Anyone who has ever taken in a pet knows that the bond between human and animal can be one of the most intimate and rewarding. Our pets trust us; we make them feel secure. We take care of them, and they return our love with evident pleasure and affection.

This Thursday morning on WPRB, we’ll celebrate these special relationships, with music related to our four-legged friends (and perhaps a few winged and finned ones, too). Among our featured works will be Alan Rawsthorne’s “Practical Cats,” Peter Schickele’s “Thurber’s Dogs,” Richard Rodney Bennett’s “Suite for Skip and Sadie,” Alan Hovhaness’ “Fred the Cat,” and Kenneth Leighton’s “Household Pets.” We’ll also have music inspired by famed custodians and protectors of animals, Noah and Saint Francis.

Join me, in memory of my beloved companion, Hannah, this Thursday morning from 6 to 11 EDT, on WPRB 103.3 FM and wprb.com. Those beautiful green eyes will forever pierce my heart, on Classic Ross Amico.