Michele Young-Stone & Emma

Please introduce yourself and your dog.

My name is Michele Young-Stone. I’m a novelist. My debut novel The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors came out last month. My sweet dog’s name is Emma Peel after Emma on the British TV show The Avengers. Mrs. Peel has dark lashes reminiscent of the character played by Diana Riggs. Like the character, Emma the dog was also once, many years ago, svelte. (A girl loses her figure after too many lattes with her mom.)

Emma is a mixed breed, about 25 lbs.

How did Emma come to join your family?

My husband and I found her in the streets. She was about to get hit by a car and ran over to us. At the time, we were unmarried, but after adopting Emma, who’d been abused—poor thing—we bought a house (so Emma could have a yard) and got married so no one would call her a “bastard.” She’s already got “bitch” to contend with.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

No special occasion for coffee with a canine. Just another beautiful spring day, and Emma Peel likes sitting outside our local coffee shop, Stir Crazy, smelling the coffees and pastries.

What's brewing? Any goodies for you and Emma on this coffee-date?

Today, she’s eating carrots, and drooling at the sandwiches and cookies. I’m having an iced coffee with skim milk--my favorite spring/summer drink (minus wine, but it’s too early in the day for that…).

Who is Emma's best pet-pal?

Emma’s best friend is Rut(d)y—who’s a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Emma’s not one for yippee dogs. Her best friend in the whole world was a dog named Winston, aka Stoney Bologna, a Bouvier Briard mix, but he passed away. To this day, she pulls toward his house. She was very depressed after he died.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Emma likes to go to the park and chase squirrels.

What is Emma's most endearing quality?

Emma’s most endearing quality is that she intuitively knows not to jump up on children or the elderly. She is gentle and affectionate, playful and smart. We love her so much.

Does Emma have any influence on your writing? On your life?

She definitely had an impact on my novel. Whenever I write about animals, I think about her and how much I love her, how much the whole family loves her. Wow! Without Emma I might not even be married, let alone have a child and a house. Here’s to Emma. Dog biscuits for everyone!!!!

Among the early praise for The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors:

"Vibrant, funny, complicated, magical, heartbreaking, electric. Michele Young-Stone’s debut novel The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors is all of this and more. I loved it! I’ve been waiting to read a book like this for years."
—Sheri Reynolds, bestselling author of A Gracious Plenty and The Sweet In-Between

"If you have anything else to do in your life, don’t open the cover of Michele Young-Stone’s The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors. You won’t be thinking about anything except Becca Burke’s amazing life for a very long time..."
—Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times bestselling author of The Deep End of the Ocean

Read an excerpt from The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors, and learn more about the book and author at Michele Young-Stone's website and blog.

The Page 69 Test: The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors.

--Marshal Zeringue

Jonathan Segura & Abby

Who is in the photo at right?

This is Abby, a gorgeous six-year-old English Bulldog. The other thing is her papa, Jonathan Segura, a minor writer with a grim future.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We woke up early to watch the Manchester derby. Hell of a match, and Abby was quite tense throughout. But we got the result we wanted in spectacular fashion.

What's brewing?

We are an Illy house. This morning, double espresso, followed quickly by an Americano (milk, no sugar), then a couple Stellas.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Absolutely not. Eating before noon is for amateurs.

Any treat for Abby on this occasion?

There is always a treat for Abby. Today, it’s her normal breakfast of California Natural low-cal, followed by a bit of clavamox hidden in a smidge of peanut butter. She’s a good sport about meds, Abby.

How did you and Abby come together?

Craigslist, actually. It’s a boring story, but, essentially, craigslist.

Does Abby have any influence on your writing?

Abby exerts considerable influence over most parts of my life. Not that one, though. That’s my own private gallery of horrors.

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

I wanted, in my idiotic youth, to name her The Admiral. So: Admiral. Addy. Abby. It’s a logical procession. She’s also the Mayor of DUMBO.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Abby doesn’t dig clattering hallway noises, but, otherwise, she’s pretty laid back. Unlike our neighbors’ annoying, yappy little fuckstard of a “dog.” But that’s another matter.

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

Definitely squeaky toy. Abby is every squeaky toy’s nightmare. It’s a bloodlusty thing with her. Amazing, really, to watch her eviscerate one.

Who is Abby's best pet-pal?

She’s got a few pals in the building and has a strong affinity for bulldogs. Of these, Murphy is probably her favorite. He’s a good, stout dude & I approve.

What's Abby's best quality?

