Alison Pace & Carlie

Who is in the photo at right?

Hi, that's me, Alison Pace, I'm a writer living in New York City, and that's my dog, Carlie. She's a 7-year old West Highland white terrier.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We're celebrating the release of my new book, You Tell Your Dog First. It's about life with dogs and the many ways in which dogs connect people to the world. It's also a lot about life in New York City and how it feels to live here. Carlie features very prominently in the book. That's her on the cover.

What's brewing?

Green Mountain Coffee Nantucket Blend that I make in my mini Keurig (a life changing purchase), 2% milk, and 1 packet of sugar in the raw.

If not that, Carlie and I walk around the corner to Joe. They have excellent, excellent coffee there, and a designated spot to tie your dog up right outside.

Any treats for you or Carlie on this occasion?

As I type this, Hurricane Sandy is headed toward New York City so we're looking forward to peanut butter sandwiches and wine if the power goes out.

Carlie is actually a little anxious in advance of the storm so she appears to not be eating anything.

How did Carlie get her name? Any nicknames?

I got Carlie when she was about a year and a half old so she already had her name. I'd spent years trying to think of the perfect dog name for when I finally got a dog but she really knew her name so I didn't want to change it. Change, as we know, can be hard, and Carlie had had a lot of it. I'm not sure how it started but Carlie's nickname is Noodle. Also, Noosie, Noo and The Noo.

You write about a few bad dates in You Tell Your Dog First, your first nonfiction book after five novels. Who is first to sense a relationship is doomed, you or Carlie? And when Carlie is unenthusiastic about a friend or date, is she likely to give that person a second chance?

Ha. I'd have to go with Carlie on that one. I have a pretty big optimistic streak which might just be a nice way of saying that I'm not super fast on the uptake when it comes to identifying doom. Carlie can definitely warm up (a little) to someone to whom she was initially cool. But if she is really fond of a person, it happens right away.

How were you and Carlie united?

Fate! Timing! Also I was looking for a dog and Carlie was a show dog who was not winning and needed a home.

Who are your dog's best pet-pals?

Carlie is very popular. We live in a building that is home to many, many dogs so she has a lot of pals here.

And we go to off-leash hours in Central Park every morning and she's got friends there as well. Her favorites, off the top of my head: Emme, a French Bulldog; Cooper, a pug; Jacko, a Labradoodle and Lizzie, a Havanese. Also, Ian, a fellow Westie.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

She has one of those balls that has little feet on it. Hers is bright green and she loves it.

What is Carlie's best quality?

She is very sweet and kind. And also very smart.

If Carlie could change one thing about New Yorkers, what would it be?

They would all carry treats to give her.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which Carlie could speak, which actor should do her voice?

Michelle Dockery who plays Lady Mary Crawley on Downton Abbey.

If Carlie could answer only one question in English, what would you ask her?

Are you happy? (I hope the answer would be yes.)

Visit Alison Pace's website.

Pace's novels include If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend, Pug Hill and its sequel, A Pug’s Tale, and City Dog.

Read more about You Tell Your Dog First.

The Page 69 Test: City Dog.

The Page 99 Test: You Tell Your Dog First.

--Marshal Zeringue