Waggleview with artist and entrepreneur Daphne Jenkins

The Dog Owner: Daphne K. Jenkins, artist, maker and entrepreneur, lives in Portland, Oregon with her partner and handsome first-born corgi Moses. So beloved is Moses that Daphne and her was-band, (ex-husband) continue to share him. She uses the hash tags #mosesthecorgi and #mosesthecardi on Instagram to collect photos of Mo.

You can find Daphne and her work at the websites below:

Lomiloomilani.etsy.com

Daphnejenkins.com

Dog type and Name:

Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Moses.

 

Q: Why did you choose this dog?

In 2009, my was-band and I lived in a dog-friendly-ish gated community in Silicon Valley that snubbed certain big-dog breeds. So, we Google searched for smaller breeds with big-dog personalities and landed on Cardigan Welsh Corgis. We found a Corgi breeder not too far from us in California and started emailing. Lucky for us, Moses, then a 2-year-old stud, had kept his ears floppy so that his breeder owner was willing to place him in our home. Thanks to “ears that never stood” we got the best buddy in the world.

 

Q: Do you talk to your dog? If so, what do you talk about?

All. The. Time. Topics include belly rubs, being such a good boy, treats, backyard romps, sunbathing, visiting the neighborhood pet supply shop (aka treat heaven), going to the park, snacking on chewy-chews and going nigh nigh. And, when words fail to capture the marvel that is Moses the corgi, I simply invent more. Here are just a few of the nicknames Moses has inspired: Chani Choo Choo, Autchie Autch, Koko Pony, Boom Boom, Bunga and Chu-chi.

 

Q: If he could talk to you, what would he say?

Herding dog that he is, Moses communicates pretty clearly what he wants and what he wants me to do about it. He’s very stubborn, relentless really, and uses his eyes to bore holes into my soul until I “get it.” That being said, if Mo could speak English, he’d probably say, “Pet me. Feed me. Cover me with that blanket. Ahhhhh. Oh yeah, you’re cooking again! I want some. Give me some. More. Wait, who’s here? Go see. Is that the treat person bringing your mail again? Yes! Hey! Chase me! Get me! You can’t catch me! Don’t bother me, I’m digging. Ohhhh, a sun spot! Time to tan!”

 

Q: If your dog had a job or career, what would he be doing?

CEO of a major dog treat corporation or POTUS.

 

Q: What lesson in life has your dog taught you?

I have a very deep spiritual connection with my Moses. I tell people that I think our souls were always together in past lives . . . yeah, that deep! Moses has taught me heaps and heaps! But, the most standout lesson is about unconditional love. With Mo by my side, I’ve weathered some of my life’s toughest storms. He has always been there to snuggle, to insist that we go outside to play, to nudge me and whine at me when it’s time for both of us to eat. He is my best friend and my sidekick. Moses has herded me into the life I’ve always wanted.

 

Q: How does your dog inspire you?

Caution, care, seriousness, overthinking, these things come naturally to me. Joy, on the other hand does not. There is nothing more inspiring than Moses frapping in an open field. When he lets loose and runs circles and figure eights around me, chomping and egging me on to play chase, laughter breaks me open from the inside. Awwww, buddy!

 

Q: Where is your dog’s favorite place to go with you?

Anywhere off leash and into the wild. Mo loves grass and snow and sand.

 

Q: Who or what does your dog find the most interesting?

Mo is fascinated by cows. When he sees them grazing in a field, a low growl rumbles out of his gut, his eyes grow wide and his herding instincts take over. He watches them intensely just like I watch This Is Us.

 

Q: What is the most annoying thing other dog owners do?

When walking on leash, my boy can be protective . . . and he likes to talk trash to other dogs that carry themselves with a certain self-assured tail-high confidence. It’s most annoying when other dog owners assume their dog and my dog will enjoy meeting each other. Dog owners that “get it” give me a nod when I cross the street with Mo to avoid running into them. We’ve got our own business to take care of anyway.

 

Q: What does being a responsible dog owner mean to you?

It means that my boy Moses is a member of the family. It means he’s entitled to filtered water, nutritious food, excellent health care, exercise, sunbathing opportunities, and lots and lots of love.

 

Q: Do you ever dress up your dog? If so, as what?

Mo is always in a suit. For special occasions, he’ll don a necktie or bowtie.

 

Q: How has your dog changed your life?

See all of the above.

Moses’ presence in my life has taught me how to love deeper, live happier, and be silly sometimes.

 

Q: Does your dog have a philosophy of life?

Eat, play, and love.

 

Q: I love my dog because he’s intelligent, loyal, loving, stubborn, silly, and he sticks the tip of his tongue out when he’s having a really comfortable nap.

 

Q: Have you ever made dog treats for your dog? If so, please share your recipe.

Once Mo’s grandma baked him a special mini meat pie for his birthday. She made a simple crust with coconut oil instead of butter and filled the pie with ground beef.

WAGGLEVIEW®: These interviews are focused on leaders in business, the arts, the community, or at home. My hope in doing this is to present remarkable and respected people in their community with their beloved pets. Who can resist reading about pets and what these people do? This is a platform for people to display their talents; their own business, a new book, a deeply loved passion for a charity or their own job. It also shows their love for their pet!

Thank you Daphne for taking the time to participate in the Waggleview®.

What lesson in life has your dog taught you?

Please comment below.

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To read other waggleviews, click HERE for one with blogger, Katie Clooney, of The Preppy Empty Nester or HERE with award-winning author Beth Teliho.

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