Loree Lough & Cash

Who is in the photo at right?

That’s Cash, my 10-year old German Shorthaired Pointer. He’s way beyond camera shy (more on that below) so I consider myself really, really fortunate to have this photo for my desk!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Can’t start my day without Cash ‘n’ coffee (in that order)!

What's brewing?

Costco brand regular, which won hands-down in cost and taste comparisons with other major brands.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Most days, just cereal with milk, but once in a while, I treat myself to a poached egg on toast. (And Cash gets about ¼ of it.)

Any treat for Cash on this occasion?

Today was the date for his monthly dose of heartworm prevention medicine. Some dogs gobble those pills up like candy. Not Cash! He got his wrapped in a blanket of cream cheese.

How were you and Cash united?

We heard the story of an abusive breeder who thought he could beat “gun shy” out of his litter of GSP pups. Neighbors complained about the constant yelping and crying, and authorities demanded that the owner make a choice: Give up the litter or serve time in jail and pay a steep fine. He chose the former, though he deserved both for the horrors he inflicted on those poor dogs. Our vet predicted that because of the abuse, Cash would not live as long as most GSPs (broken bones that healed on their own, poor diet, lack of veterinary care, etc…). He came to us with Lyme Disease, heartworm, and more. Lots more. But he’s happy and healthy now, and that’s what counts!

Does Cash have any influence on your writing?

Cash is my sidekick and loves to lay here beside my desk while I work. If not for his occasional “I need to go outside” nudgings, I’d probably never get up for food or water!

How did Cash get his name? Does he have any aliases?

The name on his papers is Jaek von-something-very-German, but because he’s mostly black (and cost us a small fortune at the vet’s office) we nicknamed him Cash.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

He loves to “tree” squirrels and bark at the neighbor’s cat.

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

All of the above, plus a weird rope-thing his daddy made for him.

Where is Cash's favorite outdoor destination?

He loves walking around the neighborhood, sniffing all the places where his four-legged pals have visited, but his all-time favorite place is our cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, where he delights in barking at deer, squirrels, birds, chipmunks, groundhogs, coyotes and a black bear or two … always from at least 100 yards.

Who is Cash's best pet-pal?

Honey, the miniature Dachshund. She’s my daughter’s dog, and visits often. He loves sharing food, water, treats and his comfy beds (he has one in almost every room of the house) with her, and they often cuddle up together for naps.

I've read that you are a wolf enthusiast. How did you come by that interest? How do you indulge it?

It all started while researching material for a book (Montana Sky) years ago. A friend told me about this fantastic place, The Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania, which is a 2-hour drive from my house. I spend as much time there as possible, and because the sanctuary is 100% donor-sponsored, I donate a percentage of my annual income to the care and feeding of those beautiful beasts.

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

“Stop filing my nails. I like to hear them tick-tack across the hardwood and tile!”

What is Cash's best quality?

I’d have to say patience + kindness = Cash. He’s a big dog (knee-high and 90 lbs.), but he’s truly a gentle giant. He’s sweetly affectionate with our grandkids and, if not for his arthritic old bones, would love it if they’d ride him like a pony!

What is the most amusing thing Cash does? The most frustrating?

Amusing? That’s a toss-up between the way he “talks” (think Scooby Doo) and the way he follows me everywhere. (He can open an unlocked bathroom door!)

Frustrating…I guess the way he “punishes” us when we have to leave him home alone by shredding magazines…and the latest copies of my books!

Why no photo of you with Cash?

Photos of Cash are rare, because he’s terrified of cameras. We think that’s because his former owner beat him with flashlights, and the sight of anything that flashes is just too scary for him. We’ve tried “catching” him by surprise with cell phone cameras, digital cameras, video cameras, and all manner of picture-taking devices that don’t flash. But he’s too smart for us! So, unfortunately, there are no pictures of me with Cash … or anyone else for that matter. [sigh]

According to one recent count, Loree Lough had 75 books in print, with nine more due out between now and the end of 2011, plus 65 short stories, and more than 2,500 articles.

