We know that animals help the disabled, war veterans, the aged. Groundbreaking surgeon, cancer specialist, and author Bernie Siegel has seen this in his own life and in those of his patients. The true stories Bernie (as he prefers to be called) has here compiled include delightful tales from the "Siegel Family Zoo" where "squawks, purrs, chirrups, squeaks, barks, and the like filled the house." In sections including "Paw Professors," "Sometimes They Just Know," and "Grief and Forgiveness," other contributors reveal animals as teachers and messengers, doctors and nurses, miracle workers, and guileless clowns. Bernie offers meditations after each section -- ways for the reader to really let the import of each story into their own lives. Anyone with an animal, an appreciation for the inspirational, or simply the need for a smile will treasure this celebration of animals as a source of love, and maybe even miracles.