Carol Colquhoun & Stella and Rory

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Carol Colquhoun. I am a Childcare worker. My dogs are Stella, a five month old English Cocker Spaniel and Rory, a three month old Great Dane.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I have been enjoying two weeks holiday and my husband and I went to our local Deli for a coffee with the pups, to help socialise them.

What's brewing?

We enjoyed a Cappuccino, not sure what brand of coffee. It tasted great whatever it was.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

I took some chicken treats for the pups to eat while we had coffee. They ate them all quickly and then settled for a nap at my feet. We had quite a few people stop and say hello (the beauty of living in a small town) so it was good for the pups to meet and greet new faces.

How were you and your dogs united?

We found both our dogs through Breeders advertising on the internet. We saw photos of them and went to 'have a look' and came home each time with a new pup. We have had the combination of Cocker Spaniels and Great Danes for the last thirteen years. Our old girl Kara passed to the rainbow bridge four months ago and we couldn't live without a dog/dogs in our lives so have started the cycle again.

How did your dogs get their names?

Stella was named after a character in a British sci-fi TV series, Outcasts. Sometimes she gets called Stellie Bellie, but usually Stella. Rory was named after a character in the new Dr Who series. He can be called snory Rory for obvious reasons.

Do your dogs have a favorite place to walk?

Not at the moment. They have had a play at the local oval but that's about it so far. We have to be careful of any undue stress on Rory's legs while they develop. My husband and I walk every day so when the pups are a little stronger they will come with us.

Rabbit, postman, cat, etc?

Definitely our poor cat Penny. She is a long suffering girl but the pups are gradually settling down and will leave her alone most of the time.

Tennis ball, Frisbee, squeaky toy?

Stella loves to chase a tennis ball but Rory just watches it roll away. He likes to conserve energy.

What is each dog's best quality?

Stella has a cheeky personality. She can be a little shy when meeting people for the first time but once she warms to them there is no stopping her. She won't leave them alone. She is wonderful with small children.

Rory just lumbers up for a pat immediately. Hopefully whoever he says hello to doesn't mind slobber.

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

I think they would make me feed them more. Being pups they are always hungry.

What is each dog's proudest moment so far?

Stella's was passing Puppy Pre School. She was a scaredy cat the first week but blossomed as the weeks went by.

Rory's is managing a very slow amble up the driveway without falling over.

Most embarrassing moment?

Stella hasn't given us any embarrassing moments, yet! Rory's was at puppy preschool not wanting to walk at all on the lead and having to be carried outside for a wee. Just hilarious.

Visit the Stella & Rory from Down Under blog.

--Marshal Zeringue