Valerie & Pippa, Amy, Charlie and James

Who is in the photos at right and below?

I'm Valerie, 25-years-old and living in Belgium, with my four beautiful dogs - Pippa, Amy, Charlie (the white Labrador) & James (the brown Lab). Shortly after we adopted Amy (age 4), my beloved Doberman, Zita, passed away. A few months later, Pippa (3), a Greek stray dog, joined our little family.

In December that year, we decided to become a foster family and welcomed Charlie (3) to our home. Charlie is rescued from a pound in Serbia by a local organization. It didn't take long for him to concur my heart, so we decided to adopt him.

Last, but not least, James entered our lives and made our family complete. He is a purebred Labrador I bought from a befriended breeder.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

My dogs love to play in the yard or go for a run in the park. But when it comes to Coffee with a Canine, Pippa is my partner in crime. Whereas my other dogs don't have enough patience to join me for coffee and some casual shopping, Pippa loves those mommy-and-me moments.

What's brewing?

I love to treat myself to a Starbucks Caramel Machiatto! Yum!

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Unfortunately not. My dogs are not allowed to have 'human' food because it's bad for their health. But I always have some delicious dog treats on hand! If I know I'll take a while, I'll bring a chicken wrapped dog bone, to keep her busy.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

My boyfriend decided on most of the names, haha! I picked 'Amy', because I love The Big Bang Theory and Amy Farrah Fowler is my favorite character! I told her on Instagram, but she hasn't responded yet, haha!

Pippa [photo left] and Charlie were instantly decided, it was just a match. But we couldn't agree on James' name for over a week! He was just 'Puppy' for a while because we couldn't decide! But in the end, it all came together, and I think 'James' is just the perfect name for him.

Do your dogs have a role at Puppy Tales Studio headquarters?

Of course! They are the inspiration behind everything. When it comes to dogs, there is just so much to learn and to talk about. How to properly care for them, recognize signs of illness, wellbeing and mental exercise, puppy training..

Since three of my dogs are adopted, I hope to inspire people to consider adoption before they buy a dog. There are so many dogs in shelters, looking for their forever home and it breaks my heart to know that many of them will spend their life in a shelter. And if people do want a purebred dog, I want them to search for a responsible breeder. Owning a dog is a big responsibility; it's something to think through before you buy or adopt.

L to R: Amy, James, Pippa, and Charlie

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Cat! Pippa was in the 'cat' section of the pound, so she has some cat-like behavior. But recently, she loves to chase them. Next to hunting down flies in the house, annoying cats is the next best thing!

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Squeaky-toys all the way for Charlie and James!! Amy is more a stick kind of dog!!

Where is your dogs' favorite outdoor destination?

In Oudenaarde, Belgium, we have 'de Donk'. It's a large recreational area with a lake. My Labradors love to swim, and Pippa and Charlie can run for miles and miles!

What is each dog's best quality?

Pippa's patience, Amy's loyalty, Charlie's clingingess and James' playfulness!

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

I think they would make me quit my job so that we could spend all our time together!

If your dogs could answer only one question in English, what would you ask them?

I would ask them if they would change anything about our daily routine to make them happier.

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

Haha, that's difficult! For James, I would pick Seth MacFarlane (the voice of Brian from Family Guy). I know Pippa is a girl, but she is such an old soul so Morgan Freeman would be amusing! For Amy, I would search for someone with a soft high pitched voice, very girly and gentle. Maybe Paris Hilton? And for Charlie, Kunal Nayyar, Rajesh from The Big Bang Theory. The accent would really suit his foreign background.

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

To spend all your money on treats! It's the best investment possible.

Visit the Puppy Tales Studio website and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue