Silvie Goldstein & JD, Wendy, Silvieon4 and Cosmo

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Silvie Goldstein. I am a retired lawyer and rescue volunteer and I share my life with JD, a Male 12 year year old Bichon, "The" Wendy, and 11 year old female Bichon, Silvieon4, an eight year old Bichon girl and our latest, Cosmo, a male Bichon, age unknown, but we are guessing between 4 and 5 years old.

[photo right: Slivieon2 and Silvieon4]

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We live very busy lives and each day we try and carve "special time" with each dog. As it so happens, Silvie on4, is my breakfast buddy and we usually share a morning cappuccino. She is fond of foam and I am fond of the coffee.

What's brewing?

Our usual is brewing in my Pasquini espresso machine, a blend of Harrar, Ghimbi, and Sidamo coffees from Ethiopia. I was born in Eritrea and my taste in coffee is firmly seated in that part of the world.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

I am what my husband describes a "serial baker" so there are always goodies in the house. Right now my cookie jars are filled with pumpkin biscotti, which we bake and sell for rescue at rescue events, frittelle, and apple chips. Silvieon4 is fond of pumpkin biscotti and will share. But her absolute favorite is the foam that I skim off my coffee.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

JD- He was a sickly puppy who arrived at our home the same day my daughter was accepted into law school. Ours is a family of lawyers. My husband is a federal judge, my son is a lawyer, and my daughter is a lawyer. At that point we realized that this puppy would be the only one without a "JD" [Juris Doctorate] so, of course we gave it to him as his name. Lots of people speculate that JD stands for many other things- but they are wrong. JD is also known as "The King". He rules this house with his tiny paw, demanding a seat at the dinner table, his own glass, and lots of little perks that other dogs would never expect. He is the king.

Wendy- renamed Wendy after her rescue. She is the magical Wendy. Earned the "The" Wendy when she learned to trust us. Hers has been a journey of redemption. We had to show her that humans could be good. Her past had shown her that humans were greedy, mean, unfeeling and painful. While she fears women, this year she showed me that she does love and trust her momma. We were at the vet. My husband and daughter were present and we were all trying to comfort Wendy who was scared. I anticipated that she would go to my husband and feel comfort. But The Wendy surprised everyone and she bypassed everybody and came to me. I was in shock. I have been working on Wendy's trust issues with women for 8 years. My baby girl is finally at home. She has my heart. She is The Wendy.

Silvieon4 was named Silvie by Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue. I am told that she was named Silvie because she is small and mouthy...which is how I am often described. She was puppy and I fell madly in love with her under bite and feisty personality. Of course she had to come home. She has been a blessing in every way. She forced Wendy to come out of her shell, she taught JD to be a dog, she broke every single boundary and challenged every bit of conventional wisdom about dogs. She "talks" she is known to be a mad cuddler, and she loves fiercely and completely. She is a diva who loves the camera, loves clothing, loves shopping and loves wearing a crown. She is empress for life and dismisses all princesses. She hates grass, loves elevators and prefers to swim without wearing a life vest.She has a blog- Silvieon4.com and rescue is her platform. For some reason she responds to the name "Baby" and anything said to her in Italian or French sends her melting.

Cosmo. We have only had Cosmo for about 2 weeks. We have no idea why he was named Cosmo. But so far what we noticed is a happy boy who is always hungry and who loves, no loves to cuddle and be held. I have been calling him Limo, because he is so long in his torso. He is proving to be a real sweetie.

How were you and your dogs united?

Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue! All of our dogs are rescued. We love TBFR. We work and support the incredible mission they have been performing for over 20+ years.

Cat, postman, squirrel.... ?

Easy: yellow cat. We have no idea whose cat it is. It roams the neighborhood and occasionally invades our backyard. It is a big, older yellow cat who loves sauntering by and tormenting the dogs who will bark all manners of threats. As far as the squirrels, a truce of some sort was brokered apparently. There used to be mutual hate. I think age mellowed everyone. The dogs ignore them and they ignore the dogs. But the real excitement happens every spring when we open the pool and the ducks arrive. Ever see a Bichon blitz around the pool while the ducks leisurely float? It is epic. And apparently duck poop is to be rolled into. So, yes, lots of baths and lots of grooming...

Squeaky-toy, ball, stick...?

Splish Duckworth- a white stuffed duck that each dog got from TBFR. Wendy and JD are really not into toys. Silvie is a hoarder of toys, but she only really plays with a pulley monkey. Cosmo... he is toy obsessed and will suckle his Splish while rocking as he falls asleep. He does this every single night.

Where is your dogs' favorite outdoor destination?

The boardwalk. They love going to Virginia Beach and walk the boardwalk. They love the ocean, the smells, the beach, the variety of "petters" and they love sitting in the outdoor restaurants having a snack.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Wendy and Silvie are bonded. Silvie also adores JD who is really into showing her he is boss. The Wendy worries about everybody. She is a little momma. So far Cosmo has been crazy playing with Silvie who pretty much has been using him to make JD jealous.

What is each dog's best quality?

JD is a "cosmopolitan" well-traveled dog who loves meeting new people. He simply does not understand anyone who does not stop and pet him. He actually gets this "What the heck?" look if people simply walk by without acknowledging him.

The Wendy wears her heart on her paw. She will find the person who is most broken and simply sit by them and give them quiet comfort. I call her the heart healer.

Silvieon4. She thinks her job is to cuddle and she is terrific at her job.

Cosmo. He'll eat anything, will fall asleep at the drop of a hat, if you can hold him. The interesting thing we have seen is how each dog learns from the others. With Cosmo, we have watched him watch and learn how to fit in our routines. He is a fast learner!

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

They would have me "calm down" and not freak out when one of them swallows a live frog, which ends up hopping all over my bedroom, once it is regurgitated... or not completely lose it when they bring me a dead bird as a "gift"... or cry when one of them is limping because they pulled a muscle.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which your dogs could speak, which actors should do their voices?

