Kristen Weber & Sampson

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Kristen Weber, and this is my 8-year-old male pug, Sampson. I'm a freelance book editor and I run Shelf Pleasure, a website for women who love to read.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Sampson is my co-editor and cuddling companion while I read. He'll take every chance he can get to sit on my lap. I usually put a pillow on top of him and then my computer or book on top of that.

What's brewing?

Chocolate is my vice over coffee, and you can usually find me drinking a hot chocolate whatever the season.

Any treats for you or Sampson on this occasion?

Sampson's favorite treat is cheese. We usually take a 2:00 break and share a piece. But don't worry, he gets plenty of exercise. Every hour or so we take a break outside and then we also take 2-3 bigger walks during the day. It is good to take breaks from lying down all day (Sampson) or editing / reading all day (me!).

How were you and Sampson united?

I always wanted a pug, but the obsession grew even stronger when my husband worked as an assistant on one of the Men in Black movies and came home every day sharing stories about the pugs who played Frank. In fact, I began talking about my future pug Sampson so much that my co-workers at Hachette Book Group thought he was real even before he joined my family - and gave me a collar and treats for him at a Christmas party. I had to confess he wasn't real yet! But as soon as I found a dog friendly apartment in NYC (nearly impossible!) I brought him home and he's been part of my family ever since.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

I thought Sampson was a good name for a breed that's a lot of dog in a small body. We call him Sammy for short.

You and Sampson are professional editors: what's the division of labor when you tackle a manuscript?

I do all the heavy lifting. He does the cuddling and the snoring.

Cat, postman, squirrel…?

Postman! There's a barking party when our mail is delivered.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Nothing that requires too much work, but he'll play with a squeaky-toy if there's a chance there's food in it.

Who is Sampson's best pet-pal?

Sampson's two best dog friends live a few houses down from us and he always stops at their house and stares longingly even if they're nowhere to be seen.

What is Sampson's best quality?

He's incredibly loyal. All he wants to do is be with his people.

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

He probably wants me to sit down on the couch for even longer periods of time, so he can cuddle in!

If Sampson could answer only one question in English, what would you ask him?

Are you really that tired?

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which Sampson could speak, who should voice him?

That's a tough one. I imagine Sampson probably has his own voice itching to get out. He always looks at me like he has so much to say, if he had the voice to say it.

The only problem will be that he'll probably just demand more food. If I don't feed him right at 5:00, watch out!

Visit Shelf Pleasure and Kristen Weber's website.

--Marshal Zeringue