Visit Loree Lough's website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Avery Aames & Max

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Avery Aames. I'm an author and I write A Cheese Shop Mystery series. The first in the series, The Long Quiche Goodbye, is available from Berkley Prime Crime. Max is the star of the photos below. He's a thirteen-year-old Labrador mix, mostly Lab.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Max is always hounding in on my coffee time. About mid-morning, we always take a break from writing and check out blogs and such. I get my coffee; he gets his treat.

What's brewing?

I like Peet's Major Dickenson's coffee. We're lucky enough to have a super-duper coffee machine that makes a regular cup of coffee come out steaming hot and yummy.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Well, I have to admit that I really like a piece of wheat-free toast with a slice of cheese and jam. Today's cheese is Taleggio (a creamy, nutty cow's cheese) and raspberry jam.

Any treat for Max on this occasion?

He likes an assortment. Milkbones, chicken strips (which are like jerky), or a hollow bone swabbed with a tablespoon of peanut butter.

How were you and Max united?

We found Max at the shelter. It was right after our darling Golden Retriever Barney died. We had another dog, Angel (a stray that we found at the park—she's been gone a year and a half; lived to the ripe old age of 17). Angel, without Barney, was heartbroken, so we went in search of another pal for her. We brought Max home, and Angel was NOT happy. It took about two weeks and a lot of loving from Max on Angel's ears for her to give in. They were best friends until she went to Heaven.

How did he get his name?

Max was actually the name on the shelter cage and it fit. He was all boy dog. Black, frisky. At times, we call him Maximillian Schell, after the actor. That fits too. Max can be quite dramatic.

Has Max influenced your writing in any way?

I always try to put an animal into my writing. Max has made his way into a number of books (or at least his personality has). He's a love. As a pup he was very feisty and into everything. Sort of a Marley and Me kind of dog at first, but as he aged, he really grew gentle. He loves his walks!

What's an ordinary day like for Max?

We rise and go for a walk. Around noon, we take another walk, sticking to the shade as much as we can. Around six another walk. He gets belly rubs at night. And if I go swimming, he loves to run back and forth and bark at me to make sure I know I'm underwater. Very funny.

Who is Max's best pet-pal?

We just moved to a new neighborhood, so he hasn't made friends yet. He likes Yuki (but Yuki would level Max with one leaping hug). He was good friends with Jasper in our old neighborhood. He truly misses his sweet Angel.

What's Max's best quality?

Loyalty. He's true blue.

What is Max's proudest moment so far? His most embarrassing?

Proudest is probably when he won over Angel with kisses. And he learned not to run away from home. His most embarrassing is when he cowers at the sound of lightening. That can really unnerve him. Luckily we're back in Los Angeles and there's not a lot of rain, let alone lightening, here.

Avery Aames, author of A Cheese Shop Mystery series for Berkley Prime Crime, likes to read, cook, garden, and do amateur photography. Visit her website.

She also blogs at Mystery Lovers Kitchen, a blog for foodies who love mysteries, as well as at Killer Characters, a blog overtaken by cozy authors’ characters.

The first book in the A Cheese Shop Mystery series, The Long Quiche Goodbye debuted July 6. It is available at Avery Aames’s bookseller page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Ruth G. Zavitsanos & Pebbles and Rocky

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Ruth G. Zavitsanos, a writer, mother and wife (definitely NOT in that order!). My dogs are Pebbles, a 6-year-old Border Collie/Black Lab and Rocky, a 4-month-old Miniature Australian Shepherd.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

When I found this site, I thought PERFECT. My day starts out with a cup of coffee and my canines laying on the floor of my office as I catch up on emails and social networking.

What's brewing?

BJs Warehouse Brand of Dark Roast whole bean with hazelnut creamer.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

A fat free pumpkin or blueberry muffin.

Any treats for Pebbles and Rocky on this occasion?

Yes, they love bacon flavored treats.

How were you and your dogs united?

