golden Retriever.
     She cheers me up when I'm sad because when you look into her eyes, it's like seeing everything that makes you happy combined. Yet when you look into them, the feeling is a mixture of guilt and happiness together that makes you want to play with her all day.
     She does look out for me, when I'm alone or if it's raining, she's there beside me trying to lick me. I think she knows when I'm happy, sad, or just bored.
     All these are reasons why I think she's special. Her name is Lucy.

MYRANDA, Age 13
Grade 7, Hebron Middle School, Shepherdsville, Kentucky
Best Friend: Lilly Ann, 3-year-old Silky Terrier
November 12, 2007

     Do you have a best friend that's there when you're down? Maybe they look out for you when you're alone, or they might even play with you all the time! Well my best friend is there for everything, and she's my Silky Terrier, Lilly.
     Lilly is always there for me when I'm sad. Some days I am in a terrible mood and I feel like my whole family hates me. Although it's not true, Lilly loves me, and is there for me. She cuddles up on my lap and looks up at me with her big brown eyes, and licks me on the noise with her slobbery tongue. It always seems to give me a sort of comforting feeling when she does those kinds of things. It makes me feel like she's listening, even if she doesn't know what I'm talking about. I can remember when I was the one "telling" her it would be okay. Things have definately changed, I can always count on her to love and care for me!
     Lilly is my guard dog! Although she only weighs ten pounds, she likes to make herself sound like she's a big o' Saint Bernard! When I'm alone I know I can always count on her! She scares me (sometimes) when she barks at the neighbors getting their mail. I guess it's her way of protecting me! (Whether it scares me or not.) She follows me everywhere I go when I by myself. I seriously think she might lose her mind if I get out of her sight. She's a great watchdog for such a small pup!
     Finally, Lilly definately majors in playing and having fun! Lilly is so funny, not only does she like playing with her toys, she loves picking up peoples toys, and playing tug a war with them! We can barely even leave out a dirty sock, without her running off with it! She hides until someone finds her and then she tugs, I usually win, and then she'll walk off and act like she was going easy, yeah right! Sometimes we'll let her out to go to the bathroom, and a little later I walk out the door, and find a little bone sitting on the steps. She constantly wants to play, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
     My best friend is awesome, she's there for me when I'm down, looks out for me when I'm alone, and loves to play with me! What more can I ask form her? She's the best, I love my doggy, Lilly!

BJORN, Age 8
Grade 2, Expo Elementary School, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Best Friend: Walter, 10-month-old Mastiff
November 11, 2007

     My dog Walter sleeps by my bed every night and snores like a lion roaring. His head is up to my shoulder and he weighs 150 pounds. He looks like a big black pony. His farts are as stinky as rotten garbage.
     I'm responsible for feeding Walter. He will eat anything, even my football! He's a lazy dog, for example when my dad pushed him off the couch he just stayed laying down as he slid off the couch and just kept napping. Walter is my best friend because he's cool, awesome, and loving!
     His favorite thing to do is eat; he just chokes down his food. It takes about 5 seconds to eat a whole bowl of dog food. His second favorite thing to do is nap; he will even freezing cold ground.

CHRIS, Age 12
Grade 7, Hebron Middle School, Shepherdsville, Kentucky
Best Friend: Tilly, 5-year-old Pomeranian
November 1, 2007

     My dog is special to me because when ever I get off the school bus she waits at the dog for me. She is so happy to see me you would think it was Christmas morning. Not only when I get off school, but every time I leave and come back she is like that. It makes me feel special.
     Her name is Tilly and she is a Pomeranian. Tilly is 5 years old. I got her when I was seven. She know when I am sad. When I am on my bed sad she is right there next to me as if she knows what I'm feeling. In the mornings when my mom comes to wake me up (she doesn't have any luck at that) Tilly starts to lick my face and paws at my shoulder.
     She is also there for me when I get scared. Sometimes I don't like to go to the basement by myself but I get Tilly to go with me and it makes me feel better. She barks at strangers and lets me know when someone is coming. She has never bitten anyone, but I think she would if they tried to hurt me.

BRENNAN, Age 9
Grade 4, Oak Grove Elementary School, Poughkeepsie New York
Best Friend: Magoo, 4-year-old Yellow Lab
October 29, 2007

     Hi my name is Brennan and my girls best friend Magoo love to play with me. A beautiful yellow lab like him loves to play fetch. Magoo fallows all the rules in the game. Hes such a good dog. My best friend is very obedient to anyone he sees when its diner time he tries to eat the plate!
     The story behind Magoo is when we got him he was named Tanka but he looked like my Grandfathers dog who was named Magoo. He was given to us by my moms friend who loves dogs. There you have it. That's the story of the amazing Magoo.

TORI, Age 11
Grade 6, Birchland Park Middle School, Meadow, Massachusetts
Best Friend: Sammy Sue, 12-year-old Bishon Poodle Mix
October 29, 2007

     My dog Sammy is a wonderful dog that I love so much, He means alot to me. When he goes missing I freak out. Hes an adorable dog. I have had him since I was three and I have had many memories with him. They say he might live for a long time. He likes to dance for cheese and its simply adorable, I love my Sammy alot. We like Sammy Sue because it rhymes with Scooby Doo.
     Hes an inside dog that loves to have fun and treats with his owners. He is like a little furry stuffed animal. He sleeps at the bottom of my bed and he has little puppy dreams that sometimes wake me up. He is smaller then the snow so when we go out we have to shovel a path.

EMMA, Age 8
Grade 3, Freedom Elementary School, Bradenton, Florida
Best Friend: Lana Lee, 22-month-old  Boxer
October 26, 2007

     I have a dog named Lana. We call her Lana Lee. When I get hurt she comes up to me and licks my face. She won't stop only if you tell her to. She will come if you call her in from the house. She is so nice to me and everybody (Even the garbage man.) I love her when she is all calm so I can pet her smooth fur.
     My dog is the best dog you could ever seen. You can't say the words ice, banana and treat because she will think that you will give her some. That is why she is my best friend I've ever had.

HALLIE, Age 7
Grade 2, Gales Ferry Elementary School, Gales Ferry, Connecticut
Best Friend: Cleo, 11-year-old Australian Shepherd Mix
October 25, 2007

     My best friend is my dog, Cleo. She is half mutt, half Australian Shepherd. Cleo is 11 years old. She does not like to swim, play with toys, or catch frisbees. She likes to wander off to the Mitchells, and they have two bulldogs. We sometimes like to take her to Wisconsin, where my Grandma & Grampa live. Cleo used to have a friend, Sheba, but she died because she was getting too old. We have had her ever since we lived in New York.
     Cleo is my best friend because she likes me and I like her. She always licks me when I come near. Cleo also likes to have lots of attention and likes to beg me to pet her. She likes to snuggle people on the couch, like a couch potato. She also likes to steal people's spots and dig her nose into people's necks.

KELLY, Age 9
Grade 4, Jennie Reid Elementary School, LaPorte, Texas
Best Friend: Precious, 1-year-old Lhasa Apso
October 23, 2007

     My best four legged friend is my dog named Precious. She is very playful and always very happy. She is just the most wonderful dog anybody is lucky to have.
     When I go to the backyard she comes to me and I start to touch her and she starts to pee all over me. I love her very much and I am happy she is part of the Meza family. Everybody in the family knows her as the family dog.
     She is very protective and at the same time very playful. Everybody loves her very much. She is the sweetest dog in the entire world!!
     Her and I sometimes go out in our little neighborhood and go for a little walk. We don't go to far because she is very lazy so she gets tired easily. So we go to the backyard and relax.
Precious has always been there far me like when I'm sad i go outside with her and I talk to her for a little while. Next thing you know when I come back inside I'm laughing out loud.
     All I'm trying to say about Precious is that she is amazing!

JENNIFER, Age??
Grade 7, Hebron Middle School, Sheperdsville, Kentucky
Best Friend: Molly, 3-year-old Border Collie
October 21, 2007

     What makes my dog so special is she always know how to put a smile on my face even when I am having a bad day. She always manages to cheer me up when I am down. My dog will not let a stranger even get close to me, when we are out walking. She always lays at my feet when I am sitting down on the couch. She is like my teddy bear at night. I can tell my dog anything and she would not tell a soul!
     I always have a dance partner when I need one. My dog is always there when I need a shoulder to cry on when I am not having a good day. My dog always has a smile on her face even when you can that she doesn't feel good. She is always wanting to play with her toy's. Last of all the reason I love my dog is because she is all mine, and I don't have to share her.

JESSICA, Age 11
Grade 6, Jordan School?, Palo Alto, California
Best Friend: Pepe, 16-year-old Black Standard Poodle
October 17, 2007

     When I was born my dog, Pepe, would not let my mom leave the crib. If she even went to get a drink of water, he'd whine and lie down by me. When I got older, he would let me grab his fur to help me stand up and walk.
     He would scare me by opening partly closed doors with his paws. His little black paw would creep around the corner like in a horror movie. And once in a while he'd 'run away' and we'd find him sitting in the car, hoping for a ride. He was the best dog in the world!

KAYLA, Age 12
Grade 7, Heberon Middle School, Shepherdsville, Kentucky
Best Friend: Brandy, 4-year-old Labrador Retriever
October 16, 2007

     My dog Brandy is very special to me and I wouldn't trade her for the world! She has been there for me in good times and in bad, when I'm sad, mad or just plain annoyed. The main reason she is special to me is well...., let me tell you the story.
     I was about 7 or 8 and I was in either 2nd or 3rd grade and I was just walking off the steps of my bus {I get off at the end of my road and there is a little house right in the corner of it} and there was a dog named Clark that lived there and met me at the end of the road when i got off the bus, but something was different today. There was a yellow lab dog standing there with and they ran from the house to meet me. I stopped and bent down to pet her, her fur was as rugged as dirt. I stood up and started to walk away and her and Clark followed. We reached the house and I put her in a stall in the blue barn, I brought her water and I petted her for a long time. I let the dog out as my mom pulled into the driveway.
     My mom's mouth dropped and she said "Ahhhh... she's so cute, but she can't stay." and I replied with a "MOM, she followed me home and I didn't even say anything about her staying!" The day passed by so quickly , played with her, petted her, and gave her a lot of attention. And my mom didn't even say a word. I thought she would run away that night but to my surprise she didn't, she had stayed right there on the porch all night.
     When I woke up and had got dressed I walked out on the front porch and filled with so much joy, grabbed the dog and gave her about a thousand kisses! I yelled "She stayed, she stayed!" my mom walked out and seen what had occurred. She seemed happy too. We walked back in and looked out the glass door at the dog and my mom said "If she stays tonight you can have her and she can stay" I jumped up and down literally and thanked G-d! I was so happy and she ended up staying that night, and I got to keep her. I had always wanted a dog and it was like G-d had heard my prayers for a dog all those years and finally answered them.
     That is my story and I was happy to tell you all. She has now gone through 3 pregnancies and 3 litters of pups and a loss of 1 pup. Her husband "Blue" {a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd} recently passed away in 2006 it was a great loss and I thank god that I still have Brandy. She has always been there for me and I'm going to be here for her until death do us part. This is why my dog Brandy is very special to me.

