Kim Gifford & Alfie and Waffles

Who is in the photo at right?

These are my two-year-old girls: Alfie, my fawn pug and Waffles, my black pug. My name is Kim Gifford and I’m a writer, photographer and memoir-writing instructor. I also create digital collages, often featuring my pugs. I love sharing stories in a variety of forms.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We stopped to take in this scenic vista by Schroon Lake after attending the annual Halloween Pug Party and Parade in Chestertown, NY. My two girls and I donned pink wigs and rhinestones so they could pose as Pop Stars in the parade.

What's brewing?

The mug proclaims Dunkin Donuts, but I’m afraid the coffee was a generic black blend from a local gas station.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

I had a convenience store donut.

Any treat for your dogs on this occasion?

The pugs enjoyed a feast of cheeseburger and string cheese provided by my traveling companions who attended the pug parade with me.

How were you and your dogs united?

Alfie was a true gift following the death of my 1.5 year-old pug Mira, who died from anaphylactic shock following her distemper shot. Though it was not the fault of Mira’s breeder in any way, she felt bad enough to gift me with another pug. She had no puppies on hand so she worked out a deal with a friend to get me one in her next litter. Shortly after, I learned that my good friend, another pug breeder, also had a litter of black pugs about to be born. I couldn’t take another puppy at that time, but Waffles and I bonded from the get-go as did she and Alfie and a year later when my elderly pug Vader died, Alfie and I finally claimed Waffles as our own.

How did your dogs get their names? Do they have any nicknames?

I often call them “My Girls.” Alfie was born on January 8, Elvis’s birthday. Her full name is NW Elvis’ Birthday Girl. Her call name is “Alfie” after my good friend, mentor and counselor, Alphonse, who passed away a few weeks before her birth. My family calls her “Alf-i-nator.” Waffles, whose full name is I.W. Waffles received her name from her breeder. She was named after a friend of a friend, I.W. Wackernagel. Ms. Wackernagel used to talk about her dog Waffles, whom she considered the dog of her lifetime. Waffles’ breeder loved the name and thus dubbed her in Ms. Wackernagel’s honor. I typically call her Waffi.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

All of the above. If something’s in their backyard, my girls will chase anything!

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

Ball for Alfie, Squeaky-toy for Waffles. Waffles didn’t have many toys at her breeders’ house and thus, now hoards them, sometimes carrying them in and out with her when she goes potty. Alfie loves to bat tennis balls and ball-shaped objects around.

Where is your dogs' favorite place for an outing?

They love the local dog park and visiting Mama Joan’s, Waffles’ breeder’s house.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Definitely each other. From their first meeting as puppies these two have mostly had eyes for each other. They also enjoy playing with Waffles’ sister, Griffles, when they see her.

What is each dog's most endearing quality?

Alfie watches me all the time. We have this game. I will blow a puff of air in her direction and she charges me cuddling her head in my armpit and making gentle nibbling gestures as if she’s eating corn on the cob. I’m not sure what it means, but she is so gentle it’s like tender love bites.

Waffles is more independent and restrained, kinda’ cat-like, but when she’s happy she will roll over on her side and expose her belly wanting to be loved. It’s endearing because she seems to be saying, “I trust you.”

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

They’d have me stay home more!

What is each dog's proudest moment?

Alfie is a show dog. Last year she showed at Pug Nationals. Waffles made the Dog Wall of Shame for tipping over trashcans. Both received a medal and certificate for being “The Prettiest” costumed pugs at the Pug Parade. But Waffles’ would probably consider her proudest moment anytime she can sneak upstairs and get some garbage without me catching her.

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

Oh, Waffles’ would sound smart and low like Jodie Foster in The Silence of the Lambs. Alfie? She’s more like Renée Zellweger.

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

Why? Why did you chew up my glasses? Why did you just come in from outside and pee on the rug? Why are you so damn cute? Why???

Visit Kim Gifford's Pugs and Pics blog and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Angelia Sims & Salem, Anna, Brownie, and Fred

Who is in the photo at right?

