LAUREN, Age 13
Grade 8,Camerado Springs Middle School, Latrobe, California
Best Friend: Honey, 11-year-old Sheltie
November 16, 2008

     The most exciting day I’ve ever had in my life was when I first got my new puppy when I was 2 and half years old. And here is why it was so exciting to get a puppy:
     One day, my mom and I were going to Petsmart to get a dog. However, we got a little distracted. When we were driving down the road, my mom saw a sign that said, “Sheltie Puppies for Sale.” My mom drove to the house and we got out of the car and rang the doorbell, holding our breaths in excitement.
     A nice lady opened the door and a flood of noisy barking came out of the house. Me and my mom walked inside and then I saw her—the most beautiful dog I’ve ever seen, right before my eyes!
     I ran to the beautiful puppy and hugged her. It was sort of sad, though. The nice lady said that nobody wanted the puppy because she had an under-bite. I didn’t care, because I thought that was what made her look so adorable. I knew she was the one and only puppy I would get out of all the other puppies in the litter.
     After some careful thinking, my mom bought her. We loaded her into our car, and went to the store and bought her a doggie dish, dog food and her own blanket to sleep with. We named her Honey because of the color of her silky fur, and the fact she is a very sweet dog.
     Over the past 10 years, we’ve had a wonderful time together. As I proudly climb up my long driveway after school, I always see her waiting for me in the rose bushes.
     And every time I put on the ice-maker, or turn on the vacuum, she goes crazy barking as she doesn’t like loud noises at all.
     Sometimes we can be naughty by going down to our creek and getting ourselves dirty. When I can’t eat all my dinner, I can always count on her to eat all my table scraps. Honey likes to eat anything, even some vegetables and rice I don’t like to eat.
     Sometimes, Honey gets a little crazy. She runs around in circles really fast and she looks like a furry tornado! Because she is a Shetland sheepdog, that makes her a herding animal. This means she always bites my heels like she is trying to herd me around the yard or into our house. I have to wear socks on my feet or I get little bite marks on them.
     I will never forget washing my dog in what I call, “Doggie Day Spa.” I wash her in our laundry room sink with shampoo and conditioner. Then, I towel dry her and brush out her fur. She likes a nice bath.
     Even though she chases UPS trucks, digs in the flower garden, and chews on our socks, I will always love her no matter what.
     It’s fun to be with Honey and play dress up because I am an only child and it’s much better to have a dog to keep me company. I never feel lonely when I have my dog because we’re such close friends and we’ve known each other so long. We can trust one another entirely. And when I talk to her and tell her all sorts of things, I can tell she’s listening.
     And to this very day, she is still the most exciting thing that I ever had in my life. And now, that I am 13 years old; we still play, dance, and love each other to death.
     But I can never forget the day when I looked deep, deep into her big brown eyes and saw my second-half sitting right there beside me on a patchwork quilt and a beanbag pillow, just waiting for me to come and give her a loving hug!

HALEY, Age 12
Grade 7, Como Montessori School, Fort Worth, Texas
Best Friend: Sweetheart, 4-year-old Pekinese
June 18, 2008

     Mom, I don't feel so good" I said wearily. My mother checked my temperature. "You have fever, go and get rest. You'll have to miss school" she said as she showed me the thermometer. It read the number 100 on it. I trudged on into my room and flopped on my bed. Why do I have to feel bad on
Valentines Day?
     My Pekinese Sweetheart entered my room. "Come here to cheer me up?" I asked. Sweetheart licked my face. I laughed louder then my five year old brother who just ate five pounds of sugar and heard a good joke.
     My dog's not a rescue dog, she only knows the commands sit and stay. She'll run in the street if we let her in the front yard. But she's my dog, and she's perfect to me. Sweetheart licked my face again. I tell her all my secrets; she will not blurt them out to the world. Quietly I told her who I like. Sweetheart’s big eyes met mine, and I knew I was going to have a great day.

OLIVIA, Age 9
Grade 5, Stetson Hills Elementary School, Glendale, Arizona
Best Friend: Winston, 2-year-old Westie-Bichon Frise mix
May 26, 2008

     Winston is a cute, white, playful pooch with a heart for kids. He loves his tug-of-war blanket with a blue bone attached to one end. He is playing with it every single day. If you don't play with him, he'll chase you around until you do. He's a pretty playful dog who acts like a puppy!
     When guests come to our house, he acts like a maniac! We have to lock him in his room. If you don't know him well enough, you won't like him. But, he is a wonderful pup once you get to know him!
     So many people want a dog like Winston. He is athletic, loving, and nice. You will often see him kissing a person. That is why I will sometimes call him the Kissy Monster. But, his only nicknames he will respond to are Winny and Win. I love my dog!

LINDSAY, Age 10
Grade 4, Westchase Elementary School, Tampa, Florida
Best Friend: Sage Bell, 2-year-old Beagle
May 25, 2008

     Sage Bell is a lazy dog. But that is actually what makes her special! Usually you would think that your canine companion needs the best toys in the store, even if it means spending your life's savings. Maybe get them a big meaty bone and 20 other perfect toys.
     Sage Bell is a pioneer. She'll take what's available, what's free. She doesn't pay any mind to the most expensive things like most mutts do. Rinse off your rib bone from lat night's dinner. Before recycling your water bottles, give them to her for a spell. Once, they're all good and chewed up you can throw them in the bin. It can still be recycled; even if it is a little slobbery.
     Along with just about a million other things, that is what makes Sage Bell special. It's what makes her her. It's what makes her one in a million.

VICKI, Age 10
Grade 4, Garrison Jones Elementary School, Dunedin, Florida
Best Friend: Phoebe, 1-year-old Yorkie
May 19, 2008

Phoebe, My best friend

     It all started one October afternoon when I came home from school. There she was the perfect little pup barking and playing. Phoebe. Phoebe. Phoebe. All my love in my heart connected like a magnet to the furry puffball. This is how I got a best friend this year.
     The ball of fur darted across the hallway. I gasped at the sight of a dog scattering all over the place. “Mom! There is a dog in the living room and I don’t know where it came from!” Mom came darting. “Surprise! I got her for free at an old woman’s house. She couldn’t take care of the new puppies so I got one from her!” My grin grew bigger than a whale. This is the pup I knew that would make its place in my heart. I looked at the floor. My room was scattered about. I screamed. I hollered. I was ANGRY. This pup was a gatherer.
     The next morning I saw the pup right in my face licking me to death. Wow a free alarm clock. I noticed it was Saturday. This pup woke me up on a Saturday, the only day I get to sleep in! The dog jumped off my bed. She made my door rattle as she skipped to my brother, Caleb. He screamed too. We took her out on a walk and surprisingly, she cooperated. So we came back inside and guess what. She was still hyper.
     Now it was time to give her a name. Messy? No. Phoebe? Yes. We gave her that name because it rhymed with freebee. So accordingly we had to play with miss hyper. That was until we found out her new nickname. Pigrat. That was because she ate like a pig and was small as a rat. Then the worst thing happened. Our house caught on fire. We had to save Phoebe. I darted in the campfire. I came out with her in my arms coughing. She was okay I was not. But her life was more important than anything to me. I had broken my leg saving her. Finally the firefighters came. We already got everyone out doofus you are too late.
     That day I was proud having a little pup in my heart. At first I thought she was a rascal. Now I believe she was more important than anything in the universe. A few years later she died. I will always remember her.

BRADY, Age 7
Grade 2, Turner Elementary School, Tampa, Florida
Best Friend: Peach Pie, 6-year-old GOLDEN RETRIEVER
May 14, 2008

     My dog's name is Peach Pie. We call her Pie for short. She is a Golden Retriever. When we rescued her, the people were using her just for puppies. And she was very scared of kids because she had never been with one before. She would always walk around me.
     Now, since we feed her healthy food and love her, she is very playful and LOVES to be around me and my friends. I hope she wins this contest, because she is the best dog I could ever have! 

VICKI, Age 10
Grade 4, Garrison Jones Elementary School, Dunedin, Florida
Best Friend: Sally, 3½-year-old Lab mix
May 13, 2008

     Sally is a sweet pup. She loves food and she loves me. Sally is very loyal to me and this is how great my best furry friend! Let me tell you more!
     Sally is my dog’s name. We found her at the humane society. We have one difficulty with her; FOOD! She loves human food but we try to keep her healthy and happy. One time, I was playing outside, and I was in a race. I was running and Timmy, the kid I was racing, pushed me out of the road! My head hit the gutter and I was out cold! When I woke up, there she was, Sally to the rescue!
     On the other paw, she is very loyal. I love this fur ball! If I call her and then my friend calls her she trots over to me. If this dog was entered into a contest of loyalty, I would give her a hundred treat prize! One time I was playing outside, I saw she got out of our backyard, she ran all over the place but when I called her she came galloping back home.
     Last but not least, I love her more than anything in the pup world! If anything was to happen to her I would burst. She almost got hit by a car once and I almost tore the drivers head off! I’m just glad she is okay.
     At first I thought Sally was going to be just an ordinary pup. Now I believe she is the best thing that ever happened.

EMMA, Age 9
Grade 4, Home Schooled, Ashton, Illinois
Best Friend: Fern, 6-month-old Dutch Shepherd
May 12, 2008

     I love Fern a lot. She’s a 6 month old Dutch Shepard puppy who joined my family two weeks ago. She's super sweet and very, very playful.
     Fern is very agile, but at first when I got her, she didn’t know how to jump. Now she loves it and is capable of jumping distance and height, but not at the same time. Later this year I'm going to set up an obstacle course for her.
     Fern knows her name and when she's paying attention, she will come to us when she's called. She is a chewer and has ripped up several chew toys we got for my other dog, Jett, but he doesn’t chew much. I’m still training her for obedience and housebreaking, and we have had a few accidents.
     Fern is a big goof, just like me, so we fit together like two pieces of a puzzle. She likes mouthing me and sometimes barks for no reason, but I’m teaching her not to do that. If you thinking “Six months? Pretty small.” You’re completely wrong. Fern is huge, but only weighs 40 lbs. because she’s long and lanky with big, clumsy feet.
     Fern is a huge bundle of energy, fun and work. She’s broken a choker and a collar and run loose, but only around our yard before coming back and allowing us to catch her. Since she’s a puppy, we have to watch our faces because she’s likely to teeth us in fun and play.
     We were given Fern by a man who said she would be a good companion to get along with Jett, our other dog, who doesn't like other dogs very much. Jett and Fern are learning to get along.
     Fern has been a joy to my family and me and has been the best addition to the family we've ever had. And I’m glad she’s a puppy! She’s already bonding with me and she's the best doggy friend I've ever had!