STEFANI, Age 11
Grade 7, Desert Ridge Junior High School, Mesa, Arizona
Best Friend: Rocky, 1-year-old German Shepherd
October 12, 2007

     My dog is a loving, caring, and not like every other dog in the world. When I'm down he makes me laugh. When I'm mad he cheers me up by putting his head next to mine. When my parents say they're going to get rid of him, he always finds a way to behave.
     When there's something wrong that's going on outside, he always protects me. When I feel like all my friends have turned their backs on me, he's there to be my best friend. When I'm bored he plays with me. When I hear my parents fighting he finds a way to talk to me with all the noise going on. My dog is there always to protect, love, and be my friend.

ROXANNE, Age 12
Grade 7, Knox Junior High School, Woodlands, Texas
Best Friend: Coco, 9-year-old Rat Terrier
October 1, 2007

     My best friend and I met when I was 5. It was right after my little sister was born and wow was I glad I had someone to talk to because that girl was a handful. Anyways, I had always known she loved me, And I loved her, but I didn't think she loved so much as to where everytime somebody tried to hug me, Coco would start barking and try to attack the person that was hugging me.
     It didn't matter how big or small that person was, she'd go right on and attack them. I couldn't believe it! I couldn't stop laughing, and neither could anyone else. She was so small and she was barking at everyone who just hugged me.

JORDAN, Age 9
Grade 4, ??? Gene Witt Elementary School, Bradenton, Florida
Best Friend: Spike, 4-year-old Bull Mastiff
September 29, 2007

     My typical best friend is a dog. His name is Spike and he is the cutest little Bull Mastiff anybody has ever seen! He has a brown body and black eyes, mouth, and nose. Plus the cutest BIG paws. He loves to play and jump and hop around, but to tell you the truth he is a bit lazy at some particular moments. Some times to the point where he wont even lift his head up! Other than that he's up and running all the time, like a computer!
     He doesn't have as long of a tail you would expect, it's actually kind of curly! it goes down then up again. In the night all you hear is WOOF WOOF WOOOOOOF!!! All night long.
     It gets very annoying. I guess what I'm trying to say is, he's my dog and nobody can out love him. Nobody can take him away from me, because I love him and he is part of my family!!

DIANA, Age 10
Grade 6, Mitchell Middle, Rancho Cordova, California
Best Friend: Pirate, 1-year-old Collie
September 26, 2007

     Who ever thought my dog would be my best friend? I hated all dogs. No matter how "cute" they were. But that all changed when I met Pirate.
     I got Pirate at an animal shelter. I didn't pick him out...he picked me out. He went frantic when I passed by. My mom giggled. Without a moments notice, I was walking out the door with Pirate.
    My first few days with Pirate were awkward. He stared when I ate, he stared when I cryed, and he stared when I was reading. After a while, I decided to make a point to play with him. It went better than I thought.
     Ever since then, me and Pirate are always there for each other. I never felt so close to someone like him. He has made such a big difference in my life. One day, I'll thank him for that.

MALLORY, Age 12 (almost 13!)
Grade 7, ??? School, Mesa, Arizona
Best Friend: Sam Rip'n'Tear, 7-year-old Chocolate Labrador Retriever
September 1, 2007

     I love my dog Sam so much! I have always adored animals, and when I was six, the thing I wanted most was a dog. I got the perfect one. He completely suits our family, and he's oh-so-cute. I was so incredibly happy to get him! He's our little miracle. (Maybe not little, more like a 75 pound miracle.)
     He is so friendly and energetic. I love to pet and play with him. Another reason I love him so much is because he doesn't care if I got a bad grade, or if I don't have any makeup on. I can always vent, and sometimes when I cry, he comes over to me and lays his head in my lap. My dog is so wonderful, and I hope he lives to be old and happy.

INDIGA, Age 11
Grade 6, Schimelpfenig Middle School, Plano, Texas
Best Friend: Samson, 4-year-old British Labrador Retriever
July 19, 2007

     Samson, my yellow British labrador retriever, is a bit of a pig. He will bark at anything that goes by the door, eat anything that touches the ground, and will get very jealous.
     We take him on road trips in our van sometimes, which he really likes. One time, we went to Colorado to the Great Sand Dunes. It was very windy there, and the sand was very soft too. Samson was up to his chest in sand. In fact, he sat in my dad's lap because he was so scared!
     My brother and I took cardboard with us to use as sleds but they didn't work. So, we had fun rolling down the dunes instead. I was on another dune, next to the one Samson and my parents were on. So when I got near the bottom, I could not be seen from where they were sitting. Since Samson is a Labrador, he is a very good guard dog, so he jumped out of my dad's lap and came shooting towards where I was.
     As soon as he could see me and knew that I was okay, he came running back. He plopped himself right back into my dad's lap as I started climbing up the dune again. It's not much of an act of bravery, but I take it to be very nice that he would overcome his fear of the high winds and sand to protect me.

VICTORIA, Age 9
Grade 4, Southside Elementary School, Starke, Florida
Best Friend: Beauregard, 5-year-old Cocker Spaniel
July 12, 2007

     This is the story of a day in the life of my dog Beau. He is a good dog and I hope he will live forever. In the daytime my dog Beau sleeps in my room and eats in the kitchen.
     My dog Beau loves to sleep. Beau barks when he is sleeping. I think when Beau is sleeping, he dreams about fighting dogs and he barks at the dogs. Also, Beau sleeps on his left side and looks as if he is running. Maybe Beau is dreaming of chasing a cat. I think Beau dreams while he is sleeping. He probably dreams good dreams.
     Beau, the dog likes to eat. Beau is a picky eater. He only likes meat and vegetables. Beau tips over his bowl when he wants more to eat. It is funny when he makes his bowl flip over. Most of the time Beau eats too fast. He gobbles it down and gets the hiccups.
     This has been a day in Beau's life. My dog Beau loves to sleep and eat during the daytime. I think the in future Beau is still going to have a lot days in his life.

BRIELLA, Age 10
Grade 5, Woodsdale Elementary School, Wheeling, West Virginia
Best Friend: CeCe, 3-year-old Miniature Schnauzer
June 24, 2007

     My Cece is very special to me because I can tell her all my problems and secrets. She acts just like a little baby. For example like a little baby she reaches her arms out if she wants to be held by a different person! She is smart also. My cousins have her sister, and when we say her sister's name, Booboo, she goes to the door and barks like crazy.
     Tricks are one of the many things she likes to do. She can sit, dance, lay down, and shake my hand. If I tell her to go to my room she will run up to my room and wait for me to come up. I love Cece, and I hope I have her for a very long time.

MADDIE, Age 11
Grade 6, Whitefish Bay Middle School, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
Best Friend: Sydney, 1½-year-old GOLDENdoodle
June 17, 2007

     I will always remember the day that Sydney jumped into our lives. She is my adorable puppy and I love to snuggle with her. Before I had Sydney, I had Rudy, a aggressive little poodle. We had just given him back to the breeder because he was aggressive and bit people. We were all sad to see him go, but our Dad had promised us another dog. We researched breeds and found Goldendoodles were said to be great dogs for children. That's where everything started.
     After a long and jumpy car ride, we finally arrived at the breeders. We were planning to just look at dogs at a certain breeder and decided to look at older dogs. The breeders let out three dogs, an energetic, golden colored male, a quiet, golden colored male, and a sweet, chocolate colored female. The two males were happy to get out of the room they lived in and ran around in circles with their favorite toys, whereas the girl took one look around, went straight up to my mom, looked her in the eyes, and kissed her hand. That was final. We got the female and named her Sydney, in honor of our vacation to Sydney, Australia that summer.
     Sydney is living with us now, filling our lives with joy. It was a big surprise to find out our birthdays were the same! Well, her birthday is my half birthday and my birthday is her half birthday. We all love her and she so sweet and kind to us! I love playing with her and throwing her tennis ball to see her run after it like crazy. As I write this, I am imagining her sticking her head out the car window, her ears flapping in the breeze, while trying to jump out the car window to say hi to the people she hasn't met. Go, Sydney!

GRACE, Age 11
Grade 5, Sonora Elementary School, Sonora, California
Best Friend: Clancy, 3-year-old Australian Shepherd
June 9, 2007

     My dad owns a buisness. One day while I was sitting in the lobby a backpacker came in. He had a dog with him. He asked the lady at the desk who's dog it was. She said it was one of the packer's dogs. She also said that he wouldn't be back to the pack station for a while so I said I would take care of him until the owner gets back.
     Finally, when the owner got back I gave him his dog back, but he said I could have the dog because he didn't want a dog that wouldn't follow him. That's how I got my wonder dog, Clancy.

TESS, Age 13
Grade 8, Millikan Middle School, West Hills, California
Best Friend: Shadow, 3-year-old English Springer Spaniel
May 19, 2007

     My English Springer Spaniel named Shadow is a very special dog. He is not like any other dog you might meet walking down the street, running along the beach, or sitting on someone's front porch. Shadow is my guardian angel. He is the sun shining upon my life. He is my best friend.
     Shadow has accomplished a lot in his life. His personality is amazing. He has never growled at anyone or anything, and he is so sweet that when people meet him they want to take him home. Not only that, but he is very smart and can do over twenty tricks.
     Not long after my family and I got Shadow, he saved my life. I was taking him on a walk, and we were walking in the street since it was quiet and no one was around. Suddenly, I heard a sound behind me and soon realized that I was about to be hit by a car. Shadow switched from his slow pace to a run and pulled me way over to the sidewalk.
     Shadow now participates and competes in the sport of agility. He has won many competitions and the bond between us has grown immensely. That is why Shadow is very special to me.

MAKALA, Age 10
Grade 4, Cold Spring Elementary School, Santa Barbara, California
Best Friend: Makala's Red Ruby, 3-year-old Toy Poodle
May 16, 2007

     Ruby is the best friend in the world no matter what she's always there by my side where ever I am or who ever I'm with. She comforts me no matter what and I can confide my life, problems, friends, and enemies.  What I do and where I am doesn't matter to her she loves me for who I am. She means the world to me.
     There are things she does that make me happy, sad, and mad all at the same time. Sometimes it's her who needs to be comforted. She makes a big difference in my life. Life without her would be nearly impossible.

RYAN, Age 10
Grade 5, McKenna Elementary School, Massapequa Park, New York
Best Friend: Jake, 3-year-old Miniature Schnauzer
May 6, 2007

     My furry friend's name is Jake. Jake is the absolute #1 biggest mush in the world. He is also 100% spoiled rotten. Jake has his own $395 chair, and whenever he sees you, he'll always start to smile, a smile that is the most obvious thing in the world. He will also never let you go anywhere. Whenever we go out the door, Jake will bark and bark like you are in grave danger, so in other words he is our pint- sized body guard
     Jake also seems human sometimes. He could be that Grumpy old guy that lives down your street or that woman who is obsessed with sun bathing. One reason is because every night he won't settle for sleeping on the foot of your bed, he wants to settle right between you and whomever else is sleeping with you. He likes to be on the silky sheets with his head on your pillow.
     So my last and most strange thing that Jake does is that he is our personal sun dial. He follows the sun all around the house and literally sunbathes. I always tell him that no matter how much he lays in the sun, his fur won't get any tanner. With that, I know that if I tell Jake that he won this contest, he'll be wagging his 1-inch-long tail a mile a minute!

MAGGIE, Age 10
Grade 4, Belmont Station School, Ashburn, Virginia
Best Friend: Tizzy Lizzy Lu, 3-year-old Beagle
April 18, 2007

     My best friend is a dog named Tizzy Lizzy Lu, but we just call her Tizzy or Tizzy Lu. She is only a baby and she loves me the most in my family. We think that when we got her the old owners said Tizzy was abused by a man because she is afraid of all new men that she hasn't fully met yet.
     Me and my dog don't go every where together, but we almost do. Tizzy is one of those dogs that won't go any where when she doesn't have to. She loves treats and Tizzy loves when I pet her with my foot on her back. Tizzy is the best dog anyone can ask for!

ALANAH, Age 10
Grade 5, Toorak College, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Best Friend: Digby, 17-month-old Jack Russell Terrier Cross
April 16, 2007

     My dog Digby is the best dog in the world. He makes me laugh and comforts me. He has a spot that looks like a love heart. He is really beautiful.
     He watches television with my family and me. He is a sensational dog, if you keep him waiting too long on his food he'll jump up and steal it right out of your hand. He is so loving.
     Digby is really good at running and jumping. He'd be good in a race or a hurdle competition, but he'd either try and eat the other dogs or run straight back over to me.
     Digby is an exceptional dog. I love him with all my heart.

SIDNEY, Age 16
Grade 10, Chappell School, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Best Friend: Maddy, 2-year-old Labrador Retriever/GOLDEN RETRIEVER Mix
April 10, 2007

     In November, 2 years ago, I was sitting at home with my sisters and my brother and my dad told us he was going to get us a "treat". We thought he was going to get us candy but he brought home something better: a black puppy. It's dad was a Golden Retriever and it's mom was a Black Labrador Retriever. Now she's 2 years old and she's pretty big now.
     She is a pretty smart dog because she learned how to sit the first time we sat down to train her! She is also determined to make friends with my cat, Max. He really doesn't like her but she won't stop bothering him, she's so friendly! She doesn't mind a slap in the head once in awhile.
     We recently got a new dog, a pug, and that's the only person or animal she doesn't like! Whenever Lilly (the pug) tries to go by her she growls at her! It's probably because Lilly's stealing all her attention since she's a puppy! She's always trying to get our attention. She is so concerned about us even if we're just sneezing she has to come up and make sure we're ok. I'm sure if something bad happened to one of us she would be the one to help us. Even if she's hyper and sassy sometimes she's mostly a good dog and wouldn't hurt anyone or anything...well, except for some of our furniture.

ZACHARY, Age 10
Grade 4, Ralph M. Captain Elementary School, St. Louis, Missouri
Best Friend: Bear, 3-year-old American Eskimo Dog
March 27, 2007

     My best furry four-footed friend is a shaggy but beautiful, friendly dog, Bear. She is very calm and adventurous, but she can be very stubborn. She is rather picky when it comes to eating food and will not try something new very easily. I had a hard time feeding her to her pleasure at first. After trying a good number of dog foods and human foods I found that she likes shortbread cookies! At times she is very graceful but at other times she just wants to have fun!
     I found Bear when I was playing with my friends at our school playground, which is convienently close to us all, when I saw a dog wandering around. I looked around to see if there was a person standing nearby that the dog could have belonged to and the owner had accidentally let go of the leash but there was no one. I then ran down to meet the dog and when I got a closer view of her I could see that she was soaking wet. I reached out to try to get her to come closer to me but as all dogs are when they meet strangers she backed away timidly.
     When she finally trusted me she came close to me and I noticed she did not have a right full owner. She did not have a tag that all dogs have to have stating their home, city, and home phone number. Instead it had a St. Louis Regulation Pet Center tag. I then called that number and I recited the I.D. number on the tag. The lady said they had sold Bear to the Humane Society. I then called the Humane Society and they told us to bring the pet in for examination tomorrow morning.
     We went to the Humane Society and they looked to make sure it belonged to them and they checked his health and looked to see if he had rabies. The doctor told us that he was healthy and that Bear belonged to them. The doctor then asked something un-expected. She asked if we wanted to keep it! So my parents and I had the normal lecture before you get a pet that it's your responsibility and you have to feed it and everything but finally they signed the papers and we walked out of the Humane Society with Bear on a leash. She was part of the family. I swear I saw a smile on her face.

ADAM, Age 10
Grade 4, Ralph M. Captain Elementary School, Clayton, Missouri
Best Friend: Coal, 6-year-old Portuguese Water Dog
March 27, 2007

     My best friend was my dog Coal. He was a Portuguese Water Dog. He was very cute. He had black shaggy hair all around and a big white spot under his chin. He was very friendly and he loved playing with everyone, all of our neighbors. He could run very fast. He loved playing "fetch." When it was snowing we would take him outside.
     One day during January my dad took Coal on a morning walk in the snow at 6:00 am. Dad let Coal off the leash because he was walking back home. When my dad took the leash off, Coal ran toward our home and about half way there Coal ran away. Then my dad called the police and asked neighbors. We hoped that one of the neighbors had seen him or had maybe they had him at their home. Nobody found Coal. So now we have a cat that we don't let outside the house, so she won't run away.

