Hanifa Menen & Caesar

Who is in the photo at right?

This is a picture of me and my fur-baby Caesar. My name is Dr. Hanifa Menen and I am a Naturopathic Doctor working in Toronto and Oakville, Ontario. My practice is focused on cancer prevention, care and management. I also write at the Schnauzer Savvy blog. It's a useful read for not only schnauzer-parents, but for anyone interested in natural healing options for dogs in general, and for those who would like more information about training and various other tid-bits of doggy-info. My inspiration for the blog is my wonderfully smart, intelligent, and truly best-friend, Caesar. His full name is Caesar Augustus von Schnauzer, a 3-year old male, black and silver, miniature schnauzer.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We are enjoying one of our typical relaxed Sunday afternoons at home today -- to celebrate the end of a busy morning of cooking for the week for both of us! Now it's time to really kick back and relax together!

What's brewing?

I am enjoying a nice Sumatran coffee (Starbucks, this is our favourite!), and Caesar is enjoying his lucky cup (filled with just a touch of water).

Any treats for you or Caeser on this occasion?

Today we are enjoying some home-made apple cake!

How were you and Caesar united?

After searching online for some length of time to find a breeder of miniature schnauzers in Ontario, my husband and I met Caesar at the breeder's home 4-weeks after his birth. We met his litter-mates too, but while deciding between him and his brother (we wanted a male dog) -- he gave us a lively bark as if to say "choose me" -- and we did. Picked him up from the breeder 4-weeks later and the ride home with him asleep in my lap had our hearts forever united.

How did Caesar get his name? Any aliases?

We knew the kid was going to have personality from the first day we met him. And we wanted him to have a powerful name for a small dog. Caesar Augustus seemed to match his "drive to win" energy... but had to respect his own roots, so "von Schnauzer" only seemed right.

Caesar has his own YouTube channel. What are a couple of your favorite videos of his tricks?

Yes, since we decided that Caesar was going to be a "Dogtor" (as close to his parents' profession as possible) we are determined to help him learn as much as he can. A couple of my favourite videos are on his YouTube channel DogtorCaesar: "Remember My Name" and "Caesar Moves Like Jagger", although he really showed us his smarts with one of his original performances in "Lord of the Rings."

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Generally scared/wary of cats, will bark at the postman (or anyone else who enters his space -- even visual space), will pull at squirrels when we're walking him, but resists doing so with our verbal command of "co-existence."

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Loves each of these, especially if just passed to him from me or his Dad, but he does have a particular weakness for soft and squeaky rubber chickens!!

Does Caesar have a favorite place to go for outings?

This year we discovered a beautiful trail through a forest in Oakville... this has turned into Caesar's favourite place to visit this year!

Who is Caesar's best pet-pal?

Caesar's pet-pals are largely the inanimate variety. He loves to hang out with his "buddies" -- here [photo left] he's hanging out at the window with Elephant, Snoopy and Monkey... Although we also have pet budgies, Caesar is never able to get close enough to really "bond" with them!!

What is Caesar's best quality?

That would have to be his commanding presence! Aside from his good looks, he will make sure that you will notice him (often through barking) and in no time he will win you over with his charm (likely with the goal of getting a treat from you!).

If Caesar could change one thing about Torontonians, what would it be?

Stop rushing!! Caesar would want Torontonians to slow down. Rushing about without a true appreciation of nature and the basic joys of really connecting with one another, is something he just doesn't understand. Caesar would certainly want Torontonians to stop to smell the roses (and trees, fire hydrants, each other...).

If Caeser could answer only one question in English, what would you ask him?

What does love smell like? (Of course, I would want to hear him answer "our home" or "Mom.")

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which Caeser could speak, who should voice him?

Joe Pesci (no profanities in the script, but his voice is perfect!).

Visit the Schnauzer Savvy blog and Caeser's YouTube channel.

--Marshal Zeringue