Laura & Bongo

Who is in the photo at right?

This photo is of me – Laura – and Bongo. I work as Director of Children’s Ministry at a local church and Bongo works hard at keeping up his blog. Bongo is a Pointer Mix – we’re not sure what all that mix includes – and is nine years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Bongo and I just returned from the trails and are ready for a refreshing drink. I’m not a coffee drinker so it’s iced tea for me, and Bongo’s happy with water.

What's brewing?

I’m drinking Arizona Iced Tea with lemon.

Any treats for you or Bongo on this occasion?

Our treat was our walk on the trails, so we won’t indulge in anything else right now.

How did Bongo get his name? Any aliases?

Bongo already had his name when we got him. The name fit him, so we kept it.

How were you and Bongo united?

Bongo was a rescue dog. We found him about six years ago at the Sedona Humane Society. I had our back yard fenced so we could get a dog and then went searching. Bongo came over to us and kept handing us balls to toss for him, so we figured he was the one. What we didn’t realize was that Bongo is a jumper and it didn’t take him long to learn that he could jump the fence.

Does Bongo have any non-canine pet-pals?

Bongo lives with a cat named Scratchy and they tolerate each other. He loves it when our mail carrier comes to the door because she loves on him, and he likes to make friends with the people we meet on the trails.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Bongo’s favorite toys are a snake that squeaks on both ends, and his Frisbee.

What is Bongo's best quality?

Bongo’s best quality is his playfulness. He loves it when he finds someone – person or dog – who will play with him.

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

Bongo would want me to drop everything and play with him anytime he’s ready.

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

I haven’t imagined Bongo with an actor’s voice and I think he’d settle for the voice of the dog who plays Marley in Marley and Me.

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

I’d ask him who he lived with before he came to live with us.

Visit Bongo's blog and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue