Beth Morrey & Polly

Who is in the photo at right?

The human is me: I am a writer called Beth Morrey. My first book, The Love Story of Missy Carmichael, is published by Putman on 7th April. In my previous life I was a TV producer, and nowadays as well as writing I have a podcast series, One Torn Every Minute, which is about childbirth, and also write a TV blog called Square Eyes. The dog is Polly. She is a labradoodle and she is 13 years old. Her occupation is lying on furniture, and going out for the occasional perambulation.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Polly and I like to stop at the café in our local park in North London. We sit outside on the verandah and enjoy the views, often talking to people and dogs we know who pass by.

What's brewing?

I like a very plain Americano with lots of cold milk. Polly prefers puddle water.

Any treats for you or Polly on this occasion?

The reason Polly likes going to this particular café is they do a very good sourdough toast. We usually cut it in half and share it, and she insists on butter and jam. The combination of butter and sugar makes her drool uncontrollably. Me too.

How were you and Polly united?

My husband and I got her from a farm in Chepstow in Wales. She was three months old when we met her, and it was love at first sight.


How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

Her full name is Polly Wolly Doodle the Brave the Good and the True. We often call her Poll Woll for short, or the Pollster, or the Brave Doodle of Barking & Pawchester. She has many aliases and pays no attention to any of them.

Does Polly do more to help or hinder your writing?

She often occupies my writing chair when I want to sit in it. Or, while I am sitting in it, she paws me aggressively and barks until I get out and let her have it. So no, she’s not particularly helpful. And yet I credit her as my muse in my Acknowledgements.

In your work, have any actual dogs inspired the creation of fictional ones?

Yes – the character of Bobby in my novel was inspired by a handsome Australian shepherd we see in the park. He’s really gorgeous with vivid blue eyes. My husband and I refer to him as The Most Beautiful Dog in the Park because we don’t know his name. Oddly though, he’s not particularly friendly, whereas the Bobby in my book is a very affectionate hound. My dog also appears in my book, but it’s just a brief cameo for her fans, and she’s not named, to protect her privacy.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Polly loathes cats and does highly embarrassing howls whenever she sees them in the street. She’s not keen on squirrels and will chase them in a business-like way. She barks at the postman, but only in the sense that she barks at anybody who comes to the house – she’s not remotely threatening; more like a very loud doorbell.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Polly occasionally picks up sticks to chew them, but she would never chase a thrown stick as she’s too grand. She also used to love finding discarded tennis balls, but now she’s a more senior lady, she’s not so interested. She has always loved soft toys, and gets a new one for birthdays and Christmas. Her favourite is called Bob (oh my God, I’ve just realised that’s why I called the dog Bob in my book – duh!). Bob is a very large soft toy Labrador from Ikea. She often uses him as a pillow.

Where is Polly's favorite outdoor destination?

There’s a stretch of grassland alongside a row of houses in Highbury, where we live. It’s not very well-maintained, and there’s lots of rubbish and dubious substances left there. She loves it, and always tries to drag me over there when we walk past. Her favourite thing is to pick up and eat a discarded wet wipe. We tried one of those muzzle things, but it didn't work and she still managed to suck things up. She’s utterly vile.

Who is Polly's best pet-pal?

Polly doesn’t really like other dogs as she doesn’t see herself as one. But if she had to pick a BFF (Best Four-Legged Friend), it would probably be Baxter, a border-terrier owned by the guy who took my author photos. She deigns to romp with him occasionally.

What is Polly's best quality?

She is incredibly expressive, and doesn’t need words to communicate – you know exactly what she wants from her facial expressions. Her best physical quality is her fine lustrous beard, which is currently shaved because of a rather unpleasant mouth infection.

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

She would want me to be less affectionate around her – she doesn’t like being cuddled and would rather I stayed away. I am constantly mauling her.

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

What is it about filthy wet wipes that you love so much?

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

Ooooh! What an interesting question. My husband and I do impressions of Polly’s speaking voice and it sounds like no one on Earth. But I guess if I was casting, I’d choose Amy Poehler, make her do an English accent and then slow down the recording.

What advice would Polly give if asked?

Leave me alone.

Visit Beth Morrey's website.

The Page 69 Test: The Love Story of Missy Carmichael.

--Marshal Zeringue

Elizabeth Atkinson & Obadiah

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Elizabeth Atkinson, a middle grade author, and here I am having my morning coffee with my writing partner, Obadiah, an adorable 10-year-old Australian Labradoodle. Obadiah insists we take refreshing walks during the day, listens as I read rough drafts out loud, and Skypes with me during virtual Author Visits… so I couldn’t work without him.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I’m usually in my bathrobe reading and drinking my morning coffee, but on this particular morning, I’m dressed early as I’m heading out on a school visit. Obadiah’s waiting for me to hurry up and finish my coffee so I can take him on a quick walk before I leave.

What's brewing?

I always look forward to my morning coffee! I grind my favorite beans from Little Wolf roasters in Ipswich, MA, then brew my coffee in a small Cuisinart coffee maker. I drink coffee only in the morning – later in the day I have a cup of green or herbal tea, and occasionally I indulge in Godiva Hot Dark Cocoa at night.

Any treats for you or Obadiah on this occasion?

In the top photo, you might spy a tiny treat waiting for him on the counter. A little something to give him after his walk and before I leave on the school visit for the morning. Obadiah would eat dog cookies all day if you could.

