Maybe it's no accident that "dog" is "God" spelled backwards. Dogs offer unconditional love, usually much more than we deserve, and all we have to do is accept the gift. Dogs don't care if we're rich, smart, or popular. They care only that we get through this life reassured that love is out there for each of us. If you've ever owned a dog, you'll relate to these true stories contributed by real-life dog owners, each recounting a special canine bond. In tough and troubled times, it's often the family dog that holds our lives together.