JD - Sean Connery. He has that edge to him.

The Wendy - Annette Bening.

Silvieon4 - Drew Barrymore.

Cosmo - Robert Downey Jr.

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

What can I do to make your life better?

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

Make the moments count, It's about the relationships not about things, place, stuff....

Visit the Silvieon4 website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Jennifer Findlay & Daisy and Stella

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Jennifer Findlay, and I’m sitting with Daisy, my 7-year-old Labradoodle. I’m a homemaker, mom, wife, sister and photographer. So I wear a lot of hats around here. I also have Stella, a 5-year-old Poodle/Bijon mix dog. At least that’s what we think she is. She is a rescue dog that was found wet, muddy and cold in a construction site ditch when she was just a wee puppy.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

My beautiful dogs and I always sit together on the couch every morning for coffee and cuddles. In fact, I called my photography blog Coffee & Couch, because that’s usually where I can be found doing all my online work and play.

What's brewing?

I’m drinking a cup of Starbucks House Blend I made with my Keurig machine. One of my pet peeves is tepid coffee. I really love it when my coffee is piping hot, and I have gone through so many types of coffee devices looking for just the right one. Sadly, I still haven’t found one that gets my coffee hot enough. Sigh. If anyone has any suggestions, I’m all ears!

Any treats for you or Daisy and Stella on this occasion?

Daisy and Stella don’t get treats, because Daisy has pancreatitis. She relapses easily, so we have banned all treats, human food, and high-fat dog food. We give them lots of love though. Daisy goes crazy for ear scratches and belly rubs. Stella thinks it’s blissful when I let her lick my hands or toes. I know...it’s weird, but I don’t mind as long as she’s happy.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

We used to get weekly pictures of Daisy from the time she was born until we were able to bring her home, and she just looked like a precious little daisy, so that’s why we called her Daisy.

Stella’s story is a bit more convoluted and fraught with hilarity. My sister originally fell head-over-heals in love with Stella when she spotted her being delivered to the SPCA as a puppy. Unfortunately, my sister’s circumstances changed and she wasn’t able to adopt Stella. So we stepped in to take her. Everyone who meets Stella falls in love with her. She snuggles right into your neck if you pick her up, and she’s perpetually happy. When my extended family met her, it was mass love-at-first-sight and an epic competition to choose her name ensued—because that’s just how we roll as a family. One sister insisted on Stella. The other wanted the name Lucy. We thought Popcorn would be the best, because she bounced around like a popping kernel of corn. My sister who lost out on adopting her wanted the name Stella. So you can see who won. At family gatherings, Stella is addressed as Stella-Lucia-Popocorno. No, we’re not Italian. We’re just a bit crazy.

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

Cat... Squirrel... Postman...Walkers.... Suspicious Vehicles ... they’re all victims!

These dogs perch themselves on the top of my couch like sentries keeping guard. If they even spot a gum wrapper flying by, they’ll bark. They’re absolutely lawless dogs!

Stick, ball, squeaky-toy...?

Daisy is far too dignified to even acknowledge toys. Stella, on the other hand, is an unabashed toy hound. Her diamond-sharp teeth can wreak havoc on a stuffy in a matter of minutes, and all that’s left is a deflated squeaker and tufts of stuffing all over the floor. Stella would spend every waking minute chasing a ball if you throw it for her.

What is your dogs' favorite outdoor destination?

My in-law’s cattle ranch is like Doggy Disneyland for my girls! Sadly, it’s a six-hour drive from our home, so we don’t get to visit as often as we would like to. The dog park around the corner is a close second destination of preference.

Who are Daisy and Stella's best pet-pals?

My dogs aren’t keen about interacting with other dogs, but they do love my in-law’s old black Labrador Retriever.

What is each dog's best quality?

Daisy’s best quality is her old soul. She looks deeply into your eyes and conveys such incredible love.

Stella’s best quality is her optimism. She is such a happy little creature. Her funniest quality is her bravery. She thinks she can take on the world to protect us. I even caught her growling at the glowing apple on the front cover of my laptop.

If Daisy and Stella could change one thing about British Columbians, what would it be?

Daisy and Stella would definitely like to be allowed into stores and cafes in British Columbia. I think they’re actually displaced Parisians!

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which your dogs could speak, which actors should do their voices?

In a movie, I think Dame Judi Dench would portray Daisy, and Will Ferrell would portray Stella in the persona of the Elf character.

If Daisy and Stella could answer only one question in English, what would you ask them?

If my dogs could speak English, I would ask them this one question: “What can I do to make your life even better?”

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

My dogs’ advice would be: “Play outside as much as you can. Oh, and can you just stop putting that black thing with a lens up to our faces.”

Visit Jennifer Findlay's Coffee & Couch blog and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Gayle Rosengren & Fiona

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Gayle Rosengren and I'm a children's author. My debut book, a middle grade historical fiction novel called What the Moon Said was just published by Putnam/Penguin on Feb 20th, so I need plenty of coffee to keep me hopping from one bookstore/school/online interview to the next and still have the energy to work on my next book.

My adorable companion is Fiona, my 3 year-old Bichon Frise. She is quite the darling little girl, don't you agree?

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

This is a mostly normal morning for Fiona and me. She is never far away from me (although not usually seated at the table; this was a special occasion for her online debut!). Whether I'm at my laptop with my first cup of coffee or heading up to bed at night, she's somewhere in a two-feet radius of me. She loved being invited onto the chair next to me to share this coffee moment but she especially loves hopping up on the couch to watch a movie with me at night.

What's brewing?

Our favorite home-ground beans topped off with Italian Sweet Cream. Mmmmm! The house smells wonderful for hours afterward.

Any treats for you or Fiona on this occasion?

Fiona always gets a few "accidentally" dropped Cheerios. I sometimes treat myself to chocolate biscotti. I'm also addicted to the scones from my favorite bakery and try to sneak one in at least once a week. My first choice always is their chocolate chip scone, which comes with the expected chips inside as well as a drizzle of dark chocolate and a drizzle of white chocolate frosting on top. Yum--they're to die for!

Are there any dogs in your fiction who are inspired by Fiona?

There is a dog in What the Moon Said who is more reminiscent of a German Shepherd I had many years ago and loved dearly. But the dog in my next novel (tentatively titled Joanna's Cold War) is definitely modeled after Fiona. She is small and white and cuddly and always gives excited welcomes to the main character when she comes home. Her name is Dixie.

Does Fiona do more to help or to hinder your writing?

I'd have to say a little of each. When she wants a walk and I'm in the middle of a writing streak, it can be a little frustrating to have to stop. But she also gets me out into the fresh air for a while, which gets my brain firing on all cylinders, and that’s a good thing.

How did Fiona get her name?

Fiona was named by the woman who rescued her from a Milwaukee humane society shelter. The woman runs a Bichon Rescue agency outside of Madison, Wisconsin, where I live. Most of the dogs she saves come from auctions of puppy mill victims. Fiona was one of the lucky ones. Somehow she ended up on the streets, but it seemed pretty clear she'd been well taken care of prior to that and she was very well-trained. She couldn't have been on the streets for long. Why no one claimed her is beyond me, but their loss turned out to be my great good fortune. She's a sweetheart. I could have changed her name to anything I wanted, but I loved it. She really is a Fiona.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

She'll bark at any critter and try to chase it if she's outside--whimper and yelp and bark if she's inside viewing them through the window. She barks at delivery people and friends who arrive, but she stops as soon as she sees they're being invited inside.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

She loves to play, and if I'm too busy to play when she's in the mood, she'll flip her stuffed bunny or owl into the air and then pounce on it and run around with it, then flip it up again and repeat. She does love the fact that the bunny squeaks and the owl hoots (although in kind of a spooky way!).

Does Fiona have a favorite place to go for outings?

She loves to go to go anywhere in the car, but her favorite place to stay for any length of time--especially without us, if we have to travel without her--is her former temporary home with the woman who rescued her. There are generally at least fourteen other Bichons there at any given time, awaiting adoption, so there is no lack of playmates and there are no cages. All the dogs are treated like house pets. Luckily, it's a good-sized home out in the country and there's a big deck and fenced in yard. We joke that we're taking her to doggie sleep-away camp. She's always happy to go, but she's even happier to be taken back home where she is not only Top Dog but Only Dog.

Who is Fiona's best pet-pal?

Her best pet-pal is Reggie, my daughter and son-in-law's beagle-mix. They live only a mile away and when they have to go away for a weekend they bring Reggie to our house, and if we're only going away for a night or two, we take Fiona to their house. The two of them get along well, except for always wanting to steal the other one's food! Talk about the grass always being greener on the other side of the fence!

What is Fiona's best quality?

Hmmm… She has lots, so it's hard to choose just one. Her Best quality, though, would have to be her very loving personality. She a cuddler and a snuggler and looks at me with such adoration it's embarrassing sometimes (but awfully nice!).

If Fiona could change one thing about Wisconsinites, what would it be?

She'd probably wish they weren't so darned devoted to exercise, so they wouldn't go jogging past her house so often. She wants to chase them in the worst way but can't, so it's very frustrating.

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

This is an easy one: Sweet little Fiona, how did you come to be separated from your first family and lost in the scary city?

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

Jennifer Lawrence! I can hear her now--so funny!

Visit Gayle Rosengren's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Andrea Lochen & Maddy

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Andrea Lochen, the author of the novel The Repeat Year. My dog, Maddy, is an 8-year-old Teddy Bear, a mix between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We decided to spend an hour in our backyard soaking up the sun, reading (me), and sniffing out unusual smells and rolling in the grass (Maddy).

OK, no coffee for you and Maddy--but are you sharing any treats on this occasion?

Chilled lemonade for me and water and a rawhide bone for Maddy.

How were you and Maddy united?

Maddy was a wonderful surprise gift from my husband on my golden birthday (when I turned twenty-three on December 23rd). I had wanted a dog for a long time, but it seemed like an impractical undertaking since we were living in an apartment at the time with busy work schedules. So on my birthday, resigned to a few more painfully dog-less years, I was instructed to close my eyes and hold out my hands, and when I did, a wriggling, six-pound puppy with a golden bow tied around her neck was placed in them. I immediately fell in love. My husband and I like to say that she’s the gift he’ll never be able to top and the gift that keeps on giving.

How did Maddy get her name? Any aliases?

Maddy is short for Madison, Wisconsin, a city that I adore (and where The Repeat Year is set). The better question would probably be are there any aliases or pet names I don’t use for her because there are so many of them, but most are too embarrassing (for both me and Maddy) to list here: Maddy Madkins, snuggle bug, bunny bear, cutie bean… You get the picture!

Have any Maddy-inspired dogs appeared in your published work?

In The Repeat Year, Phil’s dog, Cashew, is loosely based on Maddy. Cashew is a tan Shih-Tzu, so he looks different than Maddy, but his energetic, enthusiastic behavior is pretty similar. And one of the lines I wrote about him, “[A dog is] a bundle of pure love, gift-wrapped in fur” was definitely inspired by her.

Does Maddy do more to help or to hinder your writing?

She’s a great writing companion. She has a little doggy bed next to my desk, and if she’s not laying there while I’m writing, it’s because she’s laying across my lap with her chin perched on my hard plastic armrest. Sometimes she gets bored with my writing and demands we play, and it’s usually the much needed break and distraction I need, so I can come back to whatever chapter I’m working on feeling revived.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

One of Maddy’s best friends is our mail carrier because every day she leaves a Milk-bone treat in the mailbox for her, so that Maddy is now conditioned to lick her lips and expect a treat every time we get the mail. She likes our mail carrier so much that once she even tried to get in the postal truck with her (although I suspect it had more to do with the open box of Milk-bones on the floor). In case you can’t tell, my dog is extremely food-motivated.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Plush squeaky toys—she loves to rip the stuffing out of them and dig out the plastic squeaker. We have several deflated, sad-looking squirrels and raccoons she still plays with. For her seventh birthday, we bought her the mother of all plush squeaky toys—a long red dragon with twenty squeakers sewn into it! She was in heaven, and almost a year later, some of the squeakers still function.