Her steadfast motherfuckerishness. She really is a mofo. Stubborn as hell and full of ideas about where we need to go on her walks (these invariably involve the dog run, the pet food store, or both). She’s elevated her manipulations to art status, and that is tough not to admire.

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

Hmm... difficult on both accounts. Once, when her favorite Scottish friend stopped by, she got so excited she power-vomited for about 20 minutes. It was amazing and might qualify as both prideful & embarrassing.

Jonathan Segura is deputy reviews editor of Publishers Weekly and the author of Occupational Hazards. He lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Among the praise for Occupational Hazards:

[A] savagely funny first novel… The beauty of the novel is Segura’s ability to walk a line between the comedy and the horror.
—Patrick Anderson, Washington Post

Occupational Hazards boasts a punchy yet world-weary voice, a tight plot, and a seedily realistic depiction of rampant corruption in present-day Omaha—kind of like a shotgun wedding of Elmore Leonard and Chuck Palahniuk.
—Radar

[A] wildy foul-mouthed…fun little book that pops just often enough to make you think Jonathan Segura will do less deputy editing for Publishers Weekly and more novel writing.
—Max Abelson, New York Observer

Learn more about Segura, Abby, and Occupational Hazards at Jonathan Segura's website and blog.

The Page 69 Test: Occupational Hazards.

--Marshal Zeringue

Eliana & Gracie

Who is that in the photo at right?

That's Gracie the goldendoodle. I'm Eliana, student, swimmer, and beginner flutist.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We're actually having hot chocolate, because it's Gracie's favorite. I like hot chocolate too, especially from our local coffee shop. Yum.

Did you have any treat with your hot chocolate? Did Gracie get a special treat?

Yes, I had a sugar cookie with all this sugar on top in the shape of a Christmas tree and Gracie had a doggy treat with a special design on it with pieces of hot dog in the middle (she wishes!).

I've heard you gave Gracie her name. What was your inspiration?

Well, I named her Gracie Rose because I read it in a very cute book. When my parents told us that we might get a puppy and that we should be thinking of names, I remembered that book.

What's so special about Gracie's collar?

It's so cute! It has purple and pink polka dots, and matches her fur coat and personality. She doesn't have polka dotted fur, though.

Where is Gracie's favorite place to sleep?

She normally sleeps on the couch and keeps it all warm. She has two couches - one is blue, the other red and blue. She's very good at keeping it warm.

What's Gracie's favorite ice cream flavor?

I would say vanilla. My dad says Oreo. But I also think it could be peanut butter.

What's Gracie's favorite color?

I would say black, white, or red, because dogs can't see colors. But I once asked her if red was her favorite color and she nodded her head.

Which of Barbie's dogs is Gracie most like?

Barbie (as in Barbie doll) has two dogs - Squeaky and Tinka. Gracie's most like Tinka because Tinka is very ladylike. Gracie always crosses her paws like a lady when she lies down.

What is Gracie's favorite toy?

Her favorite toy is either her monkey or her raccoon, both without the stuffing. She also had a sheep that she really loved to pieces ... really... to pieces.

What dog from film or fiction most reminds you of Gracie?

Air Bud is a movie that reminds me of Gracie. If you toss a balloon into the air, Gracie will poke it with her nose into the air, just like the dog in Air Bud, who did it with a basketball. We don't have a basketball for Gracie to play with - it might hurt her nose - but we do have soccer balls.

Who is Gracie's best pet-pal?

Gracie has two buddies: Tank and Bingo. Tank is a little smaller than Gracie, and Bingo is about 10 times smaller but the same age. Surprisingly Gracie doesn't ever hurt Bingo despite their size difference.

What are Gracie's jobs?

Cleaning the dishes and warming the couch. She loves to clean the silverware by licking it.

What is Gracie's most embarrassing moment?

Gracie got a really, really short hair cut this past summer to keep her cool, and she thought everyone was staring at her. That was really embarrassing!

--Marshal Zeringue

Anna Mitchael & Isabella

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Anna Mitchael and I am a writer. My first book called Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am just came out last month, so for the time being I am also a book-promoter. Isabella is three years old and I met her for the first time at a Rhodesian Ridgeback rescue — she’s mostly got Ridgeback in her, but there’s something else running through her veins, that’s why she doesn’t have the traditional ridge you usually spot in her breed. She doesn’t have a formal occupation, but she keeps me sane and that keeps her pretty busy… it’s practically a full-time occupation.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We go for a walk every morning, even if it’s only to get the paper. Of course, I live on a ranch so walking to get the paper is a 20-minute affair.

