Linda B. Myers & Dotty Biscotti

Who is in the photo at right?

Hi, I'm Linda B. Myers. I'm doing my best to hold Dotty Biscotti in one spot long enough for Sis to take our picture without me slopping that coffee. Dotty is a three-year-old Maltese but flits like a hummingbird here and there; a still photo is pretty hard to capture. I write general fiction and mysteries under the name of Linda B. Myers. All my novels are available on Kindle, and Fun House Chronicles is also available in print.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Most mornings, I stagger up the stairs to the kitchen before daylight, grab a cuppa seriously strong joe, tame it with 2% lactose free, then kick start my writing. Dotty is used to this routine but it is hard on her to sit quietly in her bed under my desk.

What's brewing?

I swill down coffee throughout the morning. It's drip in the early hours, then Verona in a Verismo pod (Starbucks version of Keurig) in the evening. I can't break the habit ... thank heaven I don't do shots of tequila or sniff glue.

Any treats?

Dotty's breakfast is a mix of wet and dry salmon-based dog food. I have yogurt but yearn for bacon and eggs. She probably yearns for bacon and eggs, too.

How were you and Dotty united?

I rescued Dotty from a real nut job in Oregon a couple years back. Dotty is rumored to be full Maltese, but if so, she is the Amazon of that breed, weighing in at 14 pounds.

How did Dotty get her name?

She's Dotty for the pink dot on the top of her snout. Dotty Biscotti when she's sweet. Snotty Dotty when she's sassy.

Does Dotty help or hinder your work?

Dotty hates my computer because it takes my attention away from her. She invents games that involve growling and barking and dashing room to room in order to interrupt my concentration. And she drops her Sumo toy on my foot when I have ignored her too long. Her spelling in lousy, she doesn't care about things like character arcs, etc. so I guess she isn't much help at the writing. But she does give kisses whenever I need them which does wonders for my mood.

Have any actual canines inspired fictional dogs in your writing?

I had a cocker/dachshund mix that I called my cockadock. Max appears as Folly in my PI Bear Jacobs series. As long as I write the series, Max in immortal. So I guess I can't ever quit.

Who is Dotty's best pet-pal?

She shares the house with Caesar, a pom/shih-tzu cross [photo right]. She's faster but he corners better. Let the games begin!

Ball, squeaky toy, stick?

Dotty eviscerates stuffed toys in a matter of seconds, spreading their innards room to room. Her favorite possession is a bright yellow Sumo which is an off-brand Kong. She's had it for ages. She bounces it off my foot when she's ready to play.

Cat, postman, squirrel?

Dotty thinks door-to-door solicitors should be growled at and shaken by the scruff of the neck. I agree with her.

What is Dotty's best quality?

She's a bottomless well of sweetness. That this dog was once abused is an unforgivable sin.

If Dotty could change one thing about the denizens of the Pacific Northwest, what would it be?

We have a street gang of six black-tail deer who munch our roses. She would like it if, just once, one of them was scared enough of her to actually run when she barks.

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

How can I assure her that she'll never be abandoned.

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

Dotty Biscotti is a fluffy blonde to be sure, but smart as a whip. She's tough, and should never be underestimated. Her voice would be Christina Aguilera.

What advice would Dotty give if asked?

Life is full of surprises. Learn to roll with it.

Visit Linda B. Myers's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Lawrence M. Schoen & Gej

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Lawrence M. Schoen. I’m an author, a small press publisher, a psychologist, a hypnotherapist, and a Klingonist. With me is Gej. He’s about six and a half years old. To the best of our knowledge, he was an attempt by a puppy mill to generate a new designer dog — a Maltese/Pug mix. Or as I like to think of it, a “Mug” (not that I’ve ever seen any others).

What's the occasion for Diet Coke with a Canine?

I recently leased a new car, and it’s past time for Gej to get comfortable with it and take it out for a spin. Alas, he cannot drive it, not because of any lack of will, but simply because it’s a manual transmission and he only knows automatics.

What's on tap today?

We’re on our way to a nearby park that was recently renovated. It’s very dog-friendly, and has several miles of walking paths so we can both get some exercise.

Any treats for you or Gej on this occasion?

There is a brand new chew stick with his name on it waiting for us once we return home. He won’t actually chew (or eat) it right away. He’s apt to run around the house with it for an hour, showing it off as he clenches it in his mouth, until he decides where to hide it for a day.

How were you and Gej united?

I went to a puppy rescue to check out the dogs they had. I was sitting with one pup, and he looked up at me with an expression that said, “You, you are the most important thing in the universe.” It was really striking. Then a butterfly went by, and the pup tracked its movement, all the while with an expression that seemed to cry out to the butterfly, “You, you are the most important thing in the universe.” Uh huh. I picked up a pebble and rolled it past his field of vision, and wouldn’t you know it? That pebble was also…

So I left that dog behind and went to look at some others. There was one, a tiny puppy that the older dogs had been picking on; he had been given his own space to keep him safe. My wife and I visited with him, and he came over, stopped shivering, and sat with me a while. That was Gej.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

I don’t believe in giving dogs names that are people names. And I had to explain this to my wife when we went looking for a dog. To say that she disagreed with my way of thinking would be a mild way of stating it, but since this was to be “my” dog, she gave in.

