Mark Rogers & Chompers

Who is in the photo at right?

That’s me, Mark Rogers, and my friend Chompers the Corgi. I’m a pet photographer from San Francisco and Chompers is a client of mine from a few years back who’s now a good buddy. He’s a three-year old Pembroke Corgi with a pretty-much-constant grin on his face. My dog, Bizzy, is a little jealous he didn’t get to join us but he’s dealing with the cat back at home and couldn’t make it today.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We’re celebrating the release of my new book — Chompers is on the cover — and figuring out our publicity plan. Chompers always thinks better on a full stomach.

What's brewing?

I’m a straight-up coffee guy. No foamed milk or anything fancy-schmancy for me. Being a Corgi, I figured Chompers would be a tea-and-scone type but turns out he’s more into water and biscuits.

Any treats for you or Chompers on this occasion?

I got biscuits for both of us but Chompers ate mine when I went to get my coffee at the counter.

How did you and Chompers meet?

Chompers won a contest a couple of years ago— one of many, he’s pretty good at that — and the grand prize was a photo session with me. I remember going through the photos from that session and thinking two things: 1) This dog is going to be a star and 2) I’d love to have him on a book cover one day. Looks like both have panned out!

How did Chompers get his name? Any aliases?

His name is derived from a combination of his parents' last names. He also likes chomping down on his food. Then there’s the street cred (a corgi needs a tough name to balance out that big smile).

Please tell us about your new book.

It’s called Thanks for Picking Up My Poop: Everyday Gratitude from Dogs and I can’t tell you how pleased I am that I’m almost 50 with my first book coming out and it has the word poop in the title. I’m so proud! It’s essentially a love letter-with photos-to all the great dogs I’ve worked with over the last ten years. I’m always so grateful to be able to do what I do and thought a book based on gratitude and humor was a great way to go.

Are you planning a sequel?

Definitely! I want to call it Thanks for Picking up My Poop #2, which is a little redundant but I still like it! For the next one I’d like to do something that really focuses on rescue animals. There’s a lot of them in this current book but animal welfare is big reason I do what I do and I’d love to see that front and center.

Does Chompers know any of the other dogs featured in the book?

Chompers pretty much knows everyone. He’s a connected guy.

You've got lots of great photos on your website and blog. Do you often do battle the Bay Area's famous fog when trying to get the right light?

I actually love working in fog. Keeps things cool and overcast skies are a photographer’s best friend for the most part. It makes the the light really soft and even so there’s no harsh shadows. That said, it can get too foggy and I’ve definitely had to postpone shoots because the Golden Gate Bridge disappeared for the afternoon.

Who is Chompers' best pet-pal?

Chompers' best pal is his nephew Linus. The two are truly two tri-colored peas in a pod. You know when you hang out with someone too much, you two start looking like each other? Thank goodness they have slightly different markings on their backs or we'd have a problem.

Where is Chompers favorite outdoor destination?

Anywhere with lots of space to run, or in corgi-speak, FRAP! Golden Gate Park, Ocean Beach, the outdoor patios of dog-friendly restaurants. Yes, definitely the outdoor patios.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

A ball is a must, especially a squeaky Kong ball! Chompers will play fetch until he collapses...at that point, give him a few minutes to recharge, then he'll be ready for more! Watching that bunny butt bouncing around is one of the cutest things in the world.

What is Chompers' best quality?

He adores people. Almost to the point where he prefers people to dogs. At the park, he may not always say hello to all the dogs there, but he'll make his rounds to greet all the dog owners!

If Chompers could change one thing about San Franciscans, what would it be?

To scale back the road-rage, especially during the morning commute. Sip your Philz coffee and relax, people!

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

Boxers or briefs?

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

Chompers' mom is lobbying for Morgan Freeman or Ty Burrell. I think I’d have to go with a Back To the Future era Michael J Fox or Bart Simpson.

What advice would Chompers give if asked?

If you're having a bad day, ask someone to give you a belly rub. And a treat. Works every time!

Visit Mark Rogers' website, and learn more about Thanks for Picking Up My Poop: Everyday Gratitude from Dogs.

