Friday, February 11, 2011

Melinda & Jeeves

Who is in the photo at right?

This handsome dachshund is Jeeves and the human is Melinda. We live in a high rise in downtown Chicago just a block from Lake Michigan. I do a lot of different things when I’m able but have the most fun knitting and reading when I’m not cuddled up with Jeeves. Jeeves is 3.5 years old and is a short hair sable dachshund—a combo of a red and a black and tan.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Today I’m a bit under the weather so am having coffee at home while listening to NPR.

What's brewing?

Intelligentsia’s Decaf Librarian’s Blend that is described as being “representative of the soul of the librarian: steady, reassuring, and always there with that slight edge of eccentricity. It has a bold base with a bit of sparkle.“ French press with a little half and half.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

I should be eating breakfast soon, but for now, candied ginger.

Any treat for Jeeves on this occasion?

He will get a peanut butter Kong after he wakes up (he is currently holding me down on the sofa in a half on/half off the lap position).

How were you and your dog united?

I got Jeeves at 10 months old after he was ‘returned’ to the folks who bred him. He was living far outside the city so he had to get used to living in a high rise and taking walks with lots of people, dogs and even horse drawn carriages.

How did Jeeves get his name? Any aliases?

I love the P.G. Wodehouse stories about Jeeves and Bertie Wooster. Jeeves, (the valet/butler) is distinguished, wily, intelligent, and is the true head of the house. Fits my Jeeves perfectly. I also sometimes refer to him as my coy boy, I think a couple of the photos capture that bit of his personality!

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Lake birds and pigeons. Jeeves likes to make them fly.

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

Red Kong! He plays fetch with it, eats peanut butter or cream cheese out of it and takes it to bed at night.

Where is Jeeves' favorite place for an outing?

Chicago Dachshund Lovers meetings! Lots of dachshunds rent out a doggy day care place so they can run and play with one another for a couple of hours. We get to see Joey and Maggie (and Carson!) there. Jeeves also loves walks up the lakefront to the park.

Who are your dog's best pet-pals?

Guinness the dachshund, and in my building, he likes to see Violet, Tiger or Charlie on the elevator. And everyone in the Chicago Dachshund Lovers group is a friend. Online, Joey and Maggie, Baxter and the new pup, Ramsay at doxdocs.

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

I would always be with him at home, by the lake or in the park.

What is Jeeves' proudest moment? Most embarrassing?

Finishing obedience classes was a proud moment for both of us. He also likes it when people ask if he is a show dog.

Most embarrassing is when he thinks large objects are a living threat. He once defended me against a row of port-a-potties temporarily set up for an event on the lake. Another time Jeeves decided a statue was going to attack and he dragged and barked me safely away. Much laughter from passers in these cases adds to the embarrassment of course!

--Marshal Zeringue