Hi, I am Angelia Sims, pictured here with my trusty fur friends or least a few of them. I am a work from home travel agent. I have four dogs--Salem, Anna, Brownie, and Fred. Two big. Two small. They range in age from three years old to eleven years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Today, we are celebrating my oldest pup's birthday. Her name is Salem, she is a big black lab and she is 11 years old. We have a party every year. And every day I am so happy she is still with us. She can be a little wobbly on the ups and down, along with some mighty groans, but all in all, she is happy girl.

What's brewing?

Today, we will be having coffee, cake, and fancy iced dog biscuits. Please put on your party hats.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

All the dogs attending will receive a goody bag. There are squeaky toys and milk bones inside.

How did your dogs get their names? Any nicknames?

Salem is from being black. She reminds me of Halloween and witches, but she is a really nice dog. A good black witch. My second dog is Anna. She is black-lab/greyhound mix. I named her Anna because I wanted another A name in the family (at the time it was all S names). Our third dog is Brownie. We named her before we got her. We wanted a brown dog that reminded us of ice cream (okay, maybe that was me). I, also, wanted a Shih-tzu breed. My mom rescued one that we all fell in love with. I had no idea they even had Brown Shih-tzus until we found Brownie. She was the last of her liter and the only puppy left. She was definitely meant to be ours. Her nickname is Cat. She doesn't bark and plays like a cat. Our fourth dog happens to be the one we all fell in love with at my mom's house. He is a Shih-tzu rescue named Fred. My mom had to move to assisted living last year and couldn't take him with her. Well, I couldn't let him go and that is how he came to live with us.

How were you and your dogs united?

I like to call them planned and unplanned.

Salem was planned. I got her at eight weeks old from a breeder. I wanted a yellow boy lab, but somehow ended up with her. So you could say, Salem won me with her cute face since she was the wrong color and gender.

Anna is unplanned. She is another rescue from my mom. She found her dumped next to a flea market in the country. I met her in my Mom's front yard. She was sooo cute. She looked just like my Salem and was about the size of my hand.

Brownie was planned. Sort of. I convinced my husband we needed a cat. But I didn't want to clean the liter box. So, I told him a little lap dog would be about the same thing and we got Brownie and she doesn't bark and plays like a cat. Hmmm.

Fred was definitely unplanned, but ohhhhh what a wonderful bit of chaos he is. I didn't know I needed a Fred in my life until he came to live with us. He is my constant lap friend (since Brownie the cat is not a lap dog/cat). He loves walks. He loves car rides. He loves just looking at me and following me around. He is the cutest thing ever. My most adoring fan of all time.

Where do your dogs most like to visit on an outing?

Fred loves Petsmart.

Do the dogs have any non-canine pet pals?

There are squirrels in the backyard. A few bunnies out the front window and a gecko that likes to tease Anna on the front door.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Definitely squirrels, but only if you are Anna.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Squeaky toy. So! Many! Squeaky toys!

What is each dog's best quality?

Salem - her snore - I can't sleep if she is not snoring. Anna - her personality - the greyhound antics and humor are a delight. Brownie - her cat-like playfulness - she loves tug and the moving hand. Fred - his crooked grin and doggie cuddles - he is so fuzzy and so cute.

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

That I didn't work and could play with them all day.

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

Salem - Whoopi Goldberg. Anna - Kristin Wiig. Brownie - Jennifer Lawrence. Fred - Owen Wilson.

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

Do you know how much I love you?

Visit Angelia Sims's blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Kristie Serra & Quigley Adams

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Kristie Serra. I'm a children and family photographer based in Seattle, WA, but I travel throughout the U.S. for photography assignments. My dog Quigley Adams is a six year old male Bloodhound/Treeing Walker Coonhound mix.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Not that we need an excuse to stop by Top Pot Doughnuts, but my hubby just returned home from a trip to Florida.

What's brewing?

Top Pot's Northwest Breakfast tea. It's delicious.

Any treats for you or Quigley on this occasion?

I'm a self-proclaimed donut queen, so I couldn't just get a cup of tea. This visit, a pershing donut was calling my name. Quigley helped himself to the crumbs and then to his favorite doggie treats once we were home.

How did Quigley get his name? Any nicknames?

