Michelle & Goose

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Michelle. I am a pastor for the United Methodist Church. I serve a church in Utah. In fact I serve the church that I grew up in. That is a rare thing to happen, but I could not imagine being anywhere else. And that is my companion Goose. He is a male Weimaraner who is 12 1/2 years old.

At the church I serve every 3rd Sunday of the month we have Bring Your Dog to Worship. It is very popular and the people, and the dogs, really enjoy it. For some people it is much easier to attend a worship service if they can bring their dog, their companion. It is most certainly something I look forward to.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Every morning Goose and I get up at 4:45AM and sit on the patio to watch the sun come up, pray, read a devotion and listen for what God has to say. It is our special time together. We do this each morning no matter what the weather. Well, except if it is raining; Goose does not like to be out in the rain.

What's brewing?

I have whatever kind of coffee is in the cupboard. Usually it is some sort of hazelnut brew. In the dog days of summer it is iced. Before I go to bed I get it ready and when I get up it is brewed and all that is needed is to grab a cup and head to the patio.

Today's selection is a Blue Mountain brew that was a gift from a friend.

Any treats for you or Goose on this occasion?

No treat for me, per se, just my Greek yogurt, pomegranate. The treat for Goose is he gets to lick out the cup. I always leave a little extra in there for him.

How did Goose get his name? Any aliases?

Goose came with his name. Twelve years ago I walked into a pet store to get some rocks for two Gecko lizards, Spot and Bob. New Hope foundation was there with puppies for adoption. I hurried past them and headed for the rocks. I had no intention of getting another dog. My last dog, Pete, had been my companion for over 14 years. He was a Lab Great Dane mix, 140lbs on love. When he went to the rainbow bridge the day before Thanksgiving I vowed to never have another dog. And for years I held to that. Then I walked into that store. When I walked to up to pay for the rocks there was Goose, 6 months old, in a wire cage that he was too big for, his tail sticking out. The checkout line was long. So there I stood, next to Goose, trying not to look at him. The volunteer noticed me and started talking with me, finally saying "would you like to walk him outside, I'll hold your rocks." So I did and I fell in love. But I was still determined to not have another dog. When I came back in and she put him back in his cage, something happened. I took my rocks and walked to the back of the store. I called a colleague and simply said, "Do you think it is time?" I did not tell her what I was talking about, but she said, "Yes it is time. It is time that you let another dog into your heart." What could I do? I went back up front and the volunteer handed me the leash. We talked some more. That's when I found out they were asking $600 for Goose's adoption because he came from a championship line of Weimaraners. I handed the leash back, there was no way I could afford that. I got back in line to pay for the rocks. Then the volunteer tapped me on the shoulder and said, "I know you will give him a good home. He is meant to be with you. If you will take him home he is yours, no charge." Goose's full name is Sir King Goose the III. I was not sure if I would keep the name. But it quickly became apparent that he was a Goose. The reason is because whenever he wanted my attention, or wanted to play, he would "goose" me. Yep, poke me in the butt with his nose. So Goose it was. He is also known as Gooseberry, Bubba Goose, and Gooie.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

For Goose all are on the list, well, except postman. He loves the postman. He also has a fondness for skunks. Last year he "kissed" six of them.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

This is a no-brainer: sticks. Goose is the King of Sticks. No matter the size, from twigs to fallen trees. They are all pure enjoyment for him.

Who is Goose's best pet-pal?

Goose has so many friends. But I would have to say it is Bert from Four Legged Views. He goes to Bert's place several times a week while I am at work. And they go on great adventures in the mountains and at the Fort a couple times a week. Of course he has a special fondness for his gal pal Belle. They have known each other for a long time and have had some great camping and backpacking adventures together. She is his beautiful Belle.

What is Goose's best quality?

Hummmm. He has many it is hard to choose. His devotion and commitment to me is incredible. He is very in-tune to me, even when I am not aware of what is going on. Because of some medical issues I have there are times that I will start to slip into a coma. Sometimes I am not aware that it is happening, but Goose does and he does everything he can to make me aware what is going on so I can take some meds to bring me back. Even when I am sleeping he will try to pull me out of bed, jump on the bed, bark in my face and so forth. He was not trained to do this, he just knows what is happening and makes sure I am OK. It has been a life saving connection we have that I can only explain as a gift from God.

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

Being Goose and who he is, I think he would say he would not change a thing. He loves me for who I am.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which Goose could speak, which actor should do his voice?

I don't know why but I would have to say Morgan Freeman. Maybe because when we watch something with Mr. Freeman in it Goose goes up to the TV and stares at the TV tilting his head from side to side. It's like he is listening to his own voice.

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

Just one? I would ask him why he enjoys sticks so much. Why they bring him so much joy.

Visit the Gospel of Goose blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Amanda & Nola

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Amanda, and my crazy beautiful dog Nola. I'm a student, photographer and blogger.

Nola is an almost two year old, purebred female Miniature Dachshund.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I hang out with Nola every morning; publishing that day's blog post, relaxing and having breakfast.

What's brewing?

No coffee for me, just ice water with lemon or a cold Coke. I can't stand the taste of coffee!

Any treats for you or Nola on this occasion?

Usually waffles or pancakes for me, and of course Nola gets a taste. She has yogurt and/or pumpkin for an after breakfast snack.

How did Nola get her name? Any aliases?

Nola is named after New Orleans LouisianA. My Mom actually named her on the car ride home from her breeder. To date, we've met exactly 5 people who've gotten the meaning behind her name.
Her aliases include: Noly, Noly Canoli, Bugs, Buggy, Weenie, Bean, youlittleshitIcan'tbelieveyoujustdidthatIdidn'tmeanitI'msorry, Princess, Demon, Schnitzel, Dachshund Nola, and Pooki.

How were you and Nola united?

I got Nola on December 9, 2010 during one of the hardest times in my life. My black lab had recently died (she was very young), and my dad was fighting hard against Bipolar Disorder and Depression.
After my lab past, I started researching different breeds that would fit my life. I'd narrowed it down to either a Dachshund or a Pug, but decided against the Pug because of the ridiculous weather here.

I started my search for a Dachshund in August of 2010, and like I said finally got my Nola in December. I found no shortages of Dachshunds, but they were all males and I was dead set on a female. I was put on multiple waiting lists for different breeders, scoured the internet, papers, asked friends and family if they knew of anyone who had a female. I searched all over Florida, and even looked in Georgia and Alabama to no avail.

I was almost ready to give up, then one night my mom brought home a tiny little female Dachshund puppy. I was crying so hard, and laughing and looking a bit insane I'm sure. It was an instant bond that grows stronger every day.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Anyone and everyone who walks by our house! And on occasion, my chickens.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Hm, Nola loves sticks but her favorite toy would have to be her tailless, earless, and eyeless stuffed opossum.

Who is Nola's best pet-pal?

Nola's more of a people oriented dog then anything else, but her best canine friends would have to be her "brother" Augustine or her blog BFF Lily Belle.

What is Nola's best quality?

Nola has so many good qualities I'd be here forever trying to decide on her best one! So I'll tell you her top three.

One is her incredible intelligence. Two is her outstanding loyalty. Three is her stubbornness, haha! It's a good thing I'm just as bullheaded as she is.

If Nola could change one thing about Floridians, what would it be?

She'd probably change all the tourists we have every summer! I have to agree with her on that one....

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which Nola could speak, which actor should do her voice?

Lea Michele from Glee!

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

I'd ask her if she knows how much I adore her.

