Amanda & Nola

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Amanda, and my crazy beautiful dog Nola. I'm a student, photographer and blogger.

Nola is an almost two year old, purebred female Miniature Dachshund.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I hang out with Nola every morning; publishing that day's blog post, relaxing and having breakfast.

What's brewing?

No coffee for me, just ice water with lemon or a cold Coke. I can't stand the taste of coffee!

Any treats for you or Nola on this occasion?

Usually waffles or pancakes for me, and of course Nola gets a taste. She has yogurt and/or pumpkin for an after breakfast snack.

How did Nola get her name? Any aliases?

Nola is named after New Orleans LouisianA. My Mom actually named her on the car ride home from her breeder. To date, we've met exactly 5 people who've gotten the meaning behind her name.
Her aliases include: Noly, Noly Canoli, Bugs, Buggy, Weenie, Bean, youlittleshitIcan'tbelieveyoujustdidthatIdidn'tmeanitI'msorry, Princess, Demon, Schnitzel, Dachshund Nola, and Pooki.

How were you and Nola united?

I got Nola on December 9, 2010 during one of the hardest times in my life. My black lab had recently died (she was very young), and my dad was fighting hard against Bipolar Disorder and Depression.
After my lab past, I started researching different breeds that would fit my life. I'd narrowed it down to either a Dachshund or a Pug, but decided against the Pug because of the ridiculous weather here.

I started my search for a Dachshund in August of 2010, and like I said finally got my Nola in December. I found no shortages of Dachshunds, but they were all males and I was dead set on a female. I was put on multiple waiting lists for different breeders, scoured the internet, papers, asked friends and family if they knew of anyone who had a female. I searched all over Florida, and even looked in Georgia and Alabama to no avail.

I was almost ready to give up, then one night my mom brought home a tiny little female Dachshund puppy. I was crying so hard, and laughing and looking a bit insane I'm sure. It was an instant bond that grows stronger every day.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Anyone and everyone who walks by our house! And on occasion, my chickens.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Hm, Nola loves sticks but her favorite toy would have to be her tailless, earless, and eyeless stuffed opossum.

Who is Nola's best pet-pal?

Nola's more of a people oriented dog then anything else, but her best canine friends would have to be her "brother" Augustine or her blog BFF Lily Belle.

What is Nola's best quality?

Nola has so many good qualities I'd be here forever trying to decide on her best one! So I'll tell you her top three.

One is her incredible intelligence. Two is her outstanding loyalty. Three is her stubbornness, haha! It's a good thing I'm just as bullheaded as she is.

If Nola could change one thing about Floridians, what would it be?

She'd probably change all the tourists we have every summer! I have to agree with her on that one....

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

Lea Michele from Glee!

If Nola could answer only one question in English, what would you ask her?

I'd ask her if she knows how much I adore her.

Visit the Dachsund Nola blog.

--Marshal Zeringue