Carly Phillips & Bailey and Buddy

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Karen Drogin but I write contemporary romantic fiction as Carly Phillips. I'm a mom of two daughters age 18 and 14, and of course the two canines to the right - two soft coated wheaten terriers. Buddy is the lighter all wheat-colored boy, and he is 12 years old as of this April and Bailey is now 3 years old and finally coming into her own. Or "mensching out" for anyone who understands that expression! I also love to read and I have just started knitting which is my newest obsession. The dogs are always by my side no matter what I'm doing in the house.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

My dogs love a car ride, but they don't want to get out of the car. They don't do well in public. I must have failed in socializing them but not for lack of trying!!! I just think my wheatens are sensitive and love their home just like their mom/me!

What's brewing?

Sadly for my pooches, they really do love their home and resist most outings. They love running through the fenced yard and chasing each other, but as for Starbucks trips, I'm all by my lonesome and I order a Grande, decaf, sugar free vanilla soy latte.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Only in my imagination. Have to watch calories especially in Starbucks!

Any treat for Bailey and Buddy on this occasion?

If it's a really cold day, I'll make an individual coffee at home - a decaf vanilla flavored drink from a Keurig coffee maker. Then the dogs will get their biscuits as treats to munch on.

How did you and Bailey and Buddy come together?

Well. Buddy who is 12 obviously came first. When my husband and I first lived together in Manhattan, we had a Maltese named Spike, who turned aggressive after my first child was born and we gave him to a single person who could lavish him with all the love and attention he needed. Trust me, this wasn't easy and I swore I'd never get that attached again. One day, we saw a wheaten at a friend's house (these friends had 3 kids) and fell in love. One day, hubby and I went to see a movie (Armageddon) and there was a pet store next door. We saw this wheaten ... and went back for him the next day. Needless to say, so much for not getting attached ever again. Buddy is my heart dog, the sweetest, most loving boy you will ever meet. A few years ago, another friend who has a Portugese water dog got a second and said it really made the older one act younger. Once again, hubby said, maybe we should get another ... and that's all I needed to hear. I spent a week straight searching for a wheaten breeder and found one who said they had a litter and the home for a female fell through ... when the time came, my daughters and I flew to Buffalo to pick up Bailey.

Have Bailey and Buddy influenced your writing?

They're always around, insisting they need attention, so of course I am very animal focused and aware. I tend to put animals in some of my stories because I think they can add a fun humorous element.

How did they get their names? Any aliases?

Buddy was named by my then 6 year old daughter and Bailey was mine - I wanted another "B". I guess that's the writer in me. Wanted some alliteration.

Buddy's aliases - Buddy Boy, My Main Man, and he lifts his head when he hears the word "Dog."

Bailey's aliases - Her main one is BABY GIRL but her others, depending on her mood - Goofball, freak, goofy girl, nut job, ... I'm guessing you can see her personality in these!

Squirrel, cat, snowman...?

UPS and Fed Ex man. I have the strangest wheatens. For terriers, they truly co-exist with the rabbits, squirrels etc. in the yard (thank goodness) but if they see the UPS or FedEx man coming up the walk, my two docile dogs turn into wild things and the Fed Ex man drops the boxes and runs. Seriously he's petrified.

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

Galileo Bone. Made by Nylabone. That's the ONLY toy they both love, the only toy that interests them (12 years and running for Buddy) ... occasionally Bailey will pick up a squeaky toy but there's a pile of toys in the corner of my room and the only one they want is the Galileo Bone. We have about 4 of them. Interestingly, two bones can be on the bed and the only one Bailey wants is the one Buddy has and she takes it right out of his mouth and he lets her. I can't figure it out.

Who are Bailey and Buddy's best pet-pals?

Each other. Sort of. They have a odd relationship if you ask me. At home, they lay near each other. Never cuddle, snuggle, etc. Never play together inside unless its around 2 PM and Bailey starts her play bowing and growling to get him to chase her in the house at which point I open the back door and let them go flying around the yard. Otherwise they ignore each other. Unless I have to take Buddy somewhere without Bailey and then she cries and screams and carries on like I'm killing her. And when he returns, she sniffs him to find out where he was and what she missed. Buddy kind of does his own thing unless she pushes him to play outside. But he was an only dog until he was 8 years old so maybe that explains it! But Bailey's bestest friend is me. She loves me best and follows me everywhere including the bathroom. But I don't count as a pet-pal. At least I hope not!

What's each dog's best quality?

Buddy is a snuggler. The best part of my weekend is when I can nap with him curled into me. Bailey is a goofball that makes everyone laugh. But in Bailey's life, it's all about HER. In Buddy's life, it's all about US.

What's each dog's proudest moment? Most embarrassing?

Bailey's proudest moment - as a puppy she let herself out of the crate and attempted to free Buddy; then a month ago she was at the vet because she needed hydration and she escaped from her crate there and made a break for the waiting room.

Buddy's proudest moment - I questioned the entire family. We're blank. Buddy is a mellow man without many ups and downs. He's just the very best boy.

Bailey's most embarrassing moment - she was asked to repeat doggie kindergarten. They claimed it was because she started very young but I think they were just being nice.

Buddy's most embarrassing moment - When Bailey sat on his head. Oh and the time when he pulled a half frozen turkey down from the counter the night before Thanksgiving, nearly missed giving himself a concussion, then ate enough of the turkey that I couldn't fix it up and serve anyway.

Learn more about New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips -- and read reviews and excerpts from her books -- at her official website, the Plotmonkeys blog, and her Facebook fan page (where there is a link to email questions to Buddy & Bailey).

--Marshal Zeringue