For Bea author Kristin von Kreisler subtitled her book, "The story of the beagle who changed my life." But von Kreisler's life wasn't the only one profoundly changed by her chance encounter with a scrawny wandering beagle who would become Bea, the beloved companion for 15 years of von Kreisler and her husband, John.

When Bea literally ran across von Kreisler's path one moonlit night, the dog was lost in every sense of the word. Certainly, she was without a home. But she was also lost to the world of trust and love inhabited by most pets. As von Kreisler examined the terrified, trembling dog, she found what would become the key to understanding Bea: a tattoo in the beagle's ear that marked the little dog as a laboratory research animal.

Von Kreisler would never learn how Bea left the lab and went on the run. Maybe she was "liberated." Maybe she was adopted, only to escape. The how of it didn't matter. Once von Kreisler understood that Bea came from a place where she had apparently learned to fear human touch, there was no going back. For either of them.

For Bea isn't about laboratory research. It's really a love story—with Bea as the heroine who makes the journey from lab to lap thanks to the dedication of the von Kreisler's. Yet, since the book's publication, For Bea has opened many people's eyes to the plight of lab animals. Those who are moved by the story of her life, and her eventual death, can't help but think of other laboratory research dogs who will never be lucky enough to experience a loving home and family. And at the end of her memoir about Bea, von Kreisler shares with readers information about animals in research and what each of us can do to help them.

HSUS: How do you feel For Bea can make a difference for lab animals?

Kristin von Kreisler: Bea has become a poster dog for lab animals. And the response to the book has been incredible. I've received more than 300 letters from readers, and after articles about the book run in newspapers, people write letters to the editor. Most of them say how much they loved the story, and that they had never thought about lab animals in such a personal way. Most of the time, lab animals are some vague abstraction in the shadows of people's minds. Then one little dog comes along and they love her. And she brings all of this into the open. Readers fall in love with Bea, and because they care about her, they begin to care about all lab animals. Which is exactly what I wanted.

HSUS: Tell us about Mary Tyler Moore's involvement.

KvK: My publisher sent For Bea to Mary Tyler Moore, who is a great animal advocate. Mary called me to say how moved she was by the book, and asked what she could do. After much discussion, I suggested that she get involved with The HSUS's Pain and Distress Campaign, and she agreed. I know she's already sent a letter to USDA [the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which enforces the Animal Welfare Act] about the issue of pain and distress in laboratory animals and that she's indicated her interest in working with The HSUS in other ways.

HSUS: What is it about the Pain and Distress Campaign in particular that interests you?

KvK: Simply, that it's the best work being done anywhere for lab animals—and I called many organizations to ask what they were doing. Also it seemed to make the most sense to me. It had realistic goals that were so clearly thought through. I'd have to say it was the lucidity of thinking behind the goals and the careful, moderate approach, that impressed me so much. And I believe that moderate approach is the only way to make progress, step by step, on this issue. It also should not alienate anyone. In fact, no one, except perhaps those in the very extreme, could disagree with any of it. So I would say that strengthening regulations for lab animals, finding the funding for research on alternatives, and getting the scientific community to support all that is, unquestionably, the way to go. Who would argue with minimizing pain and distress in laboratory animals?

HSUS: We know it was a wrenching decision when it finally came time to say goodbye to Bea. How did you get through it? And do you feel she's still with you in some way?

KvK: In her later years, Bea turned completely white, so she looked like the angel she was. She eventually reached the stage where it was clear she couldn't stay here any longer. Losing her was so hard because we were so close. We had put so much into making her okay. We always felt so protective of her. After all she went through, we never wanted her to have a bad day. And when she died, we couldn't protect her anymore. But through the way her book is reaching people, I feel she's still orchestrating things. And that she no longer needs protection. It's like releasing her spirit. I can't help but feel that Bea was put on the planet and came into my life for a reason. And in the end, that reason is to help lab animals.

HSUS: The opportunity to adopt a dog from a lab might not come up very often, but if it does, what would you say to someone considering it?

KvK: Well, if our experience with Bea is any indication, it won't necessarily be easy. It wasn't just something as basic as house-training. It was getting her over her fear of humans and to a place where she could trust and love those she met. She would just vibrate with fear in the beginning. But she became a dog who expected, and demanded, to be loved by everyone. I can't encourage people enough to adopt a lab dog if they get a chance. It takes a little extra effort, but I can't think of anything more rewarding. These animals have been forced to sacrifice so much, and they deserve happy lives.