When I looked at him the name popped into my head and I said, “Gej, your name is Gej.”

My wife did not approve. I reminded her that I did not want to burden a dog with a person’s name. She countered with the notion that I name the dog for something else. I remember suggestions that included choices like “doorknob.” In the end, I was able to keep “Gej,” but only after promising not to train him to respond to commands issued in Klingon.

As far as aliases go, now that he’s a respectable and civilized six and a half, I can say that as a pup he was a terror. He had a habit of opening latched handbags and distributing their contents around the house, or pulling my wife’s books (but never mine) off the shelves and chewing on the spines. But that’s all part of the usual rambunctious/destructive nature of puppies. Except, it was also about this time that he crept up behind my wife’s aging and sickly dog, gripped her hind leg (the dog’s, not my wife’s) with his mouth full of needle-like puppy teeth, and attempted to push her down the stairs. For this and a few other reasons, my wife took to calling him “Evil Fuck Dog!” To her credit, she has since forgiven him, and now speaks of Gej only with love and adoration.

I also sometimes call him “Mr. Boy,” though I’m not sure why.

Does Gej do more to help or hinder your writing?

Gej’s involvement is as a reassuring but carefully detached presence. When I’m working from my home office, he will lay on the floor by my feet, keeping me company as I pound away at the keys.

Have any of your actual dogs inspired the creation of fictional canines?

My previous dog was with me for eighteen years. She showed up at my doorstep as a stray puppy. We sat together on the steps awhile and I looked at her and said, “Ghang, your name is Ghang.” And so she was.

Ghang was my constant companion through the end of my college years, all through grad school (my doctoral dissertation was dedicated to her), and through all the colleges that I taught at. Her passing after a long and rich life hit me very hard.

So hard, in fact, that I spent half a million words eulogizing her in fiction without even realizing it. One of my readers (who was also a psychologist) pointed this out to me after reading one of my books in which the protagonist loses his dog, believes him to be dead, but gets the dog back by the novel’s end. That’s when I realized what I’d done, and that if my character could get his dog back, I could move on and have another one in my life. Soon after, I went in search of Gej.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Deer. We live out in the exo-burbs, and there are a number of wooded lots near us. It’s not uncommon to come out in the morning and find half a dozen deer milling around on my lawn. Gej is not a fan of them and will rush up to the fence and bark at them. They are generally disinclined to move on.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Definitely the squeaky. Do you know the toy that’s a long serpent with multiple segments and a different squeaker in each? Yeah, that one. Don’t get that for a dog that likes squeaky toys. The dog will be happy, but trust me, you’ll regret it very quickly.

What is Gej's best quality?

Just being himself and wanting to hang with me. It’s a great thing to just be with a dog. You either completely understand what I mean and are already nodding, or I really doubt I could explain it to you.

If Gej could change one thing about Pennsylvanians, what would it be?

Not surprisingly, given that he lives a privileged and somewhat sheltered life, Gej has never shown any interest in state policy or procedures. I tried to get his input on this question but he just stared at me.

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

Probably, “Gej, what question should I have asked you? Good dog.”

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

I’ve never really given this question any thought. Huh. Statistically speaking, I suppose it would be Michael Caine, but I don’t think he’d be a good fit. Hmm… maybe Tom Cavanaugh. I know, right? Not what you expected.

What advice would Gej give if asked?

“What is best in life? To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women!” No, wait, that’s Conan. Sorry.

Visit Lawrence M. Schoen's website and Twitter perch.

Writers Read: Lawrence M. Schoen.

--Marshal Zeringue

Cynthia Lord & Milo

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Cynthia Lord, author of many children's books, and my eight-year-old Maltese Pomeranian mix best friend, Milo.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Milo and I are getting ready for work. We get up before sunrise, because that's when I get my writing done. But first, coffee for me and a treat for him.

What's brewing?

I keep it simple, regular coffee with milk and a little sugar. But I have a collection of special mugs and I choose one every morning. Some mugs remind me of places I've been, books I've written, or they were gifts from special people.

Any treats for you or Milo on this occasion?

Always! Milo has allergies so the treats have to be grain-free. Lucky for me, he is not at all fussy. If it comes in a crinkly package, he's a fan!

How were you and Milo united?

A few weeks after my beloved Bichon died, I was still feeling lost without him and my husband said to me, "Maybe we're just dog people." So I started looking in Uncle Henry's (a swap and sale magazine in Maine) and there was a listing for puppies. My daughter and I drove up and brought him home.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

One of my daughter's favorite books was The Phantom Tollbooth, and the main character's name is Milo. So that's where his name came from. We call him lots of names, though: Mo, Mr. Mo, and even Mojo Jojo.

Does Milo do more to help or hinder your writing?