--Marshal Zeringue

Chloe Tse & Clark Kent

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Chloe Tse, a journalist, co-founder of TheFeminismProject.com, a Gaysian activist forever fighting for what's right in this world.

Clark Kent, 10, is a male beagle who is having a hard time training his human. We both work to keep kibble in Clark's bowl.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Clark and I frequent Ideal Coffee in Kensington Market, downtown Toronto. It's just around the corner and the perfect way to start our days. Every time we go in, some new random stranger (fast friend) hangs out with him outside. We've had to do this since the incident in the summer when some random local awful person kidnapped him.

What's brewing?

We enjoy the americanos from Ideal — fixed with a little sweetener and some milk.

Any treats for you or Clark on this occasion?

Clark is far from deprived. He enjoys baked goods — of both the canine and human varieties. Today, the beagle consumed a pig's ear (and rather quickly).

How were you and Clark united?

Clark Kent, formerly Swiper, was a rescue from the Toronto Humane Society. He was recovering from disc replacement surgery on his neck and when we met, he was docile and calm. It was love at first sniff — I'd meant to adopt a cat a few months following my late cat, Lois Lane's death. But instead, I came home with a beagle who lives to outsmart me every day.

How did Clark get his name? Any aliases?

Clark Kent, the super beagle, was named after the leading male of the 90's drama Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman — like his late sister Lois Lane — who was named after Teri Hatcher's character. If we are in the dog park, Clark is one to pretend he doesn't know how name when he doesn't want to go home. So calling out "cookie", "pizza", "burger", "pleasecomeherenow" or "imleavingyouhereandgoinghome" is common.

Please tell about TheFeminismProject.com. Does Clark have a role in the project?

Clark Kent is a columnist at TheFeminismProject.com. He had a column called "Tails from the Doghouse" for Bell Media on TheLoop from 2013-2014. He's a human ally, socially aware and fights for equal rights. He's been seen in The Toronto Star, been involved in interviews on CP24 and Fairchild. He's a news hound.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

...he hates skateboards.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Clark enjoys sucking on his blanket over 'playing'. He'll just suck on his blanket for hours. He spent three seasons of Orange Is The New Black and every episodes of Orphan Black sucking on that blanket.

Who is Clark's best pet-pal?

Clark's best friend is Gus. He has a cousin called Pi. But lately he spends time with BB (Betty Blue).

What is Clark's best quality?

Clark is active, ambitious and always looking for the next adventure. He's kind, affectionate and doesn't discriminate. He's a really good listener and won't interrupt people when they're sharing. His emotionality is high and knows how to fill people's hearts with warmth. He's a decent dog, that Clark.

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

Nothing. Clark accepts people as they are. That's part of his charm. A few years ago, he demanded I take a job that affords me the opportunity to be at home with him more. Since, I've only accepted employment that allows me to work from home some of the week.

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

I'd ask him to tell me exactly what he wants and needs from me and how I can accommodate him for the rest of his life. I just want Clark to be happy.

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

Clark has a father who currently lives in New York. In our heads, he has a nasally voice and would sound pretty nerdy. We'd find a really strong cartoon voice actor to get it right.

What advice would Clark give if asked?

Eat first, ask later. It's easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask permission. They always come around. Just be yourself. These are the types of things Clark stands by.

Visit TheFeminismProject.com.

--Marshal Zeringue

Ethan Bethune & Simon

Who is in the photo at right?

This is Simon. Our beagle mix. Or at least we think. On his last visit to the vet he weighed 20lbs....but he definitely has hound in there. I'm pretty sure he just thinks of the vet as a cool place to hang out and meet new animals. He is right around six months old.

My name is Ethan Bethune. I am a 26 year old writer of poetry, essays and short fiction. I live in Alabama.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We have coffee every morning. Sometimes I carry it with me on our walk.

What's brewing?

Southern Girl Coffee. Colombian blend. Although it really is time for the holiday stuff...like spiced this and peppermint that.

Any treats for you or Simon on this occasion?

Absolutely. Chocolate Cake for me, personally. And Simon is...well he's ignoring his milk bones and digging up earth worms.