AMBER, Age 10
Grade 5, P. S. 58, Staten Island, New York
Best Friend: Krissy, 6-month-old Chocolate Lab
May 11, 2008

     A furry friend is quiet unusual, funny too, but for me it brings back only the best memories. Now where should I start, oh yes the day I saw her furry face I had just come home from school that day and certainly knew what was coming. The personality no, but that was worth getting used to. As I walked in I just knew she would be the best thing that had happened to me in awhile.
     The way she jumped into my heart so quickly was unspeakable, and now everyday she'll lay right beside me like the first day I saw her. Each day we grew fonder and fonder, what can I say it's the only story I have heard of with no end. The day I first saw her was breathtaking you can never put in words how much I love her. There will always be a place in my heart just for her, no matter what.

MOMO, Age 12
Grade 6, Glen Morris School, Brantford, Ontario CANADA
Best Friend: Charlie, 4-year-old Yellow Labrador Retriever
May 3, 2008

     My dog, Charlie, is very special. He helps me get through the hard times and barks whenever I walk into the room. It makes everything feel more natural, it makes me feel like I belong.
     I got him when I was 8 years old, for my birthday, I had been begging for a dog. He was perfect, he would cuddle up to me at night and lick my face to make me wake up in the morning. Whenever we got another dog he would be extremely nice to them, even if they bit, nipped, or growled at him. In my opinion he is the perfect dog, one that I probably don't deserve.
     He would be alright when I was away from him, when I would go to the hospital because of my illness, and would be so happy to see me when I got back.
     He lights up my day and makes everyone else smile, he is the best.
     When I would take him for walks, he would listen intently. I could tell him anything and know that my secret was safe, I could say anything without hesitating... it made my life less stressfull.
     When I was be mad, he would cheer me up with his cheeky doggy grin. When I sad he would be the thing I cuddled with, the thing that always brought a smile to my face.
     Unfortunatly he got ran over, but lived. He limps a little now, but still has the same kind, fun, and wonderful personality I love.
    If I had to describe him in one word I would say: Loyal. He doesn't ever leave when I'm talking and has never ran away. He's quiet when I read books to him or complain to him.
     He doesn't get frightened when I yell out of frusteration, or wet his fur with salty tears.
     I could probably fill up billions of books with things about this special dog, but this is supposed to be short so ill say one last thing. I love my dog Charlie with all my heart.

LIZZY, Age 11
Grade 6, Orchard Middle School, Santa Cruz, California
Best Friend: Tyson, 10-year-old Mix
April 30, 2008

     Scritch scratch scritch scratch. My mom woke up, stepped outside and addressed the dog currently scratching the floor. “Tyson, shh it’s one in the morning go to be…” that’s when she saw the flames. Our entire dining room was on fire, and our dog had just saved us all. My mom proceeded to waking up the family and calling 911. I was groggy and tired and I didn’t understand why I was being hustled outside at one AM in my mouse pajamas. Then I saw the fire. All the neighbors came out. No one was inside, or so we thought at first. We heard a yelp and realized Tyson was still inside. He had been trained not to use the front door as not to run away, so he had stayed inside and almost been burnt to death. My twenty six year old brother ran inside and pulled him out of the front door. We all gasped in relief. We spent two months in a rental as our house was redone, but we didn’t care thanks to Tyson we were all alive and healthy.
     Now, seven years later Tyson is an old tired dog, he has to take pills and sleep on a bean bag. But he is still our puppy at heart. Tyson was beaten before he was adopted by us, and had a shattered hip. Maybe because of that he has never barked, only yodeled, or scratched up the floor. He has never bitten anyone, in fact if he sees a person, he runs right up to say hi. We love Tyson more then the air we breathe.

HAILEE, Age 10
Grade 4, Home Schooled, St. Louis, Missouri
Best Friend: Balto, 2-year-old Siberian Husky
April 14, 2008

     My dog Balto is a 2 years old Siberian Husky. He was in the Humane Society for 1 year and no one wanted him. I think know one wanted him because he was blind. Someone had brought him to the Humane Society because they didnt want a blind dog as a pet. But then when their and I saw him my heart melted. He was so cute. When I found out he was blind I didnt care.
     When my mom brought him home he started smelling the place everywhere. Then he smelled my cat Bon Bon. He started to lick her. But my cat did not mind. Then I took him to a doctor the next day to check his eyes. They said that Balto had anestesia. So my mom had to keep him in the doctors for the rest of the day. The next day when he came home I called his name and something amazing happened. HE WALKED TOWARDS ME! It was amazing. I was sooooo suprised. That was my amazing story about Balto.

SUSAN, Age 12
Grade 6, Springfield Elementary School, Springfield, Nebraska
Best Friend: Lucky, 6-month-old Beagle
April 16, 2008

     Lucky is a very good dog. She knows how to beg, to fetch and to roll over. I love her soo much. She has a beautiful coat that is brown and black. I love cuddling her. Her coat is soo soft.
     One day I took her to the park and she ran off into the playground and I found her at the top of the slide. I relized she wanted me to go down. I went down and she met me at the bottom. She is the best dog that ever lived. I've had her ever since she was taken away from her mother.

ANNA, Age 11
Grade 5,  Forest Hills Elementary School, Danville, Virginia
Best Friend: Lilly, 4-month-old German Shepherd
April 10, 2008

     "Aw........." That's the sound of my family looking at all the German Shepherd dogs in the large pen. They all looked so cute. I didn't think I could possibly pick just one, but then I saw a shy little puppy out of the corner of my eye. She was away from the group and I could tell she was afriad by the odd look in her eyes. So I went over to the there and started to pet her. Then my whole family knew she was the dog for us. We took her home and soon became attached to the small furry creature with her big brown eyes that seemed to have us all ingulfed in her little world, but we knew once she got used to being here she would start acting like a real puppy.
     Then, the next day she opened up and revealed that she wasn't always like an angel and we had to clean up all the "accidents" she had left on our rug and teach her that she shouldn't nip at people's toes. Lily soon got the message that she couldn't act bad or she would be in trouble with us. She is now growing at an alarmingly fast pace and we can't wait to see her when she is a full grown dog. Lily truly is my best four legged friend and will always be that!