He's a big help. I have a writing shed in my backyard, and he gets so excited when I say, "Let's go to work!" He brings so much enthusiasm with him that he always makes it fun.

Has Milo inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

Characteristics of Milo are in all the dogs I write about. We also have two bunnies and a guinea pig that have inspired characters, too.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Postman! Woof! Woof! Woof! Milo has been keeping that horrible man from stepping foot past our mailbox for eight years.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Squeaky-toy, but only sheep or hedgehogs. Milo is most particular.

Who is Milo's best pet-pal?

Muffin, one of our bunnies, likes Milo very much.

What is Milo's best quality?

He loves his family with his whole heart.

If Milo could change one thing about Maine, what would it be?

He is only 13 inches from his paws up to the tip of his ears, so it doesn't take much snow for it to be over his head. He'd like to skip winter.

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

Why do you bury your rawhide toys in the yard and then dig them up months later and try to bring them back inside the house?

What advice would Milo give if asked?

The best things in life are simple:
Napping in a square of sunlight on the floor,
The sound of a familiar car in the driveway,
Being beside the ones you love.

And if you can't be with them, pull their coat off the chair and bury your face in it.

Visit Cynthia Lord's website, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue

Karen Miller & Seiko, Wilson, and Millie

Who is in the photo at right?

So, the person in the photo not a zombie canine is Karen Miller, speculative fiction author. And the zombie canines are from left to right: Seiko (aka Psycho), cocker spaniel/poodle, male, 18 months; Wilson, Maltese terrier/jack russell, male, 5 years and Millie, Maltese terrier/poodle, female, 6 years.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Since I don't do coffee this was a post-workout pile on (hence the author's cherry-red face) because, hey, I abandoned them for an hour so I could exercise and have a shower after.

What's brewing?

Again, alas, being not a civilised person who drinks coffee, my intention after the photography was to indulge in a chocolate protein shake. Which I had no hope in hell of holding for the purposes of the photo!

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

No. We're all of us trying to lose weight.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Well, Seiko (aka Psycho) is only sort of mine, insofar as he's my father's dog technically but he travels so much that my place is his second home. Dad named him. Because he's a ... wait for ... watch dog. (I'll give you a moment to recover from the terrible pun.) Wilson's all mine, I named him, after House MD's best friend. Since he's my best friend! And Millie came to me with that name.

How were you and your dogs united?

Like I said, Seiko is kind of a step dog, but very much one of the family. Wilson's story is unusual in that I found him in a pet shop. Most of my dogs in the past (there have been a few!) were rescue jobs. But I'd lost my last dog, MacDuff (rescue from Mt Druitt TAFE college, where I was teaching) at the grand age of 19. I lasted 3 months as a dogless person. Then on the way home from an interstate trip to a convention I was seized with the notion that I had to have a dog, right now. So I got home, got in the car, drove down the road to my excellent local pet shop that only works with proper, registered breeders, and I found Wilson. Love at first sight. A year or so later, when I was thinking I needed to find him a doggy friend, I heard about a dog in a bad situation, and so rescued her. That's Millie. Instant love all around.

How do your dogs help--or hinder--your writing?

Whether it's just my two, or the terrible threesome, I can't be anywhere without the loyal escort. As I type this they're all sleeping at my feet in the study. We're a pack, I'm pack leader, so it's all for one and one for all. Seiko is young and very energetic, so sometimes he gets a bit pushy wanting to play ball. Otherwise they never hinder me, and when I get stuck on a sticky plot point they're always ready to listen as I talk my way out of it!

Have any actual dogs inspired fictional dogs in your writing?

Not yet. But I never say never!

Rabbit, postman, cat....?

As in chasing? None of the above. We chase balls and dog toys.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Wilson loves Millie, and Millie loves Wilson. Seiko loves Wilson, and Wilson loves Seiko. Millie quite likes Seiko but wishes he wasn't so boisterous. Seiko would love Millie if she'd let him, but she won't. And everybody loves Editor Barney, my cat who thinks he's a dog. And Editor Barney loves everyone.

What is each dog's best quality?

Seiko is a goof. He makes me laugh. Wilson is incredibly loving. He literally throws himself backwards into my arms for a hug. And Millie is so sweet and polite.

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

More time throwing balls and dog toys, less time in front of the stupid computer.

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

Patton Oswalt for Seiko, James McAvoy for Wilson and Joanne Froggatt for Millie.

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

Are you happy?

Visit Karen Miller's website.

My Book, The Movie: The Falcon Throne.

The Page 69 Test: The Falcon Throne.

Writers Read: Karen Miller.

--Marshal Zeringue

Lisa R. Petty & Sophie and Lola

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Lisa R. Petty. I use the R. because there is another Lisa Petty who writes beauty books -- so not me. I'm a blogger who also writes realistic YA Fiction. I am also an online English professor.

I'm with Sophie, my Black Lab Great Dane, and Lola, my Maltese who fears thunder and needed to be held for the picture.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Sophie loves car rides and I don't spend enough alone time with her.

