Tricia Tierney & Tetley

Who is in the photo at right?

Tetley is a male Cairn Terrier who has been 10 for the last 3 years or so because anything beyond that sounds to old and I can't bear it. I'm Tricia Tierney and I work at a Community Relations Manager at a bookstore - a lovely way to pay the bills. I write when I can, usually in the early hours of the morning - on my blog and am also at the revising stage of my memoir.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I don't need any occasion to drink tea or to cuddle with Tetley. We take breaks like this when the spirit moves either one of us. Both of us are always open to such a lovely interruption. Here we are at the dog park engrossed in conversation.

What's brewing?

Tetley tea of course! The strong, English style.

Any treats for you or Tetley on this occasion?

No. We're both keeping an eye on our weight.

How were you and Tetley united?

My late husband brought him home one night when my daughter was in second grade. After fostering a few very big dogs, I thought we'd agreed that it wasn't a good time to take on the expense and responsibility of a dog. One night, he came upstairs with this little rat looking creature under his coat. My daughter was at the end of the bed engrossed in a TV show and I quickly hurried him out of the room to berate him. When I got downstairs and looked at him, touched him and realized that I would be a witch to send him away, I agreed he could stay. We went back upstairs and my daughter burst into tears of joy. Of course now, I cannot imagine my life without Tetley.

How did Tetley get his name? Any aliases?

He came home with that name and it stuck. My late husband ran a coffee stand and was English so it fit. He does kind of look like a teabag, don't you think? His Pop, Rob, has many other names for him depending on the day: Tettles McGee, Calhoun and McGerkin are a few he uses regularly.

Does Tetley help or hinder your writing?

He only inspires me. And certainly helps get me up in the morning, insisting on his walk. And I do great thinking and find much inspiration on those morning walks.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Cats and squirrels he chases like mad. He has his favorite postmen - the ones with treats.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Tetley is so satisfying to get toys for - he loves them all - although the squeaky bits don't have a chance. He tears them out within hours.

Who is Tetley's best pet-pal?

'Lady' - a lovely mutt up the street about his age.

Where is Tetley's favorite outdoor destination?

The beach where he can climb over the jetty in search of rodents. He's a great ratter.

What is Tetley's best quality?

Except for his swamp-breath, he is perfect.

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

He would have me stay home with him all day. Were it possible, I would agree to this demand.

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

I ask him questions and he answers me all the time. No language barriers here.

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

Oh, he has a voice already - we've got that covered thanks to his interpreter, my beloved Rob.

Visit Tricia Tierney's blog.

--Marshal Zeringue