JEREMY, Age 12
Grade 6, Chief Kanim Middle school, North Bend, Washington
Best Friend: Zeke, 3-year-old Terrier Mix
March 27, 2007

     In my opinion, dogs are the best animals in the world. They cheer you when you are sad, heel you when you are sick, and play with you when you are lonely. Many people with cancer or aids have found comfort in their dog. My dog Zeke is an amazing and inspirational dog.
     Zeke was rescued from an Indian reservation when he was only six months old. He was starved and severely abused. The man who found him fed him up and gave him all his shots. Sadly, he worked all over the country and only had space for one dog. We were playing at the beach one day in North East Washington, when a man walked to the beach with a dog. My mom remarked "What a cool dog" Then the man asked, "Do you want him" From that moment on Zeke became on of the most important things in the world to me.
     Zeke is lovely and a great animal to be with. If you had him as a pet I'm sure he would be your favorite pet too. He is definitely min and I love him more then everything.

ANNA, Age 11
Grade 5, Sperry Intermediate, Sperry, Oklahoma
Best Friend: Blue Belle, 1-year-old Blue Heeler
March 27, 2007

     This story is about how our family got our beautiful puppy, Blue Belle.
     When my mother said I was going to Taylars's, I didn't have the slightest clue we were going to get a puppy.
When we got there Taylar sadly gave us the puppy. I was soooooooo EXCITED!!
     Every day I played with her and tried to teach her how to fetch. Now, I'm the only one she respects.
     One day she ran away. My family was in tears! But luckily, my nana had put an old cat collar on her and a church called and said they'd found her! My family was so happy! We hugged her until I thought she was going to pass out.
     So that is my story of how I got my beautiful dog Blue Belle.

MEGAN, Age 10
Grade 5, Huggins Elementary,  Fulshear, Texas
Best Friend: Lucy, 1-year-old Miniature Daschund
March 27, 2007

     I have a dog named Lucy. Sounds pretty simple, right? Well, it's not. Whenever I get home off the bus, she comes to greet me every time. Even though she's not any good as a watchdog (because she goes and licks any stranger she sees), she's my BEST BUDDY! When I go to sleep at night, it's with her. I take her for a walk every day and she loves me the most out of all my family.
     I take her on my trampoline and she enjoys it extremely, but only with yours truly! Whenever I have a friend come over the only thing I talk about is my little dog Lucy and say she is my best friend ever in the whole wide world, because she is! Well, that's all, folks. Catch me next time on I LOVE LUCY!

QORI, Age 13
Grade 8, The Mott Hall School, New York, New York
Best Friend: Biggie, 4-year-old Shih-Tzu
March 16, 2007

     That white and brown dog I'm always talking about? He would fall under the category of best friend. A best friend is always there for you when you need the comfort, like my dog is for me. He could be annoying sometimes, like any best friend would be, but I still love him no matter what. I don't mind having to take him outside to walk, feeding him, or taking care of him. It's a pleasure to have him with me. What kind of best friend would I be to him if I didn't take care of him?
     There's more to my dog than I can put in this little entry, but what you should know is that this is the best dog I've ever known and he deserves everything the world can offer.

JESSICA, Age 11
Grade 5, Country Heights Elementary School, Philpot, Kentucky
Best Friend: Scooby Doo, 3-year-old Beagle
March 16, 2007

     My dog Scooby is the best and cutest puppy ever! He always cheers me up when I am down because his skin flaps beside his mouth and he has the cutest little eyes! He and me are always best buds. He trusts me and me alone and I trust him always. He just knows when to make you smile.
     We found on the side of the rode with no collar so we took him home. From first sight of that little sweety of that cute little face and we caught eyes, I knew this would be an everlasting friendship!

CARRIE, Age 9
Grade 4, Arther Circle School, Shreveport, Louisiana
Best Friend: Lizzie, 4-year-old Labrador Retriever
March 21, 2007

     My dog Lizzie and I are really close friends. It all started when one day my Mom said we could get a dog. So we went to the Pet Store to get our new dog. We looked at many dogs, but when we saw Lizzie we knew she was the one. She was in a cage with one other dog so she was kind of lonely. My mom thought a lab would be great, since we have such a big back yard. So the puppy could run around.
     When we first got him he was only a week old. We had to start taking good care of him. My sister didn't really help. So Lizzie started loving me. Everyday I would go out and teach her tricks. After I would gave her a nice warm bath. Then, she would shake the soap and water all over me. When she was a month old she laid in bed with me. Sometimes when I wake she is spread out all over my face. Those were some good times.
     When she was about three years old she was to big to fit in my bed. I had to wash her outside in a big bucket. She still sleeps in my room, but in a doggy bed. Lizzie is the best dog ever.

TREVER, Age 11
Grade 5, Pt. Fermin Elementary, San Pedro, California
Best Friend: Maggie, 4-year-old Mixed Breed
March 16, 2007

     One time right after spring break I came home to a home with a dog named Maggy but I had no clue she was there. Then my mom Vickie opened the back door and here comes Maggy. But the thing is that at that point and now I am scared of dogs.
     Anyway, here comes Maggy. So I run into my kitchen and jump onto one of our kitchen stools. But after about thirty minutes on that stool I got used to having a dog in the house. So I get off of the stool. Now ever since then Maggy and I have been good friends.