We have two dogs and three cats total, and I'm a self-described crazy cat lady.

What's brewing?

We went to a little local shop called Mean Bean. We had planned to sit on the patio but it was pouring when we got there. So, we went through the drive through. There's a picture of Sophie and me in the car [below left]. I got a white mocha. They didn't have any dog treats.

Any treats for you or Sophie on this occasion?

When we got home, I gave Sophie and Lola "cookies." They both know the word, so I have to spell it unless I'm going to give them one right then.

How did Sophie get her name? Any nicknames?

Sophie was her name at the animal shelter. My son calls her Sopety McSope Sope, and I call her Big Moose.

How were you and Sophie united?

My husband decided that four pets was just not enough. Seriously, he had a Black Lab Pit Bull who died a couple of years ago. He missed having a "real" dog; he considers Lola the Maltese as "another cat."

Are there any Sophie-inspired dogs in your fiction?

Sophie "writes" blogs on my site. I have a Petty Pets category set up for when she or her brothers and sisters "write."

I have one published YA novel, Misfit Academy, but it was written before we adopted Sophie.

Does Sophie do more to help or hinder your writing?

A little of both. She inspires me to ghost write "her" blogs, but she is also very needy and likes to be let in and out throughout the day.

Who is Sophie's best pet-pal?

Lola, for sure. Lola plays with her even though she is ten years-old and Sophie is not even two.

Where is Sophie's favorite outdoor destination?

Her back yard. She loves running behind the evergreen trees.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

All of the above. She will chew on anything.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Sophie loves to chase our three cats. They do not enjoy this. Our one cat boxes her in the nose. She thinks he's playing.

What is Sophie's best quality?

She is a sweet dog who has never met a stranger. I have had to reach into her mouth to remove many foreign objects. She just lets me do it. She is also super easy to give pills to.

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

She probably wishes I would spend less time holding cats and typing on the computer and more time playing with her.

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

Sophie's voice would be kind of like the "Which way did he go George?" dog that Mel Blanc used to do. So, it would have to be someone with a very dopey voice.

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

Why on earth do you eat poop?

Visit the Petty Thoughts blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Marni Mann & Codi and Bella

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Marni Mann, author of Memoirs Aren’t Fairytales and Scars from a Memoir, wife, reader, pretend-to-be-baker, traveler, and dog lover. Codi, my little man, is seven and he’s a spunky Maltese.

Bella, my little lady [pictured below], is four and she’s a super-loving Yellow Lab.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I have coffee with my dogs every morning. They don’t enjoy the hot blend as much as I do, but while I’m hugging my mug, they love the one-handed scratches and cuddles.

What's brewing?

A mocha fudge nut, Green Mountain, K-Cup (Keurig), with white chocolate creamer. Yum!

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Nothing for me, but they’re not ones to turn down food. Ever. They just finished breakfast, so it’s not quite time for a snack yet.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Codi was named after an old friend of mine, but I changed the “y” to an “i”. Bella was named during the Twilight fad. She really is beautiful, though. (Bella is beautiful in Italian) No, I’m not biased. Not even a little. Ha!

Codi goes by C-Unit and Tiger. Bella goes by Little Lady and Roam. She’s quite the roamer.

How were you and your dogs united?

My husband and I grew up with dogs and wanted one of our own as soon as we graduated from college. We found Codi’s breeder in the newspaper. We spent several hours at their house and left with Codi; he chose us. As for Bella, the story is about the same, but she chose us within seconds. She came flying out of the house (we met the puppies in the backyard) and jumped straight into my husband’s arms. Literally.

Do your dogs make any contribution to your writing?

Both of their names have appeared in my novels and they constantly offer inspiration, but I don’t write about animals. Dark literary fiction, my genre, is quite gritty. My love for dogs and other animals is anything but, so they don’t overlap.

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

It’s easier to list what Bella doesn’t like, which is balloons, lettuce, and hairdryers. Everyone and everything else she loves.

Codi’s just the opposite; he’s very selective with who he shows love to and everyone else he barks at.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

All of the above. Stuffed toys don’t last too long in our house because Bella makes it her mission to find and destroy the squeaking element.

Codi could care less what he plays with, but the toy he always wants is the one in Bella’s mouth.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Their best friends are Comiskey, a Puggle, and Klyde, a Dachshund. We have puppy dates and sleepovers with Comiskey and Klyde all the time.

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

I wish Codi and Bella could make Floridians better drivers. I don’t know how that would be possible, but I’m sure my Little Loves could figure out something.

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

Goldie Hawn would be perfect for Bella. She’s so motherly, loving, and her voice is warm, and Bella is all of these and more.

Russell Crowe would be perfect for Codi because he’s our little gladiator, super intelligent, independent, and manly.

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

You love Mommy more than Daddy, don’t you? (Wink, wink)

Visit Marni Mann's website, blog, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

--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

Debbie Dadey & Bailey, Skippy and Shadow

Who is in the photos at right and below?