Visit the Dachsund Nola blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Monika Schröder & Frank

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Monika Schröder and I write books for young readers. Two of my books are set in Germany, where I grew up. My second novel, Saraswati's Way, is set in India, where my husband and I lived for eight years. I’m here with Frank, an Indian Pariah Dog. We met and adopted him when we lived in New Delhi. He was a street dog. We think Frank is about 3 and a half years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I am actually a tea drinker and only recently have begun to drink coffee. Now I usually drink a cup after my nap, to get ready for the afternoon writing session. Frank joins me on the porch, in hopes of getting a morsel of food.

What's brewing?

I prefer mild roasted coffee with lots of foamed milk.

Any treats for you or Frank on this occasion?

Frank is always ready for a treat. He likes Milkbones but prefers ‘high-end’ snacks such as Well Bites. If I don’t offer him anything he gives me “the look.” And who could resist these eyes…

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

We couldn’t come up with any Indian name we liked and so my husband suggested “Frank,” a name that is easy to pronounce in German as well as English. We have taken Frank twice to Germany. He likes it there.

How were you and Frank united?

My husband and I used to work at the American Embassy School in New Delhi, India. We lived on the school’s compound and during winter break 2009/10 we noticed a honey colored street dog “hanging out” outside the school gate. Many dogs live on the streets in India. They often attach themselves to a guard post or a construction site, waiting for handouts. This beautiful, smart looking dog showed up every morning and then began to accompany me on my morning jog. He had the most expressive face and on the last day of winter break we decided to take him in.

It was very challenging for all of us. Frank was still young and in addition to being a puppy he also was a wild animal. He didn’t know how to be a pet. At first, he resented being restrained by a leash or living in an apartment. He chewed up everything and when we smeared soap on the leg of our furniture he found it tasty. Then we bought toys and a “Kong,” which he liked very much. So over time he calmed down and trusted us more.

Now we have moved to North Carolina where we have a house with a garden and he is very happy. He loves watching the cows in the pasture adjacent to our yard.

Does Frank make any contribution to your writing?

He is my main muse. I love watching him curl up and sleep, dream, stretch or lounge around on his pillow or next to me on the sofa. It relaxes me. I also still hope to one day make him the hero of a picture books for kids.

What is Frank's best quality?

He is very independent and smart. I guess he had to develop these qualities when he lived on the streets of Delhi. (As proud parents we even think he might be ‘gifted.’) He also is very strong-willed which can be exasperating. But he also has a good sense of humor and makes us laugh often.

Frank loves being outside. Even in the winter he insists on staying in his bed on the porch, but he needs to be wrapped in a blanket.

Does Frank have a best friend?

Frank did not get along with other dogs at first. Probably because of his bad experience on the streets he stays away from other dogs, or growls when he encounters them on our walks. Off leash, it is a bit easier for him to play. In our new neighborhood lives Bucky, a Jack-Russell Terrier with lots of energy. He loved Frank on first sight and when Frank growled at him at their first encounter Bucky flipped on his back but also quickly got up, wagging his tail and squeaking in delight about having met Frank. He followed us to our house and when I opened the garden gate, Bucky hopped right in. Now the two of them are friends and we pick up Bucky frequently for play dates. They make an unlikely pair, but they are fun to watch when they “play wrestle.”

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

he had a magic wand I’d love for him to make me more patient.

If Hollywood--or Bollywood--made a movie about your life in which your dog could speak, which actor should do his voice?

I think the comedian and actor Aasiv Mandvi would be a good choice. Many might know him from The Daily Show. Frank would obviously speak with an Indian accent and Aasiv could also deliver the dead-pan lines I’d expect Frank to say. You did not ask me, but I think the role of Monika should be played by Isabella Rossellini. I am sure she could speak in a German accent.

If Frank could answer only one question in English--or German--what would you ask him?

I would like to know what he thinks of having a sister. I would like to adopt a second dog, preferably another young, female Indian street dog. But my husband thinks that Frank would not like to live with another dog. Maybe it’ll be best to let Frank decide.