How were you and Obadiah united?

After our sweet lab, China, died almost 11 years ago, our family wanted to adopt another dog to be part of our lives. However, both of our kids and my husband had been allergic to China all the years she was with us. So we knew we had to find a dog that was guaranteed to be hypoallergenic. Someone recommended Barksdale Labradoodles in Magee, Mississippi to us and that’s how this hypoallergenic puppy joined our family.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Actually, that’s a funny story. At the time, we had an original portrait of my husband’s great-great grandfather, Obadiah Eames, hanging on the living room wall. He was a Mississippi River Boat Captain in the mid-1800s and the portrait had been passed down through the generations. Prior to our little puppy’s arrival, we had written down a bunch of possible names as everyone does. But when he arrived, there was just something about his eyes and expression that reminded us of our ancestor on the wall. And since they were both associated with Mississippi, we all agreed on Obadiah. His most common nicknames are Obi, Obes, Obester.

Does Obadiah do more to help or hinder your writing?

He’s almost always helpful, because I structure my writing schedule according to his schedule. The only time when he isn’t helpful is when he insists on a walk (according to his schedule) while I’m in the middle of a great writing streak and can’t stop.

Have any actual dogs ever inspired dogs in your fiction?

The only actual dog inspiration appears in my new novel, Fly Back Agnes. The terrier mix, Tutu, is inspired by Toto in The Wizard of OZ. But I adore dogs and usually include them in my stories. Dogs provide companionship and unconditional love like no other living being, which kids really need. Dogs also help children develop so many important qualities, like empathy, responsibility, and patience. So I believe dog characters greatly enrich children’s literature.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Oh my, anything small and furry that moves fast. Six months ago, Obadiah tore his CCL (similar to a human ACL tear) chasing a cat – and even after he tore it, he kept chasing the cat on three legs!

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

We have a basket full of beloved squeaky toys. Sometimes Obadiah will choose one to sleep with on his bed.

Who is Obadiah's best pet-pal?

To be honest, he’s more of people-dog than a dog-dog, because he loves cuddling. And my daughter is definitely his favorite cuddler. But his best dog pals are probably his dog friends at his doggy day care, which he attends about once a week to have fun. When he’s off leash at the local dog park, sometimes he and another dog seem to know each other, and then I find out the two dogs go to doggie daycare together. It’s funny to think your dog knows dogs you don’t know.

What is Obadiah's best quality?

He is very loving and loyal, but I have to say, his best quality is that he’s such an easy-going dog. We can take him anywhere! It’s wonderful and calming to live with such a relaxed, happy-to-be-alive creature.

If Obadiah could change one thing about New Englanders, what would it be?

People always like Obadiah but he loves people, so I know he wishes New Englanders would just stop what they’re doing, bend over and snuggle him, and then give him a treat. He lives for attention and dog biscuits!

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

I’ve been intrigued with Christina Hunger’s method of teaching her dog, Stella, to communicate using voice buttons and I follow them on Instagram. So I guess I would ask Obadiah, “Which words do you understand so far?” because we’re about to try the voice buttons.

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

Haha! We’ve kind of thought about this before… My son thinks Chris Pratt has Obadiah’s voice and I have to agree! Plus, I see a little resemblance.

What advice would Obadiah give if asked?

Love is all that really matters… and cookies.

Visit Elizabeth Atkinson's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Katie A. Nelson & Wookie

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Katie A. Nelson, author of The Duke of Bannerman Prep. I'm hanging out on the couch with Wookie. He's a male labradoodle, a little over two years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Since I work from home, Wookie and I hang out together most days. He loves to follow me from room to room, and helps me stay on task.

What's brewing?

I don't actually drink coffee, but it's gotten cold here lately, so I usually make a hot chocolate mid morning. Otherwise diet Pepsi is my go to when I need a pick me up.

Any treats for you or Wookie on this occasion?

We're sharing my potato chips left over from lunch as we speak. (Er ... type.)

How were you and Wookie united?

We got Wookie as a puppy. We hadn't planned on getting a dog yet, and had just been looking around to see what was out there. When we found out he was available, we drove over to meet him and fell in love! It wasn't great timing, as my husband and I left for Europe a week later, but luckily Wookie's aunt was willing to take care of him while we were gone.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

We love Star Wars, and it seemed to fit him. Much like Chewbacca, Wookie likes to act tough, but sometimes runs away in the face of danger. Or, you know, a really mean Canadian Goose.

Does Wookie do more to help or hinder your writing?

Wookie is a great help most days. He keeps me company while I'm at my computer, and is always up for a walk when I get stuck and need to work something out. He also keeps me from eating too many snacks while I write.

Has Wookie inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

Actually, there is a dog in the book I'm working on right now that is inspired by Wookie. Wookie thinks he's the hero of the story and needs a larger role. We're working that out in revisions.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Squirrel! We have a large tree in our front yard and Wookie corners all kinds of squirrels there.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

All of the above!

Where is Wookie's favorite outdoor destination?

Walks around the lake in our neighborhood.

Who is Wookie's best pet-pal?

His best friend was a golden lab named Ranger who lived next door to us in California. Sadly, we moved a few months ago and he misses his friend!

What is Wookie's best quality?

He's very intuitive and always knows when someone is sad or lonely. Wookie will rest his head in your lap or come over and lay on your feet to offer comfort.