QUINLAN, Age 11
Grade 5, Hillcrest Elementary, Lawrence, Kansas
Best Friend: Paco, 10-month-old Chocolate Labrador
March 15, 2007

      Paco was born in March of 2006, and the breeder sold him to a young college student. From there the boy gave the dog to his girlfriend as an offer to get back together. (They had just broken up.) She didn't want the dog, so she gave Paco to my cousin. My cousin was going off to college, so she couldn't take care of the dog either. She gave the dog to her mother, my Great aunt, but my aunt was moving, and there was no place left for poor Paco to go. So, Paco came to us.
     We've had him for almost a year, and we love him a lot. I couldn't live without Paco because, once I get home from school, my entire day revolves around him! I have to run with him, Play, feed him, brush him and a lot more. Paco is the love of my life, and is my best friend ever. Paco is so much fun! Even though he's only 10 months old, Paco can run faster than anyone I know, and, keep in mind I'm 5 feet tall, his back is up above my hip! Paco is also taking on some interesting traits... he used to be a dark brown, but now he's splattered with yellowish-blonde spots! I never would have expected that!
     Sometimes Paco also sleeps at the foot of my bed. How cute!

NATALIE, Age 11
Grade 5, Shiloh Point Elementary, Norton, Massachusetts
Best Friend: Frosty Snow, 1-year-old Maltese
March 13, 2007

      When Frosty arrived at my home, February 23, I held him in my arms, gazed into his large black eyes, and suddenly fell in love. I hugged him and he slept with me every night - and still does! My good friend, Sophia had a Maltese also. We scheduled a play-date for the pups, and Frosty and Max quickly became best friends.
     Later that summer we moved two miles away. I loved my new home and friends and Frosty does too! Our WHOLE street is LOADED with adorable, small dogs! Frosty has ajusted very well. Last December of 2006, Frosty turned one year old! I had a small party on the ninth, the day after his birthday. Only one dog showed. I was a little sad, but Frosty's bright and cheerful smile cheered me up as it always does!
     Frosty always makes my days bright. Whenever I am in trouble and am sent to my room, crying, he cuddles me and softly soothes me. That is why I love him. As I always say...
     He Is A Little White Dove From Above!

DARBY, Age 11
Grade 5, Henri A. Yelle Elementary, Norton, Massachusetts
Best Friend: Mia, 1-year-old Goldendoodle
March 13, 2007

     My dog Mia is the best dog that ever lived! While reading this you are thinking, well why is she the best? My dog is part standard poodle and part golden retriever, which makes the Goldendoodle. By under age one she could do many tricks and could mostly "come" whenever we wanted. When we got her, she looked like a oversized rabbit because of her strong legs. She always warns us when someone is coming up the driveway, or a person is running on the street. This keeps us safe because we have a furry, face lapping, burglar alarm! She is an amazing dog, and my whole family loves her!!!
     When she is not warning us about people coming, she is staying a fit and healthy dog. She is very fun to play with, and once she gets outside, she hates to come in! Mia is very fast and it takes about an hour just to tackle and catch her, but we don't hurt her. We will run around the whole yard just trying to get her back in!
     Mia's favorite things to do are hang her head out the window and run away from my brother and I. When she hangs her head out the window, all her pearly-gold hair goes flat against her head and her pink tongue flops all over the place, making the window have dog drool all over it. She also loves running away from my family when we go to run her. This leaves us all out of breath and her only slightly panting! These are her favorite things to do.
     Mia loves my family and we all love her. She has added spice and glamour to our lives, making them worth living. I am very glad Mia is my dog. Thankfully, Mia is still very young and we will have her for many more years to come.

JESSICA, Age 11
Grade 5, Sharon Elementary, Alpharetta, Georgia
Best Friend: Hershey Kiss, 6-month-old Choc. Lab and Chesee
March 12, 2007

     Hershey Kiss is a Christmas puppy. He is very special to us because he is our first dog. The night we got him we were decorating the Christmas tree when Dad saw a huge box outside the door. We rushed to outside and looked inside the box. Our eyes confronted the most adorable puppy you ever saw. Hershey had brown fur all over except for his white paws and chest. A note on the package said that Santa Clause had finally found the right one after 6 years! Mom said she didn't know Santa Clause came so early. I thought it was a miracle!
     Hershey's name was decided because of his color and all my cousins laughed at the name when they heard it, but Hershey does have his oddities. For one, he gets no traction on the floor so when we chase him around he goes soaring across the floor. Kisses (my nickname for Hershey Kiss) is lazy. L-A-Z-Y, that is to say if he doesn't want to run around, he doesn't. Other than that he is pretty normal. He runs, jumps, barks, drools, and does all that cute stuff that puppies do. I love my puppy to death and I wouldn't trade him for any other one!!

DIANA, Age 9
Grade 4, Peters 4-6, Garden Grove, California
Best Friend: Tiffany Ana, 4-year-old cocker spaniel
March 2, 2007

     Hi, my name is Diana and I have a dog named Tiffany. She is the most wonderful dog in the whole wide world to me. Tiffany is my best friend. Everyday that I come home from school she jumps on me and licks me all over right when I just open the door. (Sometimes she does that to strangers that enter the house because when they open the door she thinks it's me. Remember, I'm not home from school yet!) When strangers urge me to go into their car while I'm walking Tiffany she growls and barks at them which scared them away. I love my dog, Tiffany. She is my favorite dog!
     Tiffany just loves to read, when I'm reading a book, she is reading another. When I got fan mail from people in school (I'm the spelling bee champion of the school) she tries to read them but I told her to go down. She did, but she whimpered so I hugged her, gave her a treat, and play ball with her. Tiffany is the prettiest, nicest dog in my world. I love Tiffany!

