Alonna & Bella, Tonka, and Kimbrey

Who is in the photo at right?

That’s me, Alonna, and I currently work in Social Media Marketing while finishing up a Business degree. I’m luckily married to my high school sweetheart and wonderful dog-dad, Luke, who shares the same passion for helping others as I do.

The pretty girl I’m holding in the picture is Bella, who is the baby of the pack. Tonka (black and white) and Kimbrey (brindle) are sniffing around in the back of the picture. Tonka, a pit mix, is currently about 4 years old. Kimbrey, our Heinz 57, is about 2, and Bella, a boxer/pit mix, is about 1 ½.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Lately I’ve been drinking coffee to warm up. The fall chill has finally found Indy, and I’m just not ready for it!

What's brewing?

Recently, my pot has been full of Michigan Cherry flavored Biggby Coffee. The hint of cherry with a splash of vanilla Silk creamer is perfect.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

The only treat is the coffee! The dogs normally manage to steal a few sips when I’m not looking.

How were you and your dogs united?

All of my dogs came from a local humane society or shelter. My first dog, Tonka, came from Indianapolis Animal Care and Control. After 2 years, we felt like he needed a companion and we adopted Kimbrey from the Humane Society of Indianapolis. To round out the group, we adopted Bella from the Humane Society of Indianapolis as well. Sometimes you just know when something is meant to be, and with all three of our dogs, we knew.

How did your dogs get their names? Any nicknames?

Tonka and Kimbrey were named by the shelters they came from. We kept the names because they fit their personalities. Bella, on the other hand, was named Flora at the shelter (and it didn’t suit her at all!). We wanted a simple, sweet name that fit her personality, and Bella just stood out.

Do your dogs have a favorite place to go for walk?

We live next to a great city park that we often go to, but our dogs crave a good hike in the woods.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Squirrel! The movie Up definitely got it right…

What is each dog's best quality?

Tonka is a loyal protector.

Kimbrey is determined and always happy.

Bella is an unconditional lover.

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

They would definitely want more walks. It can be hard to squeeze in walking 3 dogs (they all walk separately) into already hectic schedules.

What is each dog's proudest moment so far? Most embarrassing?

Tonka (who is very anxious!) was able to overcome his anxiety and safely spend time with a small child.

Kimbrey survived not only being hit by a huge Ford F350, but also overcame hind leg paralysis.

Bella’s proudest moment was the first time she ran on our carpet mill. There was no stopping her once she started sprinting!

Luckily, the dogs have never done anything too embarrassing. We’re a lighthearted bunch and just smile at all of our flaws.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which your dogs could speak, who should do their voices?

Tonka would definitely sound like James Earl Jones. Rich and deep.

Kimbrey would sound like Beyoncé. She’s a diva.

Bella would probably sound like Ellen Page. Sweet and smart with plenty of understated humor.

If your dogs could each answer only one question in English, what would you ask them?

I would simply want to ask them all, “do I make you happy?”

Visit the Oh, Tonka blog.

--Marshal Zeringue