Marilyn Pond & Gracie and Trudy

Who is in the photo at right, and in the one just below?

My name is Marilyn Pond, a mom, a grandmom, and a widow. I retired early in life after knowing how precious life is. I doubt anyone says at the pearly gates "I wish I would have worked more." After retiring I took up quilting and it became my passion.

My two fur babies, Gracie (an eleven year-old Poochon - half Poodle and half Bichon) and five year-old Trudy (a Miniature Schnauzer), let me live with them.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Our mornings always includes coffee for me, a snooze for Gracie, with Trudy keeping a watchful eye out for squirrels.

What's brewing?

Peet's K-Cup.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Gracie needs a couple of meds each day which are neatly tucked inside a flavored pill pocket. Trudy gets a piece of the pill pocket--just because.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Gracie was rescued after being in an abusive situation. She was given to the shelter which was told to put her to sleep because she nipped at the children. A small dog rescue group held her for 6 months and called me to see if I would take her because they were having trouble placing her. She was fearful especially around the face. We instantly connected. I renamed her Gracie thinking of the saying "There for the Grace of God go I."

My Mini Schnauzer is Trudy because she is German and Trudy is short for Gertrude.

How were you and your dogs united?

Gracie is a rescue; Trudy is from an acquaintance who breeds Mini Schnauzers.

How do your dogs help--or hinder--your quilting?

My girls love to spend time with me in my quilt room. And all my quilts are approved by one or the other before moving on to their next home.

Cat, postman, squirrel....?

Yes.

Squeaky-toy, ball, stick...?

Squeaky toy. It's all about finding and destroying the squeak.

Where is your dogs' favorite outdoor destination?

Any place that has smells telling a story.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

I don't have snuggle buddies; but, they always want the other nearby.

What is each dog's best quality?

Gracie is extremely loyal; Trudy is a love bug.

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

What's to change? Well, maybe to use less water.

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

Angela Lansbury for Gracie; Jennifer Garner for Trudy [photo left].

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

What are those neighbor dogs telling you?

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

That I should give them more table scraps.

Visit Marilyn Pond's blog.

--Marshal Zeringue