Cheryl Richardson & her dogs

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Cheryl Richardson. I am a Senior Library Assistant at Middle Tennessee State University’s Walker Library.

My dogs are (left to right) Molly (F, 3 yrs.Doxie mix), Shiloh (F, 11 yrs. Jack Russell/Doxie mix), Fergie (F, 8 yrs. Red Heeler/Shepherd mix), Shingo (M, 3 years Doxie/Chihuahua mix), Indiana Bones (M, 3 yrs. Rat Terrier) and Cheryl.

We’ve since added: Trixie, “the spare dog” (F, 10 yrs. Pomeranian mix) whose family moved off and left her, Jack (M, 10 yrs. Rat Terrier), and Daisy (F, 14 yrs., Rat Terrier).

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We just came in from a cool, morning walk! We are snuggling and having coffee to warm up.

What's brewing?

Chock Full O’ Nuts original blend, black.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Cranberry nut muffins.

Any treat for your dogs on this occasion?

They get some left over hot dog pieces to share.

How were you and your dogs united?

I’ve volunteered since high school for the Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association. Shiloh, Molly, and Shingo came from there.

Indiana was dumped in front of my house at 5 weeks old. Lots of folks know that I do rescue, so that happens a lot.

Trixie’s family were neighbors, and they moved away and left her.

Jack and Daisy were being fostered by a friend. I took them as fosters, and decided because of their age, we’d keep them.

How did the dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Molly, Fergie, and Shiloh were all named by the shelter workers.

Jack , Daisy, and Trixie were named by their former families.

Shingo was named for a contestant on Ultimate Ninja Warrior named Shingo Yamamoto.

Indiana was named after one of my childhood favorites, Indiana Jones.

The have LOTS of aliases:

Molly – Mols, Molly Wolly

Fergie – Fergalina, Ferganatious, Fergaletta, Fergalicious

Shiloh – Shiloh Nubbins

Shingo – Shingo Dingo, Shingaloid Tumor

Indiana – Indy, Indiana Bananna, Slappy, Senor Slappy

Jack – Ratta Jack, Jackson, Jackson Herveaux, monkey

Daisy – The Grumpy Old Lady Dog

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

We all live with 9 cats, so they are much more interested in the squirrels.

Tennis ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Fergie loves stuffies and squeaky toys. We call them her woobies.

Indiana is obsessed with tennis balls!

Shingo just likes anything, including what he’s not supposed to have.

Molly and Jack like anything, but especially toys.

Shiloh and Daisy only likes things that include food!

Trixie loves tennis balls and squeaky toys.

Where are your dogs' favorite places for an outing?

To the neighborhood park or to a dog centric event.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Definitely me, my husband, the other dogs in the house, and Grandma, who lives next door (she’s the treat lady).

If your dogs could change one thing about you, what would it be?

That I could be a stay-at-home dog mom with an unending supply of treats.

Learn more about the dogs at the Feisty Three blog and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue