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The Slice: Good dogs, one and all

It’s not easy picking the Best Doggone Dog in the Inland Northwest.

There’s a temptation to declare every one of the canines entered in The Slice’s contest to be co-winners. They’re all good dogs.

But the idea was to select the best, so that’s what I’ll do – even if we all know it’s an iffy undertaking. But first let’s hear from a few of the entrants. As you might recall, dogs were asked to answer a set of questions. There is a good chance their owners helped craft the responses, much the way parents have been known to help children with homework. No matter.

Chewbacca, a young dog belonging to Molly Zammit, answered the question about demonstrating loyalty.

“I have stood by my Master and Mistress and filled a hole left by the death of a faithful four-legged friend two weeks ago.”

Jupiter, a year-old German shepherd mix belonging to Dawn Richard, answered this way. “I hate to admit this, but my mom is pretty clumsy, especially when the power goes out and the house goes dark. So I take it upon myself to lean against her when she’s looking for flashlights so she can hold onto my collar.”

In the matter of rooting for WSU or UW, Sally Kuchik’s pooch Lily wrote, “Actually, we are a Michigan State University family.”

Keeper and Lark, a pair of border collies belonging to Nancy Haynes, answered the question about felines. “Cats must be herded and watched. They are sneaky so they require almost constant supervision.”

Dave Whipple’s golden retriever Tucket offered his credentials as a news hound. “I report all the important stuff. Like a bike going past the driveway, or a jogger.”

Tolerance for preschoolers? “I’m OK with kids for a couple of minutes, then I go lie down,” wrote Deb Walter’s dog Hershey. “They’re kinda cute.”

Is this area a good place to be a dog? “I think this is the best place in the world,” said Allan Berman’s mixed-breed small dog Beau.

Thanks to the dozens of terrific canines and great pet owners who shared photos.

I’m declaring Jane Smith’s golden retriever Roxy Rose the winner. The picture of her with feline housemate Sid speaks to this dog’s calmness, acceptance and quiet dignity.

Roxy says Jane calls her a great dog every day. “And my mom wouldn’t lie.”

Today’s Slice question: How many divided couples (WSU/EWU) are there?

Write The Slice at P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; email pault@spokesman.com. Did you read Classics Illustrated comic books?

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