COOPER, Age 9
Grade 4,  Bleckley County Elementary School, Cochran, Georgia
Best Friend: Spot, 1-year-old Australian Shepherd
April 9, 2008

     My dog, Spot and I are best friends. Every day Spot wants me to play with her, and sometimes I give a little tussle around the ears and run around her, and she jumps on me. We roll around on the ground and have so much FUN! I couldn't have so much fun with out her.
     I am such a loner at school. Almost everybody picks on me, but when I get home Spot cheers me up by barking a greeting at us. Spot gets up and comes lick to lick my face. I really love my dog Spot!

CHLOE, Age 12
Grade 6,  Wilson Middle School, Yakima, Washington
Best Friend: T-Bone, 4-month-old English Bulldog
April 2, 2008

     T-bone is an English Bulldog. He is almost all White but has a few Brown spots. He has a really big head and really droopy eyes. T-Bone has a ton of wrinkles all over his body! It is so funny because when he sits down all of the wrinkles pop out.
     Here is a few information about an English Bulldog! They get acne in the folds of their arms and the like to fart!! They snore a alot and sometimes can keep you up at night. T-bone sleeps in the back of the house and my room is in the front of the house i can hear him snoring all the way in my room is the middle of the night!
     I would recomend an English Bulldog to anyone that wants a dog that is loyal, trustworthy, lovable and gentle! An English Bulldog has all of those characteristics. Plus one more...they are so dang cute!

RACHEL, Age 10
Grade 4,  Churchill Road Elementary School, McLean, Virginia
Best Friend: Cassie, 4-year-old Labrador Retriever
March 31, 2008

     At first I had my doubts but when I saw her everything changed. As soon as I opened the car door a saw her galopping, her loose skin flopping, her hair flying, her big brown eyes glistening, I knew we were ment to be. At last she was mine.
     On the car ride home she put her paws on my thighs as if to say I'm finally yours and I know we will be together forever. I leaned forward and kissed her on the nose. Then she crawled up on my lap. I put my arms around her and held her close.
     She was a big puppy only one but 90 pounds. We nursed her back to fitness, now at four she's 70 pounds. She can run like lightning, you throw the ball and she zoomes out and catches it in her mouth. Then she lies there in the sun waiting for someone to come, to stroke her, to look into her big brown eyes. She's unique, she's gorgeous, she's Cassie, She is mine!

KAIMAN, Age 8
Grade 2, Sherrelwood Elementary School, Denver, Colorado
Best Friend: Indie, 4-year-old Border Collie Mix
March 7, 2008

My Best Friend Indie

     I’d like to tell you about my best friend Indie. Indie is a border collie. I like him so much and I’ll tell you the story of how I got him. I had to be good at school for 2 weeks. My mom and dad took me to the Dumb Friends League in Denver. When I went in, I saw a lot of dogs and cats. It was so hard to choose one. Suddenly I found the right dog for me. Then I looked into his eyes and he was the cutest puppy that I had ever seen. His fur is black and white. We told the people at the Dumb Friends League that he was the pup for us. My parents had to fill out 6 papers and then he was ours forever. I got him a red collar and a medium size white bone. Of course I had to get a red leash too.
     We took him home and he started exploring around the whole house. So I called him Indie because he was exploring like Indiana Jones. Indie still explores the house to this day. When I come home from school, he jumps on me because he’s happy to see me. He licks my face and that lets me know that he loves me. I love him too. He likes going on car trips to the beach. He does not like to ride in the car to go to the vet!! He hides in a hole under the tree. Indie is four years old and I hope he lives forever.

EMILY, Age 10
Grade 5,  All Saints Elementary School, Tyler, Texas
Best Friend: Maggie "Mags", 5-year-old GOLDEN RETRIEVER
February 26, 2008

     Have you ever had a friend that you could never part from. I have a friend like that, a beautiful golden retriever named Maggie. This four legged friend is always there for me. I have no idea what I would do without her. I cannot even explain my feelings for her.
     Sometimes, when I need to talk to someone to talk to I will littaraly go outside and talk to her. Mags and I are like a mouse and a block of cheese ( I would like to be the mouse, but Mags might not like that). I really could go on and on about her, but I have to stop sometime. So take my word for it, I would rather lose my best friend (that's human of course) before I lost Maggie. I love my dog.

LAUREN, Age 13
Grade 7,  Millers Hill School, Latrobe, California
Best Friend: Honey, 11-year-old Shetland Sheepdog
February 23, 2008

     The most exciting day I’ve ever had in my life was when I first got my new puppy when I was 2 and half years old. And here is why it was so exciting to get a puppy:
     One day, my mom and I were going to Pets mart to get a dog. However, we got a little distracted. When we were driving down the road, my mom saw a sign that said, “Sheltie Puppies for Sale.” My mom drove to the house and we got out of the car and rang the doorbell, holding our breaths in excitement.
     A nice lady opened the door and a flood of noisy barking came out of the house. Me and my mom walked inside and then I saw her—the most beautiful dog I’ve ever seen, right before my eyes!
     I ran to the beautiful puppy and hugged her. It was sort of sad, though. The nice lady said that nobody wanted the puppy because she had an under-bite. I didn’t care, because I thought that was what made her look so adorable. I knew she was the one and only puppy I would get out of all the other puppies in the litter.
     After some careful thinking, my mom bought her. We loaded her into our car, and went to the store and bought her a doggie dish, dog food and her own blanket to sleep with. We named her Honey because of the color of her silky fur, and the fact she is a very sweet dog.
     Over the past 10 years, we’ve had a wonderful time together. As I proudly climb up my long driveway after school, I always see her waiting for me in the rose bushes.
     And every time I put on the ice-maker, or turn on the vacuum, she goes crazy barking as she doesn’t like loud noises at all.
     Sometimes we can be naughty by going down to our creek and getting ourselves dirty. When I can’t eat all my dinner, I can always count on her to eat all my table scraps. Honey likes to eat anything, even some vegetables and rice I don’t like to eat.
     Sometimes, Honey gets a little crazy. She runs around in circles really fast and she looks like a furry tornado! Because she is a Shetland sheepdog, that makes her a herding animal. This means she always bites my heels like she is trying to herd me around the yard or into our house. I have to wear socks on my feet or I get little bite marks on them.
     I will never forget washing my dog in what I call, “Doggie Day Spa.” I wash her in our laundry room sink with shampoo and conditioner. Then, I towel dry her and brush out her fur. She likes a nice bath.
     Even though she chases UPS trucks, digs in the flower garden, and chews on our socks, I will always love her no matter what.
     It’s fun to be with Honey and play dress up because I am an only child and it’s much better to have a dog to keep me company. I never feel lonely when I have my dog because we’re such close friends and we’ve known each other so long. We can trust one another entirely. And when I talk to her and tell her all sorts of things, I can tell she’s listening.
     And to this very day, she is still the most exciting thing that I ever had in my life. And now, that I am 13 years old; we still play, dance, and love each other to death.
     But I can never forget the day when I looked deep, deep into her big brown eyes and saw my second-half sitting right there beside me on a patchwork quilt and a beanbag pillow, just waiting for me to come and give her a loving hug!

MARIE, Age 11
Grade 6,  St. Christopher School, Hudson, New Hampshire
Best Friend: Cookie, 1-year-old Yorkshire Terrier
February 23, 2008

My Best Fiend

     My puppy Cookie means the most to me. He is always there for me weather it’s school trouble, a nightmare, or I just need some comforting. He gives me more love than anyone could give him back and I am very thankful for that. Cookie likes to cuddle when you want to cuddle, wants to play when you want to play, and wants to always be with you. He is a small Yorkshire terrier, but yet very energetic. He likes giving kisses and alerts us when there is something unusual. Even when he’s sick he makes me smile.
     Cookie has a very good spirit. He will take all his toys that were scattered around the house and put them at your feet. When you get up to go somewhere else he will hit your leg to get you to go get them. He also opens doors if they aren’t fully shut, and if they are he hits it to tell you to open it because he’s there. He likes to play tag and chase me and my brothers. He sleeps in my room and always wants his belly rub before bed. I love him so much because he is mine and always will be.

EMILY, Age 12
Grade 6,  United Local Elementary School, East Rochester, Ohio
Best Friend: Sugar Baby, Mixed Breed
February 20, 2008

     My dog Sugar is special to me because when we found her a couple of winters ago and we realized that she'd lost her two pups she still stayed. She got to love us and play with us even after her last owners throw her out in the middle of winter. She also brought us presents almost every morning. Her presents were groundhogs, raccoons, and the occasional skunk. Mostly she just smelled like the skunk.
     We all helped give her a tomato soup bath when she got in a fight with a skunk. She loved us so much she even slept with our cats. She always wanted to protect us and make sure we weren't hurt. One night we woke up to her barking and saw she was barking at a big white dog.
     She may have been a lot smaller then the dog but she fought it off. She always greeted me every morning when I went to school and every evening when I came home for school. In the summer when I went down to the creek she followed me to make sure I didn't get hurt. One day we went to the woods to play in the creek she decided to come with us and play in the creek with us. Jessica, Elizabeth, Abby, Caleb, Sugar, and Me were all playing in the creek and having fun.
     No matter what, she was by one of our sides. I could always count on her to be by my side especially when I took walks out side right before dark. So I was never alone or scared when I was out side. That is why she is so special to me.

TAYLOR, Age 11
Grade 5,  Park Tudor Elementary School, Fishers, Indiana
Best Friend: Sandy, 3-year-old GOLDEN RETRIEVER
February 15, 2008

My Best Friend

     My best friend is something that is amazingly not human. It’s my dog, Sandy. She has been with me since I was in second grade, three years ago. It was my 8th birthday and I thought I had opened every present I got. But my dad burst in with a surprise. I saw another present in his hands. It was in a Minnie Mouse sack with a blue background. I was excited. Another present.
     My dad brought over the bag and I glanced inside. Instead I saw two brown eyes looking up at me. “A puppy!!” I shouted as I picked up the tiny Golden puppy. I was so happy. We let her run around our house as she stopped and sniffed everything. I thanked my parents gratefully. I looked at the puppy as she tugged on my shoelaces. “What should we name her?” I asked my mom. We came up with a long list of names until we found the perfect one, Sandy.
     To this day I still remember the moment I saw Sandy for the first time. Her little brown eyes were looking up at me when I first saw her. It was love at first sight. When Sandy wasn’t house-trained, she would always pee on the floors of our house. Now she doesn’t (Thank Goodness!). I really love my dog Sandy. I will forever.

SARA, Age ??
Grade 8,  Birch land Park Middle School, Meadow, Mass
Best Friend: Bailey Rose, 9-year-old German Shepherd mix
February 12, 2008

     Well a few months after are first dog had died. My sister and I had wanted another dog. So we finally bugged are parents enough to get us a new dog. When told that we could get one. We were very happy. There was this pound in are town that was closing soon and what ever dogs were left there would be put down. We looked and looked. We finally found a rather small scrawny dog. We asked if we could see it outside of the cage and out side. The dog was very hyper and jumped on every single person that she saw. I fell in love with her right then and there. We named her Bailey becuase we bailed her out of the pound. We brought her home and played with her.
     Now she is nine years old and she still jumps on every single thing. She never bites anyone, she drops a lot of fur but that is the least of the things. Bailey always cheers me up when i'm down. She always knows what to do to make me feel better. Also Bailey just makes makes the world a better place. She enjoys long walks and is a great family pet. She always knows the words food and cookies and walks. Bailey is just a great family dog and I consider her a long time friend.

TAYLOR, Age 11
Grade 5,  Southside Elementary School, Starke, Florida
Best Friend: Romeo, 5-year-old Shepherd
February 7, 2008

     My best friend is my dog named Romeo. He is the best dog ever and he can protect you no matter where you are!
     When the police wanted to buy him from me and my family we said "No" because we love this dog so much, hes like my own child and hes always there in my bed asleep with me to keep me warm. And when i feel sad he always comes and licks me and gives me a sweet innocent grin.

REBECCA, Age 10
Grade 5,  St. Johns the Evangelist Elementary School, Arnold, Maryland
Best Friend: Skipper, 2-year-old Lab mix
February 6, 2008

     My best friend just happens to be a dog. You know what he is the best friend I could ever have. I bet you don't know why well for 1 reason he can be there when ever you need him. He also is the best person or animal to play tug -a-war or tag with.
     He is also there when I have no one to play with or talk to. I can tell him pretty much anything mostly because he can't tell anybody. Also he can play baseball, football, and tennis with me but most of the time he dosen't give the ball back. So you see there is many reasons why best friend is a dog and there is a few.

KARINA, Age 8
Grade 3,  Capital Hill Elementary School, St. Paul, Minnesota
Best Friend: Maximus, 4-month-old Cocker Spaniel
February 5, 2008

     Maximus is my first dog and cheers me up every time he sees me. He is a playful puppy and is really very cute. He is 4 months old and he loves his dog food. He will sometimes follow the sound his owners make.
     And he loves hugs and kissies and loves giving them to. Sometimes when you put your hand out he puts his paw there. AND THATS ALL I CAN SAY ABOUT MAXIMUS!

BRYAN, Age 11
Grade 5,  United Local Elementary School, Hanoverton, Ohio
Best Friend: Hunter, 3-year-old GOLDEN RETRIEVER
February 4, 2008

     My dog Hunter is my all time best friend in the world. When we went to the place down the road where they said they were selling golden retriever puppies, there were twelve goldens just wagging their tails and hoping that we would pick one of them. But in the back right hand corner there was Hunter sleeping. We picked him because he seemed like the right one out of all of them. Anyway today we have him behind our house tied up because my dad is allergic to dogs. We take good care of him and play with him a lot.
     When he was 2, I would chase him around the yard while he has a stick in his mouth. Every once in a while, he would stop and lay down with the sick in front of him waiting for me to chase after him and then he would real quick run out, grab the stick and run away again. He's the best dog I've ever had.
     When we sometimes let him inside for a little bit, he immediately grabs a shoe, puts his ears back, and trots around the house snorting like he is some hot stuff. When we have friends over he pushes them over and then oh, how should I say this, he tries to breed them. We try to make him stop, but he just thinks they're girl dogs.
When he eats he doesn't actually chew, he gulps and swallows. But then again he would give his life to protect mine and I would do the same.
     We are working on building a bass boat and we plan on taking him on it. Well I guess that was the good side of him because there is also a BAD side of him. He often goes across the road and then I have to yell for him.....you don't want to here me yell. It's sort of like this. He also picks up our kittens and runs around the yard with them in his mouth. He always gets tangled up around a tree with his chain purposely just so we would come down to let him loose.
     I found that out when my brother gave me 6 double cheeseburgers to give to Hunter. So I went down to untangle him with the bag of burgers in my hand. I held them in front of him and he got untangled himself. That's about it, Hunter, the best dog in the world.

CODY, Age 12
Grade 6,  United Local Elementary School, Hanoverton, Ohio
Best Friend: Hershey, 7-year-old English chocolate lab
February 4, 2008

     I got my dog Hershey when I was 5 years old. She is an English Chocolate Lab. The difference between English labs and American labs are English Labs have a more square head. When we first got her, she lived in the house with us. Then when she got older, we bought a kennel and she lived in her kennel. Since I got her I play with her every day. She is afraid of cats. When I let her out of her kennel, I let her run, then give her treats. After the treats, I play with her. Sometimes, I will ride my bike and she will follow. Other times, we will play tug-a-war. When we are finished playing, I feed and water her and I put her away.
     Hershey gets really, really scared when there in a thunderstorm so she would bite through her kennel. Sometimes she would dig a hole under the kennel. She went through so many kennels, we had to buy an industrial strength kennel. She would still dig a hole under the kennel so we put a cement slab under the kennel.

