On February 20th, pet lovers celebrate National Love Your Pet Day, an opportunity to give extra attention to the animals in your life.

Did you know, according to the American Pet Products Association, almost 70% of households in the United States own at least one pet?

Today we celebrate with our author-illustrator Lauren Zurcher who draws pet portraits and even wrote a book about a German Shepherd. Nicco was supposed to become a Border Patrol dog, but the training doesn’t go very well. He is eventually adopted by Lauren’s cousins and becomes the most lovable pet. Check out his story!