If Wookie could change one thing about Californians, what would it be?

He's not a fan of rap music and gets agitated when someone in the car next to us is blasting it. Wookie likes alternative rock, and singing along to Disney show tunes.

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

What's so scary about the vacuum?

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

Lin Manuel Miranda!

What advice would Wookie give if asked?

Quit wasting time on the internet and get back to work!

Visit Katie A. Nelson's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Ismée Williams & Rowan

Who is in the photo at right?

This is Rowan. He’s an eighteen-month old Australian Labradoodle. I am the one wearing the dress. My name is Ismée Williams. I am a pediatric cardiologist and an author. My debut YA novel, Water in May, released Sept 12, 2017 with Amulet Books.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Well, Rowan had to have his influenza vaccine (something I recommend everyone should all get every fall, unless you have a contraindication such as an egg allergy or a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome – remember, I’m a doctor). Since Rowan did such a good job at the vet, I thought he deserved a treat!

What's brewing?

We love Starbucks, because they make something special for Rowan: a puppaccino (a cup filled with whipped cream). I prefer their decaf lattes but today I have a chocolate chip Frappuccino because it is hot and muggy out!

Any treats for you or Rowan on this occasion?

None other than the puppaccino!

How were you and Rowan united?

Our girls had been begging for a dog for years–basically since they could talk. Getting a dog didn’t fit into our hectic two-working-parent city lifestyle. So I always brushed them off by saying if I get a book published, we can get a dog. Well, you can bet that was the first thing they thought of when I told everyone about my book deal in 2015. The kids jumped from their seats at the dinner table and started shrieking, “Now we can get a dog!” So much for postponing the inevitable! But here’s the other catch: I am allergic to dogs. I always have been. I had horrible eczema and asthma as a child. So we did a lot of research before committing and found out this breed is supposed to be hypoallergenic. We even visited the home of a colleague of my husband’s who had an Australian Labradoodle from the same breeder we ended up using just to make sure it was true. A few months later, a tiny bundle of red joy arrived. Now I can’t imagine our family without him.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

There are five of us in the family. And we are all rather stubborn and opinionated. We must have gone through a hundred names. Finally, we settled on Rowan. It was my suggestion, based on the character from Sarah J. Maas’s amazing Throne of Glass series. I thought we would end up with an honorable, brave, stoic dog. My eldest daughter just this summer tore through the Throne of Glass series and announced that our pup Rowan could not be more different than Sarah J. Maas’s Rowan! Oh well. But there’s more to the story. My husband wants to point out that Rowan was the one name he didn't like. He was out of town when the final decisions were made. My 6-year announced the verdict to him over the phone and explained that his vote didn’t count as much as the four females in the house. Luckily, my husband didn’t mind too much!

Does Rowan do more to help or hinder your writing?

Rowan doesn’t hinder too much, except for when he is walking around the apartment looking pathetic because no one will play with him. He has perfected what we call the ‘saddest dog in the world’ face.

Has Rowan inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

Not yet. But he has enough cuteness to star in is his own picture book series, I think.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Squirrel. Hands down. He loves to chase squirrels. Luckily, he’s not fast enough to catch them!

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Rowan loves all his toys. For my own sanity, I don’t give him squeakers. His favorite toy is a rubber Frisbee by Kong. He’s not the most athletic dog, but he will on occasion catch the Frisbee in mid-air.

Where is Rowan's favorite outdoor destination?

We have a small cottage in CT that has a fenced in pool area. That is Rowan’s favorite place because we let him off-leash and he can chase the Frisbee (and the squirrels).

Who is Rowan's best pet-pal?

My good friend has a very attractive and sweet goldendoodle named Maple who lives a few blocks away from us in New York City. Maple and Rowan met as puppies and they have been besties ever since. Sometimes the dogs see each other before my friend and I do and they start going nuts pulling us towards one another!

What is Rowan's best quality?

Rowan is very sweet and calm. He is even a certified therapy dog already! He loves to be pet and he is incredibly soft.

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

Rowan would make it a rule that every New Yorker has to stop and pet him. When he was a puppy we would laugh because his head would follow each person down the sidewalk, cocking as if in disbelief the person didn’t stop to pay him any compliments and attention.

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

What do you think about the whole dogs versus cats debate?

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

Chris Pratt from Jurassic World and Guardians of the Galaxy. He has just the right mix of cute humor and goofiness.

What advice would Rowan give if asked?

Chillax. Everything is going to be all right.

Visit Ismée Williams's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Lisa Tener & Sophie

Who is in the photo at right?

The cute one is Sophie, our Labradoodle. I'm the other one--Lisa Tener, and I am a book coach. I help people write and publish their books.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

A relaxing warm drink in our yard for me while watching Sophie chase bunnies. She never catches them, fortunately for all involved.

What's brewing?

Neither Sophie nor I drink coffee, though I love the aroma. What's brewing is some local loose nettle and clover tea made using an old fashioned strainer, originally blended by "The Herb Wyfe" of Belmont Market -- Leslie Wooler.

Any treats for you or Sophie on this occasion?

Yes. Sophie loves to chew on carrots. In a few more weeks, though, we'll both be savoring raspberries from our yard. Sophie sometimes picks her own, but she also likes to show off her catching skills.

How were you and Sophie united?