He came with the name, "Quigley Adams." It was too fitting to change. He's also known around our house as Quigs, Wiggly, Wiggles, Wigs and Sir Wigglesworth.

How were you and Quigley united?

We found Quigley on Petfind.com. We were living in Florida at the time and he was being fostered in Phoenix, Arizona through the American Black and Tan Coonhound Rescue. Quigley arrived in Florida on Christmas Eve, 2008, which my husband arranged to surprise our family.

You've got some great photos of children and families on your website. Who are more difficult to photograph: kids or dogs?

I think it depends on the kiddo or dog. Quigley is the worst! He has zero interest in my camera and ignores me like it's his job. It truly takes a village just to get a good photo of him.

Who are Quigley's best pet-pals?

He loves walking with his cousin-dog, Lucky (a Lab mix). He looks forward to seeing his buddies, Shamus (a Teddy Bear Goldendoodle) and Gus (a German Shepherd) around town and he'll never forget his best-dog friend, Oscar (a Boxer), in Florida.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

He loves his stuffed animal raccoon.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

He would befriend a cat, howl at a postman and chase a squirrel.

What is Quigley's best quality?

Hands down, his ears!

If Quigley could change one thing about Seattleites, what would it be?

He would ban bicycles and motorcycles and insist that everyone carry a cheeseburger in their pocket.

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

Jeremy Irons. We're certain that Quigley is British.

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

I'd ask him about his life before we adopted him. I've always wondered about his life as a puppy.

Visit the Kristie Serra Photography website, blog, and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Eulalia Benejam Cobb & Wolfie and Bisou

Who is in the photo at right?

The black German Shepherd is Wolfie, a male, who will be seven at Thanksgiving. The little red dog is four-year-old Bisou, a female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Me, I’m Eulalia Benejam Cobb, writer and illustrator, living close to the earth in Vermont with my husband, dogs, and eight hens. My blog is called My Green Vermont.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We just went for a walk in the field in front of our house to see if the apples from the wild apple tree were ready for picking. The chickens love them.

What's brewing?

I drink organic, fair trade French Roast Green Mountain Coffee, roasted and packaged in Vermont, brewed by the drip method.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

For them: windfall apples and the scent of fox. For me: the clear sunshine on the fading foliage.

How did your dogs get their names? Any nicknames?

In the movie Amadeus, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s wife calls him affectionately, “Vooolfie,” and that’s what we named our fierce-looking but sweet-tempered East German Shepherd. “Bisou” means “kiss” in baby French. In moments of extreme affection I call her “Bisoulette.”

How were you and your dogs united?

They both came from local breeders whom I knew and respected and who allowed me to get to know the parents of my prospective puppies.

Where do your dogs most like to visit on an outing?

The woods behind the house.

Do the dogs have any non-canine pet pals?

Bisou is fond of the frogs in the little pond behind the house. When they sun themselves on the slate patio she bops them with her nose to make them jump back in the water.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Wolfie takes his responsibilities to heart regarding squirrels, porcupines, fishers (a large member of the weasel family), deer, wild turkeys, bear, coyotes and other denizens of our Vermont hill. But he’s never met a human he didn’t like.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

On our walks Wolfie will pick up a large fallen branch or small tree and carry it proudly, like a band major’s baton. We can’t even whisper the word “ball” around Bisou.

What is each dog's best quality?

Wolfie likes to have all his ducks in a row. When one of the hens gets loose he catches it and holds it down on the ground with his mouth. He has never hurt one yet. Bisou is cuddliness personified indoors, and a speed demon when we go outside.

If your dogs could change one thing about the people of Vermont, what would it be?

Not a thing. Vermonters are dog people, and they often hang out in farm yards, which makes their boots extremely interesting.

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

Wolfie, why have you never given up hope of having babies with Bisou? She’s been spayed and you’ve been neutered for years…

Bisou, if I never got tired of throwing balls, would you ever, on your own, stop chasing them?

