Debra Lockhart & Ray-Ray

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Debra Lockhart and I am a mother, grandmother, volunteer, a manager in a large bank, and a Pit Bull advocate. I am pictured here with my Ray-Ray who just turned 1 in December, but this picture was taken when he was much smaller. Ray is, according to his DNA test, an American Bulldog, Boxer, unidentified mix breed dog but according to his block head, he is a Pit Bull. I write a blog about Ray's escapades at Peaceabull Assembly, which refers to him and his kitty siblings co-existing here.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Ray and I get up early every morning to spend some bonding time before we start the day. On weekdays that can be anywhere between 4:30 and 5:30 am. Snuggles from Ray and a big pot of coffee are just the ticket to start the day right.

What's brewing?

It has to be Starbucks French Roast, whole bean and I grind them at home fresh every day and drink it black, no sugar.

Any treats for you or Ray on this occasion?

While my coffee is brewing, Ray and his kitty siblings line up for their morning treats of Duck flavored Carnivore Crunch.

How did you and Ray first meet?

I got a call from a friend of a friend who knew I was involved in rescue and also that I had a fondness for the bully breeds. She wanted to rehome her pregnant female, Sparkles, and her male dog, Kane, both of whom were living on a chain outside. As the Rescue was looking for placement, I got another call from the woman that the female was giving birth and that the puppies were dying. It was December 1st and 32 degrees outside. I left work to pick up her dogs and we got them into rescue where Ray and his sister were born.

How did Ray get his name? Any aliases?

I had been getting the urge to have a dog for quite a while but my husband wasn't sold on the idea yet. When we actually decided to adopt one of the "Sparkle pups" I suggested we name him Ray, after my husband's favorite football player, Ray Lewis. He also goes by Ray-Ray, Baby, Fat Head and Pup-Pup-a-roni.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Yes, yes, and yes. Ray loves all of the above and will play endlessly with them all.

Cat, mailman, squirrel...?

Ray loves his cats and would like nothing more than to play with them but unfortunately they don't share the sentiment. As for mailman and squirrel, Ray has really had no exposure to either.

Does Ray have a favorite place to go for outings?

Ray knows what it means to "go shopping." We visit our local Tractor Supply for some socialization and bully sticks nearly every week. We also visit several stores in the nearby city as often as we can.

Who are Ray's best pet-pal?

That would be our kitty, Jae, who often sits near Ray. The other two keep a pretty good distance.

What is Ray's best quality?

He is very smart and learns quickly, but I'd say the very best quality is his cuddliness. I love snuggling with Ray on the sofa and watching TV. He is an excellent cuddler.

If Ray could change one thing about your cats, what would it be?

He would want them to be more playful. He loves playing with kitty toys and I know he would love to play with the cats too.

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

"Why are you obsessed with eating wood?"

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

We'd have to step into the wayback machine, but I imagine Ray's voice to be like the little boy(s) who played Dominick in Kindergarten Cop.

Visit the A Peace-a-Bull Assembly blog.

--Marshal Zeringue