Laura & Lily

Who is in the photo at right?

Hello! My name is Laura and I am currently teaching kindergarten and first grade. Besides teaching, I also work on a site called TeachersPayTeachers and have a teaching blog where I share my experiences. Lily, my sweet sheltie-pomeranian is one year old. She is my pride and joy!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I love to spend time walking Lily, taking a trip to Petsmart, or visiting her doggy friends which include an English mastiff and a pug. You know what else we love to do? Hang out on the couch. We are currently on the couch snuggling and playing since it is freezing rain outside!

What's brewing?

I don't drink coffee every day, but my go to is definitely Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks French Vanilla. I am currently drinking Lipton lemon tea with honey - soothing for my soul!

Any treats for you or Lily on this occasion?

Lily loves the Authority dog treats from Petsmart... they have chicken wrapped apples and sweet potatoes that she loves to take her time munching on.

How did Lily get her name? Any nicknames?

It took me and my boyfriend Mike a little bit to think of the perfect name for Lily because we couldn't agree on one! I tend to go with more cutesy names... but when I suggested Lily, it just seemed right. Mike agreed and it was set. (Laughs) I have tons of nicknames for her... Lulu, Boos, Lily pad, Mama, and so forth.

How were you and Lily united?

Lily was for sale at a local pet store... and I really did plan on adopting a puppy, but she just felt like ours. Mike really pushed for her, and the rest was history. I also knew Lily would be the perfect name because the girl who sold us Lily (who is now our friend) is named Liliana.

Has Lily ever visited your kindergarten class? If so, how did it go? If not, how do you think that might work out?

I wish! I want to bring her in at some point because the kids really want to meet her, but I haven't had the time slot to do that. I work about 25 minutes away, so I wouldn't be able to just quickly drop her off after a little bit and a whole day of school would be too long for her. I think it would work out fine... Lily would be very excited but nervous at the same time, but my kids are so respectful that they wouldn't scare her. She loves kids.

Who is Lily's best pet-pal?

As mentioned before, Lily has two best friends - a pug named Zoey and an English mastiff named Bear. Zoey is my parent's dog and she is sweet as can be. Lily will tease her and be a little too playful at times! And I know what you are thinking... an English mastiff?! The size difference is amazing [see photo right, from New Years] but they are the best of friends. Bear is a big sweetheart.

Where is Lily's favorite outdoor destination?

Lily loves the outdoors. She loves to run wildly through the grass for walks or jump into mounds and mounds of snow until I yell it's time to come inside. We often go for walks around a pond nearby and you can see the happiness in her face.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Lily is all about the squeaky toys! To get your attention, she will drop the toy in your lap and back up so you can throw it. If you aren't paying attention to her, she will squeak it so fast that you can't hear anything else.

She loves the crinkly soft toys as well (and so does mommy and daddy because they are quiet!) Lily loves the outdoors like I had mentioned, so she also loves bringing in sticks and rocks. She thinks she's funny.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Bear is our landlord's dog so he sees Lily a lot. When they are outside together, Bear will bark at people walking by our fence - Lily now does this as well and follows his lead. It's the cutest thing!

What is Lily's best quality?

Lily has so many amazing qualities but I think her best is that she is very smart and obedient. She knows so many different tricks and commands, and she will always stay by my side on or off a leash.

She is loving, caring, and very sensitive.

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

She would definitely wish that mommy was home more! I work so much that I try to spend as much precious time as I can with her. She is my biggest fan when I come home, and the saddest little peanut when I leave!

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

Lily is smart, energetic, caring, and funny... I think that she would have the voice of someone that had these characteristics - Mike suggested Anna (Kristen Bell) from Frozen! I think that's a great pick.

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

Wow, that's a tough one... I would maybe ask her to tell me a few things that would make her life that much better. I already spoil her and love her to pieces, but I would want her to communicate with me if she needed anything else.

Visit the TeachersPayTeachers website and Laura's teaching blog.

--Marshal Zeringue