Gordon Aalborg & Magic

Who is in the photo at right?

That is me, Gordon Aalborg, and my chocolate Labrador, Magic. I am a novelist, editor, and occasional carver and Magic is the faerie who was put upon this earth to keep me grounded and allegedly sane.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

The occasion is to celebrate Magic getting her Junior Hunter title at a recent Hunt Test, which is a simulated duck-shooting expedition in which gundogs must show that they can do what they've been bred to do. And do it well, needless to say. When I got Magic, she was four years old and - if you can believe such a thing, had never seen a duck, heard a gun or learned to swim! The swimming is the part that worries me most now, because she is still a bit wary of it, and, being female, a trifle fickle in her reactions to being asked to swim.

What's the beverage du jour?

Instant. And cheap instant, at that. But if we were out it might be a cappuccino. We're not “out” because I'm too tired to go out. It's been a trying weekend in more ways than one.

Any treats for you or your dog on this occasion?

She gets treats when we train, but I'm too tired to train today, and she might be too, if I dared ask her. Which I dare not, because she would point to the sign right above her eyebrows that says: Labrador ... will work for FOOD.

How did your dog come to be united with you?

Short version. She was a kennel dog, kept for possible breeding. Maybe. Eventually. Possibly. She had basic obedience, had learned to chase balls, but was--in my opinion--bored right out of her brain. We came across her when we were looking for a dog (maybe) to replace our old Pandora, who had taken the rainbow bridge at 14.

I'm a gundog enthusiast, was founder and first president of the Tasmanian Gundog Trial Association, and thought I might get back into the sport here in Canada, where I now live.

This lady had a litter of Chocolate Lab pups, but the bitches were all sold and I will not own a male dog (it's like having a teenage boy in the house ... challenge, challenge, challenge) so I asked if she might, by chance, have a three or four year-old dog that might need a decent home.

We looked at Magic, who was spinny as a wheel in her ecstasy at being let out for a romp, there were discussions, negotiations a few days later when she brought Magic to my place so we could see her away from all the distractions of puppies and other dogs, there were more negotiations and Magic did not leave with her former owner. Didn't even say good-bye, actually.

How did Magic get her name?

It was part of her kennel name, although her former owner had given her a different one. To us she was Magic in all possible ways, and a reminder to me of my first Magic [photo right], a chocolate bitch I bred in Tasmania. She went on to become a guide dog for a blind friend of the family and he used to run her in retrieving trials as her R&R. She featured in my suspense thriller Dining With Devils which is set in Tasmania and start off with a retrieving trial in which the judge is fatally shot.

Foothills Mocha Magic

At first, everyone thought the retrieving trial judge had been killed by a blind man shooting blanks at a dead pigeon. With typical Tasmanian logic and the blinkered focus of hardened gundog trial fanatics, they ignored the fact that the judge had been standing behind the blind man when the gun went off and the blanks in the blind man's shotgun were loaded only with primers, and therefore harmless.

Instead, they focused on the obvious, which was that blind John had the shotgun in his hands and all the motive in the world for shooting the judge, who, the evening before, had callously told John, in front of everyone, that he should give up entering his guide dog Magic in retrieving trials because, “You can't possibly win.” Insensitive and unkind words to a highly competitive individual like John, so in the eyes of most observers, the judge deserved shooting!

And then the judge had compounded the offense by growling back when John's guide dog/retrieving trial entrant sensed John's anger and curled her upper lip in the beginnings of a snarl. Foothills Mocha Magic was not known to snarl without good and sufficient reason. The chocolate Labrador bitch took her work as a guide dog seriously, and reading John's moods, not to mention protecting him, was part of her chosen role in life. A short-lived incident, but a memorable one that gained the judge no credit even in death.

When he died, nobody was actually watching the judge anyway. All attentions were focused across an arm of the South Esk River, on the place where the mechanical catapult was set up to fling dead pigeons for the trial dogs to retrieve. The trial site was on Ormley, a grazing property nestled in the Fingal Valley east of Avoca between the looming bulk of Ben Lomond and the lower Fingal Tier to the south.

It was a typical late autumn morning in which everyone had awakened to a river valley swirling in a fog that roosted in the tall blue gums and stringy-barks along the river and shrouded the gorse bushes and lower scrub. It took quite some time to burn off, but by mid-morning the day was as splendid as anyone could ask for. Except maybe the judge.

Thus, this astonishing chain of events:

* The judge raised his clipboard in a signal.
* The bird thrower was released, flinging the pigeon into the air for Magic to see and John to shoot at even though he couldn't see.
* John, who'd been a shooter before losing his sight in an accident, heard the thrower and fired at the appropriate moment the bird should have been at the zenith of its flight.
* And both the hapless pigeon and the trial judge ended up face-down and dead on the boggy ground, a hundred yards and a river between them, but equal in death.

