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Ezra, the Smart, Serene Akita

A brilliant Akita with charm, wit, and a heartwarming journey from rescue to therapy dog

Article by Amanda Rae Linas

Photography by Amanda Rae Linas

Originally published in Midlothian Lifestyle

Meet Ezra, a five-year-old Akita whose intelligence and charm have stolen many hearts. Ezra is the kind of dog who doesn’t just follow commands—he seems to understand them on a deeper level. Quick to learn new tricks and responsive to both verbal and hand signals, he’s a canine genius wrapped in a fluffy, dignified package.

Ezra’s skills go beyond the usual sit-and-stay routine. Need the door shut? Ezra’s got it covered. Looking for a high-five or a spin? He’s happy to oblige. When mealtime rolls around, a simple “It’s time to eat” sends him straight to his bed, where he patiently waits until given the go-ahead. But let’s be honest—this Akita’s independence shines through. A well-timed “What are you supposed to do?” is all it takes to remind him of the rules—because, of course, he already knows them.

In a delightful twist, Ezra has also trained his humans. He taps the car door when he wants the window down, sits and stares when nature calls, and even demands a massage by parking his fluffy backside in front of you. If dinner prep is taking too long, one perfectly placed “arf” makes sure you pick up the pace.

Most of the time, Ezra is calm and composed—except when the zoomies take over. Whether during agility training or as a joyful greeting, these rare, wild bursts of energy bring a smile to everyone’s face.

But perhaps the most special thing about Ezra is his journey. Once a rescue struggling with severe separation anxiety, he has blossomed into a therapy dog, helping others with his calm, grounding presence. His bond with his family—including his younger sister, Sloan—is heartwarming, and his peaceful nature has made their home a more serene place.

From a nervous pup to a confident, playful, and loving companion, Ezra is truly a star.

“Ezra’s skills go beyond the usual sit-and-stay routine.”