Visit the My Green Vermont blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Lynne Maillet & Marcus

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Lynne Maillet and I am with my 9-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Marcus. We live in Connecticut with my husband, Ron, two teenage daughters, a half Siamese cat, and two bunnies. I am a fiber artist who hand spins wool and knits. I write about my fiber adventures at White Birch Fiber Studio. I also play the celtic harp, practice yoga, and am a Reiki Master.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I work from home and Marcus follows me all day. He has to always be in the same room as me. So whenever I take a break for hot cocoa, he is with me!

What's brewing?

Homemade hot cocoa.

Any treats for you or Marcus on this occasion?

Pumpkin muffin for me. Marcus likes American cheese or dry cat food which he likes better than his own food!

How were you and Marcus united?

Nine years ago I sewed dog treat bags for a dog training center. My daughters were nine and five at the time, and we knew we were ready to add a dog to our family. After asking all of the trainers what breed they would recommend for us, every single one of them recommended Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. A breeder from Vermont who brought her Cavaliers to this training center in Connecticut was highly recommended. We spoke on the phone for two hours before we were allowed to come to Vermont for an interview. After meeting us, she told us which puppy would be best for us and that we would be able to come back in a month to pick him up.

How did Marcus get his name? Any aliases?

The year was 2004 and the Boston Red Sox were in the World Series. Our breeder had named our puppy, Curt, after the pitcher Curt Schilling. Although we are Red Sox fans, we didn’t think the name Curt fit. We made a list of names and Marcus seemed like the most manly. We also call him Mister Marcus.

Is Marcus more likely to help or hinder your work in your studio?

Help... since he sleeps at my feet while I’m blogging, spinning on my spinning wheel, or playing my harp.

Who is Marcus's best pet-pal?

Kobe Kitty. He waits patiently until Kobe is finished eating and then he is rewarded with a kitty kibble.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick…?

Squeaky toy, especially a duck or squirrel!

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Squirrel or chipmunk! He looks every day for the chipmunk who lives in our drain spout.

Does Marcus have a favorite place to go for outings?

Anywhere in the car! Some of his favorite trips were Shelburne Falls, Newburyport, Cape Cod, Deerfield, Ogunquit, and Boothbay Harbor.

What is Marcus's best quality?

His sweet, gentle nature.

If Marcus could change one thing about New Englanders, what would it be?

He would want every one to be as friendly as he is!

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

After being sprayed three times, why do you keep chasing Mister skunk? Here he is [photo left] after yet another skunk bath!

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

Leonardo DiCaprio.

Visit the White Birch Fiber Studio website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Maria T. Lennon & Frida

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Maria T. Lennon. I write middle grade fiction the latest is Confessions of a So-called Middle Child just out from Harper Collins. My dog’s name is Frida; she’s a Cane Corso from Alba, Italy and she’s almost 2 years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Frida waits for me to get up each morning at 5:45. It’s dark. She usually trips me as I’m walking down the stairs to get to her food bowl before I can make it to my coffee machine. She drools all over my bare feet until I give up on the coffee and get her food. So it’s no coffee before Frida is fed.

What's brewing?

I love Folgers. I know people think I’m gross. My husband is from Italy and it’s practically heresy. But Frida judges not.

Any treats for you or Frida on this occasion?

Frida gets a heavy-duty chewing treat when I leave at seven so that she doesn’t rip the Jacuzzi cover apart. Again.

How were you and Frida united?

My mother-in-law’s dog had puppies in Italy (Frida is a Cane Corso) and so she sent us her favorite one to keep watch over her grandchildren. And she does.

How did Frida get her name?

After the great Frida Kahlo- of course.

Any aliases?

I have called her many names while she’s chewed my shoes, eye-glasses, Jacuzzi covers, remote controls….

Have any Frida-inspired dogs appeared in your books?

Nope.

Does Frida do more to help or to hinder your writing?

She helps. I like having her in the house, hearing her nails on the floors, grabbing her when I’ve typed my last page. I love her.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Jacuzzi covers.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

She can find the squeak in seconds. I purchase the toy for $10 and bring it home. Within seconds, she sticks her canine tooth through the heart of the squeaky and that’s it. Game over. She’s a master.

Does Frida have a favorite place to go for outings?

She loves her walks in the canyons where she growls at every person, dog or floating leaf she sees.