Visit Monika Schröder's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Anne Marie Pace & Harry and Honey

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Anne Marie Pace. I write books for kids. My new picture book, Vampirina Ballerina, is from Disney-Hyperion with fabulous illustrations by the talented LeUyen Pham. I have also published a couple of books with Scholastic Book Clubs.

My dogs are Harry (3 1/2) and Honey (2 1/2); Honey is the littler one. They're both mixed breeds from the SPCA. They have similar coloring and we think both have some beagle in them, but that's about all we know for sure. People always ask if they're related which we think is hilarious, because to us, they look nothing alike apart from their beaglishness.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I drink a lot of tea, and my dogs are with me all day long, so this wasn't an occasion. It's just a lovely part of my life. The mug in the picture is one of my favorites; it's a gift from my daughter and it reads "Dogs are like chocolates. It's hard to have just one."

What's brewing?

I go through phases. Right now, I need to be thrifty so I use Kroger brand tea bags (I realize the tea purists are cringing in horror). But I also go through long stretches of preparing loose tea of various types with my tea infusers, worrying about water temperature and brew time and all that. For less thrifty times, I like PG Tips; and for indulgent times, I like different Taylors of Harrogate blends or breakfast-type teas . Anything more indulgent than that is out of my budget.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

My dogs want treats all day long, and I try to say no. For this picture I was trying to get them to stay with me so there is peanut butter on the bottom of my mug. It sort of worked.

How were you and your dogs united?

For many years, we were cat people, but I know kids and dogs have special bonds, and I wanted my kids to experience having a dog. When we were ready to get a new pet, we decided to go for a puppy. I stalked the SPCA website until there were puppies and then applied for Harry. Harry adores other dogs, and I knew a friend would make him happy, so about a year and a half later, I began stalking the SPCA website again and found Honey.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Harry came with the name John Quill (his sisters were Tulip and Redbud). But these days, all pet names in the Pace house must have some Harry Potter to them, so Harry was an obvious choice. He also just looks like a Harry. Honey came with the name Honey Pie, which we shortened to Honey. Can you guess the HP reference?

Do your dogs have much influence on your work?

They disturb my work, if that counts as influence! Harry is highly excitable so I have to stop working frequently to correct his behavior (he barks at people and dogs walking along the sidewalk, squirrels, deer, etc.). I do have a manuscript about the dogs, but it's sort of a character sketch in search of a plot. I'll get it right eventually.

Do your dogs have a favorite place to go for an outing?

They stick pretty close to home. They love their friends Talus and Snickers, so they're always up for a romp at our house or theirs. And of course, any walk is a good walk.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Skunks and groundhogs get the most attention, unfortunately.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Absolutely squeaky toys. Harry is a destroyer of all things toy, but it makes him incredibly happy to run around with a squeaking stuffy.

What is each dog's best quality?

Harry is fiercely loyal and protective of me, and Honey is happy. Can dogs be happy? She just exudes joy.

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

I think Harry would like a law banning ball caps and moving vans. And Honey would like a law requiring all people taking walks along the sidewalk to give chicken to any dog they pass.

What is each dog's proudest moment?

Harry is happy every day when he scares those terrible horrible no-good very-bad ballcap-wearing passers-by off our sidewalk. I think he takes credit for the fact that they walk away. For Honey, it's probably the time she used the new stool to climb onto the kitchen island. She's not a big dog, so that was quite an accomplishment. I think she ruined an entire loaf of bread before we found her.

If your dogs could speak in the movie about your life, who should do their voices?

Harry should definitely be Casey Kasem. I've never heard a dog sound as much like Scooby Doo as Harry does. I'm not sure about someone to play Honey, but it would have to be an actress with a high-pitched voice who talks really, really fast.

Visit Anne Marie Pace's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Joanna Slan & Rafferty and Victoria

Who is in the photo at right?