I'm Debbie Dadey (in the blue sweater) and my beloved Bailey is a Springer Spaniel and Border Collie Mix.

I am the author and co-author of 151 children's books, including the brand-new Mermaid Tales series from Simon and Schuster. Bailey is currently unpublished.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Bailey and I have coffee together every weekday. In the morning after breakfast we retreat to my office. She to her dog bed and me to my desk chair. I have two other dogs that join us: Skippy, a 15 pound Maltese, and Shadow, a Schipperke that likes to eat everything-including toilet paper. Skip sleeps under my desk and Shadow sleeps in front of it.

What's brewing?

Lately I've been enjoying Folgers Gourmet Vanilla Biscotti flavored with Sugar Free French Vanilla International Delight straight from my Keurig machine. I'm too cheap and lazy to get dressed to go to a coffee shop, so I figure since I only drink a cup a day I can splurge on a coffee machine. This way I can work until break time in my pj's.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Usually the dogs eat breakfast and fall asleep. They are very supportive of my writing this way.

How were you and your dogs united?

They are officially not my dogs. Bailey is my husband's. Skip is my daughter's. Shadow is my youngest son's. However I feed the dogs. I love them and spend almost every day with them. They sleep with me. They follow me around our house like a parade from room to room.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Bailey is named after my book series, The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids. The book series was named after my beloved grandmother, Lillie Bailey. Marcia Jones and I co-wrote the series.

What role have your dogs played in your writing?

They snore in all the right places while I'm writing.

I did write a series with Marcia called Barkley School for Dogs. My dogs gave us lots of ideas for the series, including the plastic funnel that Bailey had to wear when she had surgery.

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

They love going for walks around the neighborhood. Bailey's leash goes in my left hand. Skip and Shadow's leashes go in my right. The poundage works out pretty evenly that way.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Every morning my dogs chase our neighbor's cat out of our yard. One day I'm afraid they will catch her.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

They are good buddies with each other. Bailey is the 'mother' dog. When they go outside the others wait politely for Bailey beside the door before proceeding without her.

Bailey is sixteen and I worry what the other dogs would do if something happens to her. I worry what I would do!

What is each dog's best quality?

They love me without question, even if my hair sticks straight up and with no make-up.

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

No cats.

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

Bailey would be a female Morgan Freeman, Skip would be William H. Macy and Shadow would be Tim Allen after three cups of coffee.

Visit Debbie Dadey's website, like her Facebook page, and check out her Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue

Delonna Zion & Skoobie

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Delonna Zion and this is my dog Skoobie. He's a senior Maltese- 10 or 11 years old. He's my canine companion during the week while my husband works. Also, I have two feline companions. Unfortunately, I haven't worked since 2005 as current back problems have gradually gotten worse since that year. So, I'm a housewife and constant companion to my pets.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I like a hot beverage shortly after I wake up while I read a mystery. Right now I'm reading The Tale of Hill Top Farm- The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter by Susan Wittig Albert.

What's brewing?

Normally, I sip Twinings hot tea, but this is Coffee with a Canine. So, I brewed something special- Cracker Barrel's pumpkin pecan pie flavored coffee mixed with Nestle's chocolate caramel hot chocolate. I know, I know. All you hardcore coffee drinkers are either saying, "Ew" or, "That doesn't count as coffee." Haha!

Any treats for you or Skoobie on this occasion?

I'm having Newton's Fig and Honey Fruit Thins. Skoobie just had his breakfast, but he'll be eager to get a Milkbone around three o'clock this afternoon. He's the biggest food mooch. I always say that if he's not mooching there's something wrong and it's time to see the vet.

How were you and Skoobie united?

My union with Skoobie was 2-1/2 years in the making. I had grown up on a farm, which for me meant always being surrounded by animals and always having a family canine. After I moved and got married, it took 2-1/2 years to actually be able to adopt a dog. I found Skoobie on petfinder.com. He was in foster care in Philadelphia. His foster mom was great, but I think he had been abused before his foster home. When he came to us he was head shy and had a bad case of anxiety. I can't believe, though, how much he has improved in the two years that I've had him. November 22nd is the two year mark. Most likely due to the fact that he was classified as a senior dog, the adoption applications weren't necessarily piling up for him. The fact that I didn't work and would therefore be able to spend the majority of my time with a senior "velcro" dog worked in both of our favor.

How did Skoobie get his name? Any aliases?

As far as I know, his name has always been Skoobie. He responded to it after I adopted him and I didn't want to change it since he had been called "Skoobie" for almost a decade. I have a fetish for nicknames! Skoobie's nicknames currently are: Skoobfeld, Skoobie Doo (of course), Skoobers, Skoob-fest, Goober, etc. I never know what I'll come up with next! I'm zany like that.

Has your dog played any role in your writing?

Yes, Skoobie has played a role in my writing. If he has done something that has made me laugh, smile, or just tug at my heart strings, I'll blog about it and share it with the world. I try to capture the emotions that I felt at the time, not just remembering what happened. My goal is to compile my blogs into a novel.