What's brewing?

I don’t drink coffee, but there’s always a pot brewing in the house so I get the benefit of waking up to the smell. I start out with orange juice, Isabella sticks to water – she’s not very high maintenance until she starts chasing her armadillos (that’s usually an afternoon affair).

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

If someone else is cooking them.

Any treat for Isabella on this occasion?

Breakfast is warm-up for her day on the ranch, this is when she starts to get excited for what’s coming next.

How were you and Isabella united?

My house was broken into and at the time, I was living alone in a big city. I decided that it was time I go for some companionship and so I started looking for a pet to come share my home. As soon as I found Isabella I knew we were stuck with each other.

Does Isabella have any influence on your writing?

Other than distracting from it? I’m kidding. I write about Isabella for the occasional article and quite often on my blog… mostly I’d say that her influence is to make me a more content person – so obviously that’s going to come through in whatever I’m writing at the time.

Squirrel, cat, postman, armadillo...?

Armadillos. By the truckload. She can’t get enough of them. When people who live around us hear the stories of her chasing down armadillos they always ask if they can borrow her for a day or two… even though I know she’d probably enjoy a fresh batch of ‘dillos to chase, I’m selfish and don’t like to give her up—even for a weekend.

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

Isabella doesn’t do dog toys. Those would seriously interfere with her assumption that she’s a human.

Who is Isabella's best pet-pal?

My boyfriend has a dog named Dolly, and she and Isabella are best friends. Now that we all live under the same roof they are … hmmmm. How should I say this. Best friends with benefits? Is that a term that people use or is it just what people in college used to call friends who occasionally made out in the back of keg parties?

What's Isabella's most endearing quality?

She is always Isabella, you never see her change her demeanor or her behavior for anyone. I like strong personalities, so for me, that is very endearing. I could probably take a few lessons from her tenacity to hang on to who she is in any situation…. Heck, maybe it’s safe to say that most humans could.

Anna Mitchael is the author of Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am, a memoir that details her twentysomething experience living and working in cities across the country. A reformed nomad, Mitchael has now returned home to Texas. She will tolerate y’all but reserves the right to raise hell when anyone calls her ma’am.

Among the early praise for the memoir:

“Worlds away from her small-town roots, Anna Mitchael spent most of her twenties pretending she wasn’t from the South. In this engaging memoir, a reluctant belle finds peace in her past and reminds all of us that it’s not only okay to bloom where you’re planted, but sometimes it’s the very best decision you can make.”
—Celia Rivenbark, author of Belle Weather: Mostly Sunny With A Chance of Scattered Hissy Fits

Read the daily chronicles of Mitchael's life at her website and blog.

Writers Read: Anna Mitchael.

--Marshal Zeringue

Nan Marino & Chi

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Nan Marino. I write middle grade books. My debut novel Neil Armstrong is My Uncle and Other Lies Muscle Man McGinty Told Me was released in May 2009 by Roaring Brook Press.

Next to me is Tai Chi Marino. Chi is a mixed breed, which is my favorite type of dog. She’s probably around 9-years-old. That’s the Barnegat Bay in the background.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

There doesn’t have to be an occasion. Having coffee with Chi is part of my morning routine and one of my favorite parts of the day.

What's brewing?

I drink a half decaf/half caffeine blend. This way, I can drink copious amounts and pretend I’m not a caffeine addict. I add a little milk and way too much sugar.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

No. Coffee with sugar and milk is the perfect food.

Any treat for Chi on this occasion?

Coffee time for me is breakfast time for Chi. As soon as I pour my coffee, she goes straight to her bowl. Every time I refill, she gets a little more breakfast. I drink coffee while she noshes.

How did you and Chi come together?

One day, I told my husband I was going out to see if I could find a new table for our dining room. Instead I ended up in the local animal shelter. I’d never been there before and had no idea why I decided to stop by. The moment I saw the scrappy-looking dog in the first cage, I knew why I was there. She was meant to be part of our family.

Before we went into the meeting room, I was warned that dogs are often way too excited to get out of their cages to pay attention to the visiting humans. Chi scrambled round, sniffing everything in sight. I called her, but all those smells in that room were way too tempting. Finally I said, “If you come over and sit down, I will take you home.” As if on cue, she did.

I realized immediately that I’d made a promise to Chi without talking it over with my husband and broke every rule about the proper way to bring a dog into your family. While I don’t recommend a spontaneous trip to the dog shelter, it was one of my best decisions.

