Steph & Dakota

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Steph, a 23 year old grad student. I'm working on my Master's in Library Science, and am currently working as a library clerk until I finish my degree next year! I love books, writing, games, and dogs, especially mine! Dakota is a four year old Bichon Frise/Pekingese boy.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Finishing school for the semester! Dakota and I are excited, now we have more time to spend together so we are celebrating!

What's brewing?

Hot chocolate for me! Not a coffee drinker.

Any treats for you or Dakota on this occasion?

Dakota's getting his favorite tiny Milkbones, and I'm enjoying a cupcake - yellow with chocolate frosting. Mmmm!

How did Dakota get his name? Any aliases?

He was already named when I got him, and I liked the name, though some people think he's girl. He has a hundred nicknames from me - Kota, Koko, Bean... too many to count!

How were you and Dakota united?

I adopted Dakota from the local animal shelter in September 2010. I saw his picture on the website and it was love at first sight. His underbite just got me! It's perfect.

On the internet you're Steph the Bookworm -- do you have any favorite fictional dogs?

I do! Joe, the German Shepherd in Allie Larkin's novel, Stay, is the best!

Does Dakota have any non-canine pet-pals?

Oh yes! I don't say this only because he's my dog, but everyone that has ever met Dakota is in love with him! We recently moved in with my parents, and my dad swears that when I move out in the next year or two, Dakota is staying behind with him and my mom. Kota loves his grandma and grandpa, but he's mine, sorry!

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Barks at all of the above! Chases my cats like there's no tomorrow. They are terrified of him.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

He has one of those stuffing-less "stuffed" animals. His is a chicken, and he adores it. It's the only thing he'll play with. He has a Wubba and he won't touch it!

What is Dakota's best quality?

Physically, his silly teeth. I love his underbite. But he's also funny and sweet. Loves his belly rubbed, and swipes his little paw at you when you stop.

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

Dakota would love it if I could be home more. School and work keep me really busy, and he hates it.

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

I always imagine he has a childlike voice, but I can't think of any young actors!

I'm thinking about those flea commercials from a couple of years ago when the dogs wrote home to their moms to thank them for the flea medications. Anyone know what I'm talking about? Haha.

Visit Steph the Bookworm's lit blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Renée E. D'Aoust & Tootsie

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Renée E. D’Aoust, the human, and this is Tootsie, our little sausage friend. We live in Switzerland and Idaho.

Tootsie is a miniature, black-and-tan, smooth-haired, rescue dachshund. She is about five years old. Tootsie blogs at Bicontinental Dachshund with help from me and my husband.

I’m a writer and teacher. My first book is a memoir, Body of a Dancer (Etruscan Press, 2011).

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

This morning, I’m drinking my morning coffee in bed while Tootsie burrows under the blankets.

What's brewing?

Southern Switzerland is steeped in Italian language and culture, so I’m drinking a homemade latte macchiato made with my favorite coffee: Illy Espresso. I use a stainless steel stovetop “Bialetti – Casa Italia” espresso maker. I heat “Heidi” brand milk in a separate pot.

Any treats for you or Tootsie on this occasion?

In your honor, a chocolate croissant for me and a peeled carrot for Tootsie.

How did Tootsie get her name? Any aliases?

Tootsie was blessed with her name by her special caregivers before us. For her middle name, we added Aelggi, the toponym denoting the geographic center of Switzerland. And, yes, lots of nicknames in English and in Italian.

English-language nicknames: Toots; Our Little Sausage Friend; Baby Jesus; Our Savvy Sausage; The Wagger; Mighty Hiker; Moominpup; Munchkin; Caboose; BiCo; Mighty Hunter; Furkid; Wootser; and The Sweetest Thing (preceded by “ohohoh”).

Italian-language nicknames: Balniscio (a mountain pass between Switzerland and Italy); Carina (“pretty”); Bassottina (“little dachshund girl”); and Pira Balpira (a first and last name my husband decreed for her).

How were you and Tootsie united?

Our special vet Dr. Michelle Ward, who runs her Pet Mobile clinic in the Inland Pacific Northwest, brought us together. She knew the ladies who had rescued, named, and cared for Tootsie. I had told Dr. Ward about my dream to have a minifurkid who would fly onboard airplanes in the cabin with me back and forth between Idaho and Switzerland.

