`{"id":702,"date":"2012-06-01T13:39:35","date_gmt":"2012-06-01T20:39:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.lakielove.com\/?p=702"},"modified":"2012-06-01T13:39:35","modified_gmt":"2012-06-01T20:39:35","slug":"womans-best-friend-an-ode-to-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.lakielove.com\/2012\/06\/01\/womans-best-friend-an-ode-to-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"(Wo)man\u2019s best friend – an ode to dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"

$\"Jaz$ <\/a>
\nPuppy love: Jaz & myself just after grooming (which is why her hair looks awesome and mine not so much, LOL!)<\/em><\/p>\n

A dog is so much more than just another pet. If you own a dog, there\u2019s always someone to greet you the moment you walk through the door, someone that makes you get off the couch to catch some fresh air, and someone to share your stories or split your dinner with. A dog is the friend you take for a walk on the beach (even when it\u2019s raining – because you promised!), the family member you snuggle up with on the couch (and who never complains during endless Sunday afternoon re-runs of \u2018Sex and the City\u2019) and a partner-in-crime when it comes to finishing that extra piece of pizza you could do without (but you\u2019ll walk it off together, right?! :P). With its endless zest for life, a dog can magically cheer you up with something as simple as a wag of the tail.<\/p>\n

$\"Jaz$ <\/a>
\nBest buds: Jaz & dad enjoying refreshments on the beach at less than ideal temperatures… gotta love Vancouver \ud83d\ude21
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t get me wrong, I love my cats as well. But where my cats cry of abuse and scream of murder when I take them anywhere outside the house, Jaz is always ready to roll: anywhere, anytime, with anyone (well… except for toddlers, but we can\u2019t blame her for that now, can we?!). And while my cats stick their noses up at new food offerings, putting them through an FAA-grade inspection before accepting them, Jaz will gobble whatever you have up in a split second – fingers included if you don\u2019t watch out! Dogs have masters, cats have staff. Clich\u00e9, but oh so true.<\/p>\n

$\"Jaz$ <\/a>
\nReady for anything: Jaz & grandpa on the prowl<\/em><\/p>\n

But perhaps the best thing about a dog is that a dog knows it is part of your inner-circle. Jaz may not always listen and be compliant (after all… Lakies are known for their selective hearing ;)), but she knows exactly what is expected of her and she has a thorough understanding of our unique bond. She knows when and how to pull a cute face so she gets that extra treat. She knows when you\u2019re sad, and will offer to join you on the couch. She knows when you\u2019ve had enough and she should really listen, or else…!
\nIt\u2019s this interaction and the silent agreement that we have, that makes (to me, at least) owning a dog so special.<\/p>\n

$\"Jaz$ <\/a><\/em>
\nPerfect posers: Jaz & grandma. You can tell that Jaz knows it’s picture time.<\/em>..
\n“Gramps! Did you get the shot?!”<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"