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

As you can imagine, phone conversations where you tell your spouse that you found a dog and he says, “I thought you were shopping for a dining room table?” are a little awkward. My husband has a second-degree black belt. I thought that naming her Tai Chi after a martial art would help convince him that it was a good idea to bring a dog into our home. Fortunately, he didn’t need much convincing. Chi and my husband are best buddies.

How has Chi influenced your writing?

Chi is my writing companion. She likes to sleep curled around the bottom of my chair. It’s very difficult to get up without stepping on her or tripping so I really have to think twice about getting out of the chair. It keeps me writing. Also, no one rips up a rejection letter faster than Chi.

Squirrel, cat, snowman...?

Moving lawn ornaments. They drive her crazy. She doesn’t know what to make of them.

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

She loves squeaky toys that have the fluff inside them. It’s not the squeak, it’s all about the fluff. When she first came to live with us, she chewed up our down comforter while we slept. We woke up to feathers everywhere. Nowadays, she confines her chewing to her own toys. But she still loves to pull out that fluffy stuff.

Who is Chi's best pet-pal?

Chi has a dog boyfriend who lives in the house behind us. It’s very sweet to watch their courtship. They run up and down the fence together. Puppy love.

What's Chi's best quality?

She is intensely loyal and will never let you be by yourself if you are feeling ill or sad. But my favorite thing about Chi is that she’s a good talker. She makes so many sounds and has so many different types of barks that it’s almost like she has her own language. Her expressions are wonderful. She even sighs when she doesn’t get her own way. She’s a terrific listener too.

What's Chi's proudest moment so far?

One day I was in the kitchen when Chi circled round me. At first I thought she wanted a treat. She cried and begged. Then she began to nudge me toward the stairs. I stopped midway, but Chi refused to let me turn around. When I finally got up the stairs, my husband was lying very still with his eyes closed on the floor of our bedroom. It turned out that he was practicing a yoga pose called Savasana (also known as Corpse pose). He told me that Chi nudged him, but he was trying to focus so he ignored her. Chi thought he was in trouble so she went to get help. If something really was wrong, she would have saved him. And yes, now I know how silly those people in the Lassie shows feel when they don’t pay attention to Lassie.

Her most embarrassing?

The moment I got a book deal, Chi became a valued member of my marketing team. She is featured in my school presentations, and there are pictures of her all over my website and blog. Sometimes the photo shot calls for her to wear a special hat or strike a certain pose. I suspect her most embarrassing moment was when she had to wear a hat with Happy New Year stars for my blog post on resolutions this past January. The first time she saw hat with the star ears, she sighed.

Among the praise for Neil Armstrong is My Uncle and Other Lies Muscle Man McGinty Told Me:

“Nan Marino may be a debut author, but she's obviously a born storyteller. You will immediately feel at home with her characters, you'll ache right along with them, and you won't be able to leave their stories behind.”
–Patricia Reilly Giff

Read an excerpt from Neil Armstrong is My Uncle.

Learn more about the book, the author, and Tai Chi Marino at Nan Marino's website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Diego & Gracie

Who is that in the photo at right?

That's Gracie, world's greatest goldendoodle, and Diego, student, guitarist, and soccer player.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We are taking a breaking from playing out in the snow. (Editor's note: Obviously the photo at right was taken a couple of months after this interview.)

Did you have any treat with your hot chocolate? Did Gracie get a special treat?

My parents used to send Gracie away during meals but for some reason, come coffee time she gets to hang around. She knows I'll give her part of my cookie. Gracie does not have to speak for us to know what she says. She says she is happy. She's not big on the Frat and Sorority parties on the nearby campus where my dad works. You don't have to drink in order to enjoy life. This is what she says.

If Gracie could have coffee, what kind would she have?

If Gracie could have coffee would have a Grande skinny latte with an extra shot but with cinnamon and topped with extra whipped cream. A skinny latte for her figure, because she is concerned for it.

(My mom would say she would like a vanilla bean frappuccino.)

How did Gracie come to join your household?

Mom wanted a dog and so did my sister and I, but my dad is allergic to dander. He said that we could get a dog if it was a dander-free dog. So the rest of my family and I started our research and eventually came up with a breed called a goldendoodle: half retriever, half poodle. We went to this breeder and thought that this was the one, the second smallest out of the two that were left in the litter. We brought her back a few weeks later and named her Gracie. She has been the best dog and the perfect fit for our family.

I've heard that your sister is the one that came up with the name Gracie. Did you have any other ideas for a name?

Rose, Clover, and Zoe were the three other candidates for the name picking.

