Nellie Krumlauf & Tini

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Nellie Krumlauf, and Tini! I am the President & Founder of the nonprofit organization Nellie's Catwalk for Kids. We focus on helping make life a little easier for kids and teens battling cancer. Tini and my male rescue fur baby. He is 10 years old and is a toy poodle.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I work a lot of hours which require a lot of coffee. Tini loves to be around me so I try to stay home and work when I can. He would cuddle all day long with me if he could.

What's brewing?

I love Dunkin' Donuts French vanilla coffee-yummmm!

Any treats for you or Tini on this occasion?

Tini loves bones! A little too much! That's why I have to keep working to pay for his bones.

How were you and Tini united?

Tini and I were united about four years ago through a friend of mine working at an animal hospital. Tini's previous owner dropped him off to be adopted. My friend told me about him and that he was going to be put down if they didn't find him a home. Never in a million years did I think I was going to adopt him. I even joked to bring him into the office so we could put him in our silent auction for our event. Once I met him I fell in love with him and knew I had to adopt him. We have been best friends ever since.

Please tell us about Nellie's Catwalk for Kids. Does Tini have a role?

We focus on helping make life a little easier for kids and teens with cancer. We work with each family and Nationwide Children's to assist families with their financial and emotional burdens during their cancer journey. Our three signature events a year are: Our annual Fashion show, Gala and Reindeer Run 5K. All the kids love Tini so much. He is a cute furry animal, how could they not? We joke that he is our unofficial mascot. He comes into the office, some events and does videos for the kids with me.

Who is Tini's best pet-pal?

He much rather be around humans.

What is Tini's best quality?

He unconditionally loves you and makes you smile.

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

Can I get more bones?

Visit the Nellie's Catwalk for Kids website.

--Marshal Zeringue