DANIEL, Age 10
Grade 5,  Columbia Elementary School, Lancaster, California
Best Friend: Osa, 4-month-old German Shepherd mix
February 2, 2008

     My best friend is my dog. Because, I'll give you two reasons. When I play with her I have lot's of fun with her. And a dog is ment to be man's best friend. A dog is like the coolest thing I have. A dog is even better than girls, sometimes.
     Besides dogs have done great things. Like one time on the news I saw that a dog saved a little girl's life. How, because the people had a pool and a baby fell in it and the dog went in and took her out. He saved her life, pretty cool huh. And dogs have done more great things. Dogs are useful and some dogs are good guard dogs like a German Shepherd. Anyway that's why my dog is my best friend and I love her.

RACHEL, Age 12
Grade 7,  Spirit Lake Middle School, Okoboji, Iowa
Best Friend: Ellie Mae, 9-month-old GOLDEN RETRIEVER
January 30, 2008

     It all started when I got my first dog Whinnie. Whinnie walked into our lives and took a hyper leap into our heart. But, when we moved, Whinnie couldn't come. In the new house, I got a rabbit named Oreo. But he recently passed away.
     So, now we have Ellie Mae, and she is the light in our lives. She knows how to cheer you up when your sad, but also finds a way to mad you a little mad. But even though she has a few flaws, we love her! Since I am an only child, and have always wanted a sibling, Ellie was like a puzzle piece fitting into my heart. She may have four legs, but that doesn't stop me or my mom and dad from loving her to pieces! Ellie is my best friend, and will always be in my heart, like a puzzle piece.

ADORA, Age 12
Grade 6,  Pflugerville Middle School, Pflugerville, Texas
Best Friend: Blue, 9-year-old Blue Heeler
January 30, 2008

     I first got my dog when I was about four years old. His original owner, who was a co-worker with my father, was going to take him to the pound, but my father agreed to take the puppy. While my dad waited outside, my mom, brother, and I discussed what name we were going to give him. I said "Blue!!", as "Blue's Clues" happened to be my favorite television show at the time. We agreed that that was the perfect name for him. A few minutes later, he arrived, and we all rushed out the door to greet him. When I saw him in his crate, I just wanted to kiss him! My mom took him out and held him upside-down like a baby as he squirmed. She rubbed his belly, and he eventually fell asleep. My brother and I threw sticks into the yard as he slept, expecting him to go fetch them. Of course, he didn't. Soon enough, we were all inside with my dog in his crate. I held his paw for a few moments, then was sent to bed.
     Nine years later, we're still together. He is such an adorable little dog, even though he has aged a good amount since we first got him. He's MY baby, and no one will ever be able to take him away! I sit next to him and pet him whenever he feels bad or lonely. I stare into his innocent chocolate-brown eyes and sing to him, "Blue! Bluuue! I love you! Yes I do! Because you're Blue." I even make him doggy cakes (with a recipe I found online) for Christmas, when ever I haven't been able to buy him a gift. I love my dog Blue so much, and I would hate if anything bad happened to him. 

PHILIP, Age 10
Grade 5,  PS 36 Elementary School, Staten Island, New York
Best Friend: Sparky, 2-year-old Miniature Pincher
January 29, 2008

     I will tell you a story about how I got Sparky. One day on the weekend my mom and Ken (mom's boyfriend) were down stairs watching TV and my mom received a call from her friend Adriana. Adriana asked my mom if she still wanted a dog my mom said "yes". Then Adriana said "my friend found a dog roaming around the dog park, it does not look like he is lost it looks like someone abandoned him." My mom asked Ken and he said yes. My mom went to get Sparky and all the things that we needed to take care of him. She surprised me and my stepbrother (Ken's son) Kenny with Sparky.
     Kenny and me love Sparky. He is the best dog. He does the funniest things. He loves his toys and us. He runs around the house like he is crazy and Kenny and me laugh so loud. I love playing with Sparky. He sleeps with mom and ken every night. But when mommy and Ken get up in the morning he comes to sleep with me, I love waking up to him. He jumps all over me and licks me.

DANIELLE, Age 11
Grade 6, Valley Middle School, Burnsville Minnesota
Best Friend: Lightning, 12-year-old Dachshund
January 23, 2008

     My best friend is named Lightning. She is like my only sister with four legs. Sometimes you hate them but other times you don't know what you would do without them. Even though Lightning didn't save my life, or anything extraordinary like that, but I love her with all my heart. Next year both my brothers will be gone. She will be the only one left.
     Sometimes when I am scared at night she will lay down by my feet and stay with me until I fall asleep. She may not be here next year from her old age. She is my best friend!

HANNAH, Age 10
Grade 5,  Schwarzkoph Elementary School, Lutz, Florida
Best Friend: Gracie, 4-year-old Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
January 15, 2008

     Gracie is my best friend because she loves me and I love her too. She cheers me up when I'm sad and share my happiness when I'm happy. Gracie also likes to play with my other dog Mick when I can't play. When I can we will mostly play tug-a-war, I can't be too strong with her thogh I have to be a little tough. When I pet her she will lick me in thanks.
     Gracie is a very loving dog. She always is close to me our others in my family. She love to be brushed on her belly. She also love to cuddle up next to me on my bed or on the couch. But two thing she truly loves is being taken on a walk or getting to take a trip in the car. Gracie is a very loving dog whenever I come home from school, she will jump on me and welcome me home.

