Annemarie O’Brien & Zar and Zola

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Annemarie O’Brien. I’m the author of Lara’s Gift, a “Lassie-meets-Dr. Zhivago” young adult girl empowerment story. I also teach writing courses at UC Berkeley, Stanford, Pixar, and DreamWorks, as well as edit children’s books for Room to Read. My friends in the photo are borzoi: Zar (5 year old male) and Zola (8 year old female).

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We’re celebrating the launch of Lara’s Gift, my debut middle grade novel coming out on August 6, 2013. Check out the starred review from Kirkus who calls Lara’s Gift, “powerful and engrossing.”

What's brewing?

I’m having a caramel macchiato with extra caramel! Zar and Zola are having a Russian coffee with a shot of Stolichnaya vodka.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Häagen-Dazs Dulce de Leche ice cream for me and caviar for Zar and Zola.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Zola comes from the Russian word, “zolotaya” which means golden, the color of her coat. Zar comes from the Russian word, “Ryczar” which means knight, for he is my white knight.

How were you and your dogs united?

Both of my dogs were rescues. Zola came from the California Sierras and Zar came from the Washington, DC area.

Please tell us about your new book.

Lara’s Gift is inspired by a former life I led living and working in Russia during the Gorbachev years when I was gifted Dasha, my first borzoi puppy. For more information check out my web page.

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

Zola and Zar were huge inspirations for me in the writing of Lara’s Gift. So much so, the fictional characters share the same names.

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

Definitely the squirrel! Whenever they see one, I think of the Pixar movie, Up! All they can think about is racing after it!! Even our silken windhound puppy, Zeus [photo left] can be found chasing squirrels up trees when he isn’t cuddled up with my girls reading books in bed.

What is each dog's best quality?

Zar is the most loyal dog I have ever had. Zola is the most loving animal I have ever met and would be an ideal therapy dog.

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

Zar would have Sean Connery’s voice and Zola would have Grace Kelly’s.

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

I would ask Zola: “Why do you howl like a wolf?”

I would ask Zar: “Why don’t you like Richard?”

Visit Annemarie O’Brien's website, blog, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue

Mandy Jean, Brett & Hank and Kimber

Who is in the photo at right?

Brett, Mandy Jean, Hank (bloodhound), and Kimber (Shiba Inu) This was our first family photo the day we picked Hank up.

Brett is law enforcement and Mandy Jean is a beauty, fashion and lifestyle vlogger at Mandy Jean Chic.

Hank is a 4 year old bloodhound. We adopted him in October of 2011.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Our dogs are our children. They go as many places as possible with us. When we dine out on Saturday afternoons we normally look for locations that allow dogs on the patio. One of our favorite restaurants is the Indigo Crow Cafe in Corrales, NM. Hank also has a huge crush on one of the waitresses that brings him bacon.

What's brewing?

We actually ordered tea as the temperatures are nearing 95 here in New Mexico.

Any treats for you or Hank on this occasion?

Hank loves going to the Indigo Crow Cafe because the chef is a dog lover. Hank says the chef makes the best bacon.

How did Hank get his name? Any nicknames?

When we adopted Hank his name was Duke. Duke didn't fit him. He is very much a lay on the porch and people watch kind dog. Hank just fit him.

He has a couple of nicknames. His favorite is "Angel Baby". Hank can do no wrong in my eyes. He is very much a Mommy's boy. Brett on the other hand just calls him "Hank" or "Hanky".

How were you and Hank united?

In July of 2010 our English Pointer collapsed and passed away unexpectedly. We were devastated. After a year we started thinking about a 3rd dog. At the time we had our 4 year old Shiba Inu and my 11 year old Siberian Husky. We actually decided against getting a 3rd dog because having 3 makes it a little harder to travel. One day in October I decided to look up Bloodhounds on Petfinder. I still really don't know why but I did. The first dog I saw was Hank. He is standing by a pool and just had the most beautiful face.

We adopted Hank via South Central Bloodhound Club. His foster drove 5 hours to meet us in Amarillo, TX. The first time I saw Hank I knew he was my dog. He was supposed to be my husband's. Hank and I bonded and he is definitely my "Angel Baby."

Where does Hank most like to visit on an outing?

Hank loves going to the Indigo Crow Cafe and he also enjoys attending rescue events here in New Mexico to help promote Bloodhound rescue.

Who is Hank's best non-canine pet pal?

Me. Hank is my buddy. On Thursday I had to say goodbye to my 15 year old Husky and it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Hank must have felt that I was getting a little depressed because he has been by my side for the last 2 days. This morning I really didn't want to get out of bed and Hank jumped into bed with me for some cuddle time. I instantly felt better.

Hank also likes to watch our Ferret, Tommy. I really don't let them play but they sniff each other. I am not worried that Hank would intentionally hurt Tommy but Tommy bounces around and I am afraid Hank would step on him.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Hank loves to people watch. When I open my blinds in my office/craft room he will sit there all day. Just watching people...

Squeaky toy, ball, stick…?

He really doesn't play with toys. He has one lion that is his "baby". He will sleep with it, cuddle with it and if Kimber (our Shiba) wants to play with it he will politely take it away and jump on the bed where she can't jump.

What is Hank's best quality?

Hank loves with all of his heart. You never have to question his temperament. He is easy going and loves to snuggle. He may not be the best dog in obedience class but he listens. He can be stubborn but that is a Bloodhound.

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

He hates sleeping with blankets. When I lay on the sofa I always have a blanket. Hank dislikes sleeping with a blanket. He will sigh and get off the sofa.

I also think he would prefer if I quit watching hockey. I really get into the games and yell at the TV. Hank is a soft dog and doesn't like yelling.

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

Mike Judge. He was the voice of Hank Hill on King of the Hill. I imagine Hank would have a Texas accent. We actually had a 12 year old Bloodhound named Ladybird. They just kind fit together.

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

I would ask Hank if he would like a puppy. I am trying to talk hubby into a Bloodhound puppy and if Hank thought it was a good idea maybe it would help.

Visit the Mandy Jean Chic website, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue

Kate Kelly & Lucy

Who is in the photo at right?

This is a photograph of me with my lovely lady, Lucy. Lucy is a female of indeterminate breed and an age we don’t know. She was found in Mexico where our vet had gone to run a spaying clinic. Lucy (then named Pancha) had been hit by a car and someone saved her but couldn’t afford for her to have medical care. As a result, she has a very odd gait from the accident but it doesn’t seem to bother her at all. She’s been with us for six years.

I'm Kate Kelly, an author of some 40 books—many of them collaborations—and I currently publish a website, America Comes Alive. During the “Dog Days of Summer” I publish three stories per week about American dogs—it’s a great way to tell the story of our country and our citizens’ relationships with dogs. I’ve also gathered some of the stories into a book, You Lucky Dog! From Homeless to Famous.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I am a tea person. While several cups of tea are consumed while Lucy and I are working (er, she’s napping—I’m working), her favorite time is the tea break I take at about 4:30 p.m. By that time, I have fed her dinner and I’ll sit down to sort mail or read for awhile. It’s a relaxing time for us both.

What's brewing?

The tea consumed at this time is likely to be peppermint.

Any treats for you or Lucy on this occasion?

I will have a small snack and Lucy will enjoy four post-dinner baby carrots. She’s vegetarian of sorts---to keep her weight down.

How did Lucy get her name?

The vet called several of her dogs Pancha so we wanted a new name for Lucy. She started out as Lucita in honor of her Mexican heritage but she now ranges from Lucy to Lucille to Lucifer when I’m convinced she’s outsmarting me (much of the time).

How were you and Lucy united?

The vet brought the dog to NY where we were living at the time. She knew we had recently lost a dog and were looking. We had a sweet beagle still living with us, and the vet thought we would provide a good home for Pancha/Lucy.

Who are Lucy's best pet-pals?

