Erika Rae & Aspen

Who is in the photo at right?

This is Aspen and me, Erika Rae. She's a 9.5 year-old boxer lab mix and I'm a ... actually I'm not sure of my breed. I suppose I'm a bit of a Euro-American mutt. For a while I had high hopes for some Native American blood, and even a Persian DNA fragment or two, but nothing has panned out. At any rate, I am a writer and entrepreneurial misfit. At the moment, I help run a wireless Internet service provider company from our Colorado mountain property. When I'm not chasing my 3 kids around, I edit and write creative non-fiction for TheNervousBreakdown.com and am a member of N.L. Belardes' rogue group of writers, The Irresponsibles. Belardes recently published a wacky book of facts and trivia called Random Obsessions in which he includes a few of the strange things that I've encountered, alongside crazy stories about Mothman and Thomas Jefferson's grandson being an axe murderer. I've written 7 books, including a memoir called In a Handbasket: Confessions of a Recovering Evangelical. As of now, not a single one of my books has been properly published. I keep writing, though. Basically, I am really stubborn. I'm currently working on a YA Series called "Stones."

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Routine morning coffee break. Since we live at 9000 feet above Boulder, we don't make it down to the hipster cafes down there nearly enough.

What's brewing?

A latte - whole milk, 1/2 tsp raw sugar. I buy a new 2.5 pound bag of First Colony's organic Rainforest Blend at Costco almost weekly and grind it fresh at home. We have a Saeco espresso machine, which we fire up about as often as we check email...which is pretty often. Both my husband and I put in time as baristas in a former life and I guess you could say that old habits die hard. Hey, it's only considered an addiction if you want to quit and can't. And anyway, I'm fairly tame with my latte. My husband prefers his espresso frequent and straight, often citing "There's no such thing as strong coffee - only weak people" or "Carpe Noctum" or some other computer-geeky dictum.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Chocolate - specifically 3 Ghiradelli double chocolate chips. We developed this habit after a trip to Denmark, home of the best lattes in the world. You just can't beat that milk. Anyway, they always serve their lattes with a piece of dark chocolate on the saucer. It's my one daily indulgence.

Any treat for Aspen on this occasion?

I usually slip her crusts of buttered toast from off the kids' breakfast plates. She doesn't seem to mind playing clean-up.

How did Aspen come to be united with you?

We adopted her and her sister from Colorado Puppy Rescue. She was the one climbing the fence to get at us while her sister tried to hide in the water bowl. They kept the same, basic personalities all their lives. Since we live at the edge of Roosevelt National Forest, we wanted dogs big enough to defend themselves if needed, and we wanted them to be able to keep each other company when we weren't home. We worked at a start-up software company in Boulder at the time and were gone long hours.

How did she get her name? Does she have any aliases?

Our property is covered in aspens and lodge pole pines. The latter didn't have a very nice ring to it. Her aliases are aplenty: Aspirin (when she's being a pain); Aspina (when she's being queenly); Ass-pen (when she smells). Sometimes, when she won't let me leave a room without insisting on tagging along, I circumvent the whole cutesy name thing and just call her "Stalker".

Does Aspen have any influence on your writing?

Yes. She insists on curling up next to me on the couch and crushing one of my arms as I write. It remains to be seen whether this will make me a better writer because of the challenge or whether this will simply resolve itself into Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Where is Aspen's favorite place to go for an outing?

We have a beautiful marsh through the woods about 15 minutes by foot. When they were younger, she and her sister, Holly, [Aspen is on the left, Holly on the right, in both photos of the pair] would chase each other in circles through the tall grass for hours there. Some of my best memories of them involve this place. Unfortunately, Aspen has a degenerative nerve disease which has numbered her walking days.

Tennis Ball? Stick? Frisbee...?

None of the above. Aspen is only interested in flying treats.

Has Aspen ever encountered any large animals in the Rocky Mountains?

Oh yes. She has treed a bear and helped her step-sister (a redbone coonhound named Indie) herd elk. Once when she was walking with my husband Scott, they walked into a mountain lion feeding ground. She was busily rolling in a freshly killed elk carcass when Scott looked up to see one lion through the trees ahead of them. Almost immediately, another one flashed through the trees to his left. They got out of there as quickly as they could. There is no telling what else she has encountered while out roaming alone.

