IntroductionWhat’s better than being greeted at the end of a long day by a butt-wiggling, tail-wagging kiss monster? When you’re struggling—and even when you’re not—what brings you more comfort than a good couch cuddle with your dog? Smelling your dog’s Frito feet is better than any aromatherapy. Their facial expressions can melt your heart or crack you up. And somehow, this pup who lacks employment or a five-year plan makes you feel safe in the world. On walks together, you pause to gaze at the clouds and the birds. You feel the sun, wind, and rain. Heck, you might even chat with a neighbor or make a new friend. Those walks aren’t just good for your pet; they’re good for you, too.
Your buddy has a complex, unique personality with their own quirks, fears, and fetishes: refusing to poop when it rains, hoarding dirty socks, humping pillows, barking at the vacuum, and drooling for whipped cream. How magical it is to know another creature so well!
Caring for a dog has taught you compassion, responsibility, and patience. You love your dog so much that you pick up their hot poop and carry that stinking bag around until you can find a trash can. You sweep up the never-ending fur that covers your floors while your pooch slobbers on the new couch. Not once have they offered to clean or pay rent.
We photographed more than a hundred dogs for this book. Talking with folks about the project, we’d hear again and again, “You need to photograph my dog! I have the best dog!” We heard amazing stories, rescue tales, and heartwarming anecdotes.
Photo shoots were a collaboration between photographer, dogs, and their people. They were equal parts circus, chaos, and workout. Creating a portrait of an entire litter of rambunctious golden retrievers was total mayhem, the great danes trotted around the studio like ponies, and the corgi peed on everything.
When we began this project, we hadn’t yet adopted our dog, Ducky. Watching him play with his friends makes our hearts explode. He cracks us up every day. We love to dance with him, sing to him, and give him tons of belly rubs. Even though he hogs the bed every night, he’s the best.
In our interviews we asked everyone this question: “What has sharing your life with a dog given you?” It’s difficult for people to articulate the depths of their feelings for their dogs. Words are limited when it comes to love. Maybe it’s easiest to just say, “I have the best dog.”
Copyright © 2023 by Aliza Eliazarov with Edward Doty. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