We lost her companion, a beagle named Boo, about 8 months ago and are not quite ready to move on to another dog, but we meet lots of dogs on our walks, and her favorites are two labs—Bella and Gracie, and a labradoodle, Rigatoni.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

She’s scared to death of a neighbor’s cat that frequents our yard. I did learn she is probably a little bit Pointer; one day she took the Pointer stance to indicate the whereabouts of the cat. Of course, that meant I should go investigate. Chase the cat or bark at it? Not Lucy!

What is Lucy's best quality?

She is the most good-spirited, cheerful dog! She is definitely compromised in her walk because of the earlier car injury, and two summers ago we had to have some cancerous tumors removed, meaning about 8 weeks in the Dreaded Cone. She was cheerful throughout, and I would even catch her sunbathing in the yard with her head in the cone, her tummy sunward, and her bandaged leg (where the surgery had been done) pointing skyward just as if this were the most natural thing in the world [photo right].

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Based on Lucy, I think there is no doubt that dogs see some color… she is very clear about which toys she likes, and they are all red or dark pink. Right now she has a new-ish squeaky bird that she carries with her… but I fear her true favorite is a mangy dark pink monster, which—in my mind--is not as cute as the bird.

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

She would like it if I let her wear a watch set to Lucy Time. She is convinced that her dinner should be served exactly one hour earlier than when I intend to serve it, and we go through a long hour of conversation over who knows the “real” time.

Please tell us about your new book.

You Lucky Dog! From Homeless to Famous is based on my dog story series, The Dog Days of Summer. By researching stories about specific dogs in American history, I’ve found it a great way to tell a compelling story about our country. For example, people are amazed to read that because we had no canine corps in World War II, the only way to assemble one quickly was by asking people to donate their pets--they did in great numbers. That speaks volumes about the American people and the era.

Or the story of our country’s first seeing eye dog, introduced in 1929, is both heartwarming and very informative.

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

I would like to hear about her life in Mexico.

Visit the America Comes Alive website, and learn more about You Lucky Dog! From Homeless to Famous.

--Marshal Zeringue

Alison Rice & Chace

Who is in the photo at right?

In this photo is myself, Alison Rice, and my dog, Chace. My husband and I recently opened a pet care facility in Huber Heights, Ohio called Sit, Stay, N' Play Dog Park where I work everyday. I get to take Chace along with me to work which he loves. Chace is a 2 year old Golden Retriever. He is a big baby!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Chace loves to go running with me. We usually run on a bike path that runs parallel to a creek so he can jump in and cool off whenever he likes. He enjoys swimming and I enjoy watching him run around like a goofball, so we both love going on this date together. I try to take him at least twice a week, which means lots of baths because the water is a little smelly.

What's brewing?

After our hard workout, I will drink a mocha cappuccino flavored protein shake. It is delicious! And Chace gets to lick the cup.

Any treats for you or Chace on this occasion?

When it comes to treats we are not picky. I enjoy my anything chocolate while Chace enjoys anything peanut butter.

How were you and Chace united?

I have always had Golden Retrievers growing up and love the breed, so I knew exactly what I was looking for. When I went to the breeder to pick out a puppy, he came right up to me and snuggled between my legs. I immediately knew he was the one I wanted. To this day he still likes to walk between my legs and stand there.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Deciding on a name for Chace was a difficult task for my husband and me. We threw out a bunch of names and finally Chace just seemed to fit. He is not named after anyone specific, just a random name. We tend to call him Chacer or when he is in trouble, Chace Stewart.

Please tell us about Sit, Stay, N' Play Dog Park.

Sit, Stay, N' Play Dog Park is Ohio's only indoor dog park. We have an 8,000 square foot indoor park and a 3,000 indoor park for big dogs and small dogs, respectively. We also do boarding and doggie daycare.

Does Chace have a role at Sit, Stay, N'Play?

He is my sidekick but sometimes he acts like he owns the place. His time is spent between being the door greeter and dog wrestler. He loves being first at greeting people at the door but he also enjoys going into the dog parks and wrestling with our four legged guests.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Chace loves hunting squirrels. He never gets close to catching one but he continuously tries.

Who is your dog's best pet-pal?

Chace has several friends since he goes to work with me everyday, but his top two pet-pals are Uncle Lenny (my parents' Golden Retriever) and Lukas (a viszla that comes to daycare at Sit, Stay, N' Play). [Chace and Lukas, photo left] Chace and Lenny love to chase squirrels together and wrestle around in the yard. When Chace plays with Lukas, they just run, run, run. After spending a few hours with his friends, he is wiped out for the day.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Chace loves all toys but he also destroys all toys. He likes to rip apart the stuffing to get to the squeaker or tears apart the plastic. We normally just stick to bones now. It takes him a little longer to destroy those.

Does Chace have a favorite place to go for outings?

He loves to go swimming. We often go to a local park where there is a creek for him to swim. He jumps right in and just sits in the cool water.

What is Chace's best quality?

His best quality is that he is needy (probably because I coddled him when he was younger). Since he is needy, he always wants to be by your side so he will not run away from you if he is off leash. He always wants to be with you so he will do anything to please you.

If Chace could change one thing about Ohioans, what would it be?

He would really love to go into all the restaurants and eat with us so he would like to have more Ohioans open pet friendly businesses.

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

I would ask him if he really is color blind. I am convinced that he can see in color.

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

Well, Chace is funny and tough at the same time, so the only voice that would be appropriate for him would be Mark Wahlberg.

Visit the Sit, Stay, N' Play Dog Park website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Free book: "Lara's Gift"

Knopf Books for Young Readers and Campaign for the American Reader are giving away a copy of the forthcoming book, Lara's Gift by Annemarie O'Brien.

HOW TO ENTER:
(1) send an email to this address:

(2) In the subject line, type: Lara's Gift.

(3) Include your name (or alias or whatever you wish to be called if I email you to tell you you've won the book) in the body of the email.

[I will not sell or share your email address; nor will I be in touch with you unless it is to tell you you have won the book.  I promise.]

Last chance to enter: Monday, August 5th.

Only one entry per person, please.

Winner must have a US mailing address.

Learn more about Lara's Gift at Annemarie O'Brien's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Kristie Blevins & Lula Mae Belle

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Kristie Blevins, a simple mountain girl from Piney Flats, Tennessee. I earned a BS and MA at East Tennessee State University and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati. I am currently Associate Professor in the School of Justice Studies at Eastern Kentucky University. My research interests include crime prevention, corrections, and wildlife crime. I admittedly spend a lot of time in prison and jail, but I do so to interview inmates about their experiences. The information I get from them helps me to learn more about their risk factors, motivations, and target selection techniques. I have published the results of some of my research in several academic journals and books. Aside from my research endeavors, I teach three classes each semester. I love working with the students! Outside of work, I love participating in outdoor activities and hanging with my dog. I am also an avid (some might say rabid) University of Tennessee football fan.

Lula Mae Belle is my baby girl. She is a bloodhound, weighs about 105 pounds, and is almost five years old. Although she is definitely a house dog, she loves being outside.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I’m getting a caffeine boost before we go for a nice long walk.

What's brewing?

For me: Green Mountain Island Coconut with Splenda and a splash of creamer.

For Lula: Cold water in a coffee mug to make it feel special.

Any treats for you or Lula Mae Belle on this occasion?

For me: A peach turnover from a local orchard.

For Lula: A pig’s ear and a couple bites of my turnover.

How did Lula Mae Belle get her name? Any nicknames?

Because of her breed and my background, I thought my pup definitely needed a name that sounded a little country. Her registered name is Duchess Lula Mae Belle of Volunteer Nation. We primarily call her Lula Belle or Belle-Belle, but she responds best to “look here.”

How were you and Lula Mae Belle united?

I was living in North Carolina at the time and was looking to adopt a large dog. The local large breed rescues required that applicants have fenced yards before they could adopt from them. Since I didn’t have a fence, I was browsing online for dogs available in the area. I came across her litter and fell in love. I adopted her from a wonderful family as soon as she was weaned.

So...you're a criminal justice scholar and your dog happens to be the breed most commonly associated with sniffing out crime--is that a coincidence?

I get asked this question quite a lot. The truth is that it really is coincidence. I was actually looking for a great dane or mastiff when I found her. I think it is true that everything works out for the best! As for sniffing out crime, I would never put Lula in a dangerous situation. She is definitely a pet rather than a working dog, though we have no problem volunteering on occasions when there is a local missing child or other lost person.

Who are Lula Mae Belle's best pet-pals?

Her best friends Fozzie and Krimpet were our neighbors in North Carolina. We visit with them every chance we get. Here in Kentucky, she loves Sammy, Brownie, Marlin, and Warning. She gets to hang out with them when her Aunt Tina or Uncle J.B. babysit for us.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Lula loves pretty much any toy or stick, but she is obsessed with Air Dog squeaky tennis balls. She plays with them every night, usually instigating a game of keep-away from me. She also loves to chase the red dot (laser pointer).

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Cats for sure. She is borderline neurotic when it comes to cats. The problem is she wants to play with them, and they don’t necessarily want to play back. Once a cat is used to her, she whines at it if it doesn’t want to play or simply sits still.

What is Lula Mae Belle's best quality?

Of course, I want to say everything about her because I think she is the best dog in the world. If I have to choose just one quality, I have to say it is that she shows her love. She is a cuddle bug and gives big hugs—paws on shoulders and nose nestled in my neck. And, you definitely notice when you have been kissed by my slobber monster.

If Lula Mae Belle could change one thing about you, what would it be?

She would request that I spend less time at the office. I think she would prefer that I be at home to cater to and spoil her (as I always do when we are together).

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

I think Dolly Parton should do Lula’s voice because her dialect is similar to my family’s. I like to think that Lula as picked up our style.

If Lula Mae Belle could answer only one question in English, what would you ask her?

Given that you seem to love all people and animals, why do you act like a big, bad, mean, growling monster until they get right next to you?

--Marshal Zeringue

Michelle Loh & Jingle

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Michelle Loh, a Singaporean and I am about to embark on a career break for a while, before getting back into the grind. For now till August, I am a pharmaceutical in-house talent acquisition manager at a Fortune 200 company. I am super looking forward to lazy, long lunches with Jingle at local cafes working on my blog and fun, relaxing walks at parks in the evenings. Jingle is 11 this year and she is a Jack Russel Terrier.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I am always with Jingle, especially on weekends. Today, it is extra special as I am doing this guest post with her by my side.

What's brewing?

If there aren't mojitos on the menu, I am happy with a skinny latte from any local cafe that is sprouting up by the dozens in Singapore. I am easy with my coffee choices.

Any treats for you or Jingle on this occasion?

I am having a slice of home-made summer strawberry cake that I made myself yesterday while Jingle is having steamed sweet potato. She loves them. And she gets just a little cake when she looks at me with those 'give me some...' eyes of hers.

How did Jingle get her name? Any nicknames?

She was born in December and we thought Jingle would be a cool name for her - my sister calls her Jing Jing or we all call her Jingle Loh in our loudest voice, when she is naughty.

How were you and Jingle united?

My then-boyfriend, who is my husband now, saw an advertisement online and we went to see the dogs that were available at the owner's house. I chose her out of 4 other dogs because she ate the fastest! I figured she would grow up healthy and strong.

Who are Jingle's best pet-pals?

She has none - she hates all other dogs. Is it my fault? That I spoil her too much? Oh well, she has me.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Squeaky toy (her favourite one is in the photo up right)

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

All!

What is Jingle's best quality?

Her intelligence - she is able to sniff out lizards, she knows she can manipulate me and only me among the rest of the family members and she only eats healthy, good food like salmon, sweet potato and cheese is her favourite!

If Jingle could change one thing about Singaporeans, what would it be?

She would want everyone to be like me - my husband always says she is my boss! She would be able to 'manipulate' the rest of them too, to bring her for walks 8 times a day, regardless of the time.

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

A nonchalant Mila Kunis.

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

I would ask her if she is happy.

Visit Michelle Loh's baconandjackrussells blog.

--Marshal Zeringue