CASSIDY, Age 10
Grade 5, Oakley, Oakhurst Elementary, Tampa, Florida
Best Friend: Colby, 11-year-old Mix 
February 25, 2007

     Colby is my BFF! Sometimes when my step mom is gone (it's Her dog) My monmon (who lives with us) takes us to the park and I get to walk Colby and he has a special leash I know how to get on him! Colby and I have made up multiple games and I like to read the book 97 ways to make a dog smile over and over to him and then test my favorites out and see what he likes. Colby always gives me kisses and I give him some back. Colby and I Have OUR OWN couch for t.v. movies video games and that stuff where we both sit! Colby sleeps with me almost every night and my bed is his and his is mine! (we like to share!) actually Colby laid next to me last night and when I got up he took over the whole bed then jumped up and followed me to the computer! I share my food with Colby. and I also don't really get mad at him for running off!
     Me and Colby really are best friend and I know I miss him when I'm not home!!

TRAVIS, Age 10
Grade 4, Oakley, California
Best Friend: Journey, 9-month-old Yellow Lab 
February 14, 2007

     This is the story of my best friend, my dog. It all started when I really wanted a puppy. Then my cousin's dog gave birth to 7 puppys [but the owner of the dad choose the only girl]. I bugged and bugged my grandparents to buy one of puppys. Then came the decision we get one! I was so excited. I named him Journey.
     Now my grandparents have their ups and downs with him, but I don't. I love to come home to an excited puppy. He's so funny. He's so loveable. He's [except in obedience] the best puppy dog ever!

BROOKE, Age 11
Grade 5, St. Paul, Minnesota
Best Friend: Molly Mo, 15-week-old Bichon Frise-Poodle 
February 12, 2007

     When I knew I was going to get my cute tiny fluff ball, I knew immediately that it was going to be the best day ever. I got her right our trip to Colorado, I had no clue that we were going to get Molly the next day but I was sure ready. When I got to the breeder I saw her and couldn't believe my eyes I saw the cutest puppy ever, which is now my puppy. She was only 10 weeks old and she could barely walk. This meant I got to carry her in my jacket!
     The first couple of days she was with us she was scared and wanted to sleep all the time. Now that she got to know us she loves to play fetch, squeak her toy and just play. She is very small which means that she can get lost easily, but we keep a good eye on her. She is the best puppy ever and I LOVE HER LOTS!

MIKAYLA, Age 11
Grade 5, Westwood Elementary, Westlake, Louisiana
Best Friend: Molly Ann, 5-year-old Chihuahua 
January 24, 2007

     My dog Molly is my best friend. I don't know what I'd do with out her. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Let me tell you about my dog Molly.
     Molly is a five year old Chihuahua. She is the best dog ever!! Except my other dog Chiko. He is just as good. I would die if I didn't have them anymore.
     Molly goes to sleep with my dad then she comes to sleep with me. We play alot. She is my little sister. We fight sometimes, but we get over it. She might be a dog, but she beats the other little girls in the best little sister contest.
     Molly is my baby girl. If you read this you will know our relationship. I love you Molly!!!

MELANIE, Age 8
Grade 3, Morello Park Elementary, Martinez, California
Best Friend:  Jolley, 2-year-old Yellow Lab
January 24, 2007

     I love my dog.  Her name is Jolley. She is a Yellow Lab. The reason she is my best bud is that she is playful, easy to love, and is very, very crazy. She makes me happy when I am sad because she either brings you her toy, or she rolls over for a tummy rub.
     If you are in the kitchen, she will be there too. She sleeps most of the day. When you either have her leash, or her food dish she will come over to you and circle around you. Jolley loves meeting new people. She is my best bud, and will always be my best bud. That is the story about my best bud, Jolley.

HANNAH, Age 10
Grade 5, Montevideo School, San Ramon, California
Best Friend:  Janie, 6-month-old Cocker Spaniel
January 24, 2007

     About six months ago, my family and i got one of my 2nd grade teacher's dog's puppies. When we brought her home, her name was Zoey. But the whole family decided it should be Queen Janelle Odell of Danville the 1st. We also decided that her main nickname should be Janie. A couple days after we got her, we let her run around the house. Our other dog, Harley, was turning the corner and he nearly killed her. From then on, we never let them near each other again.
     About a month after we got Janie, we had to put our dog Harley down to sleep. It was really hard, especally for my dad.  But Janie made it alot easyer.  I don't know what i would've done without Janie in my life!

JENNIFER, Age 13
Grade 8, Pinnacle Academy (home school), Jacksonville, Texas
Best Friend:  Jack, 9-month-old Male Border Collie
January 15, 2007

     My family's dog Jack is my best friend. The story of how we got him is quite interesting. We had a Border Collie puppy that was stolen, so we began to search for him. After lots of looking, my dad heard something on the radio. Someone wanted to sell an eight month old dog. Since our puppy had only been about four months old, he really didn't think it was him. Just to be sure, he went to the man's house.
     No, it wasn't our puppy, but it was Jack, a poor dog who spent most of his time in a pen. Jack needed a good home where he could get lots of love. So we took him home and named him Jack. He wouldn't fetch a ball or play with any toys. He was very skittish and was very dirty. Jack now plays ball all the time and loves to run. He is a special gift to our family, and I wouldn't trade him for the world.