A lady on Long Island was giving away her 8-month-old labradoodle because her neighbors told her the dog cried incessantly when she traveled. The woman wanted a home where someone would be home most of the day. My husband and I work from home, proving ideal. However, I told the woman we could not come to see the dog until the weekend. She had 2 or 3 people lined up to see the dog before then.

[photo left: Sophie in her youth]

I told her about the list we had made two years prior--true story: labradoodle, good with kids, white coat, about 9 months old and potty trained. Sophie was everything on our list. That clinched it. "I think this dog was meant to be yours." She offered to cancel the other appointments if we were very serious, which I assured her we were. We traveled from Rhode Island to Long Island three days later and my husband, 6-year-old and I fell in love with that sweet dog.

The baby of our family was 2 days younger than Sophie. People thought we were crazy to adopt a dog with a baby who was just about to start walking, but it turned out her antics made him hardy. He played a bit roughly with Sophie and often pulled her tail or hair but she proved exceedingly patient. However, she did enjoy leaping over him while he sat up, and she often missed the mark and knocked him over from his seated position. Passive aggressive?

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

She was already named Sophie when we got her. Coincidentally though, if I had given birth to a baby girl we had planned to name her Sophia.

Does Sophie do more to help or hinder your writing?

Help. She loves to sit by me on the couch or bed as I write by hand in notebooks. And she'll lie in her bed by my computer when I type.

Who is Sophie's best pet-pal?

Henry, my mother-in-law's cockapoo. He's the older of the two but of course, he looks like the baby being so much smaller. You can definitely tell they are "family" and people remark that they look alike.

[photo left: Sophie, Lisa, and Henry]

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Bunnies of all sizes.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Bunnies of all sizes.

What is Sophie's best quality?

Whenever people meet Sophie, including animal intuitives, they always use the word "sweet." She takes sweetness to a new level.

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

She'd get them outside more.

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

What's your secret to such a happy disposition?

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

Gwyneth Paltrow.

What advice would Sophie give if asked?

Best exercise regimen ever--chase bunnies. Also, she'd probably tell us to chill and wag our tails a little more.

Visit Lisa Tener's Book Coach website and Writing and Publishing blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Suzanne Donaldson & Edie, Clair, and Gus

Who is pictured in the photos here?

I am Suzanne Donaldson [photo below], expert on all things Chic Pet. I have a dog website called Mrs Sizzle.

I have three dogs: Edie [photo: right] and Clair [photo: left] are mixed breeds (we think morkie), and Gus is a Labradoodle!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

My everyday ritual is a loop in Central Park with a stop at Pain Quotidian half way through. The fun part is in the summer I use the lid top as a water bowl for them to drink from.

What's brewing?

Pain Q's finest cappuccino.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Indeed — they hand out the best dog treats to customers.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

No story there. But both are referred to as B, and Clair gets the occasional Bibichi thanks to my friend Marja Sampson.

How were you and your dogs united?

In a puppy store — hate to say it but it's what led me to Mrs Sizzle and my animal awareness campaign.

Squeaky-toy, ball, stick...?

Zanies and the small fetch balls on sticks.

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

Anyone on street.

Where is your dogs' favorite outdoor destination?

Our Brookhaven house on the bay — they are water dogs.

Who is Edie and Clair's best pet-pal?

Gus their older brother.

What is each dog's best quality?

Edie — outgoing; Clair — pure love.

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

They'd want me to stop working all of the time.

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

Edie would be Ellen DeGeneres and Clair would be Reese Witherspoon.

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

How to be trained better!

Visit the Mrs Sizzle wesbite.

--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

Anthony Bidulka & Kona and Magic

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Anthony Bidulka and I’m the author of two series, a long-running mystery series featuring detective Russell Quant, and a new suspense series featuring Disaster Recovery Agent Adam Saint. Fifteen years ago I left a long career as a CPA to write full time and spend more time with my dogs. Today I’m with my two labradoodles. Kona is the blond, five years old, and Magic is her four-year-old half-sister.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

One of our favourite things to do on the weekend, is to go for a long walk around the border of our property, with something great to drink for me, and lots of exciting things to sniff for Kona and Magic.

What's brewing?

Starbucks Dark Roast, with just a splash of heated skim milk.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Just the fresh air and the wind in our faces.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

We’d gone a few years without dogs after we lost our first girls, Mocha and Bali, within a couple months of each other. They were such great dogs, could never be replaced, and we wondered if we were done as dog owners. Plus, we travel a lot and didn’t see that changing. Of course, a house used to the kinetic, loving, exuberant, cozy energy of dogs, simply radiates a certain barrenness without them.

Turns out, it was travel that got us thinking about it again. We remembered how we named Bali after our first trip to Indonesia. And it was while we were walking the beach in one of our favourite getaway spots in Hawaii, that we started chatting about what we would name a new dog if we happened to get one. Kona came to mind. It was a nice blend of the names of our first pair, Mocha (like Kona, another coffee flavor) and Bali (named after a resort we loved, whereas Kona is the name of a popular Hawaiian district). Slippery slope as they say. Once we had a name the actual dog soon followed.

Magic came to us a year later. We actually made a list of dog names we liked. Molly was the top. But when we finally met Kona’s sister, her demeanor and black coloring just shouted out Magic. We often call her Magical, because of her sweet spirit.

How were you and your dogs united?

Both dogs were bred by the same woman, Margaret, who lives in a city several hours away. We’d heard good things about her and her dogs raising practices, but with our busy schedules we were having a hard time finding time to see her puppies when they were ready. Understanding our interest, she told us that she just happened to be delivering a puppy to another owner nearby, and she would be willing to drop off the puppy we were interested in (we’d only seen photos) to spend the day with us. As it happened, I was in California on a book tour, so only my husband was home to share the time with the pup. Of course, the puppy never went back with Margaret, and was firmly ensconced in our home by the time I got back.

I think Margaret knew exactly what she was doing, because a year later, when we were considering a companion for Kona and called her, she told us the same story: she just happened to be delivering a puppy to another owner nearby, and she would be willing to drop off the puppy we were interested in to spend the day with us. Strangely enough, this time it was my husband who was out of town, and by the time he returned from his business trip, Kona’s sister Magic was busily casting her spell over our (her) home.

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

In four very important ways. First: I prefer solitude and complete quiet when I am in serious writing mode. No radio, no chatter in the background. Dogs fit perfectly into that kind of scenario. They are always present, but quiet, often doing nothing more than having a snooze on the couch in front of the desk where I write. But they lend a certain coziness and familiarity and groundedness that I associate with a good writing day.

Second: When things aren’t flowing quite right, or something needs a bit of a think-over, there is nothing better than to take a walk around the grounds, have a quick game of fetch in the back yard, or a brisk jaunt around the neighbourhood, to clear the head and get some new thoughts brewing. I don’t know how many times I’ve been off with the dogs and the perfect idea or heretofore stubborn solution suddenly springs to mind.

Third: In pretty much all of my books, especially the Russell Quant series, I also have dog characters. They don’t usually have too big a role, and they don’t talk or solve crimes or anything like that, but they do the same thing they do for me - create an atmosphere and lend a special flavor of reality to fiction, especially if you write them well. It doesn’t take much, just a certain wag of tail or sniff of nose to communicate a great deal. And how a character interacts with animals can speak volumes about that character. Having the pets I’d had in my life has been invaluable in helping me do that, if for no other reason than to teach me that dogs, and other animals, are just as unique and quirky as the rest of us. One dimensional characterizations don’t work for humans and they don’t work for animals.

Four: Writing can be a butt-numbing endeavor. It can be easy to allow your inner world take over in favor of the outer, including physical exercise. Kona and Magic are generally well-behaved, and I know they say dogs can’t tell time, but these two definitely know if I’m late for our regularly scheduled walks and make me aware of it. They need it, and I do too.

Have any actual dogs inspired fictional dogs in your writing?

Oddly enough, the two dogs in the Russell Quant books are Standard Schnauzers. I’ve never owned Schnauzers, but I’ve met quite a few and always liked them. And one in particular, a little character named Alex, was definitely the inspirational starting point for my literary creations of Barbra and Brutus. The dogs I write about in the Adam Saint books are rough amalgamations of the dogs we had when I was growing up on the farm.

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

Living where we do, on an acreage outside a city, Kona and Magic don’t get to see a postman. We have no squirrels. But there is a neighbor cat who does make regular appearances in the night and who loves to drive Kona mad by posing on the other side of a glass door knowing full well how safe she is. Kona has been known to go after the odd gopher, rabbit, and just the other day she gave her best at chasing down a low flying pair of geese. Magic is little more restrained and seems to have the opinion: if it can’t pet me, why go after it?

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Definitely each other. They had their alpha-dog fight-to-near-death competition in their first six months together (Kona won quite handily), and ever since are best pals. When we travel, Kona and Magic move in with a mother-daughter team who board a few special dogs (taken in only after an interview process!), and I think Kona may use these opportunities to have quiet affairs with a young fellow named Miguel.

What is each dog's best quality?

Kona has an independence which is admirable. Generally all four of us tend to hang out a lot when we’re all at home. But if we’re outside and she’s hot, she’ll simply disappear and we’ll find her on the other side of the yard in a hidden shade area, whereas Magic just sweats it out just to be near us. If it’s late and she’s tired, Kona will simply totter off to the bedroom without a backwards glance. Yet, she still manages to balance this independence and confidence with just enough affection and silliness and kindness to make her endearing.

Most definitely Magic’s best quality is how sweet she is. She truly loves nothing better than to be next to you, or within sight of you, and if your hand happens to be rubbing her belly or scratching an ear, all the better. She’s the one who will come up to you, plop down on her haunches, and stare up adoringly into your face, just because.

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

For Magic, they would come over more often and pet her, rub her belly, scratch her nose, bring treats. For Kona, the vet and groomer would move far far far away from Saskatoon and never be heard from again. For both of them, as much as they seem to enjoy visiting the sitters when we’re away, I think they’d much prefer it if we never left home, ever, not even for a second.

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

Kona: Julia Roberts. Magic: Drew Barrymore.

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

Do you really—as the vet and dog professionals suggest—prefer the same, albeit healthy, round, brown, dry kibble every day?

Visit Anthony Bidulka's website, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue

Kathryn Erskine & Fletcher

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Kathy Erskine, an author of books aimed at middle grade and young adult readers but suitable for adults, too (with their children's permission). Fletcher is a male Labradoodle who's a year and a half, and often naughty.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Every day is an occasion for coffee with Fletcher -- here we're on the front porch. He's a social dog, though, and would rather hang out at cafes. He's still a little too exuberant, though.

What's brewing?

Today's drip coffee is "Bill's House Blend" from a restaurant on Chincoteague Island, Virginia. I'm a several-cups-a-day coffee drinker but it doesn't have to be fancy -- as long as it's strong, with milk, I'm happy. It can even (gasp!) be instant.

Any treats for you or Fletcher on this occasion?

I did give him some bacon bits so he'd sit still for the camera. It also works if I sing to him but I only do that indoors where no one will hear me.

How were you and Fletcher united?

At an airport. He was flown to us from a breeder. We tried to get a pound puppy, as usual, but it's hard to find Labradoodles at the pound and we needed a non allergenic dog.

How did Fletcher get his name? Any aliases?

We agreed on a two syllable name because there's something more satisfying about calling out a 2-syllable name. I suspect the name Fletcher was influenced by the Middle Ages novel I was working on since the main character is the son of a bowyer and fletcher, a bow and arrow maker. Some aliases: Fletch. Babe. Devil Dog. Off the counter!!

Does Fletcher do more to help or hinder your writing?

Hinder. He has perfected the laser stare, then barking, then flipping my arm off the keyboard, when he wants a walk.

Have any actual dogs inspired fictional dogs in your published work?

I'm working on something new right now and there is a dog in the story inspired by my former dog, Maxine. Hopefully, you'll be reading about her before long!

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

He loves them all. He even tries to play with stinkbugs. He doesn't realize why cats run away from him or why stinkbugs stop playing (usually, he has pawed them to death). I know, it's sad.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

If you throw a ball for him he will chase it until he drops or your arm gets tired. Squeaky toys are pretty awesome, too. He will pick up a stick on a walk, occasionally, but usually drops it once distracted (inside of 5 seconds).

Who is Fletcher's best pet-pal?

Scottie! He's a dog Fletcher plays with at dog sitting. When they see each other they freeze and stare something in their unspoken language and then they're off and running for the rest of the day.

What is Fletcher's best quality?

He likes everyone and everything.

If Fletcher could change one thing about Virginians, what would it be?

Dogs would be allowed on more trails and in more restaurants, especially in the kitchens of those restaurants.

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

Where did you put the can opener?

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

Benedict Cumberbatch. Everyone loves a dog with a British accent, right?

Visit Kathryn Erskine's website.

Check out Erskine's top 10 first person narratives.

My Book, The Movie: Seeing Red.

The Page 69 Test: Seeing Red.

--Marshal Zeringue

Erin McGraw & Max and Sister

Who is in the photo at right?

That's Max, Sister, and me, Erin McGraw. Max is the shaggy eight-year-old Labradoodle, currently weighing in somewhere between 85 and 90 pounds, and Sister is a hound mix of some kind, also somewhere around eight years old, her fighting weight a sleek 55 pounds. I'm the one between them. When I'm not walking the dogs, feeding the dogs, brushing the dogs, or dispensing ear medicine to the dogs, I write fiction and teach at the Ohio State University.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine? And what's brewing?

Every morning kicks off with decaf brew at home--Peet's dark in a French press is my preference. The decaf is a concession to my ulcer, which I regularly tell Max and Sister comes from them. That's not true, probably. They don't seem terribly concerned either way.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

I try to live a clean life, at least before noon. I have been known to bend the rules for a biscotti, but I'm afraid the dogs get butkus. My husband and I are constantly trying to keep weight off Max. He had a knee replacement two years ago and I tell Max often, in solemn tones, that we have to protect our investment.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Max came to us pre-owned and pre-named. Sister was a shelter dog, so she was pre-named, too, but we felt less commitment to the name given to her for a few days by the Union County Shelter. "Sister" is a common nickname in the South for the girl in the family. I'm not a southerner, but my husband is, so we figured we had the right.

How were you and your dogs united?

We got Max when our house cleaner went to a garage sale to look at a fishing rod and found out that the woman running the sale had an 8-month-old Doodle she wanted to place. She had gotten it from a neighbor who had wanted a puppy over her husband's objections. Figuring he wouldn't be able to resist an adorable puppy if it was placed right in front of him, she ordered a ten-week-old Doodle to be sent to her from Virginia. Turns out her husband was immune to the pup's charms, so the dog went to the neighbor. She was a good soul, but she was a single working mom with no time or space to care for a very rapidly expanding dog. By the time we got Max he was over 50 pounds, and his pads still hadn't hardened; they were as soft as a newborn's.

Sister came on the scene about a year later, when Max did everything short of presenting us with a petition saying that he wanted a playmate. We took him with us to the shelter, and when we saw how well he and Sister played together, the deal was sealed. Good thing, because she was destructive as all get-out for the next six months, and if it weren't for Max, I would have been tempted to take her straight back.

Are there any dogs in your new novel, Better Food for a Better World?

Riley. He's a redbone coonhound and at the moment is a point-of-view character. In his big scene, he gets a mouthful of porcupine quills. He also engineers the big love scene (between people).

How do your dogs help, and how do they hinder, your writing?

I don't find many things more comforting than the soft breathing of comfortable dogs beside me while I work. I'm also crazy about the smell of clean dogs in the sun. Sister, who's very catlike, follows the sun all day as it moves across the windows, and I frequently bury my nose in her warm fur.

But dogs know how to tell time--any dog owner knows this--and when it's nine o'clock Sister and Max don't give a rip whether my work is going well: They want their walk. Same deal at three o'clock. Is it my imagination, or is work always going at its best at 9 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon?

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

The UPS man has bought off their affections by bringing treats every time he leaves a box. They alert me to his presence when the truck turns a corner three-quarters of a mile away. But the mailman? Yes, they'll happily tear his throat out. After that, it's possum, cat, and squirrel in descending order. Oh, and also the neighbor's Maltese.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Revolting plush toys that have long been eviscerated and reduced to scraps of one-time pink or blue. Max is also very fond of hard plastic Y's that he gravely gnaws on, one arm at a time, while Sister tracks the sun in another room.

What is each dog's best quality?

Max is as affectionate as they come. If you want an extremely heavy, extremely hairy dog to recline on you, and often I do, Max is your fellow.

Despite her rocky start with us, Sister wants tremendously to please. As a result, she is an incredible heeler. Head high, tail high and wagging, she'll heel all day long. She looks good and she knows it.

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

That's easy. Waaaay more accommodating with the treats.

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

Kathleen Turner would do justice to Sister--a throaty, sexy voice and a mind with an agenda. Max lacks her impulse toward intrigue--he's very guileless. I'm thinking Steve Carell.

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

Can I wear your nose for five minutes?

Visit Erin McGraw's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Amy Vansant & Gordon

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Amy Vansant of humor blog Kid-Free Living (Twitter: @kidfreeliving), my husband Mike, and Gordon Labradoodle, 7-years-old.

After we got Gordon we loved him so much we actually started a dog store, DoodleSport. The idea was to sell all Doodle embroidered items, but then we figured, why not add 200 other breeds? We bought a huge embroidery machine and all the first items we did came out looking like Salvador Dali squirrels. We'd threaded it wrong. But that was 5 years ago - everything is very professional now!

What's brewing?

I switch brands, picking up different beans from wherever I roam, but I always grind my own as needed each morning. It tastes better that way, and as an added bonus it annoys the hell out of my husband.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Generally, while I'm drinking coffee in the morning, he's staring holes through the back of my head waiting for us to take him for a walk. We made the mistake of doing it two days in a row several years ago and he's been insufferable ever since.

His stare [photo left] is ... intense.

Any treats for you or Gordon on this occasion?

While I drink the coffee, no. But after the walk I must get him water from the water cooler in his special cappuccino mug, which we call his "special water" and which he thinks is a treat. Again, we did it twice in a row once, and now if we don't do it he gives us a look that would melt flowers.

How were you and Gordon united?

We adopted him when he was small enough to fit in a cappuccino mug. Mike, my husband, and I literally just woke up and said, hey, let's get a Labradoodle, got in the car and did so. We don't lead the most structured life.

How did Gordon get his name? Any aliases?

Mike had a cat named Flash as a kid and always wanted a dog named Gordon. Gordon, alias "Monkey," "fluffernutter," "chimichanga," "Mr. Pumpernickle," and about 1000 other nonsense words/noises we make every time we see him.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Gordon is cat blind. He'll see a feral cat outside our window well enough, but if we let him out, he'll run up to it and then stop, turn his head, and start to meander away from it as if he doesn't know it's there. In short, he's terrified of cats but refuses to admit it.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

He's most obsessed with fetching the newspaper each morning [photo right], because that gets him a treat. But he takes forever to do it. Beyond that, he loves to rip apart inflated packaging, so we have to order something from Amazon every week or so.

Does Gordon have a favorite place to go for outings?

We walk in the woods, which he loves best, because he can run off the leash and the smells are amazing.

The chances of finding a dead things and deer poop are, like, 75% better in the woods than in the neighborhood.

Who is Gordon's best pet-pal?

He's attracted to larger women. He had a Rhodesian Ridgeback girlfriend, but she moved away.

Now he most loves Esmeralda, my friend's Pyrenees. She's enormous.

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

I'd constantly be running around the house throwing treats around like a water sprinkler. I'd probably stop taking up any of the bed, too. Oh, and the hand that wasn't throwing treats would be constantly scratching him.

He's pretty self-centered, now that I think about it.

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

I'd probably ask him to tell me any problems he has. As he gets older, I hate not knowing if he is sore anywhere that I don't know about. It isn't a very fun answer, but it's what I worry about.

Plus, I think the answer to just about ever other question would be "treat" or "walk."

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

My husband or myself. I can't imagine him sounding any other way than how we make him sound. And he talks constantly. Curses quite a bit, as well.

Check out the DoodleSport website, and visit the Kid-Free Living humor blog, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue

Laura and Lloyd & Bob, Brodie and Tallulah

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Laura and I'm a farmer. I think when I tell people this they don't really believe me, but there's not much I like more than zooming around on my tractor. In a previous life I was a teacher. I taught children with emotional and behavioural difficulties then I did a stint with children with severe autism. It was quite hard and after 12 years I decided it was time to burn out. Around this time my husband, Lloyd and I decided to emigrate from Scotland and move to New Zealand, it's been the most brilliant thing we could have done.

The photo is of Lloyd, me, Bob, Brodie and Tallulah. Great family shot or what?!

Bob is a boy, a labradoodle and 9 years old. But he'll always be my baby.
Brodie is also a boy, another labradoodle and 6 years old.
Tallulah [photo left] is a girl, another labradoodle and 5 years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Oh, any excuse really. We have a gigantic garden, so we often get a rug out and have a wee picnic. It's summer in New Zealand now, so it's very hot and very sunny, pretty perfect for a wee drink in the garden.

What's brewing?

Well, for Lloyd it's some locally roasted coffee, made in one of those Italian stove top things. He likes a wee espresso.

To be honest I'm more of a tea girl. A nice Earl Grey does it for me.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Well, for the humans we've got home made French macarons - it's taken me 2 years to perfect these wee beauties. No sugar for the dogs though - Daddy's a dentist and as they can't brush their own teeth sugar is a no no. They often have huge 'dinosaur' bones to gnaw on though.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Bob [photo right] was our first dog and we spent ages thinking up names for him, then decided to wait until we got him home and somehow he'd tell us his name. He said he wanted to be called Bob, so Bob it was. This wasn't on our list and had never crossed our minds. We waited almost a year for him, and visited him when he was a day old. We visited him 3 more times, which involved a whole days driving, before he was old enough to take home. So to say we were keen is an understatement!

He has so many aliases it's unbelievable: Bob Dog, Bobadoodle, Bob a dog, Brad Pitbull (Brodie becomes Angelina Fluffy in this instance), Boblingham Bertie, Floo Floo the fairy Pirate Fish, Mr Fluffy, and Treacle Hound.

Brodie was our second family member. We went to visit him a few times before he was old enough to come home and he just instantly became Brodie. He too has a few aliases: Brodie B, Big Boy Brodie, Angelina Fluffy, Brodelie, Beeper (boy), Beep.

And finally Tallulah. Shortly before Lulah came to live with us there was an article in the paper about a family who had wanted to name their daughter Tallulah does the Hula from Hawaii - a judge had ruled against it, stating that "she's not in the kennel club." This made us laugh so we decided that this would have to be her name!

Her aliases: Lulah, Loopy (lulah), Lulah pants, Loopety Loo, Talullahbelle.

[photo left: Brodie]

How were you and your dogs united?

Well, with Bob, friends of ours have his half brother - we fell in love with him instantly and decided that this was the type of dog we'd like. So we contacted the breeder. She had a years waiting list so we waited the year. She only allowed her dog to have one litter a year so this instantly made me like her. We ended up making good friends with her so she let us have the pick of the litter. We picked him when he was one day old and I've loved him ever since. Bob came to us when I had just given up teaching because of, basically, stress. It was perfect timing and he pretty much healed me. I owe him a lot.

He was born in England, moved to Scotland when he was a baby, lived there for 2 years then emigrated all the way to New Zealand. We've always said that if Bob couldn't have come with us we'd not have come ourselves.

When we'd been in NZ about a year we decided that Bob could really do with a wee friend to play with; it seemed crazy to have all this space and only one dog. We like labradoodles a lot - they're a bit mad and very bouncy, but incredibly loving dogs with huge personalities and really we couldn't see past them as family. So we found a breeder about an hour away; we liked how she did things and we waited... and waited... and waited. Eventually Brodie came along. We brought him home and Bob loved him, even though I think he drove him rather mad when he was a puppy.

Finally Lulah [photo right]. I had always wanted a girl chocolate labradoodle. I just felt like our little family needed one to complete it. People thought we were daft - 2 doodles are pretty hard work, and a third one could be sheer madness! But I kept looking. I really wanted to rescue one, so kept an eye out on the SPCA website and trademe (NZ's version of eBay) just looking for our girl. Then one day after months of searching I saw Lulah. She was needing a new home. I emailed straight away - I totally knew she was going to be our dog. But I got a reply back saying that a home had been found for her already. I was devastated, I'd been so positive that this dog needed us. Then 3 days later I got another email. The new home hadn't worked out. She was too boisterous and she was still in need of a home. So we headed down to Auckland (a 4 hour journey) to meet her and needless to say she did come home with us, and yes, she is boisterous! But the most loving and affectionate dog you could ever meet.

Rabbit, postman, cat....?

Well, they live with three cats, so thankfully not cat!

Rabbits: there are lots of them around the farm, but they seem totally uninterested in them.

Our poor postman, Dougie, however.... We live rurally, so our postman drives a van and does all the rural deliveries. There's nothing sets our dogs off barking more than Dougie's red van coming up the drive!
They lick him to death!

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Ball, they are all obsessed with them.

Lulah does also have a teddy that she carries around like a baby, which she tries to give to anyone that comes to the house...

[photo right: Brodie with Bob looking on]

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

I completely understand the reasons for this, but NZ, for dog walking, is not an easy country. Almost all forests, hills, farmland is out of bounds. No dogs allowed - it's to protect the very fragile ecosystem we have here, but mostly the Kiwi.

Almost all beaches are dog free zones as well; either that or are very restricted to times of year, times of day and always on a lead.

We have a few secret ones that we take the dogs to as they are so out of the way no one is there!

So, if our dogs could change one thing it would be the amount of outdoor places we could take them.

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

I love this question. Lloyd and I can't agree!

[photo left: Laura and Brodie]

I think Patrick Stewart would play Bob, Lloyd thinks Ian McKellen, but Morgan Freeman would also be good. All wise sounding men.

For Brodie, Lloyd and I both agree that Hugh Grant should play him.

Lulah, Brittany Murphy had she still been with us. So maybe Sarah Hyland from Modern Family!

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

Are you happy? It's all I want them to be. I hope I know the answer.

Visit Laura's Our Wee Farm blog.

--Marshal Zeringue