Eva Matthews & Baba Ghanoush

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Eva Matthews and I’m the Program Manager of Hog Island Audubon Camp in Maine. For those that don’t know that’s a summer camp for adults run by the National Audubon Society and Project Puffin. My little office mate is Baba Ghanoush, Noushy for short. She’s a three-year old, sweet rescue dog.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Noushy sits in my lap every work day as I sip my favorite coffee and we sign people up to attend summer camp. Our camp registration just opened on October 15th so our days are busy answering phones, updating the camp’s website, and working on social media marketing.

What's brewing?

We prefer the Birds and Beans Scarlet Tanager, a French dark roast. This coffee helps save migratory songbirds, preserve Latin America forests, and protects rural community farmers and their families from harmful chemicals that are used in more traditional coffee practices. It’s also the only coffee we serve at Hog Island Audubon Camp.

Any treats for you or Noushy on this occasion?

Noushy loves treats but she only gets them when she’s on a walk or if she’s performing some office tricks.

How did Noushy get her name? Any aliases?

My partner always wanted a Baba Ghanoush named dog. When we adopted our little pup on Christmas Eve she was given the name, but it was quickly changed to Noushy because she was so little. A little dog needs a smaller name and one that conveys her spunky nature.

How were you and Noushy united?

At the time we adopted Noushy we had an older bulldog that was scared of other dogs but she loved puppies. We thought it would be good to give her a companion and we started searching the local shelter – Larimer Humane Society – for a perfect mate. On Christmas Eve, Baba Ghanoush’s photo went online at the shelter site and we jumped at the opportunity since she was a puppy and the perfect size for our scared older dog. We were at the shelter when it opened and she was ours – a perfect Christmas present for our family.

Please tell us about Project Puffin and Hog Island Audubon Camp.

Hog Island Audubon Camp has been running summer adult camps since 1936. Now we’ve expanded to also include camps for families and teens but most of our sessions are still for just adults. We offer 6-day programs that explore a variety of nature-themed topics. We currently operate under the Seabird Restoration Program which is a part of the National Audubon Society. We have weekly trips out to Eastern Egg Rock to see the reintroduced Atlantic Puffins on their breeding grounds. Project Puffin founder Steve Kress not only brought puffins back to the Maine coast but he also now is the Camp Director for Hog Island Audubon Camp.

Cat, postman, squirrel....?

Rabbits!

Squeaky-toy, ball, stick...?

Squeaky-toys for certain but a close second is a long rope toy to chase in the yard.

Where is Noushy's favorite outdoor destination?

Noushy loves to go hiking on Colorado’s beautiful trails. In the summer I live in Maine but the rest of the year I work remotely from my home in Colorado. Noushy lives year-around in Colorado and even though she’s small, she’s a true mountain loving dog.

Who is Noushy's best pet-pal?

Noushy’s best friend just recently passed away – our beloved bulldog Daisy. [photo left: Noushy & Daisy]

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

Less work, more playtime. Also, sleeping in during the morning hours with her.

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

Noushy would have the voice of a high-pitched anime character - perky and cute, just like her.

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

What breed of dogs were your parents? Noushy was found as a stray during a cold December week in Colorado. I would love to know what kind(s) of dog breed she is and how she became a stray puppy.

What advice would Noushy give if asked?

Live and love fully in each moment.

Learn more about Project Puffin and Hog Island Audubon Camp.

--Marshal Zeringue