Who is Frida's best pet-pal?

She loves the kids. She watches them as though they are in imminent danger and she is the only one who can stop it.

What is Frida's best quality?

She wants to be good. No, she is good.

If Frida could change one thing about Californians, what would it be?

She’d make it mandatory that all items had squeaks.

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

Why can’t you be nice on the leash?

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

Queen Latifa.

Visit the Confessions of a So-called Middle Child website, and follow Maria T. Lennon on Facebook and Twitter.

--Marshal Zeringue

Trudy Ludwig & Hannah

Who is in the photo at right?

This is Hannah, my 11-year-old female American Fox Hound, and me on a tea break. My name is Trudy Ludwig and I’m a children’s author. Hannah adopted us after having had three previous owners. When we first met, it was love at first sight for the both of us. We even look like we could be related!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Since I work from home, Hannah always follows me into the kitchen every time I get a cup of tea. She’s got me trained to give her a little treat whenever I get myself one.

What's brewing?

Tazo Refresh mint tea and lots of it!

Any treats for you or Hannah on this occasion?

I have my daily dose of two or three Dove dark chocolate bites. Hannah gets mini salmon biscuits or dried chicken and sweet potato treats.

How were you and Hannah united?

Seven summers ago, I was with my two children at the schoolyard across the street from my house when this elongated beagle came up to me, stared into my eyes, and wiggled her tail. She instantly won my heart. A lovely woman named Kate, who also had an Australian Shepherd with her, came over to chat. I remember saying to Kate, “What a sweet, gorgeous dog!” With tears in her eyes, Kate responded, “Yes…and I may have to find another home for her.”

It turned out that Kate’s mother had rescued Hannah from the Humane Society two years prior, and with another dog in the house, two dogs became a bit too much for her mother to handle. (Hannah had this unbelievable knack of pilfering the owner’s steaks off the barbecue grill, which didn’t help matters.) Well, 24 hours later, we not only adopted Hannah, we adopted her former owners, too. Kate and I have become very good friends. She and her mother get visitation rights whenever they need a Hannah fix or when we go out of town.

How did Hannah get her name? Any aliases?

Her name was originally Ada, but the previous owners preferred “Hannah” and thought the new name was close enough to her original name that it wouldn’t confuse the dog.

And, yes, Hannah does have a few aliases: She’s also known as “Hannah Banana” and “the Duchess of Pineridge Court.”

Have any Hannah-inspired dogs appeared in your books?

Not yet, but I’m working on it!

Does Hannah do more to help or to hinder your writing?

Hannah helps my writing. Our daily walks, which I had originally thought would be a hindrance, are actually a blessing. She forces me to get out of my own head and out the door for some fresh air and exercise. I always feel so much better after our walks—even if we’re walking in the pouring rain! I truly believe that my writing has improved since she’s come into my life.

Does Hannah have a favorite place to go for outings?

The neighborhood park is her favorite turf. She loves hanging out there with all her quadruped and biped friends.

Who is Hannah's best pet-pal?

Nutmeg, a.k.a. “Nuttie,” a Cairn Terrier mix. Whenever Nuttie sees Hannah, she gives her a “high five” body slam. It’s a hoot to see!

What is Hannah's best quality?

Oh that’s an easy question to answer: her gentle, kind-hearted disposition. If Hannah were in a Miss America pageant, she’d be declared the Miss Congeniality winner hands down.

If Hannah could change one thing about Portlanders, what would it be?

They should all be carrying great doggie treats--like steak, chicken, and salmon--instead of umbrellas. Let’s get our priorities straight, people!

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

Why do you have the need to roll on such foul-smelling things on the ground?

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

My daughter Allison already voices Hannah to perfection, keeping our family and neighbors in stitches with outrageous Hannah comments.

But if I must pick a professional actress, it would have to be Maggie Smith. The Duchess of Pineridge Court would give an enthusiastic paws-up to have Downton Abbey’s Dowager Countess be her stand-in!

For more information about Trudy Ludwig and her children’s books, visit www.trudyludwig.com, and connect with the author on Facebook and Twitter.

--Marshal Zeringue