It's one of those little-known facts that Jesus had a German Shepherd when he was a boy. A new book, Boy Jesus and His Dog, tells us that the pooch was named Angel. And according to the publisher, it's an inspiring read: "Boy Jesus, sometimes guided by His Heavenly Father, gradually develops a relationship with Angel that is spiritually moving, and shows how boy and dog are prepared to sacrifice their lives for each other."

This slight adjustment to the doctrine of redemption has been immortalized in the Boy Jesus and His Dog figurine (seen above), available for only $23.95. Lovingly sculpted by Sister Margaret Beaudette, it's available in an ivory or gold finish with a marble base. Barking, or what?