That's a cartoon of Raffi and me, Joanna Campbell Slan. It's a perfect "before coffee I can't focus" photo. The ToonCamera app is only 99 cents, and I've had a ball playing with it.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Every day is a Coffee with a Canine day at our house. I’ve tried, and I can’t seem to get my brain in gear without coffee in the morning. Of course, the dogs think I should serve them breakfast first, so we have a bit of a tug-of-war happening around 5:30 a.m. If I don’t get their food fixed quickly, there’s a lot of noise. You see, I thought it would be cute to teach Raffi to “speak” for his food. So he yodels non-stop when he’s hungry! I’m a slow learner, but eventually I figured out that I need to make myself a big glass of iced coffee the night before. In the wee hours pre-dawn, I grab cold java and sip it while I combine kibble and wet food, plus Raffi’s medications.

In your 2010 Q & A here, you mentioned your husband's latte-making prowess on the Expobar. Is that still your primary coffee source?

Nope—and now my husband will read this and discover that I’m “cheating” on him. I have fallen in love with those lovely Folgers Instant Coffee packs in Vanilla and Hazelnut. They are my constant companions when I travel. And they have no calories. I add Almond Breeze instead of milk and Truvia for sweetener. That gives me a healthier caffeinated start to my day than David’s delicious (but fattening) lattes.

Any treats for you or Rafferty and Victoria on this occasion?

Always. My dogs are very, very spoiled. I slice up bacon flavored Beggin’ Strips for the dogs. I take kitchen scissors and cut them into ½ inch pieces that go into a treats jar. You see, dogs don’t understand the concept of portion size. They are as happy to have a small nibble as a large one. By cutting up the strips, I can be Lady Bountiful with the treats, but not turn my pups into pork-pies.

The protagonist of your Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery series has a Great Dane. Are there any dogs in The Jane Eyre Chronicles?

Yes, actually there are two canine protagonists in Death of a Schoolgirl. Edward Rochester, Jane’s husband, owns a Newfoundland named Pilot. He appears in the first chapter of my book. I also added a new canine character, Rags, who is named for a pup owned by Molly Weston of Meritorious Mysteries. Rags provides insight into his owner, Lucy Brayton, because how we treat our pets says so much about who we are as human beings. I couldn’t imagine a world without dogs, and I don’t want to write a world without them!

Victoria is English by birth. Did she help you write scenes for your new book?

Absolutely! Victoria is regal in every sense of the word. Today when she came back from the groomer, her “report card” said, “She is such a little princess!” and she is.

[image left: Victoria doing her much admired, "You want me to do
what?" pose]

Whenever I need to channel that aloof attitude of superiority, I turn around in my chair and call Victoria. (She never comes, of course, but that’s a great reminder that royalty answers to no one.)

How do Rafferty and Victoria help you with your writing?

All writers are threatened by the dreadful malady called “writer’s butt.” You sit long enough, and your backside grows exponentially. Raffi and Vicki are insistent that I get up and let them out. That also gives my aching wrists a break. As a consequence, I owe them a lot!

What are your dogs’ proudest achievements?

Rafferty is thrilled that although he only has three legs, he can hop up on the sofa all by himself. Victoria knows she is adorable, so every waking moment is a proud moment for her. She soaks up the admiration like a sponge soaks up spilled water.

If Rafferty and Victoria could change one thing about you, what would it be?

I would devote all my time and attention to them instead of that silly machine that I tap with my fingers. Really, I am so misguided and pitiful! I could be napping the day away like they do.

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

Fred Flintstone would voice Raffi, and Dame Judy Dench would dub Victoria’s lines. (Fred is an actor, isn’t he? I mean, I thought he was up for an Oscar once.)

If Rafferty and Victoria could answer only one question in English, what would you ask them?

Since Rafferty is a rescue dog, I’d ask him what his name was before the rescuers re-named him. Since Victoria is the daughter of an English champion, I’d ask her if she wishes she had been a show dog.

Maybe more importantly, I like to imagine what they would ask me!

