Alison Rice & Chace

Who is in the photo at right?

In this photo is myself, Alison Rice, and my dog, Chace. My husband and I recently opened a pet care facility in Huber Heights, Ohio called Sit, Stay, N' Play Dog Park where I work everyday. I get to take Chace along with me to work which he loves. Chace is a 2 year old Golden Retriever. He is a big baby!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Chace loves to go running with me. We usually run on a bike path that runs parallel to a creek so he can jump in and cool off whenever he likes. He enjoys swimming and I enjoy watching him run around like a goofball, so we both love going on this date together. I try to take him at least twice a week, which means lots of baths because the water is a little smelly.

What's brewing?

After our hard workout, I will drink a mocha cappuccino flavored protein shake. It is delicious! And Chace gets to lick the cup.

Any treats for you or Chace on this occasion?

When it comes to treats we are not picky. I enjoy my anything chocolate while Chace enjoys anything peanut butter.

How were you and Chace united?

I have always had Golden Retrievers growing up and love the breed, so I knew exactly what I was looking for. When I went to the breeder to pick out a puppy, he came right up to me and snuggled between my legs. I immediately knew he was the one I wanted. To this day he still likes to walk between my legs and stand there.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Deciding on a name for Chace was a difficult task for my husband and me. We threw out a bunch of names and finally Chace just seemed to fit. He is not named after anyone specific, just a random name. We tend to call him Chacer or when he is in trouble, Chace Stewart.

Please tell us about Sit, Stay, N' Play Dog Park.

Sit, Stay, N' Play Dog Park is Ohio's only indoor dog park. We have an 8,000 square foot indoor park and a 3,000 indoor park for big dogs and small dogs, respectively. We also do boarding and doggie daycare.

Does Chace have a role at Sit, Stay, N'Play?

He is my sidekick but sometimes he acts like he owns the place. His time is spent between being the door greeter and dog wrestler. He loves being first at greeting people at the door but he also enjoys going into the dog parks and wrestling with our four legged guests.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Chace loves hunting squirrels. He never gets close to catching one but he continuously tries.

Who is your dog's best pet-pal?

Chace has several friends since he goes to work with me everyday, but his top two pet-pals are Uncle Lenny (my parents' Golden Retriever) and Lukas (a viszla that comes to daycare at Sit, Stay, N' Play). [Chace and Lukas, photo left] Chace and Lenny love to chase squirrels together and wrestle around in the yard. When Chace plays with Lukas, they just run, run, run. After spending a few hours with his friends, he is wiped out for the day.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Chace loves all toys but he also destroys all toys. He likes to rip apart the stuffing to get to the squeaker or tears apart the plastic. We normally just stick to bones now. It takes him a little longer to destroy those.

Does Chace have a favorite place to go for outings?

He loves to go swimming. We often go to a local park where there is a creek for him to swim. He jumps right in and just sits in the cool water.

What is Chace's best quality?

His best quality is that he is needy (probably because I coddled him when he was younger). Since he is needy, he always wants to be by your side so he will not run away from you if he is off leash. He always wants to be with you so he will do anything to please you.

If Chace could change one thing about Ohioans, what would it be?

He would really love to go into all the restaurants and eat with us so he would like to have more Ohioans open pet friendly businesses.

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

I would ask him if he really is color blind. I am convinced that he can see in color.

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

Well, Chace is funny and tough at the same time, so the only voice that would be appropriate for him would be Mark Wahlberg.

Visit the Sit, Stay, N' Play Dog Park website.

--Marshal Zeringue