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Animals bring us joy. When we look into their eyes, see the connections they forge or simply experience the joy they have in their play, it lifts our spirits immeasurably.

Expert animal photographer Alex Cearns – author of Mother Knows Best – has captured special moments that show what animals bring to our lives.

Here you'll find a whole menagerie of beautiful images - from the intricate beauty of a bird's wing and the characterful face of a baby wombat to the exuberance of a dog playing with bubbles.

Alex also shares some of the funny, heartwarming and joyful stories of animals she has met along the way – from the wild pig that just wanted a cuddle to the rescue dog that beat the odds.

From the littlest lizard and the craftiest cats to the soulful majesty of elephants, Alex's photographs are a reminder that we need to look after the welfare of our animal friends.