• Dreamstime

Once a year we look forward to writing about our furry, fuzzy and feathered friends. Of course, some of them are not our friends, and not all the stories are heartwarming. Our relationship with animals is complicated. Some are beloved pets for whom we spare no expense; some we shoot for sport. Some we find aww-dorable … and eat them anyway. Some of the tiniest creatures are bent on destroying our crops and trees; others are so eco-critical that scientists and farmers are desperate to save them. And many beasties, of course, are so long gone that they’re museum-worthy.  The stories in this issue touch on every one of these relationships, and more. And if you’ve fallen in love with our cover girl, Olive, be sure to watch Eva Sollberger’s Stuck in Vermont about Instagram's Porcine Princess. Move over, Miss Piggy!