This endearing gift book celebrates the unique connection between dogs and their human companions.There are reasons dogs are our best friends: They are loyal, affectionate, and totally committed to us. Or as photographer/writer Kim Levin puts it: "Because they look us in the eye." "Because they have wrinkles, too." "Because they are family."<P>In this charming book, Levin artfully combines photographs with simple, insightful prose; the result is an ode that celebrates the wonders of dogs. Soulful beagle eyes. A grinning hound luxuriating in the sun. In these poignant photos, Levin captures each dog's essence and illuminates the myriad reasons why we love dogs. <P>In America alone, 40 million people own more than 50 million dogs. Of those dedicated dog owners, about 13 million Americans say they're as attached to their dogs as they are to their best friends; some six million people rank their dogs right up there with their children. That's why everyone who has ever cherished a beloved dog-whether large or small, pure-bred or mutt-will delight in this book filled with heartwarming words and pictures to commemorate their special closeness.