Does Skoobie have a favorite place to go for walk?

Skoobie's favorite place to walk is on the farm "up home", which is in Potter County Pennsylvania. That's where I'm originally from. Otherwise, he has to settle for a block and a half walk to our town park. He's fine with that walk, too. However, because he is an older dog and a toy breed, I'm very careful not to walk him for too long a time. He's very good at informing me he's had enough exercise for one day. He just sits his butt down on the ground and doesn't move.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Neither. Skoobie could not care less about other animals, unless it's a small female dog. Then, as if by magic, he transforms himself into a young man again. Some things will never change.

What is Skoobie's best quality?

Skoobie's best quality is his gratitude. Whatever his past trauma, he doesn't take that out on me. He seems grateful for the good home that he has now, his warm fuzzy fleece blankets, doggie treats, squeaky toys... Most of all he just seems grateful for having his own person that cares about him and loves him despite all of his quirks. Skoobie has taught me patience because he is an older, anxious dog that had been abused and just needed a little extra time to adjust. I do believe that he's thankful for all that I've done for him. Hopefully he knows that he has improved my character in teaching me patience and impartiality towards special needs dogs because every dog needs someone to love him or her, no matter what traumatic experiences they've lived through.

If your dog could change one thing about your cats, what would it be?

Skoobie would change their paws into hands. See, if the cats had hands it would be so much easier to raid the sacred cupboards and holy drawers that contain their entire reason for being- Food! All three would benefit, not just Skoobie. He may be the biggest canine mooch, but the cats are the biggest feline food mooches. Skoobie would be the brains behind the operation and the cats would do his dirty work. In the end, all would be satisfied, except for me of course.

If Skoobie and the cats could talk in the movie about your life, who should do their voices?

Skoobie would be voiced by Scottish actor Billy Connolly.
Emmy, our female cat, would be voiced by British actress Minnie Driver.
Nigel, our male cat, would be voiced by British actor Hugh Laurie.

Visit Delonna Zion's felinepaws4thought blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Liz Bradley & Paddington, Corduroy, and Wellington

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Liz Bradley and am a self-proclaimed nerd who loves to laugh.

My best friend is my amazing husband and love, Thomas and I adore our dogs, Paddington, Corduroy and Wellington (and dogs in general).

I’m addicted to TV & DVDs, Prada & Burberry glasses, Coach purses & shoes, candy, grocery shopping, and organization.

I am a pet and wedding photographer in Ottawa, Canada. I also run a blog called the Ottawa Dog Blog.

What's brewing?

Goji Pop tea from David's Tea.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Carrot cake for me, carrots for the dogs.

How were you and your dogs united?

We brought Paddington and Corduroy home as puppies.

Wellie came into our lives in March 2011 from a rescue in Quebec. I documented our journey with Wellie on my blog.

How did your dogs get their names? Any nicknames?

Our dogs are all named after bears. Paddington and Corduroy bear are from storybooks and Wellington is the Hallmark bear in the UK. They have several nicknames.

Paddington: Paddy, Paddycakes, P-Diddy
Corduroy: Cordy, C-Dubs, Dubsy, Cuteface, Cuteroy
Wellington: Wellie, dubs, dub-dub, Welliebellie, Welly-nelly-jelly-bean

You've got some beautiful wedding photos on your website. Which are more challenging to photograph: dogs or brides?

Dogs are definitely more challenging to photograph, but in the best way possible. I love photographing both dogs and weddings!

Do your dogs have a favorite place to go for walk?

We have several trails around our home and we go to a dog park that is close to us as well.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Paddington: Squirrel
Corduoy: vaccuum
Wellie: Tin Foil

What is each dog's best quality?

Paddington: independence and mothering - she is so great at entertaining herself and making sure her dog siblings are well.

Corduroy: all around loving - she loves everyone she meets!

Wellie: her ears! They are huge and make everyone smile.

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

Have me feed them all the time! more treats mom!

What is each dog's proudest moment so far?

Paddington: learning to go up and down the stairs (she has bad knees)

Corduroy: each morning she brings us a toy/present

Wellington: finally mastering housetraining

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

Paddington: Why do you think squirrels are such a threat?

Corduroy: Why is the vacuum so scary?

Wellington: What was your life like before you came into our family?

Visit the Elizabeth & Jane Photography website and blog, and check out the Ottawa Dog Blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Marilyn Victor & Maxx

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Marilyn Victor, co-author of the Snake Jones mystery series. The second book in the series, Killer Instinct, just came out this year. The handsome little guy with me is Maxx. He’s a four-year old, five-pound, Maltese.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Although I love anything flavored with coffee (ice cream, chocolate, and chocolate covered coffee beans), I don’t drink the stuff. I prefer tea. When my favorite coffee shop closed, I started brewing my own chai lattes. Now Maxx and I sit on the back porch for a cup of tea and a cuddle before I leave for work in the morning.

What's brewing?

Chai Latte brewed with Good Earth’s original tea. I also enjoy Mrs. Kelly’s Cinnamon Ceylon.

Any treats for you or Maxx on this occasion?

Everything is a treat to Maxx. Unfortunately, his favorite delicacy these days is bird seed. I’ve had to put a fence beneath the bird feeder to keep him from eating the seed the birds toss out of the feeder. Personally, I prefer apple turn-overs – providing plenty of flaking crumbs for Maxx to lap up.

How were you and Maxx united?

For the past 6 years, I have been volunteering as a foster mom for a local animal rescue group. I have had the pleasure of caring for some wonderful dogs and have watched them go to equally wonderful new families. When I was asked to take Maxx I was told he would melt my heart. And he absolutely did. He had me wrapped around his paw from day one. Even though I kept telling myself I wasn’t ready for a full time dog, I just couldn’t bear the thought of giving him up. He’s such a sweetie.

How did he get his name? Any nicknames?

Maxx is the name he came with, but I sometimes call him Charlie because of the way he walks. He suffers from immune mediated polyarthritis (IMPA), which inflames the joints and has caused him some joint deformity. So he’s a extremely bull-legged and when he walks his whole body wiggles, reminding me of Charlie Chaplin. All he needs is a cane to twirl.

Why the extra X?

The first time I took him to the vet, the receptionist decided to spell his name with two xx’s as my last foster dog, an adorable Shih Tzu, had also been named Max. She wanted to be able to tell the two of them apart.

Please tell us a bit about Maxx's role in your writing?

Maxx insists on sitting in my lap whenever I’m at the computer. He’s very quiet and has become a soothing presence when I write. He does have a tendency to want to rest his head on my keyboard, though. I’m not sure if he’s trying to edit or is just bored with what I’m writing.

Does Maxx have a favorite place to go for walk?

Because of his IMPA, he’s only able to walk about a half a block before tiring out. When he’s had enough, he simply stops, looks up at me and waits to be picked up. So I have an Outward Hound pet sling that looks like a big purse that I cart him around in. He loves car rides, and doesn’t seem to care where I’m going, just as long as he’s coming, too.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

All of the above. He’s very protective and thinks he’s a Doberman.

What is Maxx's best quality?

He’s a cuddler. As long as he can sit in someone’s lap, he doesn’t care where he is.

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

He’d probably wish I could be a full time writer and stay home with him all day.

What is Maxx's proudest moment so far?

His proudest moments are when he’s chased off another dog. Size doesn’t matter, he’ll go after them. He doesn’t tolerate any other animals in his yard.

His most embarrassing?

Because of his love for bird seed, he spends a lot of time scavenging beneath my cockatiel’s cage. In the winter I have a plush bird warmer I put in the cage. It looks like a small yellow hand muff and the bird can crawl into it to keep warm. In the summer, I keep it on a shelf under the cage. One day I found Maxx walking in circles with his entire head stuck inside the warmer. I really wish I had had my camera handy.

Have your dogs appeared in your books and stories?

My first dog, Lacey, was a sweet, laid back Bichon. I gave her a part in the first Snake Jones mystery, Death Roll. Her sister Dixie starred in one of my short stories and Maxx will probably get a part in the next book. Actually, my love of animals in general has influenced my writing. I can’t imagine not giving my characters pets, or have at least one character interested in animal welfare. I even wrote a short story about a diving mule once. My series character, Snake Jones, is a zookeeper, which is my dream job. I know it’s a tough profession, but I can’t imagine anything more rewarding than working around animals all day.

Visit the Snake Jones Zoo Mysteries website and Marilyn Victor's blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Debra Webb & Toto, Trixie, and Smoky

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Debra Webb and I'm an author of romantic suspense novels. My 89th book, Missing, comes out in this month! Missing is part of my long-running Colby Agency series.

I have three wonderful dogs! Toto, a Cocker Spaniel-Scotty mix; Trixie, a Maltese; and Smoky, a Beagle!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Every morning my husband, the dogs and I have coffee on the porch of our 111-year-old house!

What's brewing?

We love Dunkin Donuts coffee! We buy the whole beans and our coffeemaker grinds and makes the heavenly brew with the push of one button. My husband is usually up first and the wonderful smell of brewing coffee drifts through the French doors of our bedroom and wakes me (and the dogs!). All three of our pups follow me down for coffee (and their morning treats!).

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Occasionally we have coffee cake or home made pound cake.

Any treat for your dogs on this occasion?

Trixie, Toto and Smoky sometimes get a bite of cake but they always get their morning cheese treat!

How were you and your dogs united?

We rescued a lost dog who turned out to be Toto's mother. The owners were so thankful that we had rescued their dog that they allowed us to pick one of the puppies! Trixie lived with one of my dear writer friends, Rita Herron, whose daughters had both gone off to college and with Rita traveling Trixie was feeling a little lonely. We were thrilled to bring Trixie home with us! My younger daughter bought Smokey as a little pup at the Dog Days Festival in Ardmore, Alabama!

Have your dogs had any influence on your writing?

Definitely! They keep me company! Each day when I go to my office to write, they follow. Also, their love and loyalty remind me every day how important those traits are in my characters!

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Toto reminded us a bit of the dog from The Wizard of Oz when he was a pup. We sometimes call him Snake because when he was younger he was so good at keeping snakes out of the yard or warning us when one was there.

Trixie already had her name when we got her but we usually refer to her as the Princess since she rules the roost!

Smoky was named by my daughter who believed his stealthiness was like that of smoke.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Smoky chases the squirrels! He has been known to climb the ancient Pecan tree in hot pursuit (this is absolutely true!). Toto has no interest in the squirrels. He prefers to bark at the cats who stroll the alley behind our house. Trixie is above such trivial pursuits.

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

When the dogs were younger they loved all sorts of doggie toys (and most anything else that happened to be in their paths). Nowadays it's more about a nice pillow to lay their heads on.

Where are your dogs' favorite places for outings?

They love to go for rides. We have several dog parks and they love them all! Mostly they love being wherever we are.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Well there's Samson, my younger daughter's new Lab pup. Then there's Kisses and Nona, my older daughter's wonderful doggies. And Gizmo, my niece's Shihtzu.

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

Oh my gosh, so many! When he was younger Toto was an excellent guard dog! There are far too many proud moments to name. I can't think of a single embarrassing moment with Toto. Trixie is pretty much the same. She rules, allowing her subjects only so close. And if anyone is going to sit in Mom's lap, it's Trixie. Smoky is the young one, only three to Toto's fourteen and Trixie's eleven.

When we first moved into this 111-year-old house, it was a mess and we were trying to live here during the renovation. One night my husband was going through the downstairs turning off lights before bedtime and Smoky stopped dead in his tracks in the back hallway. He simply would not move on to the next room. My husband finally turned the light back on to see what the problem was and there was a huge spider on the wall! Once my husband got rid of the spider, Smoky moved on. The next day we found a place in that hallway where the big old nasty spiders were coming in! We might not have noticed it for weeks if Smoky hadn't!

During our first summer here Smoky would climb that big old Pecan tree after those elusive squirrels. The second summer he was older and a little heavier. No matter, he chased the squirrels and climbed that tree again. But this time he lost his nerve and was afraid to try and get down. So he howled until we rescued him!

Visit Debra Webb's website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Samantha Daley & Rugby

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Samantha Daley, and my dog Rugby. I am a full time student at UMBC, majoring in biochemistry. I am also an apprentice at Applewoods Dog Training.

Rugby is a two-year-old Maltese. His full name is Mister Rugby Sevens CDX RN.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We were taking an early morning training trip to Sunset Park. We brought along Diesel the German Shepherd too. Rugby is showing him the ropes.

What's brewing?

No coffee for us, we stopped on the way for some hot chocolate instead!

Any goodies to go with the beverage?

Nope. Just hot chocolate, a couple of smart dogs and a successful training session!

Any treat for Rugby on this occasion?

SAND! The playgrounds at this park have sand as the footing and Rugby loves to run and dig there! He had a blast tearing around in the sand.

How were you and Rugby united?

I bought Rugby from a breeder in Alabama at 12 weeks old. I took a day and flew down to Alabama and back. His breeder met me at the airport with Rugby and a couple of his favorite toys!

How did Rugby get his name? Any aliases?

Rugby was a suggestion from a friend. We thought it suited him well - cute but still tough! No nicknames, or second identities for Rugby. He does respond to Rugs, Ruggers, and 'Hey You.'

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

None of the above. The squirrels don't even run when they see Rugby anymore. A couple of the mean ones will hiss and throw stuff at him.

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

Yes, yes and yes. He is most attached to his stuffed toys, but sticks and tennis balls will do in a bind.

Rugby seems to have quite a few costumes: which is his favorite?

I think Rugby enjoyed his Panda costume the most. It was worn like a jacket, so it was comfy and warm for Halloween. The Killer Whale is a close second, but it didn't fit as well.

Where is Rugby's favorite place for an outing?

Applewoods Dog Training for sure! He goes lots of places with me, but going to training is his favorite since all his friends are there.

Who is Rugby's best pet-pal?

Cabot! Named after the cheese, Cabot is a smooth, black and tan Brussels Griffon. They are close in age so they had lots of bonding time when they were both puppies.

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

Rugby would change my busy schedule so that I could spend all day fussing over him.

What is Rugby's proudest moment? His most embarrassing?

Rugby's proudest moment was being the Highest Scoring Dog at the American Maltese Association's National Specialty this year. He loved being the center of attention, and that everyone clapped after every exercise!

Most embarrassing would be back when he was a puppy. I snuck him into one of my classes and one of the chairs moving put him on the alert - he barked! Luckily the class was being taught by a teaching assistant that day. She did stop the class to inquire about the dog in the room. OOPS! We apologized, but she didn't mind and said he was cute. I'm glad those puppy days are behind us!

Visit Rugby's website.

--Marshal Zeringue