Its Edith, hoping you had a happy holiday!
Im writing this with a dog standing on my lap. So forgive please any typos. See, Miss Daisy, my foundling, stork-legged, wasp-waisted black and white spotted muttsky, likes to climb upon my lap whilst Im working. She'll stand there, two legs balanced on my lap, and two on the chair handle, and looks out in to the garden, making sure its squirrel free. She weighs 43 pounds, by the way, but balances so deftly, I scarcely feel it. Right now, I have to rest my check on her flank, and shift her slightly, and peer under her tail (not to get a wrong idea its a long thin tail that waves under my nose like a mustache) - to see the keys. Every now and then she snakes her head around and buries her cold wet nose in my neck and tries to kiss me.
Why do I put up with this? Because of love. And because shes the best writing partner a woman could have. I dont need a critique group or a fan club. Ive got Daisy. She listens carefully to my chapters, and appreciates them. Her opinions are always right, and its downright eerie how often she agrees with me. When Im blocked, shes always willing to go for a nice long ride in the car with me so I can write in my head on the way. She reminds me when its lunchtime, and wont let me work past Judge Judy and before-dinner snack time. And Id definitely grow moss on my north side if it werent for her insisting that, rain, snow, or shine, I get outside for a good walk every couple of hours.
Dogs are essential writers assistants, helpers, critics and company. (Cats are too, except for the walking around the block bits.)
Our pets fit so neatly into our lives that we often dont give them enough credit.
Ive only had a few dogs in my books. 
LADY OF SPIRIT and two novellas I wrote about magical Christmas puppies immediately come to mind. (Hound of Heaven and Dogstar). This is because I find they steal the scene so completely they distract me from the rest of the story.
Now, April 10th is a ASPCA special wear orange for Adoption day.
If you haven't, I urge you to discover the joys of pet ownership too. Adopt a mutt. Adopt an elder dog or cat. They give us everything, and ask for nothing but affection, a bowl of water, and some kibble or fish treats.
I love animals, and of course, I love animal stories. I teethed on Albert Payson Terhune, and still weep at the mention of Old Yeller. I even loved Beethoven.
Do you have a favorite book about an animal? Even better, have you got a story to tell about how a pet has enriched and enabled your life?
Pray tell!