Does Maddy have a favorite place to go for outings?

Basically anywhere we go, she’s game. Maddy adores riding in the car (especially through drive-throughs, because she sometimes get a treat), going for walks in our neighborhood and to parks, and visiting my parents and my in-laws.

Who is Maddy's best pet-pal?

My in-laws’ dog, Lacci, who is the same breed as Maddy, but a few years older. They look almost like twins when they’re together!

What is Maddy's best quality?

Her unconditional love. Her joy and enthusiasm for life. The way she makes me laugh.

If Maddy could change one thing about Wisconsinites, what would it be?

She would mandate that we all carry cheese or other treats in our pockets to give to her at regular intervals.

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

I would ask her to describe her perfect day for me and then I would recreate it for her.

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

It would have to be me or my husband because we do her voice all the time! She sounds high-pitched, cheeky, and occasionally has a Southern drawl.

Visit Andrea Lochen's website and Facebook page.

Writers Read: Andrea Lochen.

The Page 69 Test: The Repeat Year.

My Book, The Movie: The Repeat Year.

--Marshal Zeringue

Sue & Oscar and Sheba

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Sue, I am married to Steve and we have to sons, one out flatting and one still at home but just started working. I work only on Mondays in a vintage/collectable shop so I have plenty of time to spend with my two dogs, Oscar, a Maltese/Bichon age 6 and a 1/2, and Sheba, a Lab/Border Collie aged 2 and ¾.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We live in Suburbia with a huge back yard that is heavily planted and park like with a few different seating areas. On this occasion I was about to read my book while relaxing on my garden swing chair. Both dogs decided to join me like they usually do. Oscar is either on my lap or next to me, but always close. Sheba is always hanging around but with one of her balls waiting for me to start a game on “you kick and I will chase it”.

What's brewing?

I am not a coffee drinker although I am trying to like Moccha as I need to part take in being grown up. I am a devoted Earl Grey drinker.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

No treats on this occasion other than being able to share some quality time with their mother, on the swing chair.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Both dogs are adopted so came pre named. Oscar sometimes gets called “Ozzy” and Sheba gets the occasional “She-be-be”.

How were you and your dogs united?

We used to be the proud owners of the most lovely Labradoodle named Ben that we adopted from animal rescue when he was one. He was with us for 12 years and when he passed away he was terribly missed. He hasn't been replaced in our hearts or our memories but we have adopted the two current dogs since he has gone. Both came to us via Trade Me and both were dogs that were well loved but needed to be re homed due to family situations.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Oscar has one of those soft toy ducks you get from pet shops that he likes to throw about. Sheba is not allowed to play with this as she basically destroys soft toys. Sheba has two soccer balls. She likes to have one in her mouth while she dribbles the other one “soccer styles” with her head and feet. Both of them are rather partial to the odd dirty sock usually found on the teenage sons' bedroom floor. These make for great fun in the form of tug of war. Sheba mainly drags Oscar around the house so not a lot of tugging going on.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Oscar and Sheba are best pals and play a lot of the time. But I am Oscar BFF as he is one step behind me when I am moving and on me or next to me if I sit. If I strapped him into one of those baby front packs I think he would be one happy small dog. Sheba's BFF would have to be Steve as he is the most willing partner in kicking the ball for her.

What is each dog's best quality?

Both dogs' best quality would have to be their unconditional love they have for the entire family and their loyalty.

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

If they could change one thing about me it would be that I sit still longer. Every time I get up and move they feel the need to follow me, even if it is just across the room.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which your dogs could speak, which actors should do their voices?

My life to date hasn't been worthy of a movie but if they were going to have actors to play their voices then Oscar would get George Clooney and Sheba would get Angelina Jolie, then I could get to meet Brad. Call me shallow but I would be smiling!!

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

I would ask them if they feel as lucky as I do to be sharing their life with me as I do with them.

Visit the "You can call me Sue" blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Joanna Slan & Rafferty and Victoria

Who is in the photo at right?

That's a cartoon of Raffi and me, Joanna Campbell Slan. It's a perfect "before coffee I can't focus" photo. The ToonCamera app is only 99 cents, and I've had a ball playing with it.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Every day is a Coffee with a Canine day at our house. I’ve tried, and I can’t seem to get my brain in gear without coffee in the morning. Of course, the dogs think I should serve them breakfast first, so we have a bit of a tug-of-war happening around 5:30 a.m. If I don’t get their food fixed quickly, there’s a lot of noise. You see, I thought it would be cute to teach Raffi to “speak” for his food. So he yodels non-stop when he’s hungry! I’m a slow learner, but eventually I figured out that I need to make myself a big glass of iced coffee the night before. In the wee hours pre-dawn, I grab cold java and sip it while I combine kibble and wet food, plus Raffi’s medications.

In your 2010 Q & A here, you mentioned your husband's latte-making prowess on the Expobar. Is that still your primary coffee source?

Nope—and now my husband will read this and discover that I’m “cheating” on him. I have fallen in love with those lovely Folgers Instant Coffee packs in Vanilla and Hazelnut. They are my constant companions when I travel. And they have no calories. I add Almond Breeze instead of milk and Truvia for sweetener. That gives me a healthier caffeinated start to my day than David’s delicious (but fattening) lattes.

Any treats for you or Rafferty and Victoria on this occasion?

Always. My dogs are very, very spoiled. I slice up bacon flavored Beggin’ Strips for the dogs. I take kitchen scissors and cut them into ½ inch pieces that go into a treats jar. You see, dogs don’t understand the concept of portion size. They are as happy to have a small nibble as a large one. By cutting up the strips, I can be Lady Bountiful with the treats, but not turn my pups into pork-pies.

The protagonist of your Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery series has a Great Dane. Are there any dogs in The Jane Eyre Chronicles?

Yes, actually there are two canine protagonists in Death of a Schoolgirl. Edward Rochester, Jane’s husband, owns a Newfoundland named Pilot. He appears in the first chapter of my book. I also added a new canine character, Rags, who is named for a pup owned by Molly Weston of Meritorious Mysteries. Rags provides insight into his owner, Lucy Brayton, because how we treat our pets says so much about who we are as human beings. I couldn’t imagine a world without dogs, and I don’t want to write a world without them!

Victoria is English by birth. Did she help you write scenes for your new book?

Absolutely! Victoria is regal in every sense of the word. Today when she came back from the groomer, her “report card” said, “She is such a little princess!” and she is.

[image left: Victoria doing her much admired, "You want me to do
what?" pose]

Whenever I need to channel that aloof attitude of superiority, I turn around in my chair and call Victoria. (She never comes, of course, but that’s a great reminder that royalty answers to no one.)

How do Rafferty and Victoria help you with your writing?

All writers are threatened by the dreadful malady called “writer’s butt.” You sit long enough, and your backside grows exponentially. Raffi and Vicki are insistent that I get up and let them out. That also gives my aching wrists a break. As a consequence, I owe them a lot!

What are your dogs’ proudest achievements?

Rafferty is thrilled that although he only has three legs, he can hop up on the sofa all by himself. Victoria knows she is adorable, so every waking moment is a proud moment for her. She soaks up the admiration like a sponge soaks up spilled water.

If Rafferty and Victoria could change one thing about you, what would it be?

I would devote all my time and attention to them instead of that silly machine that I tap with my fingers. Really, I am so misguided and pitiful! I could be napping the day away like they do.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which Rafferty and Victoria could speak, which actors should do their voices?

Fred Flintstone would voice Raffi, and Dame Judy Dench would dub Victoria’s lines. (Fred is an actor, isn’t he? I mean, I thought he was up for an Oscar once.)

If Rafferty and Victoria could answer only one question in English, what would you ask them?

Since Rafferty is a rescue dog, I’d ask him what his name was before the rescuers re-named him. Since Victoria is the daughter of an English champion, I’d ask her if she wishes she had been a show dog.

Maybe more importantly, I like to imagine what they would ask me!

“Why do we only get to eat once a day and you eat three times, huh? Why can’t we go for more rides, eat only canned food, and sleep with you? How come you don’t like it when we roll in stinky stuff? How come we can understand English and you don’t understand a single word of dog? What gives lady? Oh, well. We love you anyway. With all your faults. Sigh.”

Learn more about the author and her work at Joanna Slan's website and blog.

Read-- Coffee with a Canine: Joanna Slan & Rafferty and Victoria (July 2010).

--Marshal Zeringue

Deborah Niemann & Porter and Joy

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Deborah Niemann. I'm a writer and homesteader. I've written Homegrown & Handmade: A Practical Guide to More Self-Reliant Living (2011) and EcoThrifty: Cheaper, Greener Choices for a Happier, Healthier Life (2012), and I blog at Antiquity Oaks, The Thrifty Homesteader, and my home site.

Joy (in my lap) is an almost-15-year-old bichon frise, and Porter is a 5-year-old English shepherd.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I have coffee and homemade yogurt (made with goat milk, of course) and granola every morning with Joy barking at me the whole time because she wants the yogurt. Porter sits quietly giving me puppy eyes, hoping I'll get the hint that he'd like some yogurt too!

What's brewing?

First thing in the morning is Equal Exchange organic Mind, Body & Soul blend, which is a medium roast. I have it with goat milk and sugar or cajeta, which is a caramel that is made from goat milk.

Any treats for you or Porter and Joy on this occasion?

Joy gets to lick the yogurt bowl. Porter is overweight, so no treats for him.

How were you and your dogs united?

Porter was supposed to be a working dog. Every year it was taking us longer and longer to bring in the sheep for shearing, and I said that we either needed to get a dog or get rid of the sheep, so I got Porter, who is an English shepherd. He is five now and has only been to one herding workshop. He has amazing instincts and really, really wants to be a working dog, but I haven't had time to devote to his training.

About eight months after my standard poodle died in 2008, I finally decided I wanted another dog, and I decided I wanted a bichon. I was looking on Petfinder.org, and apparently middle-aged bichons are a hot commodity. After about a month of looking I was excited to see that a bichon was at a shelter only half an hour away from me, but then I saw that the dog was 11 years old and in the early stages of kidney failure and I thought, "Oh, how sad! Who is going to adopt an old sick dog like that?" Well, every time I went back on Petfinder, she would pop up at the top of the search list, so finally I decided to call the shelter and get more information about her before writing her off. And within two days, she was part of our family.

How did Porter and Joy get their names? Any aliases?

Porter was named after the beer because he was in a litter of six, which the breeders referred to as a six pack! And Joy came with the completely inappropriate name of BJ, which didn't fit her at all! After a few days I realized she was "Joy" because everyone who saw her would smile and say how cute she was!

Do your dogs have a favorite place to go for an outing?

If I'm going, they want to go! It's pretty simple.

What role do Porter and Joy play in your writing?

They sleep behind my desk chair. When it's especially cold in the winter, I put Joy in my lap to help keep me warm.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Joy loves everyone. Porter, however, is convinced that most men are absolutely evil, so he must eat them! He gets especially upset when the garbage man comes, barking non-stop at the window. I'm sure he's yelling, "He's taking our stuff! Let me out of here! I'll get him! Loooook!!! He's taking our stuff!" Of course, he gets equally upset with FedEx and UPS, and they are actually bringing us stuff, so I don't understand everything he says.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Joy doesn't play with anything, and Porter prefers anything that is dead and decaying -- the stinkier, the better!

Who are your Porter and Joy's best pet-pals?

