Leslie Davis & Tucker

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Leslie Davis, freelance graphic designer and blogger for Paper Daisy Designs and Paper Daisy Kitchen.

Our always adorable and super smart Goldendoodle is named Tucker.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Just an ordinary day around the house. Getting my first look at emails, planning posts for the blog and upcoming projects.

What's brewing?

I'm not a coffee drinker, but I am passionate about my chai tea with soy creamer, or the occasional Chai Tea Latte.

Any treats for you or Tucker on this occasion?

Well, to be honest, he's enjoying a cup of water! He does love his peanut butter treats and when he's especially lucky he gets to lick an empty jar of peanut butter. He loves it!

How were you and Tucker united?

We picked him out as an early Christmas present 7 years ago. Best present we ever got, by far!

How did Tucker get his name? Any aliases?

Our family tossed around quite a few names, but agreed to wait until he came home with us to decide. Somehow, Tucker seemed to fit. He has lots of aliases; Doodlebug, Babydog, Curlyboy, Snugglebunny or just Baby.

Does Tucker do more to help or hinder your design work?

Tucker doesn't usually join me up in the studio unless he needs something, like lunch! He prefers to guard the house from the couch. But he loves to join me in the garage when my projects aren't too noisy or messy.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Probably squirrel, we don't have enough mature trees in our backyard to have them scampering around. He always willing to befriend cats, though most are unwilling. He doesn't bark at the postman, unless he rings the bell. But the UPS man, he acts like he's the worst person in the world.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

All of the above? He loves a ball and adores squeaky toys, but we don't buy them because he can't stop squeaking them!

His most beloved toy is now just a small ball we call the "nub". It was a rubber dumbbell looking chew toy we got for him when he was a puppy. Now, he takes the "nub" and taunts us with it using his heavy breathing sound. The moment you reach to grab it from his mouth he sucks it in and you lose. Ha!

Does Tucker have a favorite place to go for outings?

His favorite outing would have to be the nature trail that goes through town. He and I run several times a week. It keeps us both sane.

Who is Tucker's best pet-pal?

He's always happy to see his neighborhood friends and we dog sit for them sometimes, but he really seems pleased when they leave. I think he's kind of a loner.

What is Tucker's best quality?

Tucker is so loving and smart. Every person is a potential friend. He's almost too smart sometimes. He seems to understand everything we say, even when you think he's not paying attention.

If Tucker could change one thing about Missourians, what would it be?

I'm not sure he'd change anything. I know he was happy to discover snow when we moved here from Louisiana. He gets all frisky at the the first sight of flurries.

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

Are you really watching T.T.V.? Is that how you've gotten to be so smart? Or are you just waiting for the next animal to appear on the screen?

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

Oh, I can't decide. I do know for certain Tucker has a speech impediment. He can't say his L's. Yeah, we are some of those crazy people who talk for their dog.

Visit the Paper Daisy Designs and Paper Daisy Kitchen websites.

--Marshal Zeringue