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The Slice: Woof! You might already be a winner

It’s time once again to name the best dog in the Inland Northwest.

I think, technically, we’re past the dog days of summer. But that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate area canines on our own schedule.

So just have your dog or dogs answer the following questions and email those responses to The Slice, along with a recent photograph of the pooch.

Just think. Your animal companion might be named Best Doggone Dog in the Inland Northwest. And if your pet does not win, you’ll at least have the opportunity to demonstrate that you are a good sport.

OK, here are the questions.

1. How have you demonstrated your loyalty?

2. Did “Old Yeller” make you cry?

3. What’s your record as a guard dog?

4. Do you root for UW even though your humans root for WSU?

5. What’s your tolerance for preschoolers hugging, wrestling and generally loving up on you?

6. Do you regard “No!” as a negotiable suggestion?

7. Have you ever been described as “a bit bitey.”

8. What are your credentials as a news hound?

9. Do you bark only when you have something important to say?

10. How would you describe your dining etiquette?

11. What’s your policy on cats?

12. How much can you tell about a person or another dog from one sniff?

13. Do you understand why your owner carries a plastic bag when the two of you go for a walk?

14. Are you aware that a canine need not produce dozens and dozens of puppies to live a full, rich life?

15. In your estimation, how important is a dog’s breed?

16. What’s your opinion of show dogs?

17. Do you enjoy belly rubs and being scratched behind the ears?

18. Who was your favorite canine character in movies/TV?

19. Is this area a good place to be a dog?

20. What are your favorite pastimes?

21. Would you say that, all things considered, you are what might be called a “good” dog?

Thanks. Please get your answers and photo to The Slice by the last day of August. Be sure to include a daytime phone number.

Today’s Slice question: Can you remember a time when your first impression of someone turned out to be way off the mark?

Write The Slice at P. O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; email pault@spokesman.com. Name a city with a climate you prefer to Spokane’s.

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