How were you and Simon united?

Simon is a rescue dog. We found him with A New Leash On Life in Huntsville. He was left in a ditch when he was just a few weeks old. But he has been just fantastic.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

I remember they were calling him Silas... And my wife looked at me and said "he's not a Silas...look at those ears....he's a Simon."

So I guess that's how we got the name. He looked at us like "thank you." It just worked.

Does Simon do more to help or hinder your writing?

Oh, he helps tremendously. I was really nervous at first. I've always thought of having a cat. You know, because on TV writers have cats and stuff. But he gets me outside which is good for getting vitamin D and other things and he stays up with me. It's pretty great.

Has Simon inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

Hmmm. I don't think so...maybe some werewolf creatures, definitely non fictional though. I started Beagle in the City. Which is weekly posts about life from his perspective, narrated by him. And it's been a big hit.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

It's weird. He loves the postman. Because he brings us all this cool stuff. We shop a lot online. But he goes crazy for squirrels and cats. He really tries to approach them and figure out what they're about.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

He collects things. Sticks, bark, big leaves and he loves squeaky toys. We got him a big Coon one and a Giraffe. He carries them around the house just making them squeak. I haven't seen him ignore anything really. He is just so enthusiastic...he was playing with a grub worm the other day.

Who is Simon's best pet-pal?

Probably our building's house cat. They have a strange relationship. Just following each other around...she watches him chase things.

What is Simon's best quality?

He's lazy...like an old hound dog. If we want to just lay around all day after walking him...he is totally fine with that... He even watches Buffy and old movies with us.

If Simon could change one thing about the good people of Alabama, what would it be?

Hehe...I'm fairly certain he would make everyone flash dance in the street and give him treats.

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

Where did all my socks go...?

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

Tom Hiddleston.

What advice would Simon give if asked?

Adopt don't shop. And cities...cities...come on...get dog parks.

Visit Ethan Bethune's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Kristine Smith & Gaby

Who is in the photo at right?

My name depends on which book you're holding. I'm a writer--I've written a supernatural thriller entitled Gideon that was released earlier this year under the pseudonym Alex Gordon; the follow-up, Jericho, will hit shelves and e-readers in April 2016. I've also authored science fiction and fantasy under my real name, Kristine Smith.

Gaby is a female terrier mix, and she's about 8 1/2 years old. That's a guess because she was a rescue.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We've just arrived at puppy playcare, which is a daytime playdate at a local kennel. Gaby usually gets two playdates a week. I started bringing her in 2013, after we lost her buddy, King, because I wanted her to have the chance to play with other dogs.

What's brewing?

I brought along a cup of home brew. The current brand of choice is Steep 'n' Brew. Just regular drip grind with a shot of half and half.

Any treats for you or Gaby on this occasion?

No--we both had breakfast, so it's just coffee for me. After her breakfast, Gaby had a treat, followed by a second treat, so she's not hungry now, either. I think.

[photo left: Gaby & King]

How were you and Gaby united?

In August 2008, someone left Gaby tied to the front door of my vet's office--the staff arrived that Monday morning to find her waiting for them, along with a note that she had all her shots. No name or other information. The next day, I brought King in for a check-up, and during the exam the vet made note of his uncharacteristically timid behavior. A month earlier, King and I had suffered the loss of Mickey, a lab mix who had been King's good buddy for over 4 years. King was in pretty bad shape after that. He was a worrier who hated change, and he had suffered through a lot of it over the previous 12 months--in addition to losing Mickey, he had lost his best friend when my Mom passed away the previous year.

I tell you this because when the vet recommended that I consider adopting Gaby, I was concerned. She appeared malnourished, and weighed only 26 pounds. How would she adjust to playing with King, a 115-pound GSD-lab mix who tended to get rough? But I couldn't forget her face, or the way she gave me her paw when I bent to pet her. After a few days' consideration, I decided to give it a shot.