You are known for your skill with a soccer ball. If you took ten penalty kicks, and Gracie was the goalie, how many would she block?

Well, she would probably try to get the heck out of the way once she realized what was going on. She catches on fast! But not many in my case ... hahaha!

If your dad took ten penalty kicks, how many would Gracie block?

Same answer. Gracie would flee, but in the attempt she would probably block about 4 out of 10.

Would Gracie rather chase the mailman, a rabbit, or the little girl next door?

Some dogs would definitely chase the little girl next door but our Gracie wouldn't hurt a fly. She would most definitely chase a rabbit ... but only to play. (My mom says she would chase the mailman, but only to get the treats he brings her on a regular basis.)

What do you love most about Gracie?

That is sooo tough because Gracie is great in so many aspects. I think I would choose her disposition because when you meet her, she won’t leave you alone until you start petting her!

I hear Gracie has some health issues. What is her malady?

Gracie has elbow dysplasia. It makes me extremely sad to watch her limp. She has a fantastic attitude about life despite her condition.

If Gracie could change anything about you, what would it be?

I think Gracie would demand decent food instead of that uneatable "cardboard" that you buy at Wal-Mart.

Second, Gracie would ask for more plush couches with double stuffing so that she could tear it out while we are at school and work.

And third, for her to decide when she takes a bath. In my perspective, those are the three wishes Gracie has.

--Marshal Zeringue

Kat Kageleiry & Zak and Lilly

Who is in the photo at right?

That is me, Kat Kageleiry, and Zak and Lilly. Zak is the Golden Retriever. Lilly is the brown and white mutt. She has some Lab and Pitt in her. They are married but Lilly is definitely the tough one in the relationship! Zak is 6, Lilly is 3.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I stopped at Auntie Judy’s house for coffee with the dogs on the way to City Bark at City Park in New Orleans.

What's brewing?

I’m having coffee, lots of sugar and a ton of cream. That's how I roll with cinnamon buns.

Any treat for your dogs on this occasion?

Dogs are enjoying a chewie bone.

How were you and your dogs united?

Zak and Lilly are my late boyfriend Todd's dogs. He passed away 9 months ago. We were together 3 years, so the dogs are like my dogs. Auntie Judy is Todd's aunt. The dogs stay with her. She has a house and a nice yard. I live in a shoe box. But I help take care of them and love them any chance I get.

Zak was rescued after Katrina. Todd found him under a house he was working on and took him home and brought him back to happy and healthy. We got Lilly at the pound a few years later.

How did your dogs get their names?

Zak just looked like a Zak. Lilly is named after Todd's grandma.

Frisbee, squeaky-toy, tennis ball...?

Definitely tennis ball!

You live in New Orleans where a new dog park just opened at City Park. Have you visited it yet?

I love the new dog park--City Bark. It is beautiful and big and a great play place for dogs!

You rock...for a living, on the radio. Which musician has the coolest dog you've met?

Besides Zak and Lilly, the coolest dog I have ever met belongs to my friend Shannon, who is a world renowned rock photographer. Chris Robinson from the Black Crowes has a cool dog, too!

Who are Zak and Lilly's best pet-pals?

My dogs' best pet pals are Auntie Judy's cats, June and Jonny. And Sargent the dog is Lilly's favorite dog boyfriend besides Zak. We met Sarge at the Bonnabel Dog Park. I haven’t seen him at City Bark yet.

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

They would have me feed them more people food! I won’t do it!

What's each dog's best quality?

Best quality about Zak is that he is cuddly and kind and just a big lovable dog. You HAVE to smile and be happy when you are around Zak. Lilly is more hyper and is a good watch-dog. She snores loud but Zak is used to it.

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

One of Zak and Lilly's silliest moments came the first day at City Bark. Of the whole big park, they found the one small mud puddle and rolled around in it. Soon other dogs followed and it was a mud-a-copia all thanx to Zak and Lilly. I’m sure City Bark has since dried the puddle up.

Also, Lilly likes to "tease." She gets in position for boy dogs to "come up behind her" ... then when they do, she gets mad. Just like a woman.

One of their proudest moments came when we first taught them how to swim. It took a while for them to jump in the pool on their own. They finally did it and now love to swim.

Dogs are for sure better than humans. And I love mine!

Katina "Kat" Kageleiry is Program Director and afternoon on-air personality at WKBU, Bayou 95.7, New Orleans.

Listen to Kat online noon-6 P.M. weekdays.

Visit Kat's blog and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue