Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Jodi & Kolchak and Felix

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Jodi and my pups, Felix Doodle and Kolchak Puggle. We're the nutbars behind Kol's Notes, a dog blog about good food, good friends and the good life! We took around 13 bajillion shots trying to get one where all three of us were looking at the camera, before we gave up. Getting a puggle to sit still is like nailing Jell-o to a tree.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We're celebrating a few days of R&R up at the lake. We are going to lounge on the beach and enjoy a coffee, then head to the park for a little fun.

What's brewing?

I'm a bit of a coffee geek. Today, I'm savouring a cup of Operation Red Cherry Ethiopian Sidamo. I love a bold, complex cup like this because, let's face it, even my coffee needs to be full of drama.

Any treats for you or Kolchak and Felix on this occasion?

Always. Seriously, these boys are so freaking spoiled! We barbecued a salmon last night, so today, the boys are getting bits of the crisped up skin as snacks. It's like canine crack. It also has the added benefit of making me extra popular with all the neighborhood cats.

How were you and your dogs united?

Felix was our rescue. He came to us looking like a hobo with mad street cred, but he cleaned up real nice and now he is just the sweetest little fluffball around. He still had some crazy separation anxiety issues though, so we brought baby Kolchak home to help soothe him while we were at work. Kolchak was the love child of a champion beagle and a sneaky neighbor pug and we fell in love with his giant bobble head and the white spots on his chin and his chest - just like Felix. They were totally meant to be brothers.

How did Kolchak and Felix get their names? Any aliases?

Felix (known aliases: Fe, Fluff, Munchkin, Mister Dog, Feefaroni, and Potato) came with his name already, but we're told that he was named Felix because his original owner originally planned to adopt a cat. Kolchak (known aliases: Kol, Koly, Monkey, Sandwich and Sweet Potato) is named after a really cool TV show, Kolchak: The Night Stalker starring Darren McGavin. It's totally cheesy, but we love it. Both the boys have a ridiculous number nick-names. Really, it's a wonder they come when I call them at all.

Do your dogs have a favorite place to go for walk?

Tweedledee and Tweedledum (more aliases) are not very discerning when it comes to walk locations. We could be going for a walk through the garbage dump or along the River Styx and they would both be smiling like it was the BEST. WALK. EVER. and peeing all over everything to claim it as their own. I however, really enjoy a walk along the Seawall in Vancouver or the Fort to Fort trail in Fort Langley.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

No! Get your sweet behind off of their lawn, away from their door and out of their life. Now! Although, the neighbor cat tends to ignore their barking and fussing and sit on the stoops taunting them for hours at a time 'cause that's just how he rolls. That Bob is one brave cat.

Stick, ball, or squeaky-toy?

Felix is a squeaky toy addict. Seriously, we're thinking about calling Intervention or Hoarders. He takes all the squeaky toys in the house and hoards them under the kitchen table. It's ridiculous and adorable. Kolchak is fussier when it comes to toys. He loves everything when it is new - but only for a few hours. The only toys that hold his attention are the ones that dispense food. He is also a huge fan of a deer antler to chew.

What is each dog's best quality?

You might think I'm totally cuckoo-bananas, but Felix's best quality is that he seems so grateful now that he is living the good life. Every time he gets a new toy, a snack or some lovin', he just seems so darn grateful, smothering you with kisses and wiggling around in pure joy. No question that Kolchak's best quality is that he is just so happy and goofy. He is one of those happy-go-lucky souls that enjoys everything life has to offer. They have both taught me so much about appreciating how lucky we really are.

If Kolchak and Felix could change one thing about you, what would it be?

I say nothing! Their Mama is pawfect just the way she is! (Kol's Note: the Mama is delusional, the list of things we would change is just way to long to list here. She's a real "fixer-upper.) OK, OK, fine. I'm sure they would change something, so I asked the Daddy. He says that if they could change one thing, that they'd want me to be less strict when it comes to the treats I will allow and the ones I won't - and definitely, they'd get more of those treats. Apparently, I'm stingy. These dogs would look like hippos if the Daddy was in charge of the snack habits. In fact, they probably snack too much now! Roly Poly Koly and I spend several hours a week trying to focus on activities that keep us both from waddling. We're actually going to be sharing our our work out routines next month on our blog. We've declared September K9 Kamp month and we'll be challenging other dog bloggers and owners to get fit and have fun with some easy exercises. We're really excited about it.

What's each dog's proudest moment so far? The most embarrassing?

We took a bit of a road trip to pick Kolchak up at his breeder's. I was getting so nervous on the trip home, as Felix really wasn't taking to this little whippersnapper and he would growl quietly at him every time Kol even touched him, which sucked because Kolchak was already super in love with Felix and worshipped him and they both wanted to be right in the middle of my lap. It was a really long drive. Thank Dog for Xanax. When we were almost home, we stopped for a puppy potty break. As I walked Kolchak away from the truck, he started crying and howling. He was just devastated to be separated from Felix. The real surprise was that as soon as he heard that tiny beagle howl, Felix started crying and barking too. Neither one stopped until they were reunited - and they've been inseparable ever since.

The most embarrassing moment wasn't even a single moment, it was a string of really awful moments over the course of a super terrible day for me. The dogs were on their absolutely worst behavior and they facilitated an entire beach getting an eyeful of my ta-tas. (Get the mind bleach.) The whole day was absolutely ridiculous and you can read about it here if you are ever feeling like you have bad dogs and you need a pick me up. Go ahead and have a laugh at my expense. I'm just glad someone might get some enjoyment out of it!

Visit the Kol's Notes blog.

--Marshal Zeringue