We got Pebbles when our older dog fell sick with Diabetes. A friend said a neighbor's Border Collie had jumped the fence and the Black Lab down the street fell in love with her (wink, wink). We took one look at the furball and couldn't wait to bring her home. We recently got Rocky to do agility programs for fun on the weekends.

How did Pebbles and Rocky get their names? Do they have any aliases?

Pebbles was named by my youngest because she had heard about the Border Collie her father and I had that was hit by a car. We named her Wilma--fans of The Flintstones. Rocky just fits his personality and works with Pebbles!

Do your dogs have any influence on your writing?

Absolutely! In my children's book, The Villa Dog, the story is told from the dog's point of view. I know dogs are very instinctive and sensitive to our needs which is why the main canine character in The Villa Dog is loved by all.

Where is their favorite place for an outing?

The Dog park. It has a creek that runs through it and Pebbles loves to swim. Rocky is young but soon he'll be going there too. Right now, they both love their walks through our neighborhood! Lots to investigate, see and other dogs to saunter past!

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

All of the animals are new to Rocky so he does a lot of watching and walking backwards. Pebbles loves to chase squirrels, cats, and SKUNKS!

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

They love to play tug of war with their BULLWINKLE stuffed animal!

And a ball is pure happiness for both!

Who is each dog's best pet-pal?

Each other.

What is each dog's best quality?

Rocky is fun to watch cause he is young and innocent. Therefore he is very cautious but also fun loving. Pebbles is SWEET and FRIENDLY!

If Pebbles and Rocky could change one things about you, what would it be?

Less time writing and more time walking!

What is each dog's proudest moment?

Always being at someone's side when they are sick!

The most embarrassing moment?

Pebbles was scratched by a twig near her eye. The vet had to shave it and she did not like it at all.

My entire family loves dogs. Pebbles and Rocky know they have a very loving and fun home. There is no doubt they appreciate their surroundings because they are so sweet, good and entertaining. They both are protectors and prefer to be with someone than by themselves. I enjoy writing dogs in a scene or as the focal point of my books because they have an added dimension of profound sensitivity and caring.

Read an excerpt from The Villa Dog, and learn more about the book at author at Ruth Zavitsanos' website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Raquel Wood & Myron

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Raquel Wood, co-owner with my husband Terry of 'Hotrods by TJ's' - a car customizing shop in Sydney. Myron is a 4-year-old male boxer cross border collie and is our shop mascot as well as our baby.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Myron often has a gig at the local library so we popped in for a refreshment on the way!

What's brewing?

Extra frothy pupuchino thanks, hold the choc sprinkles - chocolate isn't good for dogs!

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Scones with jam and cream, thanks.

Any treat for Myron on this occasion?

Myron and I share.

How were you and Myron united?

My 5-year-old dog passed away with cancer and my neighbour knew I was grieving badly. She had heard about some pups born to a dumped dog that were all going to the pound so she encouraged me to go and take a look and see if I'd like to rescue one. When I saw Myron I chose him because he appeared cross-eyed and I figured he would be the least likely to find a home.

How did Myron get his name? Does he have any aliases?

My husband was given a second-hand hotrod jacket from America that still had the old name patch on it. I always loved it and said to Terry if ever we got another dog we would call him after that patch - Myron.

I understand that you've written a book called The Magic of Myron and are looking for a publisher. Perhaps a publisher or editor is reading this Q&A: would you share a brief synopsis of the manuscript?

The Magic of Myron is an encouraging story of a pup who, despite a rough start, overcomes life's adversities by sharing his happy journey with others. Though he is blind, environmentally allergic and has epilepsy, he melts the hearts of all he meets and sends the message that no matter what problem you may have to contend with, there is always something you can do for yourself and someone else.

Where is Myron's favorite outdoor destination?

Myron loves our local park. He knows every square inch of it and enjoys playing there off leash. He also enjoys the beach and loves swimming and chasing the seagulls (sometimes in the wrong direction).

Who is Myron's best pet-pal?

Robbee Chi Hammond, a chihuahua also from Sydney is Myron's best mate on Facebook, but he also has plenty of interspecies relationships like with an American disabled cat named Tiny Timmy and a hamster named Howard Worndel, also from America.

Is Myron more of a larrikin or a wowser? (Or is that the kind of silly question that an American might ask about an Australian dog and therefore doesn't deserve an answer?)

Myron is definitely a larrikin! He makes every one he meets laugh. He is cheeky and smart, funny and naughty all at once! Myron has a hobby of getting his picture taken with celebrities. He then shares the photos with folks he meets in his volunteer community service work. When meeting celebrities he seems to know I expect him to be on his best behaviour so he is determined to show off and be extra rambunctious for these occasions. The celebrities usually think he's gorgeous and laugh along with him. Lucky for me he's cute and can get away with it!

We then enlarge the photos and post them back to the celebrities to be autographed to Myron, but very often they are mailed back with cute comments and encouraging words about him, even if he was a little overbearing and obnoxious. John Paul Young - iconic Aussie singer (world wide hit - "Love is in the air") wrote back in a letter that Myron reminded him of a teddy who had lost his buttons. He added he was a delight and well behaved, which from my point of view on this occasion he definitely was not! Myron has also met American based author Lee Child and legendary American car customizer Gene Winfield who encouraged Myron to 'keep watching the house' on his autographed photo.

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

Since Myron has reached celebrity status in Australia you could probably compare me to a pageant Mom! When we leave the house Myron has to look his best - bathed, brushed and primped to the max. Matching collar and leash and the expectation of perfect public performance. Myron would much rather me let him be a scruffy dog, though he doesn't mind a brush.

What is Myron's best quality?

He doesn't let life's unexpected disappointments get him down. If he wants to accomplish something he is always willing to find a way, even if it's unconventional. He can play fetch with a tennis ball or a Frisbee and he is self taught! He showed us what to do! He began dropping the ball at our feet and then ran away a few paces, spun around and barked for us to throw it at him. He has progressed to playing fetch much like a sighted dog now. If he loses track I yell out to him either HOT or COLD depending how far away he is from the ball and he finds it like that!

What is the most amusing thing Myron does? The most frustrating?

Myron does an impersonation of a frog on command. He used to like to lay stretched out flat on the cold tiles on a hot day. When I would see him like this I would call him a frog. Eventually when he heard the word frog he would automatically flatten out into the position. Now when someone asks him "where's the frog?" he slams himself down on the floor with his rear legs stretched out behind him flat on the ground.

The most frustrating thing about Myron is you can't turn him off! He always wants to play. He is obsessed with his tennis balls and is constantly at you to throw it, whether you are hanging the washing on the line, watching TV or even in the bathroom!! He doesn't have good day/night concept and is ready to play even while we are trying to sleep. He doesn't understand it's dark outside because he finds the ball just fine!

Visit Myron's blog and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Carola Dunn & Trillian

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Carola Dunn, the author of two mystery series, the Daisy Dalrymple mysteries, set in England in the 1920s, and the Cornish Mysteries, set in the 1960s.

Trillian (a bitch) is named after a character in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe — in my opinion the only wholly sane, competent, intelligent, and commonsensical character in all 5 volumes. I adopted my Trillian from the county shelter nearly a year ago, at which time they guessed she was about 4 years old. She's mostly border collie, possibly with a bit of black Lab thrown in. She runs and herds like a sheepdog but she's mellower than most.

Last time I asked, you reported on quite a repertoire of teas that you drink during the course of the day. Has that changed at all?

Not much, if at all. I start the day with Tetley's regular black, then make a pot of Tetley's decaf black and green mixed, with the addition of a slice of ginger-root and a squeeze of lemon. If that runs out, I have a mug of herbal tea, usually one of Celestial Seasonings' varieties. In the evening I like Stash ginger and lemon.

Any goodies to go with the tea? Any treat for Trillian?

As I drink tea all day, yes! Usually nuts and chocolate chips—Ghirardelli's 60%. I figure my consumption of those three should guarantee the healthiest heart around.

Trillian's favourite treat is Greenies. They don't smell like something a dog would appreciate, but she loves them. And they're supposed to be good for her teeth, too.

We're health-conscious, the two of us.

Last year you wrote that Eleanor Trewynn, in Manna from Hades, has a West Highland Terrier, Teazle. Does Teazle appear in your new Cornish mystery?

Yes, Teazle is a constant presence in A Colourful Death. She has a lovely scene of her own. After several hours at a police station, she's at last let out to pee. She dashes for a patch of grass, followed by Eleanor, just as a convoy of detectives arrives. In the dusk they jump to the conclusion that Eleanor's an escaping murderer, so they end up surrounding the pair. As Eleanor remarks to their superior, "These gentlemen seem to be extraordinarily interested in her bodily functions."

Where is Trillian's favorite place for an outing?

She loves our walks along the bike path by the Willamette River every morning and her evening runs on the school field next door. But she's happy to go anywhere and she's very disappointed if I go out in the car without her, even though, more often than not, she just gets to sit there while I'm grocery shopping. Amazing, considering she refused point-blank to get in the car when I fetched her from the shelter. It took a good month of bribery to persuade her to jump in willingly.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Squirrels galore. I swear my squirrels have four litters a year, not the usual two. Thank heaven she doesn't bark at them. She just tries to climb fences and trees after them.

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

She's not interested in balls or sticks, but she adores soft squeaky toys. She'll choose one of her collection and race around the house, throwing it in the air, then through the dog-door to the garage. If I'm lucky she'll leave it there. If not, she'll go through the second dog-door into the yard and drop it outside. More than one has been left out in the rain for too long to be fit for rescue!

She likes non-squeaky soft toys too. One of her favourites is a baby seal that was also a favourite of my previous dog, Willow. Willow took its eyes out—always her first move with a new toy—but the only damage Trillian does is the effect of leaving them out in the rain to grow mould.

I read on your blog that you were dog-sitting Oli and he got his ear nipped by a neighbor's dog, which resulted in lots of spilled blood. You mused that the incident might inspire a scene in an upcoming novel. Has that notion developed into words on the page yet?

Not so far. Pools of blood figure in A Colourful Death so I'll have to avoid the topic in my mysteries for a while. But you never know...

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

I'm sure she'd like more than two walks a day. A lot of the rushing around with a toy takes place when we get back from our morning 3 miles. All I want is to sit down with breakfast and the newspaper (and my cuppa), but she's still full of energy!

Visit Carola Dunn's website and blog.

Dunn is the author of over 50 books: 18 mysteries in the Daisy Dalrymple series, set in England in the 1920s; a new series-- A Colourful Death is the latest installment--set in Cornwall in the 1960s; and 32 Regencies, not counting numerous novellas.

Read more about Trillian's first visit to Coffee with a Canine.

--Marshal Zeringue

Joanna Slan & Rafferty and Victoria

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Joanna Slan, with my dogs Victoria (on the left in the pink halter top) and Rafferty (on the right in the masculine blue apparel). I'm the tall one wearing the red sweater. I write the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, the most recent being Photo, Snap, Shot. The first book in the series--Paper, Scissors, Death--was nominated for an Agatha Award for Best First Novel.

Victoria is a purebred English Bichon Frise, the daughter of an English Champion, and she's nine years old. Rafferty is part Bichon and part Poodle, and he might be six years old.

This photo was taken by Donna Manz, a reporter for the Vienna Connection. She stopped by the house to interview me, and my canine office assistants had to get in on the act.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

When we first adopted Rafferty, he'd never been through a drive up. We pulled into a McDonald's to get lunch, and poor Rafferty heard the disembodied voice and launched himself at the car window to protect us. This was not good. Not for Rafferty. Not for us. And the fast food workers were definitely freaked. So we discovered that the local Starbucks always gave out dog cookies with human food. Every morning my husband David would take Raffie to Starbucks. This worked well, until we discovered that Raffie wasn't only "digging" the dog biscuits, he was also helping himself to David's coffee. We still love coffee, but we don't share it with Raffie anymore!