Foothills Mocha Magic, splendid dog that she was, kept her attention focused on the pigeon--if the idiot judge wished to do his job lying face down in the dirt, that was none of her concern. John, of course, didn't see the judge fall, so he waited the requisite mental ten-count, then ordered his dog to fetch, whereupon she took off like a rocket, launched herself into the river, swam across, ran straight to the bird, picked it up, and was swimming the river on her way back almost before the judge stopped twitching. She threw him a scurrilous glance, then presented John with her trophy in a perfect, ten-point delivery, and walked back to heel, neither knowing nor caring that her best run ever wasn't going to count.

Hardly anyone even saw the delivery; most of the gallery had, by this time, realized that their trial judge had just fallen down dead.

Foothills Mocha Magic has gone to be united with her beloved John Whitton, and my Magic has yet to find a place in one of my books, but she'll manage it one day, I'm sure.

Various dogs from my life have made it into my books. The Original Magic's relatives are all in Love Thy Neighbour, my working-bred English Springer Spaniel Wrangham Ladbybird (Lady) was a wonderful character in Finding Bess. And many others for whom I don't even have pictures, sadly. More on this in www.gordonaalborg.com

What's an ordinary day like for you and your dog?

On a good day, it's both of us up at sparrow-fart, coffee for me, then we're off to the local park to train for an hour or so. Sometimes to the nearby beach to swim in the salt-chuck. Then I work, she sleeps, wanders around the house, keeps tabs on my wife, author Denise Dietz with whom she goes back to the park in the afternoon so she can teach Deni to play tennis. Evenings she brings us her various toys for examination, just to be sure she hasn't misplaced any of them.

Does Magic have a favorite place to walk?

She likes the park, the beach, the retriever club's training grounds ... anywhere she can use her wonderful nose and instincts to their fullest. Unless it involves swimming, which she will do, but is still shy of. She'll be six this summer, but for purposes of being a Hunt Test dog, or - in my terms - a real dog, she is really less than two years old, and has much yet to learn ... and to teach me.

What's your dog's best quality?

She has the finest temperament possible in a Labrador. If only she'd get enthusiastic about swimming, (which she will, someday) she'd be perfect - which makes her a lot closer to perfection than I am or will ever be. Plus she is a World Class Chick Magnet! Never a bad thing for a man my age.

What's your dog's proudest moment so far? Her most embarrassing?

Her proudest might be getting her Junior Hunter title. Her most embarrassing might be having refused only the day before that to go into the water at all. I am beyond being concerned about such things, since I believe a grown man shouldn't need a dog to help him make a damned fool of himself, and I've proven that plenty of times.

Like all dogs, Magic is a realist. She helps my Muse and alter-ego Victoria Gordon to write romances, but Magic holds no illusions on the subject.

Learn more about his dogs and his books at Gordon Aalborg's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Kaira Rouda & Oreo and Tucker

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Kaira Rouda and I’m the author of Here, Home, Hope – my debut novel out today! I’m also the mom of four, I’ve been married for 21 years and I live in Southern California. Over the years, I’ve been an entrepreneur, a business writer and speaker (Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs was my first book.) But now, I’m finally doing what I’ve dreamed of since childhood – writing novels.

In the photo to the right I’m with Oreo, my loyal and trusty steed, as I call him. Oreo is 11 years old. He’s a mutt who has some Pomeranian and some Spaniel mixed in. He is the smartest dog I’ve ever met and he is a star in my novel. Truly, Kelly – the protagonist’s best animal friend is Oreo. In the story, Oreo carries around his favorite toy, a red fish. And in real life, you won’t find Oreo without the fish beside him. He’s the best dog.

Recently, we added Tucker – a shitzu/poodle mix. Oreo has taken the little guy under his wing, for the most part. And Tucker is lucky to have such a wonderful big brother.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Oreo, Tucker and I have coffee every morning. My daughter wanted a coffee machine for Christmas, and now we have this fancy one that makes individual cups. I am convinced it’s more time consuming than the regular old way, but my kids love it and it makes hot chocolate, too. I can’t tell you what my favorite is because my husband orders different types all the time. It’s a family toy, I think!

What's brewing?

No matter what the brand, my coffee is always black.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

The dogs just discovered Newman’s Own Organic Peanut Butter Treats. They’re shaped like hearts.

How did the dogs get their names?

Oreo was named by the kids, 11 years ago. They were little – he is black and white. Enough said. Tucker was named by my daughter who promised to take care of him. Enough said.

Please tell us a bit about your dogs' role in your writing?

Both dogs sit at my feet, under my desk. I love it. The constant encouragement of their presence. It’s the best.

Do your dogs have a favorite place to go for walk?

Oreo loves the beach. He gets the biggest smile on his face when he’s out there, chasing birds, jumping waves.

Tucker doesn’t know how to walk on a leash yet. We’re working on it.