I shouldn't have worried. King's bouncy personality reasserted itself as soon as the two of them hit the backyard, and Gaby became his new best friend. We did hit a few speed bumps along the way. It turned out that Gaby's malnourished state was due to undiagnosed inflammatory bowel disease. It took a while to adjust her diet, but she eventually gained weight--she's 38 pounds now--and got healthy. And so it went until we had to say goodbye to King in March 2013.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

Gaby was the name given to her at the vet's office. They named her the double-b version, but I changed it to Gaby with one b. Short for Gabrielle, Xena's companion.

Aliases? The list is long and ever-changing. Gabamatrix (after the film The Matrix, for reasons I can no longer recall). The Gabanomicon, because like the Necronomicon, the Lovecraftian grimoire, she is a repository of evil. Also, Naughtiness. Evilness. Little Girl. Fluff Monster. Whatever pops into my head.

Does Gaby do more to help or hinder your writing?

A little of both. I'm a morning writer, but before I am able to sit down and work, I have to take Gaby for a morning walk. We walk 4-5 miles, 5 days a week, weather permitting. She loves it, and even though I lose chair time, it really does do me a world of good both physically and mentally. I have worked out more sticky plot issues during these walks than I ever did while sitting at a desk. Something about the fresh air and the ability to ponder the scenery and let the backbrain do its thing.

Have any actual dogs inspired fictional dogs in your writing?

Oddly enough, as much as I love dogs, I have not yet managed to work any into my stories. I have tried, but other than mentions of a barking in the distance, I can't make them fit.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Squirrel. A very fast squirrel. The slow ones have moved on for reasons of self-preservation.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Ball. A tennis ball, which is about the largest size that Gaby can handle. She doesn't play fetch often, but when she does, she zooms around the yard, ball in mouth. Then she drops the ball and catches it on the bounce.

Who is Gaby's best pet-pal?

She is currently an item with a Shih Tzu at playcare--I'm withholding his name for the sake of privacy.

What is Gaby's best quality?

She's so sweet. She loves people. Other dogs. People smile when they see her. She has that movie-dog-that-brings-everyone-together quality. Friends call her a Disney dog.

If Gaby could change one thing about Illinoisans, what would it be?

All Illinoisans would be required to carry stinky treats in their pockets. Salmon treats are a favorite. The fishier-smelling, the better.

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

Was she well-treated at her first home?

I'd like to think she was, since whoever it was left her at a vet's office instead of turning her in to a shelter or releasing her in the forest preserve. And she had no behavioral issues that led me to think she had been mistreated.

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

Amy Poehler during the deadpan, terrier-laser-stare moments.

During the zoomy, Playtime! moments, Kristin Chenoweth, complete with musical interludes.

What advice would Gaby give if asked?

The world would be a better place if everyone took more walks through the woods, or along the lake. Walks are the best things ever. So are splashes in the lake, followed by rolling in the grass.

Visit Alex Gordon's website and Kristine Smith's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Eva Matthews & Baba Ghanoush

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Eva Matthews and I’m the Program Manager of Hog Island Audubon Camp in Maine. For those that don’t know that’s a summer camp for adults run by the National Audubon Society and Project Puffin. My little office mate is Baba Ghanoush, Noushy for short. She’s a three-year old, sweet rescue dog.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Noushy sits in my lap every work day as I sip my favorite coffee and we sign people up to attend summer camp. Our camp registration just opened on October 15th so our days are busy answering phones, updating the camp’s website, and working on social media marketing.

What's brewing?

We prefer the Birds and Beans Scarlet Tanager, a French dark roast. This coffee helps save migratory songbirds, preserve Latin America forests, and protects rural community farmers and their families from harmful chemicals that are used in more traditional coffee practices. It’s also the only coffee we serve at Hog Island Audubon Camp.

Any treats for you or Noushy on this occasion?

Noushy loves treats but she only gets them when she’s on a walk or if she’s performing some office tricks.

How did Noushy get her name? Any aliases?

My partner always wanted a Baba Ghanoush named dog. When we adopted our little pup on Christmas Eve she was given the name, but it was quickly changed to Noushy because she was so little. A little dog needs a smaller name and one that conveys her spunky nature.

How were you and Noushy united?

At the time we adopted Noushy we had an older bulldog that was scared of other dogs but she loved puppies. We thought it would be good to give her a companion and we started searching the local shelter – Larimer Humane Society – for a perfect mate. On Christmas Eve, Baba Ghanoush’s photo went online at the shelter site and we jumped at the opportunity since she was a puppy and the perfect size for our scared older dog. We were at the shelter when it opened and she was ours – a perfect Christmas present for our family.

Please tell us about Project Puffin and Hog Island Audubon Camp.

Hog Island Audubon Camp has been running summer adult camps since 1936. Now we’ve expanded to also include camps for families and teens but most of our sessions are still for just adults. We offer 6-day programs that explore a variety of nature-themed topics. We currently operate under the Seabird Restoration Program which is a part of the National Audubon Society. We have weekly trips out to Eastern Egg Rock to see the reintroduced Atlantic Puffins on their breeding grounds. Project Puffin founder Steve Kress not only brought puffins back to the Maine coast but he also now is the Camp Director for Hog Island Audubon Camp.

Cat, postman, squirrel....?

Rabbits!

Squeaky-toy, ball, stick...?

Squeaky-toys for certain but a close second is a long rope toy to chase in the yard.

Where is Noushy's favorite outdoor destination?

Noushy loves to go hiking on Colorado’s beautiful trails. In the summer I live in Maine but the rest of the year I work remotely from my home in Colorado. Noushy lives year-around in Colorado and even though she’s small, she’s a true mountain loving dog.

Who is Noushy's best pet-pal?

Noushy’s best friend just recently passed away – our beloved bulldog Daisy. [photo left: Noushy & Daisy]

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

Less work, more playtime. Also, sleeping in during the morning hours with her.

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

Noushy would have the voice of a high-pitched anime character - perky and cute, just like her.

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

What breed of dogs were your parents? Noushy was found as a stray during a cold December week in Colorado. I would love to know what kind(s) of dog breed she is and how she became a stray puppy.

What advice would Noushy give if asked?

Live and love fully in each moment.

Learn more about Project Puffin and Hog Island Audubon Camp.

--Marshal Zeringue

Sheila Webster Boneham & Lily

Who is in the photo at right?

This is me, Sheila Webster Boneham, and my lovely BFF Lily with the judge on the day Lily finished her UCDX, which is an intermediate level obedience title (which some of the characters in my mystery series are working on, too).

Lily is retired from competition now, but we used to train and compete in obedience. We also did quite a bit of tracking, and Lily earned her Tracking Dog title at one year old. Lily is also a registered therapy dog, and a lovely hiking companion. She didn’t really like competing—it made her very nervous—so I retired her early and let her just be our best friend.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Forgive me, but I’m actually having Tea with a Canine. Every day after lunch Lily and I cuddle up in my big comfy chair to read (I’m pretty sure she can) with a cuppa. That’s occasion enough for us!

What's brewing?

I do love coffee, but it doesn’t love me anymore, so I drink various teas & herbals (much like Goldie Sunshine, my protagonist’s neighbor and BFF. But she bakes, and I barely know how to turn the oven on!). So today—ginger tea! Mmmmm.

Any treats for you or Lily on this occasion?

Lily gets lots of treats! She’s particularly fond of fruits (apples! pears! bananas!) and, of course, cheese! Today we’re nibbling a bit of sharp provolone.

How were you and Lily united?

I looked long and hard for a Labrador Retriever puppy. As a former Australian Shepherd breeder, a long-time rescuer (especially of Labs and Aussies), and the author of fourteen books about dogs, I’m very fussy about where I get my pets, especially if money changes hands. This applies to rescue organizations as well as breeders, by the way.

