Kristen & Hailey and Zaphod

Who is in the photo at right?

Me: Kristen - I work with individuals with autism and related disorders.

My dogs are: Hailey: The mystery mutt - female, aged 4.5; Zaphod: The Shepherd mix - male - about 3.

[photo right: Kristen and Zaphod]

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Today's occasion is I have just wrapped up my last work project before 2 weeks of vacation, so let's get this vacation started and enjoy our lovely yard.

What's brewing?

I don't drink coffee - I am a tea drinker -today's cup is a Lipton Lemon Ginger. I love herbal teas.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Not today - they will chew on grass in the yard while I drink it.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Both dogs were given their names by the people who rescued them and we kept them.

Hailey - we don't know the origins, but she goes by Hail, Lee, Leelee, MeeMee and Meep.

Zaphod was found as a stray walking down the highway, which made the lady who rescued him think of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, so that is how he became Zaphod. He goes by Phod, Phody, Phoderick von Licketenstein and of course Zaphod Beeblebrox.

How were you and your dogs united?

Both are from Catahoula Rescue Ontario (although neither are catahoula). I saw Hailey on Petfinder and went to meet her and fell in love. When we were looking for a second dog, I contacted the rescue and asked if they had a dog who was the complete opposite of Hailey (she is a great girl, but is anxious, high energy and requires extra care). They suggested Zaphod (who is totally calm and relaxed).

Squirrel, postman, cat….?

Wildlife is the number one exciter at our house. We live in the country and have lots of squirrels, deer, groundhogs, birds, horses, racoons, skunks etc. etc. around. This morning 3 adult wild turkeys and 12 babies were in the yard and this required a lot of barking.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick…?

Hailey likes stuffed toys. While she will eventually dead them, for the most part she loves to carry them around teasing Phod that she has it and he doesn't and sleep with them. Zaphod loves, loves, loves fetch. He has a favourite ball we call Precious. He also doesn't mind his water toys and frisbees.

What is each dog's best quality?

Hailey's energy and love for life is her best quality. She loves to play and walk and explore. Zaphod's best quality is his loyalty. He is never far from us, he is very obedient and clearly wants to make us happy.

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

I wish Hailey wasn't as anxious. She has a history of destroying things (crates, walls, shoes, toys, remotes, books) when alone and anxious. She is particularly fearful of thunder, fireworks and the wind. We are working on it, but it is challenging.

Zaphod gets really, really car sick. If it was easier and less stressful to take him in the car, that would be excellent.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which your dogs could speak, which actors should do their voices?

Hailey - Amy Adams.

Zaphod - Morgan Freeman.

If your dogs could answer only one question in English, what would you ask them?

Hailey: What can we do to make you less afraid?

Zaphod: Tell me what life was like before you were picked up as a hitchhiker.

Visit The Hailey and Zaphod Chronicles.

--Marshal Zeringue