Hi there! The attached photos are my 2 longhaired dachshunds, Finley (black) and Ruby (red). They are siblings from same litter. They were born on 12-28-04. I lost my Scotty, Hilary, earlier this year and these two found their way into my home and heart!

They are the cutest, funniest, sweetest, snuggliest, naughtiest little pups ever! Ruby loves to hide under the area rugs while her brother sits and barks at her to come out and play! All you can see is her little nose peeking out. I'll be happy when we are sleeping all the way through the night or not waking up 1 to 2 hours before the alarm goes off. I hope you enjoy the photo! - Sincerely, Deb, Austin, TX

My favorite animal story is about my favorite cat of all time. His name was Pierre, and he was a large Siamese Blue Point. My wife and I always knew there was "something special" about Pierre. He just seemed so alert and aware. One day we heard a cat meowing. It went on for about 10 minutes before we finally spotted a small kitten high up in a tree across the street. The kitten was obviously afraid to come down. Then we noticed some movement at the bottom of the tree, and were surprised to see our Pierre starting to climb up the tree. Completely fascinated, we watched for several minutes as Pierre climbed up to the kitten, and then slowly backed down the tree, tail first, with the kitten following him about two inches away, coming down head first. They were almost nose to nose. When the "rescue mission" was completed, with the kitten safely on the ground, Pierre gave it a few licks and off it scampered. Pierre then crossed the street and came back into our yard. Pierre has long since passed away, but he was truly a remarkable little friend and we still miss him to this day. - Bob Nelson, Largo Florida

Wiz ("Her Wisdom") on the left, and Wye ("Wyoming Knott") on the right, are named after heroines in Robert A Heinlein novels. Sisters from the litter of a feral cat that had been taken in, pregnant, by friends, they were almost identical tiny little bundles of fur when they came to live with me at about 8 weeks old, just weaned.

In these pictures they were still kittens, but they are now "teenagers" and two of the sweetest-tempered and friendly cats you've ever met. They add life and warmth to my home; I can count on them to greet me at the door when I come home and to rub up against me in the morning as they implore me to give them their breakfast. - Richard Byrd, Clearwater Florida

On the right we have Throckmorton, an exceptionally fluffy and well-meaning variety of kitty-cat who has delighted her family for years with her kitteny behavior from the chasing of, well, anything, to the intrepid scaling of carefully decorated Christmas trees. . . Throckmorton is shown here wallowing in her own relaxation while her inherent adorability reflects on the plastic covered board leaning over her.

This cutie on the left was named for the feelings she inspired in us, even in Florida’s deep August: Christmas. Ever balancing her sister’s impulsiveness, Christmas is a model of decorum and dignity, excepting only those moments when her inner kitten escapes as depicted in this rare and adorable photo from her youth. -Diana Rosenfield