Val & Gracie and Schatzie

Who is in the photo at right?

Hi, I'm Val, wife, dental assistant, hobby photographer and Dog Mom to Gracie, a 7 year old female yellow lab mix and Schatzie, a 6 year old female German Shepherd. I refer to them as our "Girlz."

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Just stopping by after our usual morning walk about the ranch. We are blessed to live on our 80 acre "ranch" in which we can run and explore without any restrictions.

What's brewing?

No coffee at our house, just juice. My hubby *R* and I have never acquired the coffee taste bud.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

The Girlz love treats. They don't get a lot of them due to Gracie having megasophagus (genetic eating disorder) and Schatzie having hip dysplasia. We keep a close eye on their food intake and to make sure they keep their girly figures. When they do get treats it's usually a very small puppy biscuit.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Gracie came with her name and she indeed is a Gracie. Other names for her include Princess Grace, Lucy and my sister refers to her as G-dog.

Schatzie's name means "Little Sweetheart" in German, my husband gave her that name. We also call her Schatzie Beans.

How were you and your dogs united?

Both girlz came to us via a search on Petfinder. We worked with Paws to Love Rescue located in South Dakota. Gracie was about 4 months old and on "death row" when we found her. Schatzie was 11 weeks and a breeder surrender. We have no idea what the reason for the surrender was.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

I'd have to say each other. You won't find one too far from the other, typical sisters!!

Rabbit, postman, cat....?

The postman would be their favorite. When the mail person comes to the door it's usually because they've got a package from gramma!! They love presents from gramma.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Gracie loves a good squeaky toy--it usually lasts less than 10 minutes. Schatzie is more of the stick and ball girl, she enjoys a good round of fetch.

What is each dog's best quality?

Schatzie is the typical shepherd, she loves to have her family all in one place, she's also the "police officer" in the family. She'll let you know if you're in the wrong. Gracie, well she is our clown and full of drama. She makes us laugh as she is always a happy dog.

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

There are 2 things---one would be that owners take more responsibility in spay and neutering their pets. Two, recycle more.

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

This one is easy... Gracie would be either Doris Day or Lucille Ball and then of course Schatzie would be Lucy's sidekick Ethel.

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

I have to know what makes horse poop taste so darn good.

Visit the My Girlz Got Paws blog.

--Marshal Zeringue