Zoe & Tina

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Zoe of Designsbyevergreen.com. I run a blog that focuses on anything and everything that makes a home more beautiful- from interior design and DIYs to fun ways to bond with the fam. Tina is a beagle/hound mix that we think is around 14, but she could be older.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Tina just got out of the vet hospital where she scared me to death- I almost lost her a few weeks ago. She’s finally feeling better and it was just cool enough to take her out a wee bit.

What's brewing?

I had a Cinnamon Dolce Latte from Starbucks. It’s not normally on the menu, so you have to ask for it and bat your eyelashes a little for them to make it. I swear it tastes like a cupcake!

Any treats for you or Tina on this occasion?

Tina has been promised peanut butter and toast after I finish this interview with you guys. She’ll probably start howling about it in 20.5 seconds to remind me.

How were you and Tina united?

I have only had her for less than a year. She lived at a wonderful, no-kill shelter called Hallie Hill in Hollywood, SC. She was there so long, they let her roam freely on the property. She was their mascot and greeting committee. We went to pick out a dog for my daughter there. She picked a big, fluffy dog named Ike and I ended up falling in love with Tina- so we brought two dogs home!

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

Tina came with her name, so we kept it so we would not confuse her. However, we quickly found out she is deaf, so I have many, many aliases for her. Tina Tootles is my favorite, but she is also “Boo-boo baby”, “lambchop”, “Shnookumsus”… it gets worse. Yes, worse! She doesn’t complain about the names like other members of my family do, so I just let ‘em roll!

Does Tina have any special duties at Evergreen HQ?

Tina is a lady of leisure in her twilight years. She basically sleeps through my workday at Evergreen.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

She sleeps through all of that- including thunder storms.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

She doesn’t understand toys or the use for them, but she loves my closet and picking out clothes for me. She also loves her drawer filled with her sweaters. She rummages through it (in winter time) and selects what she wants daily. She’s a bit of a clothes hound (pun intended).

Who is Tina's best pet-pal?

We have a cat named Linus that tries not to participate in any family functions, but he does rub across Tina’s face every morning. That is the extent of Linus’ relationship with anybody. She and my daughter’s dog ignore each other. She’s more of a people person.

What is Tina's best quality?

She loves to be loved.

If Tina could change one thing about South Carolinians, what would it be?

Well, we live in Charleston and manners are rather important here, especially at the table. Not much food falls for her. I think she would definitely change our table manners so she could get more scraps.

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

“Should we get matching sweaters?” I’m pretty sure she would say yes.

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

Betty White. Tina often gets that blank look like “Rose” from the Golden Girls.

What advice would Tina give if asked?

Eat, Sleep, Love.

Visit the Designs by Evergreen website.

--Marshal Zeringue