What is an ordinary day like for Aspen?

A lot of sleeping. Before her problem with her back legs, we took daily hikes into the woods. I miss those days immensely.

Who is Aspen's best pet pal?

It was her sister, Holly, who died 5 years ago from cancer. We adopted Indie (the coonhound) soon after in an attempt to fill the void and admit now that might have been a mistake. The two have never really bonded, although we did catch them cuddling once a couple of weeks ago. Perhaps there is hope yet.

What are Aspen's best qualities?

She adores me and she is a fantastic foot warmer. She can also speak several animal dialects: rabbit, coyote, deer, etc.

What's Aspen's proudest moment? Most embarrassing?

Proudest - When she was young, a coyote chased her onto our property from the forest. As they ran past me, I started yelling at the coyote. I guess it clicked then that she could do the same, so she turned around suddenly and started barking with all her might. Scared the living daylights out of that coyote.

Most embarrassing - She was walking on a frozen lake and fell through. We had to go in after her to get her out.

Visit Erika Rae's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Anne Love & Luna

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Anne Love, a dean at a small college in NYC. Luna joined me and my two sons two months ago; we adopted her from the local shelter. They said she is about a year old, and a "bassett mix". I think she's a combination of bassett (her front legs), dachsund (rear end), and folks in the know say some pit bull terrier (head). I call her a hybrid!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Every morning Luna and I have some bonding time - lots of petting, chasing a ball, tug-of-war. I have my coffee, she gets a wake-up work-out.

What's brewing?

In the morning I have my version of cafe au lait - a mug of hot milk with coffee. I'm pretty much a coffee wimp - I prefer it not too strong, and with milk and sugar.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

For breakfast, usually cold cereal or oatmeal. On the weekend my favorite is waffles.

Any treat for Luna on this occasion?

Luna gets dog food - lamb and rice kibble, and dog treats.

How did Luna come to be united with you?

Last June our dog of 14 years, Lacey, died. We were heartbroken. We missed her sweet welcomes at the door, her company, her soft fur. We talked about getting another dog, and what kind, and finally started looking at the local shelters. Luna had just arrived the day we visited the shelter in our town, and as they say, she picked us out. The staff member let Luna out of her crate, and she trotted right over to us, stuck her head under my arm, and that was that!

How did Luna get her name?

Since she is small we thought about long names - I was suggesting "Nasturtium," "Chrysanthemum," "Delphinium." One of my sons said that if it had to be a flower, he liked "Lilly." It didn't have to be flower, and we liked Lilly, but then I thought of Luna Lovegood, the character in the Harry Potter books. Since our last name is Love, it sort of fit. So she's Luna. Also turns out it's short for Lunatic, which she is now and then when she gets wound up and races around the house or the back yard.

Does she have any influence on what your write?

Yes! She filled the hole in my heart left by Lacey, and I wrote about that in my blog. See my blog entries for November and December. She also keeps my company when I write - she likes to be curled up nearby.

Where is Luna's favorite place for a walk?

All around our neighborhood. There are lots of friendly people, some friendly dogs, and plenty of squirrels to chase. We haven't ventured out beyond our town yet.

Stick, Frisbee, tennis ball...?

Tennis balls are great! One inside, one outside. She's also fierce at tug-of-war with the rope toy.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Squirrels are the favorite, but cats are very interesting too. She loves people, and doesn't bark at the postman (at least not yet).
What's an ordinary day like for Luna?

Play, eat, walk, nap while the family is at work and school, get walked by my sons or her dog-walker, nap, eat, play, walk, sleep, repeat until the weekend, then play lots more!

Who is Luna's best pet-pal?

Gracie-lou, a hound-mix, not quite a year old, also a shelter dog. They've played together only once so far, but it was very funny to watch short-legged Luna take on long-legged Gracie, and vice versa. Luna would run circles around Gracie, and then Gracie would sit on Luna.

What's Luna's best quality?

Her friendliness - she is happy to see everyone, and her whole body moves when she wags her tail!

What's Luna's proudest moment? Her most embarrassing?

Proudest moment - finding her first toy, among the cast-offs of my son's toys in the basement. It was a stretchy green frog. When she grabbed it in her mouth, shook it, and threw it to the floor, it bounced (much like a real frog might, without any interference on Luna's part!). She pounced on it, and repeated the process. She derived much joy from the frog until its demise.

Most embarrassing - none yet!

Care to share a Luna story?

The photo of Luna under the Christmas tree is funny, we think. She likes to curl up in something or near something, and as soon as we put the tree skirt under the tree, she went for it. She scratched at it, trying to get it just right, then she flopped down. It's been her favorite place since then. We bought a dog bed for her as a Christmas present, so now she likes to be in that, under the tree. She may be very confused when we take the tree down!

Visit Anne Love's blog, "Inspired by Love."

--Marshal Zeringue

Laura L. & Buzz

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Laura L, a wife, mother, and Montessori preschool teacher. My dog's name is Buzz. He is a male dog. We estimate that he is about 3 years old. He is a mixed breed and so far no one has been able to determine exactly what mix!!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Buzz and I are just hanging out in the living room here. He is a really mellow guy who loves his family.

What's brewing?

At the risk of shocking everyone who may be reading this, I'm not much of a coffee drinker. Sitting next to me on the desk right now is a mug of green tea ... my absolute favorite tea in the world ... Ginger Peach from The Republic of Tea. I've stirred a little honey into it and it doesn't get better than that for hot beverages as far as I'm concerned.

Any goodies to go with the brewed beverage?

Usually I have my tea without any additional goodies. If I were to order tea in a shop I would probably get a biscotti to go with it.

Any treat for your dog on this occasion?

Buzz's treats are pretty much restricted to the Milk-bone variety. He loves rawhide chews too.

How did Buzz come to be united with you?

Our first dog, Magic, died in April of 2009. He adopted us a few years prior to that by showing up in our yard. After some investigation we realized that we could adopt him so we did. In January of 2009 he developed a bad cough and it turned out that he had lung cancer. Making the decision to have him put to sleep was the hardest thing my husband and I have done. It was a horrible decision to have to make. A few weeks after Magic died, my two sons and I stopped at a new PetSmart on a Sunday afternoon just to browse. Unbeknownst to me, a local animal shelter was having a pet adoption day there that afternoon. We walked in and I casually asked if they had any dogs. I instantly fell in love with Buzz. He was so sweet. We drove home and told my husband about Buzz. My husband is a HUGE dog lover so he quickly agreed to accompany us back to the store. Buzz was still there and he became ours that same day.

How did he get his name?

When we adopted Buzz he had been at the animal shelter only a short time. In fact, up until the day they brought him to PetSmart he hadn't been given a name. The shelter volunteers decided to name him so as not to have to refer to him as "Dog #5" to potential adoptive families. According to the volunteers, they called him Buzz because he has a tuft of longer fur along the top of his head that can be spiked into a faux-hawk. Once we brought him home we felt like the name Buzz fit him so well that we just kept it.

Where is Buzz's favorite place for a walk?

We live on an acreage in the country and Buzz loves to be walked on the gravel roads around our home. My husband always walks Buzz, even now when it is barely zero degrees here in the midwest. We have a huge yard for him to roam in as well. And he loves to go to the local park and on some local nature trails when the weather is nicer.

Stick, Frisbee, tennis ball...?

Buzz does not play with toys at all, although he sometimes "stalks" his rawhide chews before he eats them which is really cute. About 3 weeks after we adopted Buzz he had a very bad seizure, then continued with seizures about every 3 hours throughout the next 24 hours. Of course we immediately consulted a vet and took him in. Since then he has been on medication to control this problem. He has now gone about 6 weeks with no seizures which is the longest stretch since we adopted him so we are hoping the combination of medicines he is taking are finally working. Because of the meds, however, he is not a very playful dog. To be honest, they make him a little daffy. However, the alternative is not an option ... anyone who has watched their beloved pet have a seizure knows what I'm talking about. So, we love him just as he is ... sweet ol' Buzz.

Cat, rodent, postman...?