“Why do we only get to eat once a day and you eat three times, huh? Why can’t we go for more rides, eat only canned food, and sleep with you? How come you don’t like it when we roll in stinky stuff? How come we can understand English and you don’t understand a single word of dog? What gives lady? Oh, well. We love you anyway. With all your faults. Sigh.”

Learn more about the author and her work at Joanna Slan's website and blog.

Read-- Coffee with a Canine: Joanna Slan & Rafferty and Victoria (July 2010).

--Marshal Zeringue

Deborah Niemann & Porter and Joy

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Deborah Niemann. I'm a writer and homesteader. I've written Homegrown & Handmade: A Practical Guide to More Self-Reliant Living (2011) and EcoThrifty: Cheaper, Greener Choices for a Happier, Healthier Life (2012), and I blog at Antiquity Oaks, The Thrifty Homesteader, and my home site.

Joy (in my lap) is an almost-15-year-old bichon frise, and Porter is a 5-year-old English shepherd.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I have coffee and homemade yogurt (made with goat milk, of course) and granola every morning with Joy barking at me the whole time because she wants the yogurt. Porter sits quietly giving me puppy eyes, hoping I'll get the hint that he'd like some yogurt too!

What's brewing?

First thing in the morning is Equal Exchange organic Mind, Body & Soul blend, which is a medium roast. I have it with goat milk and sugar or cajeta, which is a caramel that is made from goat milk.

Any treats for you or Porter and Joy on this occasion?

Joy gets to lick the yogurt bowl. Porter is overweight, so no treats for him.

How were you and your dogs united?

Porter was supposed to be a working dog. Every year it was taking us longer and longer to bring in the sheep for shearing, and I said that we either needed to get a dog or get rid of the sheep, so I got Porter, who is an English shepherd. He is five now and has only been to one herding workshop. He has amazing instincts and really, really wants to be a working dog, but I haven't had time to devote to his training.

About eight months after my standard poodle died in 2008, I finally decided I wanted another dog, and I decided I wanted a bichon. I was looking on Petfinder.org, and apparently middle-aged bichons are a hot commodity. After about a month of looking I was excited to see that a bichon was at a shelter only half an hour away from me, but then I saw that the dog was 11 years old and in the early stages of kidney failure and I thought, "Oh, how sad! Who is going to adopt an old sick dog like that?" Well, every time I went back on Petfinder, she would pop up at the top of the search list, so finally I decided to call the shelter and get more information about her before writing her off. And within two days, she was part of our family.

How did Porter and Joy get their names? Any aliases?

Porter was named after the beer because he was in a litter of six, which the breeders referred to as a six pack! And Joy came with the completely inappropriate name of BJ, which didn't fit her at all! After a few days I realized she was "Joy" because everyone who saw her would smile and say how cute she was!

Do your dogs have a favorite place to go for an outing?

If I'm going, they want to go! It's pretty simple.

What role do Porter and Joy play in your writing?

They sleep behind my desk chair. When it's especially cold in the winter, I put Joy in my lap to help keep me warm.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Joy loves everyone. Porter, however, is convinced that most men are absolutely evil, so he must eat them! He gets especially upset when the garbage man comes, barking non-stop at the window. I'm sure he's yelling, "He's taking our stuff! Let me out of here! I'll get him! Loooook!!! He's taking our stuff!" Of course, he gets equally upset with FedEx and UPS, and they are actually bringing us stuff, so I don't understand everything he says.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Joy doesn't play with anything, and Porter prefers anything that is dead and decaying -- the stinkier, the better!

Who are your Porter and Joy's best pet-pals?

Baby animals! Whenever I have to bring a newborn goat in the house because it has hypothermia or is having some kind of problem getting started in this world, Joy and Porter act like two toddlers fighting over the new baby in the house! They both want to fawn over it and clean it, and Joy barks at Porter if she doesn't like what he's doing, and Porter snarls at Joy if he doesn't like what she's doing. I can just hear them arguing, "It's my baby!" "No, you get away! It's my baby!"

What is each dog's best quality?

