Margaret Marshall Saunders, a Canadian author known for her contributions to children’s literature and animal rights advocacy, penned Beautiful Joe, first published in 1893. Set in a small town reminiscent of Maine, the novel tells the poignant story of Beautiful Joe, an Airedale-type dog whose life is marred by cruelty and neglect before finding solace with Walter and Louise Morris. Saunders adopted the male pseudonym Marshall to gain credibility as a writer and chose to narrate Beautiful Joe from the dog’s perspective, a groundbreaking narrative technique that evokes empathy in readers. The book, which has since inspired worldwide awareness of animal cruelty, was initially written as an “autobiography” of Joe, capturing his experiences with vivid detail. By 1900, it had sold over 800,000 copies in the United States, reflecting its significant impact on readers and society.