Baby animals! Whenever I have to bring a newborn goat in the house because it has hypothermia or is having some kind of problem getting started in this world, Joy and Porter act like two toddlers fighting over the new baby in the house! They both want to fawn over it and clean it, and Joy barks at Porter if she doesn't like what he's doing, and Porter snarls at Joy if he doesn't like what she's doing. I can just hear them arguing, "It's my baby!" "No, you get away! It's my baby!"

What is each dog's best quality?

Porter wants to please me every minute of the day. He often looks me in the eye as if he is just waiting for me to tell him what I want him to do -- and then he does it! He is also really smart. Joy makes everyone smile. She just loves everyone and makes them feel welcome.

If Porter and Joy could change one thing about you, what would it be?

They both think that they are terribly underfed! So, they would want me to give them lots more food than I do!

If your dogs could speak in the movie about your life, who should do their voices?

Porter needs to be voiced by someone who is a real lady's man, but also *thinks* he is a real tough guy, so Eddie Murphy would probably be just about right. Joy is a sweet little old lady, and someone told me she immediately thought of Betty White when she met Joy, which I think would work perfectly for her voice. If Eddie and Betty are not available though, I think Robin Williams could probably do both of them very well!

Visit Deborah Niemann's blog as well as Antiquity Oaks and The Thrifty Homesteader.

--Marshal Zeringue

Angela Hynes & Henry

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Angela Hynes, a long-time freelance journalist. I lived in California for many years but recently moved to a small ghost town called Mineral de Pozos in central Mexico to write a book. I also spend a lot of time working on my 200-year-old colonial house and garden. (You can read about some of our exploits on my blog, although I let it go dormant at the beginning of the year to concentrate on my book.)

My canine companion is Henry. That’s him rockin’ out to a drum circle on Venice Beach. Best guess is he’s a bichon/poodle mix about 8 years old. I’m not sure how to take it when people say we look alike!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I have only one cup of coffee a day, after breakfast. I stroll around the garden, Henry at my heels, deadheading flowers, watching the humming birds, and generally enjoying the peace and quiet before the day gets started in earnest.

What's brewing?

Mexican coffee is excellent. I buy a locally grown organic brand and make it in a French press.

Any treats for you or Henry on this occasion?

Since I use lots of full cream and sugar in my coffee: it’s kinda coffee and dessert in one. Henry is not much of a morning dog, and doesn’t eat until later in the day.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Henry was named by the people who found him before we met. When we’re out in public, I sometimes call him dude. As in, “Let’s go, dude.”

At home, when it’s just the two of us, I call him snuggle muffin. But please don’t let that get out; he’d be mortified.

How were you and Henry united?

Henry was left chained to a fence in a dog park in California. My neighbors took him in and named him Henry. But they already had two dogs and two cats and the new addition was disturbing the established order. They asked me if I would take him and I said “no” as I’d just lost a beloved 14-year-old black lab and was still grieving. But I said I would foster him until we could find him a good permanent situation. Ten minutes after I got him home, that plan was history. We have been inseparable now for six years.

Who is Henry's best pet-pal?

Since we moved to Mexico, Henry has been missing his pal Yoda (they Skype). They went to agility school together and along with another dog, formed the team The Three Dog Knights. But the other dog dropped out so the Three Dog Knights were only two. Unfortunately, they weren’t very good and came in dead last at the end of semester contest. But a good time was had by all and they were very proud of their last-place trophies [photo right].

He’s now making friends with all species here in Mineral de Pozos.

Squeaky toy, ball, Frisbee...?

Henry’s favorite toy is a squeaky one-eared reindeer: a Christmas gift from Yoda several years ago.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Cats! But only the feral ones that try to sneak into our kitchen and eat his food. He’s very polite to our friends’ felines.

What is Henry's best quality?

Where to start? I guess I would have to just say he’s a wonderful companion. He’s well-behaved enough to take anywhere. The local shops and restaurants allow him in. And he’s adaptable. We drove all the way from California to Mexico and he’s taken it all in his stride.

If Henry could change one thing about the locals, what would it be?

Where we live, it’s customary to let off fireworks for just about every occasion: saint’s days, holidays, birthday, funerals, and so forth. Henry hates the noise and hides under the sink whenever they start. I know he’d like that to stop.

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

Johnny Depp. (Okay, this may be saying more about me than Henry.)

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

Dude, why do you pick out certain bits of kibble and spit them all over the floor, only to go back and eat them at the end of your meal?

Visit Angela's Back Pages blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Steph & Dakota

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Steph, a 23 year old grad student. I'm working on my Master's in Library Science, and am currently working as a library clerk until I finish my degree next year! I love books, writing, games, and dogs, especially mine! Dakota is a four year old Bichon Frise/Pekingese boy.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Finishing school for the semester! Dakota and I are excited, now we have more time to spend together so we are celebrating!

What's brewing?

Hot chocolate for me! Not a coffee drinker.

Any treats for you or Dakota on this occasion?

Dakota's getting his favorite tiny Milkbones, and I'm enjoying a cupcake - yellow with chocolate frosting. Mmmm!

How did Dakota get his name? Any aliases?

He was already named when I got him, and I liked the name, though some people think he's girl. He has a hundred nicknames from me - Kota, Koko, Bean... too many to count!

How were you and Dakota united?

I adopted Dakota from the local animal shelter in September 2010. I saw his picture on the website and it was love at first sight. His underbite just got me! It's perfect.

On the internet you're Steph the Bookworm -- do you have any favorite fictional dogs?

I do! Joe, the German Shepherd in Allie Larkin's novel, Stay, is the best!

Does Dakota have any non-canine pet-pals?

Oh yes! I don't say this only because he's my dog, but everyone that has ever met Dakota is in love with him! We recently moved in with my parents, and my dad swears that when I move out in the next year or two, Dakota is staying behind with him and my mom. Kota loves his grandma and grandpa, but he's mine, sorry!

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Barks at all of the above! Chases my cats like there's no tomorrow. They are terrified of him.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

He has one of those stuffing-less "stuffed" animals. His is a chicken, and he adores it. It's the only thing he'll play with. He has a Wubba and he won't touch it!

What is Dakota's best quality?

Physically, his silly teeth. I love his underbite. But he's also funny and sweet. Loves his belly rubbed, and swipes his little paw at you when you stop.

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

Dakota would love it if I could be home more. School and work keep me really busy, and he hates it.

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

I always imagine he has a childlike voice, but I can't think of any young actors!

I'm thinking about those flea commercials from a couple of years ago when the dogs wrote home to their moms to thank them for the flea medications. Anyone know what I'm talking about? Haha.

Visit Steph the Bookworm's lit blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Anthea & Ponto, Percy, and Dylan

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Anthea, I supervise children at school at lunch and train dogs. The dogs are, Ponto [photo below left], aged five (on the bed on floor), who is a mongrel girl including genes from labrador, bichon frise, sheltie, staffie, border collie and Irish setter. On my right is Percy, an Irish Setter girl, aged nine and Dylan who is eight is on my left and he is a Cocker Spaniel/Border Collie cross.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

A pleasant interlude during our walk on the beach.

What's brewing?

Tea (PG Tips).

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Liver treats I bake myself.

How were you and your dogs united?

They came to me as puppies.

How did your dogs get their names? Any nicknames?

My daughter named Percy, really Persephone Sisyphus, but she is called Percy for short.

I named Dylan [photo right] after Bob Dylan. My mother named Ponto after a dog she had had as a child.

Rabbit, postman, cat...?

They all like chasing rabbits, are friends with the postman and live with my cat.

Where is your dogs' favorite place for an outing?

The beach or the Forest.

What is each dog's best quality?

Percy - goofy and good at tricks.

Dylan - was a brilliant agility dog but retired now.

Ponto - very loving agility dog.

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

Maybe become my only dog.

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

Percy's [photo left] winning the Casual Agility Class.

Dylan's doing his washing line trick.

Ponto's walking around me backwards.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which your dogs could speak, who should do their voices?

I've no idea.

Visit the Ponto's Ongoing Story blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Lauren B. Davis & Bailey

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Lauren B. Davis, that’s my dog, Bailey. Bailey, about 2 years old – I’m not quite sure as he didn’t come with much history. And as for breed, I was told he’s a cockapoo, but I suspect some bichon frise, and a fair amount of terrier, as is evidenced by his desire to chase everything that moves in our garden – squirrels, ground hogs, rabbits, deer, and foxes. My husband, Ron, and I refer to him as The Rescuepoo.

As you can see, we’re both into books; in fact, I’m a novelist, essayist, and creative writing teacher. My new novel, Our Daily Bread, will be published Oct. 1, 2011. As well, I’ve published four other books: two novels, The Stubborn Season and The Radiant City; as well as two collections of short stories, An Unrehearsed Desire and Rat Medicine & Other Unlikely Curatives. You can learn more about me on my website.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Bailey and I have a fairly regular schedule. He wakes up about 6:00 a.m. and comes into bed for a cuddle until about 7:00 a.m.. He’d like it to be longer and would happily stay in bed until mid-morning, but I drag him out of bed. Then it’s out for the morning perambulation around the neighborhood, back for breakfast and coffee. I take my coffee sitting at my office desk, and Bailey takes up his post at Canine Command Central, also known as the window overlooking the garden. There’s generally a mid-morning writing-recharge repeat.

What's brewing?

I am particular about my coffee and drink a wonderful blend called “Excalibur” from the Burlap & Beans Company of Newtown PA. I grind the beans fresh and use a French Press. Best coffee I’ve ever had, and that’s after living in France for a decade!

Any treats for you or Bailey on this occasion?

Bailey is fond of – on this occasion and every other – of Cat-Man-Doo Dried Wild Salmon Treats, although he will forgo even this delectable for a bit of apple. I am easily seduced by pain-au-chocolat.

How were you and Bailey united?

After my friends Lisa Pasold and Bremner Duthie came to visit with their dog, Barclay (which should, of course, be spelled Barkly), the urge to share my home and life with a dog, which had been a long time low-level nagging, felt suddenly urgent. I’m not sure why, but I suspect it’s a soul thing — mysterious and hard to pin down, but no less real for all of that. I can’t explain it. It just was.

Although I’ve since heard a number of stories from people about how hard it was for them to find the right dog — months of searching, filling out applications, meeting dogs, applying for adoption, being disappointed – for me, once I’d seen Bailey’s photo on the Petfinder site, it was miraculously easy. He was being fostered with a wonderful family through an equally wonderful organization called AFEW (Animal Friends for Education and Welfare), not far from us. I contacted them and filled out an application. They wrote back a few hours later -- Did we want to meet him that Saturday at an adoption fair? You bet.

His foster mum, Mary (that’s her on the left in the photo at left) brought him. He wore a little blue sweater and flipped over on his back, tail wagging, the minute we walked in. I’d brought a toy, which he accepted with glee. He licked Ron’s hand. He’d had a hard time of it, rescued from a “kill shelter” somewhere down south, weighing only 10 lbs when he should have weighed 20 lbs — he was a little skeleton — so matted he’d been shaved a few weeks before (hence the sweater). Nobody knew where he’d come from or what had happened to him precisely. He was a bit skittish around some people, especially if they moved too fast over his head. I was told he’d probably been hit and was frightened. I asked if he could come home with us that afternoon for a home visit. He fell asleep in Ron’s arms on the ride home. He’s been with us ever since.

How did he get his name? Any nicknames?

Bailey came to us with his name, and I didn’t want to change it, since I suspected he’s had a great number of changes in his life.

Nicknames? You bet. The Rescuepoo, of course; but also, Little Pooters, Snuggles, Bailey Bug and Angel Pie (so good I could eat ‘im with a spoon).

Does Bailey play any role in your writing?

