Jody Dean & Roxie

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Jody Dean, a California native, started my career as a PhD psychologist in Orange County, California and moved around in the field doing both clinical practice and healthcare strategy for large organizations. Roxie is a smooth coat dachshund, the AKC calls her coloring “black and tan with dapple markings”. She's 6 years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

It's critical that I be fully caffeinated early because Roxie is a high energy dog who demands that we engage in what is called “dachshund cross fit”; running in the woods chasing squirrels or deer or whatever we might find. So, coffee with Roxie is a daily must do.

What's brewing?

Today Peet's Sumatra with cream and sugar. I self grind, because I like it strong and I get a bizarre satisfaction out of hearing the coffee beans ground to a fine consistency.

Any treats for you or Roxie on this occasion?

Roxie and her sisters get their breakfast early, they demand a 5 am feeding time. Even on Sunday, lord help the person who does not feed a dachshund when they are hungry.

How were you and Roxie united?

I have adopted dachshunds in the past from Southern California Dachshund Relief. One of mine had passed, so I needed another to be a pal to the other dog. Since dachshunds are like Lays potato chips, you cannot just have one. SCDR called me and told me they had a female 2 years old who needed “a home with dachshund experience”. This should have been my warning and a smarter person might have run like the wind but I fell for this trick.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

Roxie was “Roxie” when she came to me. It really fits her. I also call her Momo, Dork, Spaz and at times, Satan’s Little Helper.

Please tell us about your new book, Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home.

While it might just appear to be a fun kids book, Roxie the Doxie follows Roxie from foster care to her “forever” home. The book is intended to allow kids to navigate adoption or other family changes by talking about Roxie’s journey, because kids find it less threatening to speak of their own feelings when they can talk about a toy, a character or an imaginary friend having the feelings (that are actually theirs).

Does Roxie do more to help or hinder your writing?

Roxie is very helpful because each day she experiences an adventure which gives me inspiration and ideas.

Cat, postman, rabbit…?

What some people don’t know about dachshunds is that they have a naturally very high prey drive. Given the chance to develop this drive, which Roxie has done in various scent and hunting competitions, she is happy to bark or chase anyone and anything. That said, I don’t allow her to actually chase people nor does she really have a chance to catch a rabbit or cat! It's all in good fun.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick…?

Anything not tied down is a toy for Roxie. She can dismantle a squeaky toy in about 2 minutes, at which point she will stare at me with a look of such horrible disappointment as if to say “geez, that one was too easy”.

Who is Roxie's best pet-pal?

Daisy, who is also a dachshund and a rescue from SCDR.

What is Roxie's best quality?

Optimism. Roxie gets up each day assuming wonderful, fun and exciting things will happen. And for her, they usually do.

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

That I would never leave the house without her.

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

I would ask Roxie if she was happy.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which Roxie could speak, who should voice her?

Without a doubt, Lady Gaga. Because Lady Gaga has the ability to have a variety of speaking voices, and Roxie’s bark changes depending on her mood, it’s a perfect fit.

What advice would Roxie give if asked?

Roxie would tell everyone to lean toward the positive in life, to try new things even if you are scared, and when in doubt, go for dessert.

Learn more about Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home.

--Marshal Zeringue