"Earl Lover" & Earl and Ethel

Who is in the photo at right?

Online, I go by the name of 'Earl Lover', and these are my two Border Terriers, Earl, a male 5 year old, and Ethel, a female 14 month old. I train and compete in agility with them regularly.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I never used to like coffee, however recently, I have taken a huge liking to it! When it's a nice day, I like to sit outside and enjoy one, accompanied by my two best friends.

What's brewing?

Our usual brand is Kenco, but we sometimes have Nescafe, too. I also like lattes, but usually have them when out and about, not at home. Cappuccinos are a little too strong for me, although I have tried one before!

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

I love making healthy homemade treats for the dogs, but if I haven't on this occasion, a couple of our usual dog biscuits do just fine! My dogs are real foodies, and love just about anything I put in front of them!

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

When we got Earl, my parents were into the show My Name Is Earl, and we all liked the name. It suits Earl incredibly well, too, because he's the most proud and regal looking dog I have ever seen! We also like the older names, as they suit Border Terriers! Ethel got her name this way, too.

How were you and your dogs united?

I'd been wanting a dog for ages, when finally, I came across a litter of beautiful Border Terriers puppies. Earl was the one who snuggled up on my lap and fell straight to sleep, so we both chose each other! With Ethel, we were looking for Border Terriers for agility, as I compete with Earl in this and wanted a good dog to follow. Ethel's line was known for this, and therefore we chose the only girl in the litter! We had heard boys get on with girls better than with the same sex.

Squeaky-toy, ball, stick...?

Food! But yes, my dogs love squeaky toys and balls, but not sticks. They also enjoy games of tug with me and each other!

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

Squirrels and cats are high on the agenda, and they both go crazy for anyone who comes to the door, whether that be a postman or just a general visitor!

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Each other, of course! They're always playing together! But they also love playing with and spending time with the other agility dogs at our training club.

What is each dog's best quality?

Earl is a loyal, loving dog, who's always up for a cuddle and always does as he's told.
Ethel is a sprightly little girl who's always on the ball, always making you laugh and bringing you a toy.

Where is your dogs' favorite outdoor destination?

The dogs absolutely love the beach, but they also favour the woods, too. There's nothing better than a good place to exercise!

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

They'd make me more chilled. Sometimes I overthink things, and they'd be the ones to sit me down on the sofa with TV!

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

I don't know actors very well, so I'll just say someone posh for Earl, and someone wild and daring for Ethel.

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

I would ask them what their most favourite thing in the world is. Then, they could do/have more of it!

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

Never take no from a human for an answer. If they don't want to play or give food, keep at them! Oh, and use the eyes!

Visit the Earl's World! blog.

--Marshal Zeringue