David Hensley & Bishop

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is David Hensley and I am one of the Principals in Bar K, a new dog park bar/restaurant concept on the riverfront in Kansas City. Bishop is my 6-year-old black Golden Doodle, or as a friend coined “Phantom Doodle.” Sounds cooler, ha!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We enjoy hitting up Alamo Placita Park in Denver to play with other dogs and get in a early morning meditation. One the way, there’s a car wash that has good coffee.

What's brewing?

They serve Dazbog, a Russian born, Denver roasted brand. Bкусно! ("Tastes good" in Russian.)

Any treats for you or Bishop on this occasion?

Bishop always gets a treat at the car wash [photo left] so it’s one of his favorite stops.

How were you and Bishop united?

I was looking for a companion for my first dog and stumbled upon a farmer who had a litter of Golden Doodles. Picking out a puppy out of a litter is tough, but I looked for the one who was independent and adventurous. Bishop was sniffing around on his own and I knew that was my dog! Since then, I’ve learned quite a bit about rescue and will go that route next time.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Don’t remember where it came from. Just like it.

I call him Bubba B and have a 80’s style rap song I made up for him. “Bubba B in the house, Bubba B with a mouse, Bubba B he ain’t small, Bubba B he’s real tall, Bubba B wika…wika… (record scratch) and repeat. Of course it makes no sense and sounds like a 3rd grader came up with it, but he seems to like it!

Please tell us about Bar K.

Bar K will be a dog park, bar, and coffeehouse located on the riverfront in Kansas City.

My business partner and I got our dogs on the exact same day without ever mentioned the idea before. We started taking our pups to bars/restaurants and dog parks. Neither situation was ideal for enjoyment of both parties. We were either standing around at a dog park or the dog was tied up on a restaurant patio. We wanted to create a place that was fun for both human and companion. Bar K was born.

Cat, postman, squirrel…?

Squirrel. But I don’t blame him. They actually taunt him. They’re cute, but it’s only because of their bushy tails. Without that, they’re just tree rats.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick…?

One of each for about 1 minute, then he’s bored. Get him a body of water and he’s in heaven!

Who is Bishop's best pet-pal?

Bear and Benji, my business partner’s dogs.

What is Bishop's best quality?

He gives great hugs with his head. He nestles his ear right up against your leg and looks up at you.

If Bishop could change one thing about Kansas Citians, what would it be?

Put your phone down!

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

Marry, hump, kill: Lassie, Benji, or Cujo…? Go!

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

Russell Crowe. I’ve always thought he should have an Aussie voice. "Are you not entertained?"

What advice would Bishop give if asked?

Stop and smell the roses.

Visit the Bar K website, Indiegogo page, Twitter perch, and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue