Dog Swims 6 Miles Home, Braces-Wearing Pup Spreads Smiles: Top Pet Stories on Patch in 2016

Edward Casas thought his son's puppy, Rylee, was lost for good when it fell overboard from his boat on Lake Michigan. A Facebook post that generated more than 20,000 likes, though, eventually led to Rylee's return — six miles of swimming and 12 more miles of walking later.

We will do just about anything for our pets, and this year we learned that they'll do anything for us, too.

Covering more than 1,000 communities across the country, we get a front-row seat to some of America's best pet moments. Here were our favorites from across the Patch network this year.

Puppy Swims 6 Miles, Walks 12 More to Find Family

A 10-month-old puppy swam more than 6 miles in the choppy waters of Lake Michigan, then walked another 12 miles to be reunited with her family in a campground after falling overboard during a family boating outing.

Retiring Police Dog Gives One Last (Adorable) Press Conference: WATCH

Melnic the police K-9 retired, but he had a few things to say before he left.

'It Was The Only Thing To Do:' Police Officer Drives 650 Miles To Take Dog Home

Officer Frank Kuhl promised a man that he and his family would get their dog back, and he went the extra miles to make sure they did.

Brooklyn Cat, Missing for 5 Years, Has Built a Cult Following Around the World

BeeBop disappeared in 2011 in Brooklyn Heights. His owner, Cathy Sheehan, still holds out hope he's alive — and his 5,000 fans do too.

Michigan Dog with Braces Spreads Smiles Around the World

If you’re still paying off your kid’s braces, this story about a Michigan pooch’s mouth full of metal may make you welp like a dog.

Nashville Fire Department Spends Election Day Saving A Cat Named Thomas Jefferson

Exhibiting patriotism above and beyond the call of duty, Nashville firefighters saved Thomas Jefferson on Election Day.

Watch: NYPD Officer Rescues Dying Puppy in Heartwarming Video

Mila was chained behind a fence with little room to move. She was emaciated and completely emotionally neglected. Once Mila was freed, she ran straight to an NYPD officer, and in that moment, he knew he'd have to adopt her.

Who Rescued Who? Woman Fights Mental Illness With Rescue Cat

A rescue worker tells the story of a woman and a rescue cat who saved each other.

Puppy Attacks Rapist: 'I Think He Saved My Life,' Victim Says

Maya Fairweather, 18, was walking her boyfriend's puppy through Red Hook when she said a "strange man" tried to rape her.

Dog's Long Journey from Florida to Michigan Has Happy Ending

Zeus was brought to a Michigan animal shelter, where a microchip revealed the pooch had been missing in Florida for two years.

Bellevue Police Catch 'Very Angry' Pants-Wearing Dog

He may not be the most stylish guy in town, but a dog caught at a Washington State park was at least wearing weather-appropriate clothes.

Abandoned Dog Waits a Month for Owners, Rips Open World’s Heart

Left behind by family, Boo won hearts after photos of him sleeping on mattress outside an abandoned Detroit home circulated on social media.