As a writer I spend a great deal of time alone. I like this. It’s not that I actively dislike people (well, not all people), but like most writers, my temperament leans toward the solitary. My writing sometimes takes me to rather dark and, dare I say, emotionally perilous places. (I’d stop if I could, but I’m actually saner when I’m writing than when I’m not, so it’s best for all concerned that I continue.) Also, as a recovered alcoholic, I have a ‘natural’ tendency to isolate, preferring to simmer in my own emotional stews. Then, too, like most of my family members, I have a history of depression, for which in the past I’ve been medicated. Whereas my husband is a glass-frothing-over-in-effervescent-excess-of-good-stuff kind of guy, I’m definitely an oh-look-I-think-that’s-a-dreg-at-the-bottom-of-the-glass type of gal.

In short, I’ve always thought of myself as moody, with a tendency to droop.

Or at least I did. Recently, I have found it impossible to maintain moody droopiness when faced with a little fur-ball who believes my coming back into the room after a five minute absence warrants a celebration worthy of visiting royalty. He’s my wee shadow. Sitting in a chair by the window, squirrel-spotting, as I write. Trotting after me from room to room. Lying on his blanket in the kitchen as I cook. Sitting on my lap like a little fur-covered hot water bottle as I read. If I get caught up too long in dark thoughts I am interrupted (as though he knows I’ve taken a wrong turn) by the sound of a squeaky toy and the thump of his paw on my leg. Time for a walk. Time for play. Before Bailey, I feel like I’d forgotten about play.

Even my husband remarks on how much happier I’ve been the past year. He’s surprised, and so am I, frankly. I didn’t realize how gray the world had felt.

I am, after a creatively fallow period, once again writing and I don’t feel so isolated. In fact, the as yet unnamed new novel I’m working on has – surprise! – a dog in it, a companion who follows a woman on her journey through the Underworld in search of her brother. Huh.

Does Bailey have a favorite place to go for walk?

We live on a big, mile-long horseshoe of a road, and three times a day we wander out to see what we might see. There are usually other dogs around, and at first Bailey barked and snarled and growled, but, thanks to the guidance of my wonderful dog trainer, Lynn Robinson, he now has some pals. And with all the wildlife around us – possums and raccoons and all the critters I mentioned above – there is no end of interesting smells out there.

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

Bailey has a basket containing all his toys – Snakey (a very loud green plush squeaky used to announce his desire for attention), Rabbit (a sort of road-kill thing), Puffy, Knotty, Tuffy, Foxy, Justin Beaver, and the blue plush squeaky he takes up to bed with him every night, given to him my Mary, his foster mum. He’s definitely a squeaky-toy kind of guy. He also knows the name of all his toys and will fetch whichever one you ask for. (Of course, he’s much smarter than other dogs, in my humble opinion.)

What is Bailey's best quality?

Do I have to pick just one? Loyal, funny, so smart (did I mention smart?) eager to please, a great listener and a better cuddler ... yes, maybe that’s it – his talent at cuddling.

If Bailey were a talking dog in the movie of your life, who should do his voice?

Maybe Stephen Colbert – funny, smart, often just having me on, and I sometimes suspect he knows far more than I do.

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

I suspect he’d like me to understand, once and for all, that although writing may be somewhat useful, tummy rubs really ought to take precedence.

What's Bailey's proudest moment so far? His most embarrassing?

Proudest – definitely his dramatic “stick-‘em-up” followed by the even more dramatic “bang!” drop dead – paw to forehead, staggering sideways and eventually falling over on his back. Absolutely the star of his Tricks Class.

He’s never embarrassed me! I wonder if I’ve ever embarrassed him? If so, he’s been too polite to mention it.

Visit Lauren B. Davis's website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Wendy Orr & Harry

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Wendy Orr, author of children’s & teenage books, (including Nim’s Island, Peeling the Onion and The Princess and Her Panther) and Harry, a 3-year-old Poodle X Bichon Frisé.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Celebrating the first spring day warm enough to have coffee outside on our regular morning walk.

What's brewing?

Long Black Coffee – the Australian term; in the US it would be an Americano.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

This café (Mocha My Day) always serves a tiny gingerbread star with the drink.

Any treat for Harry on this occasion?

He shared the gingerbread!

How were you and Harry united?

My son’s girlfriend’s mother had rescued him from The Lort Smith Animal Shelter. He’d visited our house, and been shown around the garden by our late Border Collie; I was struck by what a nice little dog he was. When I heard that she’d had to surrender him again, because of ill health, I was on the Shelter’s doorstep first thing next morning.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

He was apparently named Harry in his first, abusive home, which he was removed from. When he was returned to the Shelter he had been renamed Petal… but we didn’t think that suited. His full name is now Harry Petl, which he thinks sounds like the soccer star he is.

Does Harry have any influence on your writing?

His story, transposed to a cat, has wiggled its way into Missing: A Cat Called Buster, the second book in the Rainbow Street Animal Shelter series, which will start being released in March 2011. He also makes a brief appearance as himself at the end of that book. And he makes up two dogs, in different ways, in a short story, "The Digging Detective and The Poodlenapping Perplexity," which Henry Holt will be publishing in an anthology of dog stories.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Cats, oh yes! (Or “Oh no!” I should say.)

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

He is fixated on tennis balls. He finds at least one a week on his walk.

Where is Harry's favorite place for an outing?

The beach.

Who is your dog's best pet-pal?

Pippa, the pugalier, who was adopted by neighbours the same week as we adopted him.

What is Harry's best quality?

His cheerfulness and resilience.

What is Harry's proudest moment?

Conquering his fear and walking past the house where a vicious dog had rushed out and attacked him a few days before.

His most embarrassing?

Coming home quite nude the first time I had him clipped. He hid for several days. He now goes to a different groomer and though he hates the experience, is always very proud of the haircut and wants to go immediately to show Pippa.

Visit Wendy Orr's blog.

Writers Read: Wendy Orr.

--Marshal Zeringue