Gareth Crocker & Jill, Hannah, Rusty and Jack

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Gareth Crocker, author of the novel, Finding Jack.

That's my dog Jack with me in the photo at right; my dog Jill and I are in the photo below left.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I have coffee most days with my dogs. So, I guess, the occasion was ... another sunrise!

What's brewing?

Ricoffy (instant). It's so cheap, it's basically for free. I'm not much of a coffee snob and absolutely despise filter coffee. Preparation is fresh out the tin, two sugars and milk.

Any treat for you and your dogs on this occasion?

Afraid not. We're all watching our weight at the moment.

How were you and your dogs united?

By our love for chasing frisbees and barking at the mailman. Kindred spirits, we are.

Please tell us about your new novel, Finding Jack.

After losing his young family in a tragic accident, Fletcher Carson joins the flagging war effort in Vietnam. Deeply depressed, he plans to die in the war. But during one of his early missions, Fletcher rescues a critically wounded yellow Lab whom he nurses back to health and names Jack. As Fletcher and Jack patrol and survive the jungles of Vietnam, Fletcher slowly regains the will to live.

At the end of the war, the U.S. Government announces that due to the cost of withdrawal, all U.S. dogs serving in the war have been declared “surplus military equipment” and will not be transported home. For the hundreds of dog handlers throughout Vietnam, whose dogs had saved countless lives, the news is greeted with shock and disbelief. For Fletcher, he knows that if he abandons Jack, then he too will be lost. Ordered to leave Jack behind, he refuses—and so begins their journey.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Jack and Jill were based on the children's nursery rhyme (though I can't recall why). Rusty came from the shade of her coat and Hannah was named by our two young daughters who are obsessed by a certain teenage singer...

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Lions, actually (we live in South Africa).

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

Pool cleaner (the dogs love to swim).

Where is your dogs' favorite place for an outing?

The mountain behind our home. We've spent many great hours hiking through the bush ... and fending off elephants.

How is your Jack least like Jack in the novel?

My Jack is dead lazy. His idea of exertion is swallowing.

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

My opposable thumbs. If they could just rid me of them, then perhaps I would spend less time in front of the laptop and more time diving with them for the evil pool cleaner!

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

Proud: Jack, seeing himself on the cover of my novel. Jill, seeing herself in the words of my novel. Rusty, keeping our yard free of wild animals. Hannah, managing to not get stood on (she is a tiny Yorkie)

Embarrassing: Jack, seeing how fat he is on the cover of my novel. Jill, eating the pool cleaner ... again. Rusty, her fear of lightning (which in South Africa is a major issue). Hannah, being mistaken for a slipper.

Visit Gareth Crocker's website and blog.

The Page 69 Test: Finding Jack.

--Marshal Zeringue

Caren Gittleman & Dakota

Who is in the photo at right?

Dakota and I, but it is an older photo.

I am Caren Gittleman. In a previous life I worked in advertising for 21 years at Ohio's largest newspaper. I am now a freelance writer who has (perish the thought) a CAT BLOG! called Cat Chat.

Dakota is a 4-year-old male Shetland Sheepdog.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I am a caffeine freak. I drink coffee all day every day so it's pretty guaranteed you will find me with a cup!

What's brewing?

Today "Joe's Tall Dark and Handsome" (yes, that is true!). My fave is "Pleasant Morning Buzz" from Whole Foods. We use grounds and it is made in a Cuisinart coffee maker.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Quaker oats right now.

Any treat for your dog on this occasion?

Nope, he just had breakfast!

How were you and your sheltie united?

My husband wanted to fulfill my childhood wish of having a Sheltie. He searched rescues for months but there were none by our home. We were led to Dakota by my "bonus daughter" who told us about another Sheltie who was being sold but instead of that one we chose Dakota.

How did your dog get his name?

I have always loved the name "Dakota." I searched the meaning online. One of the meanings was "Trusted Friend" in American Indian. Can't do better than that!

Any aliases?

"Dakota Boda" "Boda" "Sheltie Boy" "Dakote" "Dakota Apollo" (my husband wanted the name Apollo, I didn't) "Bob Barker."

How do your dog and your cat get along?

Very well ... except when he is on a barking roll!!! Dakota is a major lover!

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

Tennis ball alllll the way!

Where is Dakota's favorite place for an outing?

Ready for this? Dakota is the only dog in the world who hates walks. He thinks he is a cat (since we also have a cat named Cody). When he goes to the park he prefers to sit on or under a park bench letting the wind blow through his fur and watching the world go by.

Who are your dog's best pet-pals?

His brother, our cat, Cody and his Daddy.

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

That I would chase him alllll day long! He loves to be chased.

What is Dakota's proudest moment?

When he is being brushed. He could be brushed for hours if anyone is willing. He is a vain little guy.

And Dakota's most embarrassing moment?

Right now he has started a new habit of barking at a portrait of he and his brother Cody on the wall (which previously never bothered him) He barks and growls at it....we think he is nuts!

Visit the blog, Cat Chat with Caren & Cody.

--Marshal Zeringue

Nyx & Taricha

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Nyx, I'm a 25-year-old college student (the arts being my general direction).

My doggie is Taricha, an 11-month-old American bulldog who's tipping the scales at 90lbs already.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I'm a huge coffee nerd and though Taricha isn't a fan, she still likes everything I do. We enjoy coffee every single morning, lunch, afternoon and shortly before bed. We've been in the middle of a blizzard lately so haven't had a chance to venture out to our local shops. When its nicer outside, we go several times a week to our local watering hole to hang out and enjoy on the patios. Coffee needs no occasion!

What's brewing?

Black drip coffee. Dark roast (Sumatran) from a local roaster.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

None today, caffeine is all one really needs.

Any treat for Taricha on this occasion?

Taricha gets bits of cheese for waiting patiently.

How were you and your dog united?

Last year a friend adopted this little beefy puppy from a pet store (eee!). A few weeks later he quickly realized he didn't have the time for her (he was gone 10+ hours a day...!). It started with puppysitting, though when I first met her I knew I wanted her for my own. It was love. I'd watch her and entertain her while he was away at school for a while. It was only a matter of time before he gave her to me and we lived happily ever after!

How did Taricha get her name? Any aliases?

Taricha is a genus of toxic newts. (We like herps around here) She often gets called Tbags, Fatty and Puppy Face.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Squirrels, all the way. (Min-Pins and Chihuahuas too... because they look... like squirrels..)

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

Anything and everything that is able to be tugged on. So all of the above and then some!

Where is Taricha's favorite place for an outing?

Roller Rink. Sounds strange but its not! We walk to a nearby park that has two enclosed rinks. There are rarely people there, so we use the opportunity to throw on the skates and roll around, literally. She'll chase me, I'll chase her. Sometimes I'll bring toys or a clicker/treats. She knows when we get to this park that it's going to be a GOOD time and we will all afternoon hanging out.

Who are Taricha's best pet-pals?

Rufio, a tuxedo kitten who lives with us is Taricha's best friend. They are inseparable indoors, sleep together, play together, eat together (and often eat each other).

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

I think she would want to get out more than we do and see more. Most days, sadly, we're sitting around the house being very boring (in her eyes). Of course we go for walks every day, but I think she wants more adventure.

What is Taricha's proudest moment? Most embarrassing?

Most embarrassing: running into sliding glass doors, running into walls, running into bookshelves, running into people. She has smacked into all kinds of things head-on while mid zoomies.

Proudest: Every single time she de-stuffs a stuffed animal. There must be some distinct triumphant pleasure out of shredding a helpless creature into oblivion and she'll stand over her stuffing disaster with the proudest happiest expression ever.

Check out Nyx and Taricha on YouTube and at the Bully Gurls blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Adrienne Saia & Juno

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Adrienne Saia - I live and breathe Philadelphia freedom, even though I've been living in Colorado for three years. I'm a writer and a volunteer at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley.

Juno (the one with the big ears) is a female pit bull mix who will be five this month! She was found wandering the streets in Pueblo, Colo., and was brought to HSBV by a lovely woman named Renee.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

This is our morning routine, in addition to checking email, showering and rolling around on our backs and stretching (okay, the last thing is just Juno's routine). I think our favorite coffee dates are on I-70 W, on the way to ski at A-Basin.

What's brewing?

Always on my grind... ground coffee, that is! I drink caffeinated hazelnut coffee (decaf on days off only), french vanilla non-dairy creamer, two Splendas.

Any goodies to go with the coffee

Breakfast is usually a bagel, yogurt with granola & banana or day-old pizza.

Any treat for Juno on this occasion?

Juno's entire life is a treat!! Kidding... she had a rawhide knot last night, so I'm going to let her stomach work on that and her Science Diet first.

How were you and your dog united?

I adopted Juno from the Humane Society of Boulder Valley two weeks after I moved to Colorado. She had been there for nearly two weeks as well. She was my 25th birthday present to myself; $99 = instant friend for life. I got really lucky that she picked me.

Juno is an interesting name for dog--where did it come from? Any aliases?

Juno was one of several names I considered, along with Lucy (from I Love Lucy!) and Cleo. I liked the way it sounded and the movie was popular at the time. Since my 2.5-year-old dog had given birth to a litter of puppies not long before I got her, it seemed appropriate. She also responds to "Boo Boo," "Boo Dog," and "Dammit!"

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Oh - definitely squirrel. And rabbit. She's a true terrier.

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

My weird dog isn't the biggest fan of toys. I wasted money on Kongs and cans of tennis balls right after her adoption. She does love to nibble on her life-like stuffed squirrel and this big puffy stuffed ball that looks like an Easter chick (thanks "grandmom"!).

Where is Juno's favorite place for an outing?

She loves being at A-Basin and romping in the snow in between downhill runs. In fact, she is always down to go anywhere in the car! We even roadtripped to California and back. Going for runs near the prairie dog preserve behind our apartment is pretty fun for her too.

Who are Juno's best pet-pals?

Sadly, she has very few pet pals. She can't understand why cats don't want to be chased and why dogs are freaked by her rambunctious play style. She has gotten along with my cousin's greyhound B.B. and a chihuahua mix named Kiara. Juno is definitely a people-loving canine!

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

The amount of time it takes me to get from bed to front door in the mornings.

What is Juno's proudest moment? Most embarrassing?

Proudest: graduating with flying colors from obedience school! Most embarrassing: escaping from "Aunt" Amy and "Uncle" Eric for two hours and returning home after rolling in poop or dressing as a squirrel for Halloween!

Learn more about Juno at Ex-Pat's and Geno's blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Tara & Kaiser

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Tara, and I work in local government. I'm in school for a degree in Visual Communication and toying with the idea of a minor in Journalism or Creative Writing. This handsome fellow is Kaiser. He'll be one year and two months old on February 8th and he's a fawn colored Great Dane. As of earlier this week he weighed 125lbs and if you stand him up on his hind legs he's somewhere around 6'7" tall (we know this because he stands above my boyfriend who is 6'5").

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We live a short walk away from a local coffee shop called Cup 'O Joe. On Saturday or Sunday we'll take Kaiser and walk over for some coffee. One of us sits out front with him while everyone stops to pet him and ask us questions about him. He adores the attention and meeting other dogs that might be stopping for coffee.

What's brewing?

A Buckeye latte (mocha latte with peanut butter) for me, usually flavored coffee for the boyfriend.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Every so often we'll get some cupcakes or biscotti to go with the coffee, or we'll stop at the sandwich shop up the street.

Any treat for Kaiser on this occasion?

The treat is going for a walk and all the smells, sights and sounds, not to even mention all the extra loving and attention he gets from people and pups who pass us. Maybe there's a piece of jerky for him at home.

How were you and Kaiser united?

Our union was seven years in the making. Seriously. I had my heart set on a Dane when I was 18 and I had to wait until I got a place that would let me have a dog that large. I looked for breeders for months before finding a lady selling them about three hours north of us. When the litter was about three weeks old my boyfriend and I drove up to meet them. There were eight puppies, four fawn, and of those fawn only two were males. We sat down on the ground to play with them and see if either stood out. The smaller fawn male puppy crawled over to my boyfriend, got up into his lap, and promptly went to sleep while his brothers and sisters played. We figured he had chosen us, and that's how we chose him.

How did Kaiser get his name? Any aliases?

We wrote down a long list of names and then went through them one by one eliminating them as we went. The process took so long that by the time we settled on Kaiser we were both sick of discussing it. He doesn't really have aliases but sometimes we call him Midget or Baby Kaiser.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Kaiser is a lover of man and beast alike. He doesn't bat an eye at squirrels in the yard. We have pictures of him watching butterflies and sniffing flowers; he reminds me of Ferdinand the Bull. He really is a gentle giant.

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

Sticks and ropes! He can play rope forever, which is unfortunate because I don't have the strength to fight with him for very long as he weighs almost as much as I do now (and is still growing). Fortunately, he loves rawhide bones. He can demolish one of the three foot long rawhides in hours.

Where is Kaiser's favorite place for an outing?

He used to go to Doggy Daycare once a week and I'm pretty sure it was the highlight of his week. Unfortunately he was bitten on the leg one week and then three weeks later a dog bit off a piece of his ear. We decided it probably wasn't safe for him there because smaller dogs are afraid of him and therefore are more apt to bite or get angry if they feel threatened. Now he just loves to take car rides, go to the park, or visit my parent's house. Anywhere he gets to meet new people.

Who are your dog's best pet-pals?

Kaiser actually doesn't have many friends. Dogs that are normally friendly are intimidated by him. One of our friends has a bull terrier named Dozer that wasn't afraid of him and the two would play for hours. Unfortunately Dozer moved to Florida earlier this month. We'll have to find a new best friend for Kaiser.

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

He would probably give us endless energy so we could spend the whole day walking and exploring, playing with a rope or stick, or visiting dog parks. He would probably also have us feed him jerky instead of regular dog food.

What is Kaiser's proudest moment? Most embarrassing?

Kaiser's proudest moment was mastering the automatic sit (he sits automatically whenever we are out for a walk and stop). We worked hard on that one so he got lots of praise when he finally got it. Maybe the most embarrassed he has been occurred last week when I brought him home from the vet after cherry eye surgery with a big plastic cone of shame. We took out a chair and a sign just trying to get from the room to the lobby.

Learn more about Kaiser at The Hot Mess Chronicles.

--Marshal Zeringue

Kristen Nelson & Pancake

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Kristen and I recently graduated with my Masters in Elementary Education. I am still looking for a job. Pancake is a shih tzu and I have no idea how old she is. I rescued her from a puppy mill and she was in such bad shape with no teeth they have no idea how old she is.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

It was such a nice day outside that I wanted to get out with her! Plus, the Sonic was totally destroyed with the May floods in Nashville and has recently reopened.

What's brewing?

Actually not coffee but instead Sonic Vanilla diet coke

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

A Jr. Cheeseburger.

Any treat for Pancake on this occasion?

Of course! Her own Jr. Hamburger!

How were you and your dog united?

I found Pancake on petfinder.com. I knew I wanted a shih tzu and I was just drawn in by her first pictures. She was from a puppy mill where she was used as a breeding dog and not taken care of at all! It took her two weeks to figure out that you could play with the toys I had for her and over a year for her to trust the leash. I didn’t hear her bark for two weeks and even now the only time she barks is when she hears me and she can’t see me.

Pancake is an usual name for dog--where did it come from? Any aliases?

I get asked this all the time and I have no idea! I just decided (before I got her) that it would be her name. I always wanted a dog named Pancake and it fits her perfectly!

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Not really. But she is a snob to the other dogs (Cairn Terrier and Doberman mutt). They try to play with her and she only wants to play with the cat- who of course won’t play with her only the Chloe (Doberman mutt).

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

Actually she is very fond of cat toys. She loves them! She will steal them from the cat’s basket.

Where is Pancake's favorite place for an outing?

Sonic! She loves their ice cream.

Who are Pancake's best pet-pals?

Her favorite animal is Izzy the cat and she also is very fond of Izzy the dog. She only likes to play with animals that are smaller than her. She can be a bit of a snob.

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

That I would be home more. She is very attached. I cannot be in a different area of the house without her there as if she hears me she barks and whines.

What is Pancake's proudest moment? Most embarrassing?

Most embarrassing is when I catch her near the cat litter box. We recently got a top entry one. No more of that!

Proudest would be when she finally trusted walking on the leash!

Visit the Ladybug Blessings blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Sue & Song

Who is in the photo at right?

This is me (Sue) and my Greyhound Song. She will be 8 on 16th February, which will also be the second anniversary of the day I got her.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Happy to stop for a coffee anytime and extol the virtues of owning a Greyhound.

What's brewing?

I love a decaf skinny latte.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Would have loved a toasted teacake, but don't do that any more - no honest I don't...

Any treat for Song on this occasion?

Song gets plenty of treats (whilst limiting them enough so she keeps her physique).

I've just got a dog biscuit recipe book, so she's hoping I'll be baking batch after batch.

How were you and your dog united?

I got Song from a Retired Greyhound Trust rescue kennel.

How did Song get her name?

Her racing name was Song Song Blue. I assume her name came about because of her colour and also because she was owned by The Blues Brother Syndicate.

If they could see her now....

Any aliases?

Not really, although my dad thought her name was 'Thong'.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Cat.

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

Squeaky toy. Song also loves a tennis ball. She likes to chase it and then chomp it in two.

Where is Song's favorite place for an outing?

The farm track - loads of smells up there.

Who are Song's best pet-pals?

She likes all her friends, but she'd have to say she has a special place in her heart for Richard (a gorgeous black and white Greyhound).

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

Probably that I was a Greyhound.

What is Song's proudest moment?

Yet another tennis ball chomped in half.

And her most embarrassing moment?

The time she thought she'd spotted a large cat and it turned out to be a carrier bag - some sight hound.

Visit Sue's Graceful Greyhounds blog.

--Marshal Zeringue