coffee with a canine

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Zoe of Designsbyevergreen.com. I run a blog that focuses on anything and everything that makes a home more beautiful- from interior design and DIYs to fun ways to bond with the fam. Tina is a beagle/hound mix that we think is around 14, but she could be older.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Tina just got out of the vet hospital where she scared me to death- I almost lost her a few weeks ago. She’s finally feeling better and it was just cool enough to take her out a wee bit.

What's brewing?

I had a Cinnamon Dolce Latte from Starbucks. It’s not normally on the menu, so you have to ask for it and bat your eyelashes a little for them to make it. I swear it tastes like a cupcake!

Any treats for you or Tina on this occasion?

Tina has been promised peanut butter and toast after I finish this interview with you guys. She’ll probably start howling about it in 20.5 seconds to remind me.

How were you and Tina united?

I have only had her for less than a year. She lived at a wonderful, no-kill shelter called Hallie Hill in Hollywood, SC. She was there so long, they let her roam freely on the property. She was their mascot and greeting committee. We went to pick out a dog for my daughter there. She picked a big, fluffy dog named Ike and I ended up falling in love with Tina- so we brought two dogs home!

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

Tina came with her name, so we kept it so we would not confuse her. However, we quickly found out she is deaf, so I have many, many aliases for her. Tina Tootles is my favorite, but she is also “Boo-boo baby”, “lambchop”, “Shnookumsus”… it gets worse. Yes, worse! She doesn’t complain about the names like other members of my family do, so I just let ‘em roll!

Does Tina have any special duties at Evergreen HQ?

Tina is a lady of leisure in her twilight years. She basically sleeps through my workday at Evergreen.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

She sleeps through all of that- including thunder storms.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

She doesn’t understand toys or the use for them, but she loves my closet and picking out clothes for me. She also loves her drawer filled with her sweaters. She rummages through it (in winter time) and selects what she wants daily. She’s a bit of a clothes hound (pun intended).

Who is Tina's best pet-pal?

We have a cat named Linus that tries not to participate in any family functions, but he does rub across Tina’s face every morning. That is the extent of Linus’ relationship with anybody. She and my daughter’s dog ignore each other. She’s more of a people person.

What is Tina's best quality?

She loves to be loved.

If Tina could change one thing about South Carolinians, what would it be?

Well, we live in Charleston and manners are rather important here, especially at the table. Not much food falls for her. I think she would definitely change our table manners so she could get more scraps.

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

“Should we get matching sweaters?” I’m pretty sure she would say yes.

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

Betty White. Tina often gets that blank look like “Rose” from the Golden Girls.

What advice would Tina give if asked?

Eat, Sleep, Love.

Visit the Designs by Evergreen website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photo at right?

Hi! I’m Alexandra Oliva. I’m an author, and this is my pup, Codex. She’s a shelter dog, so I’m not sure exactly what she is, breed-wise, but based on looks and temperament, my husband and I think she’s some sort of hound-retriever mix. If you want to get precise to the point of probable inaccuracy, I’d say she’s mostly a mix of Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Plott Hound. Whatever her breed, she’s about two and a half years old—and getting older by the day.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I needed my afternoon caffeine fix, and Codex got an extra walk out of the deal. (Lucky girl!)

What's brewing?

Cold brew iced coffee from a local cafe. I’m not sure what beans they use, but the sign said “single origin”, which I guess is a good thing? All I know for certain: It’s delicious.

Any treats for you or Codex on this occasion?

Nothing for me, but Codex is getting turkey-pumpkin bites because she’s a good girl who waved at the camera when asked.

How were you and Codex united?

When my husband and I moved to the Seattle area in 2014, we knew we wanted to get a dog ASAP. (We came from New York City, where our lifestyle didn’t mesh with pet ownership.) We found Codex online; her mom had been abandoned while pregnant and gave birth to a litter of brindled adorableness at a shelter. Codex’s coloring made her our favorite of the litter and once she hit eight weeks old, we road-tripped over to eastern Washington to pick her up and bring her home.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

It was important to me that my dog’s name not be common or overtly feminine. I can’t remember what made me first think of “Codex,” but it was some bookish word on a list somewhere. I was thinking it might be a fun name, and loved the literary connection (codices were the first bound manuscripts) but wasn’t sure the word was name-y enough until I remembered a web series called The Guild, in which a character’s gaming alter ego is named Codex. At that point, I was like: It is a name! And Codex has many aliases. Too many to list, in fact. Most are nonsensical rhymes like “Codex the Modex” or some variation on “Muffin.” E.g.: Muffin Face, Muffin Butt, Snuggle Muffin, The Muffin…

Does Codex do more to help or hinder your writing?

Hinder. Definitely hinder. She always seems to want to play at the worst possible time, writing-wise. I’ll just be hitting my stride with a scene and suddenly she’s shoving her tug-rope into the back of my knee or doing something equally adorable and distracting. Case in point: she’s literally doing figure eights between my legs as I type this sentence (I have a standing desk).

Has Codex inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

Nope. At least not yet.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Squirrel. She’ll sit at the back door just watching a squirrel until the time is right, then she’ll sprint out and try to catch it. But she’ll bark at the other options too; the hound in her seems to take great pride in letting us know whenever there is an “intruder” on the property.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Codex is totally ball obsessed. If we allow it, she’ll play fetch until she keels over. Sometimes my husband and I have to hide the ball and force her to take breaks.

Who is Codex's best pet-pal?

Codex is pretty indifferent toward other dogs… except for her “boyfriend,” a chocolate lab named Banks. She’s known Banks since she was nine weeks old and loves him to death.

What is Codex's best quality?

Her love of learning, which maybe sounds silly, since she’s a dog, but it’s true: training is her favorite pastime. Sometimes she gets so excited she can’t pay attention to what you’re actually asking her to do and she’ll just run through her entire repertoire of tricks, hoping to hit the right one.

If Codex could change one thing about the denizens of the Pacific Northwest, what would it be?

She’d probably like for them to pay less attention to her. She’s a shy pup who prefers to sniff strangers when they’re not looking to being approached. That, or for everyone to always be carrying squeaky balls. As shy as she is, she’s easily won over by a squeaky ball.

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

Instead of asking a question, I’d use the opportunity of her briefly understanding English to explain to her that we’re moving soon and that our destination will be her new home. I’m worried she’s going to have trouble adjusting.

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

I could do it! I spend much of my average day having conversations with Codex in which I do both our voices. It’s hilarious! To me, at least. Hollywood pros probably wouldn’t agree. In which case… Kristen Schaal. I think she could capture Codex’s mix of adorableness and absurdity.

What advice would Codex give if asked?

Probably something not FDA-approved, like: “Eat more bacon. Eat only bacon.”

Visit Alexandra Oliva's website.

The Page 69 Test: The Last One.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Ruth Carter – lawyer and writer in Phoenix, AZ and the loving dog parent to Rosie, the 8 year-old basset hound. She was diagnosed with glaucoma and lost an eye in 2015. This was our last picture together before her diagnosis. She will eventually go blind. I want to give her the best life possible, including letting her see as much as she can while she still can.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Rosie and I spent a long weekend in Flagstaff, AZ. We rented an Airbnb at a house owned by two artists. It was a great place to get away to relax and recharge. We loved the pellet stove. We started and ended each day in front of the fire.

What's brewing?

Our Airbnb had a kitchenette with a coffeemaker and mini-fridge that was stocked with coffee and cream. I don’t know what brand it was, but it was delightful.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

I made myself oatmeal with brown sugar, chopped almonds, raisins, and almond milk.

How were you and Rosie united?

I adopted Rosie from the Arizona Basset Hound Rescue when she was 4. We just celebrated 4 years together. I knew the moment I saw her at our meet-and-greet that she was my dog.

Any treats for Rosie on this occasion?

She just finished her breakfast kibble and chopped baked chicken. She slept on the couch next to me while I finished my breakfast.

How did Rosie get her name? Does she have any nicknames?

Rosie’s original name was “Roxy.” When I saw her sweet face and her big brown eyes, I knew she was really “Rosie.” It took her less than a week to adjust to her new name. Her full name is Rose Louise Carter. Louise was my grandmother’s middle name.

Rosie has a few nicknames – “Baby Girl” and “Waddles” are the main ones, but her godfather also calls her the “Potato Sack,” which shortens to “Tater Sack” and “Sack.”

Tennis ball, stick, squeaky-toy...?

No toys today, though she’s a fan of sticks. Sticks are the only chew toys that stand a chance with her. No “long-lasting” chew toy has last more than 10 minutes with her, but actual sticks stand a chance. She loves to break them into pieces. When she finds a stick during one our walks, she proudly trots home with it in her mouth, her wagging tail waving triumphantly upright.

Postman, cat, squirrel...?

Anything that moves is interesting and everyone is her friend. When we went to the dog beach in southern California last year, she would walk up to strangers and plop down on their blankets as if to say, “You may pet me now.”

Who is Rosie's best pet-pal?

We live in a great neighborhood with lots of dogs. Her best pal is a 12 year-old German shepherd named Zavvy. They enjoy the mellow life of sniffing the ground, relaxing in the grass, and occasionally playing with the whipper snapper dogs.

What is Rosie's most endearing quality?

She is so pure. Her eyes tell an entire story. You never have to question how she feels because it’s emanating from her. Even though she had a rough start before she was rescued, all she wants is to love and be loved.

If Rosie could change one thing about Arizonans, what would it be?

Make more dog-friendly places. She’s too stubborn to be trained to be a therapy dog and she likes to go with me when she can. I negotiated her into my work contract so she can come to the office where my co-workers love on her.

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

Shirley MacLaine! She's so much like Weezer (Ouiser Boudreaux) from Steel Magnolias.

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

I love you and I want you to be happy. Is there anything more I can do to make sure you know you’re loved every day?

What advice would Rosie give if asked?

Do what you love and enjoy the simple pleasures. And don’t be afraid to use your devastatingly charismatic eyes to get what you want. If you believe they can’t resist you, they’ll believe it too.

Visit Ruth Carter's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photo at right?

Sitting at the dining table is me, Theresa Kaminski, a history professor and author of the newly-published book Angels of the Underground. The canine with the rawhide chewy in his mouth is Hugo, a 5-year old basset hound.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I have my coffee and Cheerios every morning while Hugo settles in for his second nap. (He gets up very early with my husband, who gives him his breakfast and takes him for his first walk of the day.) Sometimes we’re in the dining area that’s just off the kitchen. If I’m anxious to start work right away, we’re in my study, also known as the Eeyore room because of the small stuffed Eeyore I keep on my desk as a writing mascot.

What's brewing?

Right now we’re finishing up a couple of bags of regional coffee that came to us as gifts: Tony’s from the Pacific Northwest and Tall Bean Coffee from Manitowoc, Wisconsin. A more typical coffee morning involves the Beaumont brand from the Aldi grocery store chain. I drink one cup a day, which I make with a single-serve pour-over Melitta coffee cone. I add enough 2% milk to turn the dark brown to beige.

Any treats for you or Hugo on this occasion?

No. I’m strict about no extra food intake in the morning. Hugo loses interest in his rawhide pretty quickly, preferring a nap.

How were you and Hugo united?

Not long after our golden retriever died, we started thinking about a new dog. We wanted a very different breed so we wouldn’t feel tempted to make comparisons between old dog and new. I started looking at various animal rescue organizations and my first choice was a greyhound, which my son and husband nixed. Then I found a small animal rescue organization that was adopting out two adult bassets and their six offspring. (In the case of bassets, “small” is a bit of a misnomer. They are short, but long and hefty.) The bassets had been removed from an abusive home.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Hugo seemed a fitting name since the breed originated in France. I sometimes call him Puppen, sometimes Stinky Boy. Because of their oily coat, bassets have a unique fragrance.

Does Hugo do more to help or hinder your writing?

Hinder, only because I have to pull myself away from my work to walk and feed him. If I forget, he reminds me with a wet nose wedged under my arm or a heavy paw on my thigh. Hugo has been inexplicably indifferent to my writing projects and deadlines.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Hugo loves cats and views them all as potential friends. He is crestfallen when they don’t see him the same way. Squirrels and rabbits are fair game, though. When they got into the yard, Hugo viewed them as interlopers and acted accordingly. He is very fit from regular exercise and can run fast. However, our new house doesn’t have a fenced yard so he won’t be out there on his own. Local wildlife is safe. Hugo ignores the postman except if we encounter him on a walk. Then Hugo wants to be petted.

[photo right: Hugo's mom, Molly]

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Right now Hugo is enamored of two toys, both Christmas presents. One is a gray plush toy in the shape of a dog that has an empty plastic bottle in its middle. He likes the crunching sound it makes when he chews on it or jumps on it. The other is a long knotted rope that he likes to drag around and show off. If I throw a ball for him, he watches to see where it went, then looks at me to see if I’ll get it for him.

Who is Hugo's best pet-pal?

Hugo was very fond of a Chihuahua named Jules who belongs to the people who pet sat him. He’s just met some new canine pals at a dog daycare near our new home. Hugo’s a sociable guy.

What is Hugo's best quality?

He’s very friendly and always happy to see us.

If Hugo could change one thing about Wisconsinites, what would it be?

I think he’s puzzled by why we have to take so long to bundle up before going outside in the winter. To him, it must seem a curious thing to do and it only causes a delay in his walks.

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

Why can’t you stop barking when I tell you to?

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

John Hillerman, who played Jonathan Quayle Higgins on Magnum, P.I. And he’d have to use the Higgins voice because Hugo would sound droll and always vaguely amused. If the movie were animated, it would take tremendous willpower not to draw Hugo wearing a deerstalker cap with a pipe in his mouth.

What advice would Hugo give if asked?

Take more naps.

Learn more about Angels of the Underground at the Oxford University Press website.

The Page 99 Test: Angels of the Underground.

Writers Read: Theresa Kaminski.

My Book, The Movie: Angels of the Underground.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Caroline Cowen and my dog is Fenway. She is a two year old rescue who we believe to be a lab, boxer, hound and pitbull mix. We own and operate Fenways Runway. There are lots of photos of her at the site or by using #fenwaysrunway on Instagram or Facebook.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Coffee is life blood when you work with animals. We always have a coffee in the morning on the way to the dog park!

What's brewing?

Starbucks Christmas blend k cups!

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

A homemade fruit smoothie.

How were you and Fenway united?

We rescued her through lost dog rescue foundation. I now volunteer for them occasionally.

Any treats for Fenway on this occasion?

She's had her morning treat after going potty this morning.

How did Fenway get her name?

I was born and raised in Boston, what more can I say?

Does she have any nicknames?

Fen, feng shui, snuggle butt, little love.

Tennis ball, stick, squeaky-toy...?

Fox or giraffe are her favorites at home- if we're at the park a tennis ball or stick will do. She would always prefer to play with another dog though.

Postman, cat, squirrel...?

She could care less about squirrels cats or bunnies, she doesn't bark ever, but she's been known to growl at a plastic bag or a baseball hat.

Where is Fenway's favorite place for an outing?

Great falls or the beach.

Who is Fenway's best pet-pal?

She loves so many dogs because we have so many friends stay with us!

What is Fenway's most endearing quality?

She will always love. She will snuggle and cuddle and love more than any animal I've ever met. She's very protective of me but of other animals as well.

If Fenway could change one thing about Virginians, what would it be?

Their bad driving habits.

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

Great question, Isla Fisher.

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

What do you remember from the first 2 months of your life? (Before we rescued her.)

Visit the Fenways Runway website, Facebook page, and Instagram page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photo at right?

This is me, Noni Brueckner, and my dog Sally. I'm a wedding and family photographer in Charleston, SC and Sally is a 5 year old, 40lb mutt. We did a gene test on her and she's mostly Staffie Pit Bull but also hound, pointer and bulldog. We think she may have some Ridgeback as well.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Sally loves people so I like to bring her to my favorite coffee shop, Muddy Waters. It's a treat for both of us.

What's brewing?

Muddy Water's large latte with 2%. Yum.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Sometimes a muffin.

Any treat for Sally on this occasion?

Just lots of people to wag her little stubby tail at and lick.

How were you and Sally united?

My husband, Eric, adopted Sally from a shelter after she was found stray at 5 months old in Los Angeles (where we used to live). She was living off pizza crusts and chicken bones (she still loves pizza crust)! He was in school at the time and I was worried that he wouldn't have time for a dog... but it was totally the best decision ever.

[photo left: Sally and Eric, shortly after he adopted her]

You've got some beautiful wedding photos on your website. Which are more challenging to photograph: dogs or brides?

Haha! I'd say dogs. And thank you!

How did Sally get her name? Does she have any nicknames?

My husband named her when he saw her - thought she looked like a Sally. We call her about a million things including Sal, Sallymander, Salsal, Princess, Sea Captain, The Captain and all kinds of nonsense.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Squirrel and cat! Also opossum, raccoon and skunk.

Tennis ball, Frisbee, squeaky-toy...?

Stick!!!

Where is Sally's favorite place for an outing?

Probably the mountains in California where we used to live. We'd take her on long hikes all the time. A close second would be Folly Beach here in Charleston where we bring the ball slinger and she plays beach fetch.

Who is Sally's best pet-pal?

Probably Zoey, our best friend's great dane mix. We all used to live together and hike a lot. Unfortunately, we just found out yesterday that Zoey has bone cancer which is so very sad.

What is Sally's most endearing quality?

Her excitement towards people. She will squirm and wiggle her butt so hard to greet you and then wants to lick and cuddle. She even does this to strangers! She also is very floppy and relaxed and will lie comfortably in anyone's lap and all kinds of contorted positions.

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

She would have me take her on even more and longer walks -- oh and probably never use a leash.

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

Wow, I have no idea. Maybe Shailene Woodley.

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

Probably if there is anything she needs! (I really love my dog!)

Visit the Noni Elizabeth Photography website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue