Tearjerking Tributes to Our Furry Dog Friends

Dogs have been our loyal companions for centuries. They have an uncanny ability to sense our ever-changing emotions, to find the half-eaten pork chop at the bottom of the trash can and, most importantly, elicit some of the deepest and all-consuming love we will experience in our lifetimes. Here's to dogs!

Summary

· Chelsea Handler
· Tony Bennett
· Tribute Letters
· Casa Pacifica Center for Families and Children

Lisa Erspamer truly understands the special bond that forms between an owner and her dog. Her cute Yorkie, Louis, was the inspiration behind the book, A Letter to My Dog (buy here), that she created with her good friends Kimi Culp and Robin Layton. The book features "AWWWWW"-inducing portraits shot by Layton of adored pets followed by heartwarming letters of appreciation.

Seriously, if you're a pal to puppies, a chum to canines or a dedicated dog person, you're gonna love it. Here at sofeminine HQ, we're dabbing our eyes with mountains of tissues after having read these moving tributes.

Oprah, Michael Vartan, and Hilary Duff are just a few of the stars who've penned touching letters to their furry pals. We asked Lisa to chose her favorite letters from the book. Here are just few. NSFW (basically you're gonna cry):

Chelsea Handler

Tony Bennett

Tribute Letters

The blog, A Letter to My Dog, also provides an outlet for grieving owners to write letters to their deceased pets and reflect on the significance of their relationship.

We were so moved by the humbling words of these owners and chose eight excerpts from letters that capture the sense of loss and appreciation, starting with Lisa's. Sadly, Lisa's Yorkshire Terrier, Louis, passed away in the middle of writing her book. To work through the pain, she issued up kind words to her beloved friend.

Casa Pacifica Center for Families and Children

If that wasn't enough to convince you that dogs really are man's best friend, then see how Archie, a Newfoundland dog at the Casa Pacifica Center for Families and Children in California, gives comfort and fluffy hugs to children who have suffered abuse and/or neglect.

Below are two letters of gratitude from children who have benefited from Archie's presence. We seriously want an Archie in our lives.

For all you cat lovers out there, Lisa Erspamer's hasn't ignored you! You can pre-order the book A Letter to My Cat. And if you'd like to the world to know how much you love your mother, Erspamer's idea has expanded to include A Letter to My Mom.

What has your dog meant to you? Tweet us @sofeminineUK!