I have a heart warming storey about a beagle named Suzie.  Suzie was a neighbours dog who used to come and visit me  while I played outside in my yard.  I was 4 at the time and was not allowed to have pets of any kind because my brother had severe allergies.  One very hot summer day Suzie padded her way into my front yard to say hello while I was playing dress up with my dolls in my front yard.  I thought it to be a perfect day to put a bonnet on her to keep the blazing hot sun out of her eyes.  Suzie protested with a gentle bite to my hand.  I was horrifed she did this, so I grabbed her ear and bit her right back.  Suzie turned her back and trotted off out of the front yard without looking back.  I was heart broken.  I ran to a shrub under our kitchen window and proceeded to cry out loud from the tips of my toes because my friend had gone home.  I could hear my mother calling out to me, asking what was wrong, I told her the storey between sobs...Suzie bit me, so I bit her, now she has gone home!

  Two nights later at about 2am, I remember my mother waking me up and saying,Kelly, come with me.  I rubbed my weary eyes and followed her to the front door.  There I found Suzie howling at the top of her lungs, soaking wet.  Suzie had woke the neighbourhood with a pitiful cry and would not stop.  My parents thought throwing a glass of water on her would make her stop and go home, she would not budge.  I ran out and gave Suzie a big hug and kiss, she promptly licked my face and trotted off home. 

  I have never forgot Suzie, I loved her with all my heart.  Who ever said that dogs  can't think and show emotions.  I am a believer, without question.  Kelly.

When I was younger, about 12, I volunteered at a local stable in exchange for lessons. One day, the instructor told me I was riding "Storm". He was a dark bay gelding and had a fluffy and beautiful black mane. I was having a hard time mastering the posting trot. When I got up on him,  however, he helped me so much that I mastered that trot! I couldn't come the next week, but my friend called me that week to tell me that Stormy had died of colic that week. I couldn't believe that he was gone just like that! To this day, I truly believe he has helped me ride the other horses I have ridden. Thanks Stormy, I miss you!

Nine long years ago, I finally got the pet I'd been longing for:a beautiful husky-lab mix I'd named Vanilla for her ice-cream like color. From the very moment i I saw her,I knew we would be close. Over the course of the next three-and-a -half years,Vanilla,whom i affectioniately called "Nilla" for short,were nearly inseperable. She had even become an extended member of the family. Nila was my best friend when I was too shy to claim any of my own. She was alsways there when I needed her the most. The one day I remember the most was when I returned from achool, only to find myself locked outside. I was barely10 years old, alone,and to make matters worse, it was pouring down rain and a huge storm was on its way. I did the most sensible thing i could think of- i opened the garage door and layed down a blanket for warmth. I shivered violently,and Nilla curled up beside me in a somewhat protective position. I fell asleep. I awoke to my mother shaking me gently and the frenzy of police cars that had been searching for me. My grandmother was supposed to have been watching me, but she had forgotten,and when my parents found out, they were naturally enraged.My grandma said she had attempted to get me up and out of the vicinity of my garage,but that Nilla had nearly bitten her,and she was acting as  a guard dog.I thought it odd since she was normally such a sweet animal. This was the very frst time i could remember Nilla saving me. Another tme,my parents and I awoke to Nilla barking furiously ,and discovered a possible thief/robber had come into our yard-armed with a crobar. Nilla had chased him away before he'd had a chance to harm us. I was thankful. This was the second time I can remember  her protecting me. I never once took her for granted.The oddest thing is that the time she helped me the most, she was gone. I came home and discovered that Nilla, quite ironically,had been struck down by the SUV of a vetrinarian.I recalled how Nilla used to comfort me in the earlier years when I would come home crying from the kids at school who would make me miserable. I visualized her with me, and suddenly she was there. I smiled as a tear fell silently down my face. This was the third time she helped me,and she helped heal my torn heartstings when I lost my best friend. To this very day,five years after her death, I still think of my very first best friend often,wishing for her comfort-but then I realize that she hasn't really left, and that her spirit lives on within me.

We want to know about your amazing animal friends!  Please use this thread to tell us about your inspiring pets and how they've made a difference in your life.  Has your pet displayed a remarkable amount of courage or sacrifice?  Has he or she helped you get through a tough time?  We want to know!  Post your stories here and upload a photo of your pet and we will use the best ones in an upcoming Beliefnet gallery to launch  around the middle of May.