Terry Nebeker & Sandy

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Terry Nebeker, a bookseller at One More Page Books in Arlington, VA. 

Sandy's an 8-year-old Weimaraner who loves books, so we call her "The Weimareader." She devours them. And I mean that quite literally.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

It's a beautiful morning here outside the DC area--the cherry blossoms are busting open.

I love to sit out on the deck with Sandy, and she loves it when I go back inside to get something or answer the phone because then she can drink my coffee.

What's brewing?

We sell this great coffee at the bookstore. It's called Larry's Beans. It's Fair Trade, Organic, Shade Grown, all kinds of good stuff. They have a great sense of humor. The bag alone is worth the purchase. Much better reading than a cereal box. Here's an example from the back of my bag of "Frankie's Blend: Club Sumatra Extra Dark" ground beans: "Captain airTIGHT urges you to reseal this bag!" Any product with its own superhero is a winner.

Any treats for you or Sandy on this occasion?

A big bowl of ice cubes for Sandy. She loves them. But apparently they taste better out of the bowl. She keeps pawing at it so they spill out.

How did Sandy get her name? Any aliases?

Sandy came with her name. She has many aliases. There's "The Weimareader," as I mentioned. That morphs into "The Weimareater" when she finds something she's not supposed to have--usually a paper product of some kind. She's pretty sassy so sometimes she's "Sassafrass," or "Sassquatch." It can even get as bad as "Sasser Arafat." Some days I come home from the store and ask, "How was Sandy today?" and the response will be "Sasstastic." It's a theme.

How were you and Sandy united?

I got her from Lost Dog Rescue here in Arlington. I've always loved these short-haired hunting dogs, but they need so much exercise I never thought I could own one. Sandy has epilepsy, so she takes medication that makes her a little more chill. A good walk every day and little Frisbee or ball in the back yard seems to work okay.

Does Sandy spend much time with you at One More Page Books? Is she more intrigued by the books or the wine?

She visits occasionally, usually on a quiet Sunday afternoon. But she gets restless, and would really love nothing more than to retreat to a corner with a really good hardback. And that doesn't end well for the book. Some titles she's really enjoyed at home are Swamplandia! by Karen Russell, The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown, and Bake Sale by Sara Varon. I was so sad about that one. I'd gotten it for free at the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance trade show. I was very attached to it. My daughter bought me a replacement one for Christmas.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

She's intrigued by squirrels, would chase birds if she could, is suspicious of cats, and barks at the doorbell. My daughter has three pet rats that confound her. They are too quick and they don't have a good sense of personal space. Sometimes she tolerates them; sometimes she snaps at them.

Squeaky-top, ball, Frisbee...?

Outside, her favorite thing to do is retrieve: the Frisbee, the Chuck-It ball, a stick. She brings it back every time. Inside, she really enjoys a good squeaky tennis ball. We get those AirKong balls with the short nap and a squeaker. Heaven.

What is Sandy's best quality?

She loves to ride in the car and that makes her a great companion. She does really well-off leash so we can just wander out of the house, hop in the car and run errands. Sometimes she'll jump into the front seat and sit there looking so much like a person. We don't let her ride up there but it's great when you're sitting with her in the grocery store parking lot. But I can't leave her alone with any groceries in the car. She's pretty skilled for someone without thumbs. One time I ran out to get a carton of eggs and popped into the bookstore to drop something off. I'd hidden the eggs under the driver's seat. She ate the carton and left the eggs behind, none broken.

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

She would love it if I dedicated every day to playing outside with her. Also, she would appreciate my tossing the occasional roll of toilet paper her way. The cardboard center is the best--kinda like a Tootsie Pop!

What is Sandy's proudest moment?

When she's discovered an unguarded paper bag or tissue box.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which Sandy could speak, which actor should do her voice?

I think any of those wonderful Saturday Night Live women would do a fine job--Kristen Wiig, or perhaps Tina Fey. Someone who can change gears rapidly. Focus isn't always Sandy's forte

Visit the One More Page Books website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue