Ruby Harnden & ZuZu

Who is in the photo at right?

This is ZuZu, a 5 year old Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix. She was 10 months old when we adopted her and is currently an only dog among two feisty cats that still don't really care for her.

Then there’s me, Ruby Harnden. When I'm not working as a 911 dispatcher I am a writer/photographer for two blogs; my main blog is Me, You and Zu that focuses on the adventures (or more often chaos) involving my pets while the other, 168 Hours of Motion, portrays my love of photography.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Sundays are dog park day and we usually stop at Starbucks for an after-play drink however we took today as an opportunity to try a small local place called Jamoka Joe's that sits at the entrance of the Big Thompson Canyon.

What's brewing?

I splurged and ordered a caramel Fro-Moka, a frozen espresso drink.

Any treats for you or ZuZu on this occasion?

Nothing ordered from the coffee shop but we keep peanut butter treats in the car and she had a few licks of whip cream.

How did ZuZu get her name? Any nicknames?

She is named for the youngest daughter, Zuzu, in It’s A Wonderful Life. My Zu’s middle name is Bailey as well.

She has several nicknames, Zu, Zu-zaroo, Boo, Buppy and Dog, that are used all the time and others that are made up as we go.

How were you and ZuZu united?

When my husband and I first decided to get a dog we knew it would be a shelter dog. We came across her picture the day she arrived at the Boulder Humane Society. I met her first and instantly fell in love, put a 24-hr hold on her and dragged my husband back the minute he got off work. She was adopted within 10 minutes. I always say it was fate because as we were leaving we found out a couple had asked to put a hold on her as soon as ours was done.

Who are ZuZu's best pet-pals?

Definitely not our cats! She’s very social so she befriends all dogs. She does have a dog boyfriend, Kodiak, who belongs to a friend of mine.

Where is ZuZu's favorite outdoor destination?

Everywhere! No matter the season she loves being outdoors, especially if it’s snowing or if there’s water where she can play.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

If a toy has a squeaker inside it’s her favorite. She will rip it apart until she finds it! There are many mangled toys scattered around our house.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Squirrel all the way! She could care less about the people who deliver mail & packages.

Occasionally she’ll try to chase the neighborhood cats. She gets beat up by our cats all the time so I think this is her revenge.

What is ZuZu's best quality?

Her loving personality. She is one of the friendliest, happiest dogs you’ll ever meet.

If ZuZu could change one thing about Coloradoans, what would it be?

That she and other dogs would be allowed in more businesses and restaurants. Or that everyone carried treats in their pocket!

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

Karen Gillan, the actress who played Amy Pond on Doctor Who. I could definitely see ZuZu with a Scottish accent.

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

Why do you eat Kleenex?

Visit Ruby Harnden's blogs, Me, You and Zu and 168 Hours of Motion.

--Marshal Zeringue