Porter wants to please me every minute of the day. He often looks me in the eye as if he is just waiting for me to tell him what I want him to do -- and then he does it! He is also really smart. Joy makes everyone smile. She just loves everyone and makes them feel welcome.

If Porter and Joy could change one thing about you, what would it be?

They both think that they are terribly underfed! So, they would want me to give them lots more food than I do!

If your dogs could speak in the movie about your life, who should do their voices?

Porter needs to be voiced by someone who is a real lady's man, but also *thinks* he is a real tough guy, so Eddie Murphy would probably be just about right. Joy is a sweet little old lady, and someone told me she immediately thought of Betty White when she met Joy, which I think would work perfectly for her voice. If Eddie and Betty are not available though, I think Robin Williams could probably do both of them very well!

Visit Deborah Niemann's blog as well as Antiquity Oaks and The Thrifty Homesteader.

--Marshal Zeringue

Tanya & Ozzy

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Tanya. I've been a stay at home mom for many years but after moving to Virginia and having all of the kids in school, I decided to work part time in the school. I love it. I get to get out and do something and I'm home when the kids are. Ozzy is our newest addition to the family. He's a Rottweiler and about a year and a half old. We've owned several Rotties over the years. They are super family dogs!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I have coffee with Ozzy every morning. Our morning starts out the same way. I get up and make my husband breakfast. Ozzy goes and sits next to him and waits patiently till my husband is done eating and gets up from the table. At that time Ozzy jumps up because he knows he's going to get what is left over! It's a very sad start to the morning when Nick cleans his plate and I have to find a special treat for Oz! Then I let Ozzy outside for a while and I play on the computer a bit while I finish a couple of cups of coffee.

What's brewing?

No fancy coffee here, just whatever I got on sale and a small amount of sugar and cream for me and a clean, cool bowl of water for Ozzy.

Any treats for you or Ozzy on this occasion?

I'm going to be making Ozzy some Frosty Paws. I bought some recently at Kroger and Ozzy loves them. I found a recipe on Pinterest to make our own. Basically it was vanilla yogurt and peanut butter if I remember correctly!

How did Ozzy get his name? Any aliases?

Whenever we get a new family pet, the whole family gets in on the naming process. We put it to a vote and usually the name my husband picks wins, not by majority, just that he likes the name he picks best and declares it the winner. When we got Ozzy, I came up with the name Ozzy and was surprised it won! He is such an Ozzy though so I can't imagine him being named something like "Rampage" which was one of the names my husband was throwing out there...yeah, I know!

How were you and Ozzy united?

We lost our last Rottweiler, Crockett to cancer about a year ago and were waiting to get a new pup. There aren't many Rottweilers in our area so I just started researching and found eBay classifieds was a great source. We found Ozzy in North Carolina and drove down to pick him up one snowy Sunday morning! We got to meet his mom and dad and keep in touch still through Facebook with the people we got him from.

Does Ozzy have any non-canine pet-pals?

Well, he has never met a bug he doesn't like....unfortunately he is too rough with them and it's not much fun for the bug.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Our yard is full of squirrels and Oz doesn't really pay them much attention. He likes to mess with the UPS guy though.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

He did have a squeaky pig that he absolutely loved. It got left at the kennel he stayed at though a few months back and I just never got around to picking it back up. He loves sticks and I have to make sure he leaves them outside before coming back into the house or else he will chew it up and leave lots of smaller sticks all over the place. He also loves to steal socks and dish rags/towels and chew. He really needs a new toy!

What is Ozzy's best quality?

His sweetness and his sense of humor. Yes, he does have a sense of humor and keeps us laughing!

If Ozzy could change one thing about Virginians, what would it be?

I think Ozzy is pretty happy with Virginians in general!

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which your dog could speak, which actor should do his voice?

Ozzy Osbourne of course!

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

Why won't you go in your dog house when you are left outside in the rain?

Visit the All Ozzy....All The Time....blog.

--Marshal Zeringue