CHRISTINA, Age 10
Grade 5,  Cypress Woods Elementary School, Palm Harbor, Florida
Best Friend: Coco, 10-week-old Toy Poodle
January 12, 2008

     Coco is my best friend because when I cry, she is there to lick up my tears. I can tell her all my seacrets. Since she is only 2 lbs, I love to pick her up.
     The real reason Coco is my best friend is that I love her. And I know that is not the "my dog saved my life story" that some people say. But Coco is my buddy, my pal, and if that is not Best friend-contest-winning material then I don't know what is.

ALYSSA, Age 14
Grade 7,  Hebron Middle School, Shepherdsville, Kentucky
Best Friend: Meatball, 1-year-old Boxer
January 11, 2008

Meatball Is Super Cool

     My dog is my life; I love him like I love my family. He makes me happy when I'm sad and he is always crying while I'm leaving for the bus. Meatball is always nice to my friends and family when they come around, He knows how to sit, lie, and jump like Michael Jordan. Meatball is emotional with me at times like when my grandfather passed away he cried with me because he used to always hang out with my grandpa when he came over on the weekends; He loves to eat. Eat, eat, eat that's all Meatball does, but then he never gets fat?
     When it comes to bath time for Meatball he hates it; my brother Pierre always has to hold him down while I wash him down. Last night, Meatball was standing by the stairs and my 5 year old brother, Ben, pushed Meatball down the stairs and Meatball jumped and hit the front door and started barking at Ben, and then Ben just started laughing, but I have really good times with Meatball he's a great dog, I love Meatball a lot and I wouldn't trade him for no other dog.
     Meatball is the kind of person or dog that you would say that is a "people person" because he likes to meet new people and he's really sweet when he meets somebody and he always rubs his head on peoples stomach and licks their hand and that's why everybody loves Meatball and Meatball is super cool!

STEPHANIE, Age 13
Grade 7,  Hebron Middle School, Shepherdsville, Kentucky
Best Friend: Buster, 1-year-old Jack Russell
January 11, 2008

My Best Friend

     Hey my name is Stephanie and I would like to tell you about my best friend that's a dog I have human best friend to but my best friend ever is my dog named Buster because he always cheers me up when I am down like when I am crying over something he always comes up and licks my face its so sweet and when I am not paying attention to him he barks at me and its so cute.
     My dog Buster is black and white and he is a Jack Russell everybody knows who he is cause people that I don't even know ride by my hose and scream "Buster I love you" and guess what he even knows how to say I love you I swear it's like he is a human. He is very protective over me like when my mom is trying to wake me up in the morning he will growl at her so I know if somebody try's to come into my house I know I am safe.
     My dog buster is so cool in some ways like he loves girls but man he hates guys cause I remember one time when some of my guy friends came over to go to a haunted house and he almost bit my guy friends it was so funny and like when he says I love you like in a howling tone its so cute but sometimes he can get on my nerves like when me and my mom are sitting in the living room and he just starts barking out of no where.
     But no matter what I will always love him and even though I want to choke my dog sometimes I don't because he is the only one and is a real friend even though he's a dog.

KAYLA, Age 12
Grade 7,  Hebron Middle School, Shepherdsville, Kentucky
Best Friend: Penny, 6-year-old Boxer
January 11, 2008

My Best Friend Penny

     If you have ever seen a light brown boxer with a piggy nose running through the yard like a little mouse with her tongue sticking out, that's my dog Penny and she's the best thing that's ever happened to me.
     My best friend in the whole wide world is a dog named Penny. She's not an ordinary or regular type of dog, she's special in every way. She's my best friend because I can actually talk to her and she won't walk away like other dogs do. Like every day when I get home from school, I'll talk to her about boys or something's in life that I need help with and she always listens, I can just tell by the way she looks at me and smiles.
     Whenever I'm really sad, mad, stressed, or confused, she's always there to hear my problems. Every day I keep wishing and wishing for Penny to be able to talk back to me some day, but that will never happen. She always makes me unstressed by the way she looks at me and smiles.
     When Penny and I go outside every day, she follows me. The only reason why she does this is because she doesn't want anyone to hurt me and I love that.
     Well, I've had her for about 6 years in life and if I ever lose her, my whole life would be stressed out again, I'm glad I have her for now. I love you Penny and I'll never ever in life forget about you.

EMILY, Age 13
Grade 7,  Hebron Middle School, Brooks, Kentucky
Best Friend: hide, 2-year-old lab
January 11, 2008

     My dog is 2 years old her name is hide. She is so special because when I am in a very sad mood I can always go to her when I know I did something wrong I run to her (like she can make things better) I know she is just a dog.     
     I have a lot of family problems and it just fells good to be able to go to some one and talk to even I know she don't have one clue what I am talking about but it is really nice she sits with me and I love talking to her because even know I know she don't know what I am talking about I know that she is listen and it is nice for someone to listen to me sometimes sense my family don't. It's like my family don't have time for me but she does that is what make her so special.

SOPHIE, Age 8
Grade 3, Cypress Woods Elementary School, Tarpon Springs,  Florida
Best Friend: Ruby, 3-year-old Bullmastiff
January 5, 2008

MY DOG RUBY

     My dog's name is Ruby. Ruby is a bullmastiff. She is very sweet and looks out for me! For example, she fell in the pool once and was horrified! So now, wherever I go in the pool, she runs around it in circles, making sure I am safe!
     When I go to sleep and she hears a noise with her awesome ears, she starts barking like a maniac! Ruby is like a giant compared to most dogs. She seems as fast as a lightning bolt! Ruby is sweet and soft and cuddly. She is truly very special!