The unique relationship between a dog-owner and a dog

There is no relationship like that between a person and a dog argues Steven Rowley in his novel Lily and the Octopus. The bond between people and dogs is a special kind of bond, in which love, loyalty, and affection are freely and unconditionally given to one another. Happiness and companionship are found in such a relationship because each is wholly accepting of the other.

Ted has owned Lily for most of her life. She is his constant companion and the two spend as much time as they can together. Their time together is so valuable to Ted that he even works out a schedule for spending time with Lily: for example, eating pizza on Sundays and playing Monopoly on Friday nights. Ted and Lily accept and love one another for who the other is. Even simple things...