Our previous Lab, my lovely Annie, had serious orthopedic problems, and I was determined to find a pup whose extended family was healthy and carefully screened for genetic issues. I also had a very specific style of Lab in mind—I love a moderate, athletic dog—and I wanted her to come from a breeder who not only showed her dogs in conformation but also actively competed in performance events. It took months, but I finally found what I was looking for—mostly! I actually wanted a black male, but when I saw the all-yellow litter I thought, okay, a yellow boy. My husband, Roger, and I drove the three hours to see the puppies when they were five weeks old, and in the process of playing with puppies, assessing their structures and personalities and behaviors, we both zeroed in on baby Lily. Two weeks later we made the drive again and brought her home.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

My Aussie kennel name is Perennial, and I really liked the name Waterlily for a Lab, since they’re water dogs. Lily was bred by Gerry Cochran, whose kennel name is Diamond, and she generously allowed me to include my kennel name in Lily’s registered name, so she is officially Diamonds Perennial Waterlily (with a number of obedience, rally, tracking, and therapy titles attached!).

Unofficially, she answers to Lily, Silly Lily, Lily Billy, Lily Manilly, Lilybug, and several tooth-achingly sweet endearments.

[photo right: Jay the Aussie with Lily on the day she arrived.]

Does Lily do more to help or hinder your writing?

Aww, Lily can only help. She often lies under my desk when I’m writing, and occasionally she reminds me that all work and no play is a very dull life. She also helps around the house when I’m not writing—she carries empty plastic bottles and milk jugs to the recycling container, and carries dirty socks to the hamper and just-washed socks from the dryer to the bedroom! Besides, just looking at her face makes me happy, and that’s a big help.

Have any actual dogs inspired fictional dogs in your writing?

Absolutely! My Animals in Focus mystery series is, of course, full of dogs and cats and a few other critters. Jay, the “protagdog,” is an Australian Shepherd closely based on my real-life Jay. Drake, a black Lab who belongs to “the love interest,” is a composite of my own three Labs—Raja, Annie, and Lily—and Winnie, the new Lab puppy who shows up in Shepherd’s Crook, was inspired by my lovely Annie and Lily, although neither one ever got into quite as much trouble as Winnie does! Other dogs in my books are all inspired by dogs I’ve known over the years.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Squirrel!

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Squeaky and mute furrytoy friends!

Who is Lily's best pet-pal?

Jay was her “big brother” and all-time best friend.

What is Lily's best quality?

Just one? She has so many! But okay, if I have to pick one, I’d have to say her sweet gentleness.

If Lily could change one thing about North Carolinians, what would it be?

The North Carolinians Lily knows are lovely people just as they are. But there are areas in the state with terrible pet abandonment rates, so if she could, Lily would make sure everyone acts responsibly toward all their friends and families, animal and human.

[photo right: Jay & Lily, a few years ago]

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

“What do you think about?”

What advice would Lily give if asked?

“Play more! Eat more!”

Coffee with Canine: Sheila Webster Boneham & Sunny (May 2013).

Visit Sheila Webster Boneham's website and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Tracy Libby & Jiggy, Moses, Pony, and Haven

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Tracy Libby, and Pony -- one of my four Australian Shepherds—enjoying a brisk, sunny December day in the Cascades. I'm a freelance writer and photographer living in the great Pacific Northwest, so I take every opportunity to swim, hike, and hang out in the high country. It rains a lot in western Oregon, so when the sun shines it's a real treat. We never miss an opportunity to head to the high lakes to blow off the stink, take in the gorgeous scenery, photograph dogs, and re-energize our creativity.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We're celebrating my newest book—Reporting for Duty. True Stories of Wounded Veterans and Their Service Dogs—that hits bookshelves on October 27, 2015.

What's brewing?

I come from strong English stock, so I'm a tea drinker (but don't hold that against me!) I'm always game for new teas, but one of my favorite go-to teas is Earl Grey, but I also love a good Chai tea.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

My pockets are always loaded with tidbits of cheese, liver, turkey, etc (and the dogs know it!)

How were you and your dogs united?

I've owned Australian Shepherds and been involved in the sport of pure-bred dogs for three decades—exhibiting them in conformation, obedience, and agility. Pony was born in our spare bedroom and has spent every day of her life with me and my husband. Moses and Jiggs were bred by separate yet very responsible breeders in California. Haven was bred by a longtime breeder friend in California and came to live with us when she was one year old. It was love at first sight.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

When it comes to naming and registering pure-bred dogs, breeders and owners take that task very seriously. We're always on the lookout for fun, catchy names that have never been used, which is challenging. Of course, you also try to come up with a call name that plays off the registered name. Pony weighed 6 ounces at birth (compared to her siblings who weighed in at nearly 12 ounces). So tiny, she reminded me of a newborn filly—so we named her Pony, and it stuck. Her registered name then became Dancin' Eyes Pony Up at White Mountain. I'm pretty sure she's the only dog named Pony. Moses had already been named Parkhills Justice from Heaven, which we couldn't change, so we named him Moses, which I think is a super cool name for a dog. Haven was already named when she came to live with us. Her nickname is Miss B Haven because she can be quite the mischief maker. I loved the name Jiggs, so that's what we named him, but it has nothing to do with his registered name Lakehills HapyHour at White Mountain, but that's okay. It happens. His slew of nicknames include Jiggy, Mr. G, G-man, Red Dog, and Supermodel—because he loves posing for pictures.

Do your dogs do more to help or hinder your writing?

They disapprove of my working because when I'm working I'm not playing with them. They try their best to be patient, but I regularly give in to their pitiful looks and we head outdoors for some training, retrieving, swimming, etc. It's just part of loving the dogs that we keep. In a weird way, that helps with creativity because it gets me outside, clears my brain, and gets me thinking in a new light.

Please tell us about your new book.

In my newest book Reporting for Duty. True Stories of Wounded Veterans and Their Service Dogs you will meet 15 wounded veterans who unselfishly volunteered to protect our freedom, and in doing so, paid an enormous price. The meat and potatoes of the book are the 15 wounded veterans who share their stories of adversity and triumph and who benefit daily from the assistance, companionship, and unconditional love of a trained service dog. You'll also read about the history of guide dogs and dogs for the hearing impaired, as well as the history of therapy dogs, canine co-therapists, puppy prison programs (puppies who are raised and trained by prison inmates and then placed as service dogs), and the selection and training of shelter dogs as service dogs.

Do you have any favorites among the dogs you met while working on Reporting for Duty?

Picking a favorite is like asking a parent to pick his or her favorite child! All of the dogs are incredible, as are their owners. What I found most remarkable is that with all of the medical and scientific technology available to rebuild body parts—hands, arms, legs—it is the dog who saves the veterans' life. The dog who pulls them back from the brink of suicide. Getting to know the veterans and sharing their stories has become part of the deepest, happiest, most cherished part of my writing career.

Who is that on the cover of Reporting for Duty?

The editors picked this photo. It was taken by photographer Don Burk, and it appeared in the Florida Times-Union. An editor saw the photo, fell in love with it, and, as they say, the rest is history. It ended up on the cover of the book. A perfectly emblematic photograph, representative of the power of dogs.

What is each dog's best quality?

All the my dogs have beautiful, kind spirits and are nothing short of perfect. At five years old, Pony's happy-go-lucky personality and goofy sense of humor make my heart sing every single day. She fills my life with endless kisses, cuddles, and giggles. At 13 years old, Moses is retired and has slowed down just a tad. He still does everything with gusto—from retrieving to swimming to riding in the truck to eating. His enthusiasm for life is contagious. Jiggy is a gentle soul. Kind. Considerate. Calm...he overflows with intelligence and empathy. For nine years he has remained wonderfully loyal and fiercely protective when the need arises. Haven has two speeds: fast and go faster! Her high-drive and high-energy are quintessential Australian Shepherd. She's serious, focused and determined with a quirky, yet dry English-type sense of humor. I love that that she's head-over-heels in love with me.

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

Jiggy, Moses, and Pony would insist on endless play—all day every day. Haven would round everyone up and herd them to California.

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

They're Australian Shepherds — speaking English would be dumbing them down. They already think they're smarter than I am—and most days they are.

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

Yikes. I'm a bookworm. I haven't been to the movies in years. For the boys—Moses and Jiggy—he would have to be very manly, someone like Sam Elliott, Clint Eastwood, Gary Cooper, Gary Grant, or, my favorite, Gregory Peck. For the girls, definitely Katharine Hepburn.

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

Drive faster, mummy! We're going to be late for the show.

Visit Tracy Libby's website.

--Marshal Zeringue