Joe Choi & Colbie

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Joe Choi. I’m a copywriter, golfer, and overall health fanatic. I also have a blog where I share my personal stories, advice, and anecdotes: Fescue Fairways.

I also have 2 books out. One is called Happy Foods and I wrote that on a challenge in 11 days.

It’s just a very short guide to eating healthy without stress. The foods mentioned in it have some mood boosting properties as well.

My second book is called Grand Central to the End and I just hit publish on it (11/25/2013). It’s a short fiction story about a guy with a troubled past who becomes free one day and decides to take a train trip to paradise.

My dog’s name is Colbie. She’s a female beagle and 4 years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I just wanted to enjoy some time outside since it’s supposed to get very cold over the next couple days. But I suppose I could also be celebrating my second book launch.

What's brewing?

A medium house blend from Greenberry’s café. I buy their bulk coffee sometimes. When I do, I usually get the Sumatra blend. Makes a good gift too.

Any treats for you or Colbie on this occasion?

Bully stick.

How did Colbie get her name? Any nicknames?

Colbie was named after the singer Colbie Caillat. That’s why it’s spelled with an “ie” instead of “y” at the end.

How were you and Colbie united?

Colbie is originally from SOS Beagles, a beagle rescue with branches in NJ and Tennessee.

Colbie was in the Tennessee branch and then transported to NJ right around the time I stopped by to look at dogs.

I originally inquired about another dog and the woman who runs the rescue suggested I take a look at some quieter dogs. I lived in an apartment at the time so a loud, howling beagle probably wasn’t the best way to build rapport with the neighbors.

Colbie was originally called Starbucks at the rescue. She came out with her tail wagging so much that her butt was shaking side to side. She was very friendly and playful so I knew I had to pick her.

Who are Colbie's best pet-pals?

In the apartment complex I used to live in, she liked a pit bull named Rumble and another yorkie named Ubu. She was also good friends with a westie. Dogs in NYC see other dogs and they don’t think too much about since there are so many around.

Now that we’re not in the city, we’ll walk and see one or two dogs each week. The other dogs tend to go really crazy when they see another dog since they’re not used to it like city dogs. I think this freaks Colbie out a little so she tends to shy away from them. She prefers to spend more time with people now.

Where is Colbie's favorite outdoor destination?

Colbie likes taking short walks around the block, but she prefers staying inside and sleeping.

She used to like Central Park a lot. I’ve tried taking her hiking and to nearby dog parks, but she doesn’t seem to care too much for them.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Probably sticks. Whenever she’s walking she’ll pick up a stick and walk with it for a while. She used to like toys a lot and would destroy them, so I’d always have to constantly buy new ones.

She plays with a few stuffed animal toys now, but it’s more of a gentle playing now.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Squirrel, but if she sees a rabbit she’ll go crazy and start crying.

What is Colbie's best quality?

She’s very friendly. There’s not a mean bone in her body.

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

She would probably make me give her more food.

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

I’m so bad with actors and actresses. I could be surrounded by all the famous ones, and I wouldn’t even recognize them. I’m probably not the best person to answer this.

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

Why don’t you like to go on walks sometimes?

Visit Fescue Fairways: Joe Choi's Personal Blog.

--Marshal Zeringue