What's brewing?

For Christmas a couple of years ago, I bought David an Expobar, and now David makes great lattes. Our favorite bean is from Kaldi's, a coffee company in St. Louis that is my protagonist Kiki Lowenstein's favorite coffee company, too. I like my vanilla lattes cold, no ice. Weird, but true.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

I love those flat Almondina cookies, and Grace's Best, a delicious sunflower
seed cookie they make in Parkville, Missouri.

Any treat for Rafferty on this occasion?

Always! He and Victoria both like "cheese yummies," which are small pieces of 2% American cheese. I also slice treat strips into smaller pieces so I can dole out plenty of them during the day. And carrots. Oh, my gosh, do my dogs love carrots! Cold from the refrigerator is best.

How were you and Rafferty united?

At the calf. Seriously, his original owner left him alone outside in a cage so long that the fur wrapped around his right rear leg, cut off the circulation, and the leg had to be amputated. So Raffie sticks to me like Velcro. He even walks with his nose between my calves as I walk. He's getting a lot more secure as the years go on, but if I've been gone on book tour, he's my Siamese twin for weeks.

Oh! You mean how did we "adopt" Rafferty! Our first Bichon, Kevin, was dying of cancer. I couldn't handle it, hearing Kevin cough and seeing him grow weaker and weaker, so I told my husband I wanted another dog. I felt that giving a rescue dog a home would distract me. We filled out the "emergency needs" paperwork and Small Paws, the rescue group, called us over the holidays. My son thought a three-legged dog would be "pimping." (Ahem. At the time, Michael was 15, and everything was either "pimping" or boring.) My husband wanted a younger dog. We had to have a male because when Kevin died, we'd still have Victoria, and we didn't want to chance any fighting. Small Paws had 119 Bichon/Bichon-mix dogs that needed a home. It broke our hearts. Rafferty was a good match for us.

Does Rafferty have any influence on your writing?

Absolutely. Raffie is a daily reminder that there are too many wonderful, loving animals out there that are homeless. So I had my protagonist, Kiki Lowenstein, adopt a female Harlequin Great Dane that she names Gracie. You see, with all the foreclosures, big dogs are showing up in more and more shelters. You could maybe convince a landlord to let you have a Chihuahua or even a dachshund, but a Great Dane? Uh, no.

Raffie isn't big, but he wasn't adopted because people saw him as "flawed." Phooey on them. He's not flawed. He can do anything a dog with four legs does. He can jump up on furniture and beds, climb stairs, hop into the car, and love us. What more do you need from a dog?

How did Rafferty get his name? Does he have any aliases?

Small Paws named our dog "Rafferty," because they believe a dog deserves a new name for a new life. We call him "Raffery J. Slan." I have no idea why. We just do.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

He's learning to be nice to other animals, thank you. Especially after he caught up with that herd of deer in our yard when we lived in St. Louis. It seemed funny to watch him scamper downhill after them until the herd turned and started running his way. Yeow! Then we realized how dangerous it was! (Call it a dumb pet-owner trick. We're smarter now.)

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

None of the above. He loves to pick up his leash and bring it to me. I think it's his way of saying, "Don't ever leave me, please!"

Where is Rafferty's favorite outdoor destination?

We recently moved to the Washington, DC, area, and now we love to walk the W & OD Trail. And of course, right around the block is the cutest little female Bichon named Chessie (short for Franchesca). She's Raffie's idea of one smoking hot babe. I think she knows it, too.

Who is Rafferty's best pet-pal?

His older sister Victoria. She taught him the ropes. Rafferty gets very nervous if he's separated from Vicky.

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

I would quit messing with that stupid computer and pat him more.

What is Rafferty's best quality?

His indomitable courage. My son Michael says that Rafferty teaches us not to feel sorry for ourselves. To pick ourselves up and keep going rather than whine about how unfair life is. My son is right. Rafferty is a daily lesson to count your blessings. And we count him as one of ours.

What is the most amusing thing Rafferty does? The most frustrating?

Rafferty is the most eloquent dog I've ever owned. If he wants something--like his own cushion or a door open or water or a treat--he will definitely let you know by vocalizing. That's also sometimes frustrating when I have other priorities.

What's the most amusing part of owning Rafferty?

A lot of people don't notice he's missing a leg. At least not immediately. Once we were at a soccer match and a little girl stared and stared at Rafferty. Finally she tugged on David's sleeve. "Mister? That dog only has three legs!" she said.

David countered, "You're kidding? He had four when we left the house!"

I mean, how can you beat that? A dog who loves us, inspires us and provides all sorts of entertainment. Rafferty has it all!

Joanna Campbell Slan is the author of Paper, Scissors, Death, an Agatha-nominee for Best First Novel, and Book #1 in the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series. Paper, Scissors, Death is followed by Cut, Crop & Die, Book #2 in the series, and Photo, Snap, Shot, which was published in May 2010.

Learn more about the author and her work at Joanna Slan's website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Julia London & Moose

Who is in the photo at right?

That’s me, Julia London, the bestselling author of One Season of Sunshine (available now) with Moose, a five month-old male Labrador. The picture was taken when he was 8 weeks old.

What’s the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

He won’t let me work, so I might as well have coffee with him. I had forgotten how much attention puppies need! We’ll probably head to the dog park later so he can run out some of his energy.

What’s brewing?

Starbucks skinny caramel latte. Tall. Frozen in summer, hot in winter.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Not unless the goody is calorie-free. If you know of any, Moose and I would be interested to know what it is.

Any treat for your dog on this occasion?

There is always a treat for Moose. He gets a Peanut butter and molasses dog biscuit.

How were you and your dog united?

I went looking for Moose. I had two labs before him, Hugo and Maude, who lived to be fourteen and thirteen respectively. About a year after Hugo died, I decided I was ready for another dog. But as I had a young child in the house, I wanted a puppy, so I went back to the breeder where I got Hugo and Maude and came home with Moose.

How did Moose get his name?

He is the offspring of Molly and Zues, and by the look of things, he will be the size of a Moose. The name seemed to fit all the way around.

Do your dogs have any influence on your writing?

Not really. Occasionally I drop a dog into the book, and use my famously obedient dogs as models for that canine. But mostly, their only influence is to drive me nuts with all the licking they do while I try to concentrate on writing.

Where is Moose’s favorite place for an outing?

Moose loves him some dog park. But I think his favorite place is doggie day care. Our day care has a policy that you choose a day to bring your dog and keep that day each week. That way, the same dogs are there each week. Moose has made some very good friends in other puppies there. The staff tells me that Moose is “enthusiastic” about everything. I take that to mean he attempts to hump everything.

Squirrel, cat, postman?

Squirrel. Cats scare him. We don’t really have a postman, but if we did, Moose would want to ride in his truck.

Tennis ball, stick, squeaky-toy?

All of the above.

What is Moose’s best quality?

He really is an affable dog and easy to train.

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

He would definitely want me to pay more attention to him. But I don’t have six hours a day to entertain crazy, energetic puppies who want to chew me.

What is Moose’s most amusing characteristic? The most frustrating?

He’s a puppy, so he’s all legs and no grace. He’s constantly sliding or slamming into things, and I have to say, that makes me laugh. The most frustrating characteristic is the jumping. But we are working on that. He is going to be a great dog!

Julia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than a twenty romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular Desperate Debutante and Scandalous historical romance series, as well as several contemporary romances, including American Diva, the very popular tie-in novel to the daytime drama, Guiding Light: Jonathan’s Story, and Summer of Two Wishes.

She is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a four-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction.

London's latest novel is One Season of Sunshine.

She lives in Round Rock, Texas, with her husband.

Visit Julia London's website and follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

--Marshal Zeringue