Janet Gilbert & Fred and Gloria

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me Janet Gilbert; homemaker, mother of two, grandmother of three (one more on the way). Also mother to two very demanding Basset Hounds -- Fred (tri-colour), a 20-months-old male and Gloria (red & white) a five-year-old female.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Waking up and seeing the hounds are just so happy to see me every single morning!

What's brewing?

Folgers in my cup. One sugar and 1% milk. Mmmmmm!

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

More coffee.

Any treat for your dogs on this occasion?

They get one Milk Bone each while I have my coffee in the morning.

How were you and Fred and Gloria united?

Fred was born April 19, 2010 at Autumn Blaze Bassets. Three days after our 11-year-old Basset Barney had to be put down. We got Fred when he was 8 weeks old. Gloria was a retired breeding dog from the same place looking for her forever home. We got her to teach Freddie some manners. It didn't work!

How did your dogs get their names? Do they have any nicknames?

Fred is Fred, no reason. His registered name is "Fabulous Fred." I call him Freddie Spaghetti, Fredrico and Mr. Dramatica.

Since Gloria was older when we got her she already had her name. I call her Missy Loo.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Definitely squirrel. They both go "squirrelly when they see one!

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

Squeaky toy. Gloria is afraid of the squeak so Fred does it constantly to scare her.

Where is Fred and Gloria's favorite place for an outing?

Our backyard. It's fenced in and large enough for them to run and chase each other around.

Who are Fred and Gloria's best pet-pals?

Fred's best pal is me, but slowly becoming Gloria. Gloria's best pal is Fred. She gets upset if he's having a time out...and believe me he gets a lot of them!

What is each dog's most endearing quality?

They both give Basset Hound hugs where I kneel down and they squish their heads into my legs and wag their tails. It makes my heart melt!

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

That I'm boss!

What is each dog's proudest moment?

Fred's proudest moment was when he first climbed the stairs all by himself. Gloria's was when she learned how to jump up into the big brown comfy chair. She just sat there looking all proud of herself.

If Fred and Gloria could speak in a movie about your life, which actors would you have doing the dogs' voices?

I would have Jennifer Garner doing Gloria's voice. Sweet, but can be stern if need be and definitely Ashton Kutcher for Fred's voice. Whiney, goofy, dramatic who can "think" they're tough!

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--Marshal Zeringue