Tootsie is now a naturalized Swiss citizen and carries a legal Swiss doggy passport. Unlike Eduardo Saverin, Tootsie retains her U.S. citizenship, although the U.S. does not issue an official pet passport.

I used to be a big dog person, but now I’m a little dog convert. A dachshundista.

Does Tootsie play any role in your writing?

Less than two years ago, I had a serious illness and during the same period lost my mom to cancer. My mother was—it’s still very hard to use the past tense—my best friend, my first editor, my collaborator, and my companion in labor in our Idaho stewardship forest. She was a fellow writer and dog lover. After we lost my mom, I stopped writing. Just froze. There didn’t seem any point without Mom as my first reader.

About eight months after my mom passed away, we adopted Tootsie. About three months later, my husband set up Tootsie’s blog. He had valiantly been trying to help me start writing again. He put Tootsie on my lap, and said, “Write Tootsie’s dog diaries in honor of your mom.” For years, my mom wrote “Dog Diaries” to keep me abreast of all the happenings of our family dogs: Sirius, Terra, Max, Bryce, Keisha, Daisy, and Truffle.

Bicontinental Dachshund is our dog diary for my mom. Thanks to Tootsie, I’m writing again. Dance reviews, book reviews, forestry articles, and a new book project.

Does Tootsie prefer life in Idaho or in Switzerland?

Both; she’s truly bicontinental. [photo right: Renée & Tootsie at Lake Como]

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

In northern Idaho: pocket gophers and mice.

In southern Switzerland: little lizards and ducks.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

In Idaho: Yugi gave her a “Kong” Frisbee that is just her size.

In Switzerland: squeaky toys.

What is Tootsie's best quality?

She keeps on wagging.

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

It might be the same as what my mom used to try and change: “Don’t worry so much; it’s a real downer!”

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

Anna Hardwick.

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

“Do you have any pictures of yourself as a puppy?”

Visit the Bicontinental Dachshund blog, and learn more about Body of a Dancer and its author at Renée E. D’Aoust's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Janet & Brandy

Who is in the photo at right?

Janet: I am the older sister [on the left in the photo], by four years, of Connie, co-creator of Modern Scottie Dog™ blog. I am a blogger and photographer, as my creative endeavors. Also love knitting. I grew up in Minneapolis, MN, and worked as a Manager in the non-profit field for over twenty-five years. I am currently working in the public sector in Behavioral Health in Ventura County, California.

Brandy: 8 year old Brindle male Scottie [photo below left].

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I love coffee and I am one of those commuter coffee people. I also make time for a coffee break, a Starbucks Latte when I get a chance on my lunch breaks. I savor my weekends when I make my own lattes and hang out with Brandy drinking coffee on my bed with my sweet dog, surrounded by pillows. He usually sleeps and I get a chance to catch up my reading and blogging.

What's brewing?

I’m a Latte coffee lover with lots of steamed milk and either flavored blend strong coffees or a French Roast. Not picky, and buy Trader Joe blends. Make my own frothed milk with a touch of vanilla or cinnamon sugar to top it off. It’s all about Coffee!

Any treats for you or Brandy on this occasion?

Brandy doesn’t really like to eat until about 5 PM, when he eats half of his food. He then likes to have a night nosh at around 11 PM. I know, this is a bit odd, but it works for him! I’m a night owl and he seems to have adapted to our ways. During the day I give him either his favorite peanut butter treats or his small bite treats from Trader Joes. Otherwise he isn’t very interested in eating early in the morning.

How did Brandy get his name? Any aliases?

When we got Brandy, this was his name, and we didn’t want to change it. We don’t know the history of this. I usually call him a variety of nicknames, including, Best Dog Ever, Sweet Dog, My Boy, and Brandy Dog!

How were you and Brandy united?

I always loved my sister’s dog, Duffy, but never planned on getting a dog. Just by chance, my husband was searching Craigslist for something else and saw a random listing for a black Scottie needing a good home. It stated a quiet home where he could be the “king.” We decided to respond, and we didn’t hear back for a few days. I was giving up hope and couldn’t stop thinking about this dog. I just had a feeling, and I wasn’t even looking to get a dog at that time. Then we got the call to come and visit the next day, on a Saturday morning. We went to the home, and the people had all of his belongings packed up for us, waiting to go. We looked at each other and said, of course! His previous owner was an elderly man who raised him since a puppy, but passed away over a year ago. Brandy was living with the man’s children, in a home with several very large Labradors and was not coping well. The family was concerned that he seemed withdrawn and depressed. When we arrived, he ran away and cowered from us. We immediately settled him into our home, and our lives have been changed forever. We are totally in love with him, and he has become the King of the House! We think that we needed him as it turns out, and now we are giving him the best home ever for the sweetest Scottie Dog!

Please tell us about Modern Scottie Dog, and particularly about the Brandy's role in the California offices of MSD.

Brandy and Duffy [photo right] are our Canine Executive Officers and Advisors. They definitely serve as our daily inspiration, laughter, hopefulness and social connections! We started the Modern Scottie Dog as a way to connect with like-minded Scottie folks, with the hope of sharing the things we love, about Scotties and Dogs, but also including fashion, décor, art, culture, antiques and vintage, photography, and travel, for a few. I work in the capacity of Internet and social media work as does Connie, and it was perfectly suited to our skills and passions. And it is so much fun! We also wanted to share the creative experience of starting something together, even though we live in two separate states.

Does Brandy have a favorite place to go for an outing?

His daily walks in the neighborhood. An extremely slow walker and loves to smell everything, mark all the trees and bushes and prance around like he is the king of the neighborhood! He seems to live for his daily walks, at least 4x a day, and is friendly to all the people and dog walkers, including the toy dogs. Not so much big dogs! He loves to chase the birds and squirrels and can’t seem to figure out that he can’t climb!

Oddly enough, he never barks at anything. Only gets excited and breaths hard when he sees a bicyclist or a squirrel.

Who is Brandy's best local pet-pal?

He enjoys the small toy dogs, including his neighbor friend Dino. We discovered one Scottie in the neighborhood, a very large beautiful black Scottie named “McDuff” who Brandy really doesn’t have much to do with!

What is Brandy's best quality?

Sweetest dog ever! He truly found US, and rescued US, and changed our home because of him. He is healing for us, and we love him like crazy. He is very quiet, sensitive, needs his own space, extremely sensitive to others, and just the sweetest most adorable dog ever. He brings out the best in my husband and I, and we are so grateful for finding him. He is just a very quiet and peaceful dog, loves being petted, and loves hanging out with us.

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

To be as patient and as gentle as he is. To know intuitively what he needs and to demand that for himself. He seems to really know how to take care of himself. And to learn to savor the simple things in life, and the simple repetitive routines of daily life.

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

Either Craig Ferguson, the late night talk show host, because he is Scottish. Or Billy Crystal, because he would be able to capture the personality of a Scottie, and with a New York accent too!

Read the Q & A with Connie Singer & Duffy.

Visit the Modern Scottie Dog blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Linda & Cinnamon

I am Linda -- I work in a nursing home in Washington state.

My dog's name is Cinnamon. She is a female -- not breed specific ... part Shar Pei and Pit bull.

Cinnamon was a rescue, but not in the typical sense. A friend of Jeff's left for Afghanistan. Cinnamon became his dog in 2008. She is 5 years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I have to stop here and laugh just a little. There are 15 Starbucks locations in our local area. After all this is Washington -- the home to Starbucks, not counting all the independent coffee shacks (huts). We love our coffee. We don't really care where the coffee comes from as long as we can get it hot and fast, whether on the way to the dog sitter or on the way to the park.

Yes, Cinnamon goes to a dog sitter while I work; she loves it there and her cousins are there too.

What's brewing?

French Vanilla straight up. At home or on the way to work.

Any treats for you or Cinnamon on this occasion?

Ice Cream. She knows when we are in the drive through she is going to get a Ice Cream cone.

Cinnamon's favorite treat is Duck Tenders from Pet Smart.

How did Cinnamon get her name? Any aliases?

Cinnamon's name is the same as her fur coloring -- cinnamon.

Nicknames: Cinnamon Spice or The Pooper; we even call her Cinny sometimes.

How were you and Cinnamon united?

I was born in Southern California and remarried after my husband passed away from lung cancer in 2004 at 49 years old.

I made my first trip to Seattle to see my sister on Camano Island. Three years later I moved here. I met Cinnamon's dad Jeff while working. Jeff told me had a Pit Bull and I did not want to meet her. I had a pre-determined mind set.

That didn't last long and we are best buddies now. Oh, and her kissing me on the first meeting didn't hurt either.

So it goes to show you not all dogs are what you might think.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Cinnamon isn't interested in squirrels or cats or the post man. She did chase a raccoon once.

Squeaky-toy, ball, boomerang...?

Squeaky toys even though she rips them apart.

What is Cinnamon's best quality?

I can honestly say she loves everyone! She will walk up to anyone to get a pat on the head.

Jeff has taken her to work with him, and she runs around the office stopping to visit each and every employee.

He has also taken her to Safeco field when his company is doing a exhibit there. She runs around and has a great time there.

What is Cinnamon's proudest moment?

She automatically knows when the frig door is open. Once she had diarrhea in Jeff's work truck, too.

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

First I would say Johnny Depp; but we better make her a female voice so I would say Meryl Streep.

Visit Cinnamon's blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Akila and Patrick & Chewy and Abby

Who is in the photo at right?

Akila - writer, lawyer, lover of all things food; Patrick - software developer, photographer, hungry adventurer; Chewy - 11-year-old male cocker spaniel, extraordinary kisser; Abby - 8-year-old female beagle/border collie, princess of the universe

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Coffee --- or Coke --- in the mornings on long road trips with the dogs in the back of the SUV, as we roam across the United States and Europe

What's brewing?

Preferably Turkish coffee, but, if not, then espresso

Any treats for you or the dogs on this occasion?

In most of Europe, coffee demands biscuits or cookies, so, always! Chewy and Abby always get a little bit from the table.

How were you and your dogs united?

We found Chewy at a pet store that still sold dogs (and the poor baby had all sorts of medical issues because he may have been a puppy mill dog) and Abby was a rescue.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Chewy was chewing at the bars of his cage and I named him the moment I saw him.

Patrick named Abby after we spent hours searching for an appropriate girl name for her. Too many aliases to count.

You've been around the world with your dogs. Where is the the least dog-friendly place you've been?

Least dog-friendly: Turkey (but it's not as bad as we thought it would be.)

How about the most dog-friendly?

Friendliest country: England, followed closely by Italy. [photo right: Chewy and Abby in the Peak District, England]

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Abby is obsessed with the cats in Turkey.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Their cousins!

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Chewy's current favorite squeaky toy is a teddy bear purchased in Budapest but he changes out his favorites every week.

Abby's toy of choice is one very used giant pink flamingo that we got for her in Las Vegas about six years ago.

[photo left: Abby in Budapest]

What is each dog's best quality?

Chewy has an unconquerable heart and Abby has an unconquerable spirit.

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

More treats (and especially chicken and turkey)!

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

Chewy - Owen Wilson; Abby - Gwyneth Paltrow

Learn more the dogs and their travels at The Road Forks and The Road Unleashed.

--Marshal Zeringue

Connie Singer & Duffy

Who is in the photo at right?

Connie Singer: Photographer retail and lifestyle, Photo art director and stylist, social media manager for STYLEDLIFE, accessory boutique here in Minneapolis.

Duffy, (McDuff Angus): 6 year old black male Scottish Terrier, parents were black Scotties as well.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I save my morning coffee time with Duffy after my son and husband leave in the morning, before I sit down at the computer. There are no neighborhood coffee shops that allow dogs indoor.

What's brewing?

I’m a steamed/frothed latte person so it’s mostly milk with any store brand breakfast blend.

[photo left: Connie and sister Janet at the Door County Scottie Rally, 19 May 2012, Baileys Harbor, WI]

Any treats for you or Duffy on this occasion?

Duffy eats as soon as he gets up in the morning. He’s kind of like the hobbits that eat 1st and 2nd breakfasts so he’s always happy to get a small treat any time of day! He likes bacon, eggs, and French toast!

How did Duffy get his name? Any aliases?

We chose a solid Scottish name, one that was in his family pedigree, too, McDuff Angus.

How were you and Duffy united?

My son’s 3rd grade teacher brought her Scottie puppy to school one day and I was there and decided on the spot that was the cutest dog I had ever seen! After years of the family trying to convince me (1st time dog owner) to get a dog I was smitten. We chose Duffy from the next litter from the same home breeder in Wisconsin.

Six-year-old Minneapolis Duffy, McDuff Angus, came into our lives as a puppy from a family breeder in Wisconsin. Everyone said this is not a dog for beginners! Well, he is willful and stubborn but also the most loveable and fiercely loyal breed there is and we couldn’t imagine our life without him!

Please tell us about Modern Scottie Dog, and particularly about the Duffy's role in the Minnesota offices of MSD.

From the about section of our blog, the Modern Scottie Dog:

The Modern Scottie Dog™ is a lifestyle blog that launched in 2012 and caters not only to Scottie dog owners but lovers of the iconic breed. Our blog celebrates all things Scottie, and much, much, more! Duffy and Brandy serve as our Chief Canine Officers.

[photo right: Brandy, from the California offices of Modern Scottie Dog™]

Does Duffy have a favorite place to go for an outing?

The large open fields where he can safely run and play with the soccer ball.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Duffy’s a sweet, quiet dog in the house until someone comes to the door and he goes “mental” with barking, but when the mail carrier used to give him treats every time we understood the frenzy to get us to open the door! Don’t even get started on the s-q-i-r-r-e-l-s as we refer to them around Duffy!

Who is Duffy's best local pet-pal?

Neighbor pooch, Roxy, a female chocolate lab.

What is Duffy's best quality?

Fiercely loyal friend and loves to nap!

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

Hmmm… am hoping he thinks I’m perfect!

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

Only the greatest Scot actor, Sean Connery, of course!

Visit the Modern Scottie Dog blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Sands Hetherington & Maggie and Dudley

Who is in the photo at right?

That's Maggie on the left and Dudley on the right. The old guy in the middle is me, Sands Hetherington. Dudley and Maggie are St. Bernard littermates born four years ago last Valentine's Day. I write children’s books starring a kid named John and a red crocodile named Crosley who sneak out and have adventures after bedtime.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I'm afraid I don't do coffee. I'm an apple cider and wine & cheese man. These are sacred and diurnal activities, and the guys are always with me at the time--unless they happen to be out in the yard.

What's brewing?

I have made Irish Coffee using John Jameson's, instant coffee and cream fluff in a spray can, but it's been over thirty years. That, now, is a real cup o' coffee!

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

These two wouldn't have been born for another thirty years. These days Dudley gets a large Milk-Bone and Maggie gets two carrots when I have my breakfast cider.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

I just came up with them from the ether. Dudley's nicknames are Dorger and Boo-boo, and Maggie's are Sissy Rose and Shagrat.

How were you and your dogs united?

I used to breed St. Bernards and know a few of the people. I called a couple of them who still participate, and one had Dudley who was four months old. I got Maggie from the same place a year later so that Dudley would have a friend. I did say they were littermates: Dudley is a longhair ("rough-coat") and Maggie is a shorthair ("smooth-coat").

Do Maggie and Dudley play any role in your writing?

They lie around close somewhere and provide a presence. It would be a lonely business indeed without something like that.

Do Maggie and Dudley have any non-canine pet-pals?

No pets, just wild. Other than the obligatory squirrels, they have several deer that visit through the fence at twilight. They also enjoy raging at bass boats out on the nearby lake.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

No cats around, and they never get to see the postman. If they did, Maggie would rush up and make friends.

What is each dog's best quality?

Dudley is completely and utterly good-natured. Maggie is good-natured too, but a bundle of energy. They complement each other and are very attached.

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

Maggie wishes I were more liberal with food. She weighs 110 pounds and is a real little beauty. She would weigh 300 if I would conform. Dudley says I don't take him around in my old dog of a Honda Civic nearly enough.

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

Charles Laughton and Meryl Streep. Meryl Streep could do any girl dog.

If Maggie and Dudley could answer only one question in English, what would you ask them?

What's it like being a (well-treated) big dog? (Or) Would you trade places with me?

Visit the Night Buddies Facebook page and website.

--Marshal Zeringue