We have three cats which were already members of the family before Buzz came onto the scene. He gets along with them pretty well and really doesn't pay a whole lot of attention to them. Also, Buzz very very rarely barks. He was like that when we got him and we fear that he may have been "reprimanded" for it in his former home or homes. At any rate, we rarely hear his voice.

What's an ordinary day like for Buzz?

My husband is the primary caretaker of our dog. He takes Buzz out around 7:00 a.m. every morning for a walk, then gives him breakfast and his morning medicine. Buzz gets a rawhide chew to gnaw on before we all leave for work and school every day. From what we can tell, he sleeps for most of the morning after that. He goes out again around noon then has his lunch and spends the afternoon dozing again. He gets another walk around suppertime and one more before bedtime.

Who is your dog's best pet-pal?

My husband is Buzz's best pal. He loves Buzz very, very much and takes great care of him. The feeling is mutual.

What's your dog's best quality?

Buzz is very sweet-natured. He is easy-going. It's impossible not to love Buzz.

What's Buzz's proudest moment? His most embarrassing?

That is hard to say. Hopefully becoming a member of our family is a happy moment in his life. Most embarrassing? I guess you'd have to ask Buzz!

You teach children. Is there anything kids can learn from dogs (or caring for dogs)?

Before teaching in the school I am at now I taught special education in a public school. The guidance counselor at that school had a therapy dog, Cisco, that came to school with him each day. Cisco accompanied the guidance counselor into classrooms and made rounds of the hallways before school. The children LOVE Cisco. I know that he had been a great comfort to many children and has helped many open up about rough situations they are going through. So ... I think dogs are good for children. In our family, our pets have helped us teach our sons about compassion and responsibility. I am so thankful that we have been blessed to find the perfect pets for our family. I know our sons will always have fond memories of the time they have spent with the canine and feline members of our family.

Visit Laura's blogs, Our Random Acts of Reading and My Montessori Journey.

--Marshal Zeringue

Cindi Myers & Snoopy and Katie

Who is in the photos?

Author Cindi Myers and her two spoiled pooches, Snoopy (beagle mix, 13) [photo, below left] and Katie (Chow/Lab/Newfie/?? mix) 3 1/2 [photo, right].

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We stopped at The Knotty Pine on our way to snowshoe in the National Forest in the mountains of Colorado.

What's brewing?

Green chai for me -- I'm not much of a coffee drinker.

Any goodies to go with the chai?

A cranberry/orange scone. Yum!

Any treat for your dogs on this occasion?

The dogs are having Mother Hubbard biscuits. Snoopy likes the Carrot Cake flavor. Katie is a beef girl.

How did you come to be united with your dogs?

Excuse me, but I think we should be allowed to tell our own stories. Snoopy here. I ended up with Mom and Dad all because of romance. (And I didn't even know she was a romance author at the time.) Here's how it went down: when Mom and Dad lived in Texas, I lived across the street with five WILD children. To escape from them, I'd go across the street to hang out with their dogs, Gretchen and Shelby. Shelby was a gorgeous blonde -- a Belgian Malinois. Very regal. It was love at first sight, I tell you. She didn't usually get along with other dogs at all, but she flipped for me. One day during an ice storm I followed her right into the house. Mom found me eating out of Shelby's dish and after that I just sort of moved in. Mom must have worked it out with the neighbors, because when Mom and Dad moved to Colorado, I made sure I was the first one in the front seat of that moving van.

Katie: Snoopy says it's my turn now. I'm a little shy. I have a tragic past I don't really like to talk about. Let's just say my puppy years were not all good times. I ended up at an animal shelter, where I stayed for a month. I was really depressed, beginning to think I'd never find my forever home. Then one day, Mom and Dad and Snoopy came in. They seemed like really nice people. Snoopy said if I threw my lot in with them I wouldn't be sorry. He'd been living with two older lady dogs who passed away and he was lonely. So, even though I have issues about trusting people, I decided to trust Mom and Dad. And boy am I glad I did. I've been with them over two years now and life is good! I'm even learning to deal with some of my trust issues, thanks to them. And Snoopy has taught me a lot of things, like how to catch squirrels and how to do a beagle howl!

How did your dogs get their names?

Snoopy was named by his former owners, I suppose because of a certain famous beagle. Katie had another name when we adopted her, but it really didn't fit her. We thought a pretty girl deserved a pretty name, and Katie seemed to fit.

Do your dogs have any influence on your writing?

Katie and Snoopy are my constant writing companions. In my office, Snoopy has his own chair and Katie has a dog bed by my desk.

Where is your dogs' favorite outdoor space?

They love going hiking or snow shoeing in the woods, where they don't have to be on a leash.

Stick, Frisbee, tennis ball...? Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Katie likes chew toys, but Snoopy thinks he's above all that. But Snoopy is a Mighty Hunter. So far his tally is six squirrels, a ground squirrel and a rabbit. Katie is following his lead and has managed to dispatch a squirrel and a ground squirrel. Fortunately, they leave the deer and elk alone.

What's an ordinary day like for Snoopy and Katie?

Up at 5:30 with Dad, breakfast and a nap. Mom gets up at 6:30 and writes until 8, then has her breakfast and reads her email. They bug me for the next hour to take them walking, so finally we go for our walk, which takes about an hour. Back at home, more napping for them until noon, when they get a treat. More naps, with forays into the back yard to patrol. Dad gets home about 4:30, an occasion for much rejoicing. Dinner, playtime with Dad, another patrol of the backyard and a treat before bed. It's a good life!

Who are their best pet-pals?

Wesley, the black dog next door, is Katie's age and they were adopted about the same time. He occasionally hops the fence between the yards and comes to play. Kai and Rusty are our pet sitter's dogs and Katie likes to play with them. Snoopy prefers to observe the children from the top step.

What's each dog's best quality?

Snoopy is super smart and very obedient. Katie is so sweet and loving and gentle.

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

Snoopy: I am the mighty hunter. We don't have to worry about any squirrel infestations at my house. And the UPS man hasn't broken in yet, though he keeps trying. I scare him away every time. If Mom would only let me out the front door I could keep those guys from stealing our trash every week, too.

As for embarrassing moments -- I did not steal that whole chicken carcass from the garbage in the kitchen. It crawled out of the can, down the stairs and out the doggy door all by itself. And that incident with the potting soil -- I had no idea if I ate the stuff it would swell up inside me and I'd have to go to the hospital.

Katie -- I'm really proud of the way I'm getting over my fear of people. Mom can take me places now -- like this coffee shop -- and I'm not terrified the way I used to be. I still am not sure about strangers petting me, but I'm getting better.

Mom and Dad make fun of me for being scared of the dragon in the basement (central heat blower) but that thing breathes fire! Who wouldn't be scared?

If Snoopy and Katie could change one thing about you, what would it be?

Snoopy: Mom sits in front of that computer too much! She should go for more hikes with us. And she shouldn't be so stingy with treats. She says she doesn't want us to get fat but Duh -- if we went hiking more that wouldn't be a problem.

Katie: I wish Mom and Dad would stay home ALL the time with me. I would be happy if they never went anywhere without me.

What's one secret about Cindi only her dogs would know?

Snoopy: She reads dialogue and stuff to us and asks our opinion.

Katie: Snoopy and I think she should write a book with a dog as the hero or heroine, but so far that hasn't happened.

Cindi Myers worked as a newspaper reporter, travel agent and medical clinic manager before turning to writing full time. She's written both historical and contemporary romance, as well as dozens of short stories and nonfiction articles.

Her latest books are Her Christmas Wish, Harlequin American Romance (December 2009), and A Father For Her Son, Harlequin Superromance (January 2010).

Visit Cindi Myers' website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Matthew Dicks & Kaleigh

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Matthew Dicks, and I am an author, a fifth grade school teacher, the owner of a mobile DJ company, a husband, and the father of a beautiful one-year-old girl named Clara. My first novel, Something Missing, was released in July, and my second book, Unexpectedly, Milo, is due out on August 3, 2010.

With me is Kaleigh, my seven-year-old Lhasa Apso and my best friend.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

My wife and I have spent the last two days traveling to Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York to visit friends and family. Kaleigh spent time with friends, and so when I picked her up this morning, I decided to lavish her with love and attention.

What's brewing?

I don’t actually drink coffee. In fact, I’ve never had a cup. But I’m enjoying a slice of coffee cake and a glass of caffeine-free Diet Coke. My usual drink.

Any goodies to go with the cola?

The coffee cake is the goodie.

Any treat for your dog on this occasion?

Kaleigh enjoyed a taste of the coffee cake and a dog biscuit after I put her down. She can have a treat whenever she likes. I fully support the spoiling of one’s dog.

How did your dog come to be united with you?

I met Kaleigh’s sister seven years ago and instantly fell in love with her. I then discovered that the Lhasa Apso breed has hair rather than fur and therefore does not shed. I was hooked. Two weeks later, Kaleigh arrived in Connecticut after a regrettable flight from Iowa.

How did she get her name?

My ex-wife named Kaleigh, and though she grew to not like Kaleigh very much (no patience for training a puppy), the name still fits.

Does she have any influence on your writing?

Writing is a solitary and sometimes lonely process. While my wife is sleeping upstairs or running an errand, I am writing. I love to write, but there are many times when I’d love to have someone sitting by my side, reading my words as they appear on the computer screen or just keeping me company. Kaleigh fills that need for me. When the witching hour approaches and the only sound is the pattering of fingers on a keyboard, Kaleigh keeps a silent vigil by my side, letting me know that I am not alone.

What's an ordinary day like for your dog?

Kaleigh and I climb out of bed around 5 AM for our morning walk. This often involves me convincing her that a walk would be a good idea. This can include nudging, tugging, pleading and the declaration of imaginary squirrels.

I leave for work an hour or so later, and Kaleigh finds her way back upstairs, where she naps until my wife and daughter climb out of bed. She spends her day puttering around the house, napping, eating, and chasing our cat.

Kaleigh and I walk again when I get home from work, usually a more enthusiastic jaunt, and then she takes up a position beside the dinner table, waiting for the leftovers that will eventually come. During the evening, my wife and I are usually working on our laptops, engaged in other projects, and occasionally watching television. Kaleigh hangs out with me, scratching on the trash can and washing machine for treats from time to time. Both are metallic and indestructible, so this is where I have taught her to scratch.

I’m a firm supporter of spoiling your pets. Unlike my daughter, Kaleigh is never expected to leave the house someday and make it on her own. She has no career goals or lifelong aspirations. So what harm is there in spoiling a creature who only gives me love and affection? None, I say. So she gets more treats than she probably should.

As the day comes to an end, I carry Kaleigh up the stairs and place her on the bed. As we fall asleep, she will take up a position between my legs or at my side, her chin resting on my leg or elbow. I’d have it no other way.

Where is Kaleigh's favorite place to go for outing?

Mill Pond Park in Newington, CT, a location that figures significantly in my first two books. Kaleigh doesn’t walk as much as she once did, but when she was younger, we spent hours in the park each week, circling the pond, running in the fields, and taking a dip in the water. Kaleigh would walk into the water until just her head was showing above the surface, and then she would wait as ducks and geese eventually return to the spot, surrounding her. She would just sit there in the water, amidst the water fowl, and smile as only a dog can.

Who is Kaleigh's best pet-pal?

Bailey is a mutt who looks very much like Kaleigh, and the two of them get along famously. Bailey is owned by Jane and Tom, the parents of former students who I have become my good friends. In fact, their names are used in Something Missing and Jane is my daughter’s goddaughter. Whenever either family goes away on vacation, we are thrilled to take one another’s dog, and I always recommend establishing a relationship like this before adopting your first dog. It makes life so much easier. And Kaleigh and Bailey couldn’t be a better match. Kaleigh doesn’t get along with most other dogs. She tolerates them but doesn’t enjoy their company. Bailey is the one exception.

What's your dog's best quality?

Kaleigh wants nothing more than to sit on my lap, lie down between my legs, and plant her chin upon my legs. There’s nothing better than having a friend who simply wants to be with you at all times. But my wife would say that Kaleigh also makes an excellent guard dog, barking at strangers until the moment we make it clear that they are friends. At that point, Kaleigh instantly loves them as well.

What's Kaleigh's proudest moment?

About four years ago we discovered that Kaleigh suffers from a degenerative spinal condition that required surgery. It was expensive and life-threatening, and if she survived, we were told that Kaleigh would only have a 50/50 chance of ever walking again. As Kaleigh went under the knife, my wife and I began investigating doggy wheelchairs and envisioning a lifetime of catheterizing our dog. Kaleigh survived the surgery, remained in the hospital for about a week, and was finally ready to come home. She had yet to walk when we left the hospital, but about fifteen minutes after arriving home, she struggled to her feet and ambled across the dining floor, bringing my wife and me to tears.

Visit Matthew Dicks' website and Facebook page.

Writers Read: Matthew Dicks.

--Marshal Zeringue

Tim Brazier & Miss Jean Brodie

Who is in the photo at right? And what's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

That's Miss Jean Brodie, who has been snuck into One Liberty Plaza on a Saturday and is awaiting a Hazelnut coffee. She’s an eight-year-old Scottish Terrier rescue. My name is Tim Brazier and I’m the Publicity Director at Kaplan Publishing. I have snuck Brodie into HarperCollins and Basic Books during my time with those two companies. Along with coffee, we’ll be working on our 2010 budget and chasing a very bouncy ball. The floors are carpeted for great traction and there are not as many breakable things here as there are at home.

You can tell Brodie has executive potential. Doesn’t she look at home [photo left] in the boss’s corner office? That is the Woolworth Building in the background.

How did you come to be united with Brodie? What's her background?

I don’t know the details of Brodie’s first family but she was dropped off at Pets on Lex right after 9/11. Our west conference room overlooks the World Trade Center site [photo, below right]. Looks like they are really building something down there. The woman who found Brodie at the pet store languishing away in a cage for four months was calling her Sweet Pea. I wanted something with a little more edge and a Scottish connection. Lady Macbeth seemed a little too dark and something we might regret. A theatrical director suggested Brodie, as in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. It fit although now I call her all sorts of shorter versions: booby, Miss B., Little One.

Do you and Brodie have a favorite place to go for outings?

Brodie enjoys all outings whether by foot, bike, boat, car, train or plane. We used to go to Central Park early so she could legally be off-leash. Now we live close to Gracie Mansion on the Upper Eastside of Manhattan so we enjoy views of the river and a special dog run for smaller dogs. Our first week on the Upper Eastside we got a ticket for being off leash because that park does not allow dogs off-leash at any time. Maybe we’ll write Mayor Bloomberg after we figure out our budget.

There's a rumor going around that Brodie has defied public ordinances and actually visited a restaurant or two. Without confirming or denying the rumor, how would a dog Brodie's size hypothetically get away with such an active social life?

How did you hear about Brodie’s restauranting? Look, in Germany people bring their dogs into restaurants and they seem to be fine. Brodie is so calm and quiet we just put her in a gym bag and put her under the table, then open the zipper once we are all settled and mask her with our legs.

Who is Brodie's best pet-pal?

Since moving to the eastside two years ago I don’t think Brodie has made a best friend. She really likes everyone. We used to have play-dates with a neurotic weiner-dog that lived one floor below us. In our new building we have not found such a good situation.

What's Brodie's best quality?

She really has so many good qualities: affectionate, playful, quiet, and cuddly.

What's her proudest moment? Her most embarrassing?

We had a lovely moment this summer visiting my 95 year-old Grandmother who is in a wheelchair and is dog-crazy. Brodie sat in her lap and kept her company. We are not so proud when she growls at small children. I’ve never understood her discomfort with children. It makes me laugh that the woman who gave her to me was really trying to promote her and said Brodie was good with children. Fortunately we are not around small children that often.

How did you wind up take-your-dog-to-work-Saturday?

Back at my desk we do a self-portrait [photo, above right].

Feeling very productive it is time for a break and to chase that bouncy ball around. Maybe it is the coffee buzz but Brodie needs to work off some tension and take it out on the little ball. She’s well trained and will give up the ball. Unfortunately somewhere along the way “drop it” was replaced with the less attractive command of “spit.” She drops it but we get some interesting looks at the dog run when we tell her to spit. Speaking of dog runs, it must be time to leave the office and get some fresh air.

--Marshal Zeringue

Angela & Lois Lane

Who is in the photo at right?

Lois Lane aka "Laney" is a female Sharp Eagle (Shar Pei/Beagle Mix). She's probably almost 4 years old now. I'm Angela aka "SciFiChick." I'm a proposal analyst for a wellness company by day, but run SciFiChick.com on the side.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

On Saturdays, I love sleeping in with Laney, and having a slow cup of coffee and sharing breakfast with my Super Pup.

What's brewing?

Millstone Gingerbread flavored coffee.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

On weekends, I tend to take time to make better breakfasts. This morning, I'm having French Toast.

Any treat for Laney on this occasion?

Any time eggs are involved, you can bet that Laney will score some!

How did Laney come to be united with you?

I was looking at my local Humane Society to see if they had any dogs that caught my eye. I wasn't too serious about getting one. But when I came across this incredibly cute stray that had already been trained, that happened to be my two-favorite-breeds-in-one, I couldn't pass her up!

How did she get her name?

I had already decided that a cute name for a female dog would be Lois Lane, since I'm more than a bit of a geek at heart. But when a volunteer at the Humane Society heard what I was going to name her, she said, "Laney would be a cute nickname." And when I got her home and saw more of her personality come out, "Laney" just kind of stuck.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Laney loves to chase small animals: cats, bunnies, birds, etc. But she barks ferociously at the mailman and any delivery men that come to the door. She takes her guarding job seriously!

Stick, ball, Frisbee...?

Laney really isn't into toys too much. But when she's in the mood, she likes stuffed, squeaky toys the best. And she usually brings her toys to me to play tug.

What's an ordinary day like for Laney?

Wake up with some tummy rubs and a kiss for mom, a sniff around the yard, watch mom get ready for work, sleep, a walk or trip to the dog park when mom gets home from work, sleep, maybe play tug for a while after a sniff around the yard, a patrol around the house when mom gets in bed, then jump into mom's bed for the night!

Where is Laney's favorite place to go for walk?

A local nature preserve and state parks... pretty much anywhere with new smells to smell!

Who is Laney's best pet-pal?

Laney has lots of great pals at the dog park; but Sandy, a sweet Bassett Hound and Gizmo, a Golden Retriever mix are her oldest and dearest friends. Lately, Laney loves to play with a new best friend though, another Shar Pei/Beagle Mix that never lets her rest! They play for hours with only short breaks in between.

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

That I would work from home, and never have to leave her.

What's Laney's best quality?

Besides her cute, wrinkly face? She is great with people of all ages. My little niece takes Laney's leash and drags her all around the house, and Laney is a trooper. I've also taken her to a nursing home several time and she is great with the elderly as well. At the dog park, she'd much rather sit up on the bench and get attention from the human owners, rather than get down and play with the other dogs!

What's her proudest moment so far? Her most embarrassing?

Proudest: Last year, we participated in Mutt Strut, an annual fundraiser for the Indy Humane Society, where we had to walk around the Indy 500 racetrack in 80 degree heat and humidity! I was exhausted and sweating from head to toe. But Laney never tired, and practically had to pull me across the finish line!

Most embarrassing: Because of Laney's Shar Pei side, she has super sensitive skin and the most accident prone dog I have ever known. She has gotten into a few fights, but sometimes its simply an accident. Once, she was trying to play with a Old English Sheepdog who doesn't realize how large he is. Laney was jumping at him, while he was playing with another dog, and he pushed her away with one of his huge paws. I heard a yelp at the same time, and she came cowering over to me. I thought she had just been scared. Instead, I saw blood pouring from her ear. It seems that one of his nails must have caught the tip of her ear, and made a clean slice. It was actually just a little nick that stopped bleeding soon after. But she gives him wide berth any time he's at the park now.

Does Laney have any favorite tricks that she likes to do?

Laney will almost always automatically sit and raise her paw in a "shake" for any food that smells appetizing to her. But our favorite "trick" is dancing. When Laney gets super excited, she'll jump in the air and walk around on her back legs, front paws way up in the air, swishing her rear end back and forth. I'll hold her front paws and we'll dance around the living room!

Learn much more about Laney at her blog, Adventures of a SuperPup, and visit Angela's website, SciFiChick.com.

--Marshal Zeringue