Brindley Faile & Monroe

Who is in the photo at right?

That would be me, Brindley, and my 4-year-old Catahoula Leopard Dog (mutt), Monroe. I'm a graphic designer for a medical animation company in Kennesaw, Georgia.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I'm running the Atlanta Tough Mudder this Saturday so I decided to treat myself and Monroe since she's been helping me train!

What's brewing?

Starbucks Vanilla Latte and a Puppiccino (whip cream).

Any treats for you or Monroe on this occasion?

The coffee is plenty... I'll probably smell like it during hot yoga tonight.

How were you and Monroe united?

I adopted Miss Monroe when she was 1.5 ish years old from Homeward Trails in DC. I had never owned a dog before and had no idea what I was getting in to. A ruined carpet, purple panted duvet, entire bag of beaded jewelry devoured (and pooped out for the next 3 days), and a leg of a dresser later... well let's just say we've come a long way. I even lost a roommate mostly due to Monroe's monstrous behavior. She's much better behaved now that I've had her for 2 years.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

She was already "Monroe" when I adopted her and I liked it. I tell most people it's after "Marilyn Monroe" so they know she's a girl. My friends in Maryland called her "MonTroll" because she was always snatching their food when they weren't looking.

Would you say Monroe does more to help or hinder your creativity?

Hinder. She's proven herself anti-graphic design as she ate through all my computer cords and a wireless mouse in the first few months of adopting her.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Cats, though squirrels are a close second. My parent's cat was ill prepared for her obsession.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Squeaky toys = no mercy.

Who is Monroe's best pet-pal?

Remington, my sister's lab mutt. He probably doesn't feel the same since Monroe tries to hide all her toys from him and eat his food.

What is Monroe's best quality?

I'm sure you might be thinking "good heavens your dog is atrocious" but she has actually become a great companion. She was certainly a challenge when I first adopted her and I even entertained the idea of giving her away, but I'm glad I did not. She is always up for an adventure, very sweet and cuddly, and has been with me through moves, relationships, and career changes.

If Monroe could change one thing about Georgians, what would it be?

They'd all be female. She's always been nervous around men possibly because of her past owner. She loves ladies though.

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

What will convince you to stop terrorizing Ballzie, my parent's cat?

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

Donnie from The Wild Thornberrys cartoon.

What advice would Monroe give if asked?

Food is easy to steal if you're quick enough. Humans will confuse it for cute until the notice your pattern so mix up which humans you target.

Visit Brindley Faile's website.

--Marshal Zeringue