Animals

Almost every kid wishes for a pet. Or even a couple of them. But few kids develop a passion for pets so profound, animals become their calling, as well as their career. Such was the case with one Missouri photographer, farmer, and now, author.

A teenager who had been playing outside with a neighbor when a tornado hit and took her friend hadn’t spoken a word since. Jessy is a comfort dog, and she was there to help.

Dress up your favorite four-footed best friend and go to the Paw Parade tomorrow on Saturday. There will be prizes for the best costume and an animal-lover fair after the parade. Watch for free.

These Missouri creatures come out at night.

Sometimes the best medicine has four paws and a collar. Heartland Canines for Veterans is a Joplin-based not-for-profit organization that provides service dogs to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and other disabilities at no cost to the veteran.