What's each dog's best quality?

Oreo is smart – he seems to understand everything I’m saying. I know, that’s weird, but he’s awesome.

Tucker is adorable – like a Teddy Bear following you around.

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

They would ask that I never leave the house without taking them with me. And if I could, I would take them everywhere with me.

View the book trailer for Here, Home, Hope, and learn more about the book and author at Kaira Rouda's website.

My Book, The Movie: Here, Home, Hope.

--Marshal Zeringue

Vanessa Cabban & Ellie and Douglas

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Vanessa Cabban. I am an artist and illustrator.

Learn more about my work at my website and blog.

My dogs names are Ellie (a girl of 7 years old), and Douglas (a boy of six and a half years old). They have the same father, but different mothers! They are Miniature Wire-Haired Dachshunds.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Coffee at 11 a.m. every day is our usual routine. We take a break from our busy schedules -- theirs of snoozing after a walk, mine of working. Unfortunately the cafe is the very unglamorous location of home. If we had infinite means, it would be a trip by helicopter to Laduree, on the Rue Royale, in Paris every day.

What's brewing?

Illy coffee is brewing. A smallish amount of strong coffee made in a cafetiere, added to a bowl shaped mug filled with steaming hot milk.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

On work days a morning coffee wouldn't be accompanied by anything, on days off, well.............. no, nothing on those days either. One can dream. If this was an afternoon coffee (and coffee that had turned into tea), well that's an entirely different matter. It would be biscuits (or cookies as you say in America), or even a Snickers bar. Anything that is hiding in "the chocolate box".

Any treat for your dogs on this occasion?

No treats for little Dachshunds I'm afraid, not at 11 a.m in the morning. They have to wait till lunch time, when they get snacks like carrot sticks.

How were you and your dogs united?

After years of searching out what type of dog would be our ideal dog, we bought Ellie from a breeder whose two dogs only have one litter each a year, so she's very reputable. Ellie, seemed to need the company of her own kind, so we then got Douglas. They are inseparable.

Have your dogs had any influence on your writing and illustrating?

Not directly, definitely indirectly. They have never appeared in any of my books, paintings or sculptures, but their constant presence, and our voicing of the thoughts they communicate to us through their eyes, actions and body language, has an influence on my life as a whole, so that must insinuate its way into my work, don't you think?

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Our dogs have official human names, by which they are addressed in public.

But in private, Douglas [photo right] is often addressed as Mr. Boogles, Baby Boy, Beautiful Baby Boy, or just, You're So Cute!

Ellie is often just Ellie, or Aren't You Independent, or No Ellie Stop Snarling At Me, and sometimes it's, Oh Ellie You're So Small And Sweet.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Postman for Douglas.

Ellie would just wag her tail at any stranger, she has this public persona where she looks adorable to complete strangers.

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

Ellie has Duckie. She likes to suck Duckie, and use him as a pillow. He occasionally goes in the wash.

Douglas just cuddles up to us; unless it's edible he's not interested in toys.

Where is Ellie and Douglas' favorite places for outings?

Anywhere people have dropped edible things.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Ellie [photo left] doesn't have best pet pals.

Douglas sometimes gets crushes on other boy doggies, and follows them around everywhere.

What is each dog's best quality?

Ellie is very independent, but it's lovely when she softens and allows you to give her a cuddle.

Douglas is the most loving ball of need, quite a contrast to Ellie.

What is each dog's proudest moment? Most embarrassing?

Douglas saved a fish on the beach.

Ellie did a poo in the bank.

Vanessa Cabban is an artist and illustrator best known for her children’s book illustrations. She has illustrated more than 25 books, published in 23 countries and 20 languages.

She also exhibits and sells paintings, prints and sculpture in various galleries around the United Kingdom.

Visit Vanessa Cabban's website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Deb Caletti & Tucker

Who is in the photo at right?

That’s me, Deb Caletti, author of eight novels, most recently, Stay (Simon & Schuster), and Tucker, who has never written anything. We think he’s a German Shepherd mix, but we’re not sure, and we think he’s about five and a half, although we’re not sure about that, either. When someone asks me what kind of dog he is, I usually say, “big and tan.” I like this photo, because we sort of look like business partners. He’s the serious one on the left.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Since I’m a writer and work at home, Tucker and I have coffee every morning together as I start my writing day. Before Tucker came into my life (through my husband, John), my coffee-and-everything-else companion was Jupiter, my sweet, beloved beagle. For a short while, both of them were my coworkers (although Jupiter was definitely upper management). Since she died about a year ago, it’s been me and Tuck for coffee every day.

What's brewing?

Starbuck’s French Roast. Nice and strong. A little milk and sugar.

Any treats for you or Tucker on this occasion?

I love a nice shortbread cookie with my morning coffee. A brownie does nicely, too. Tucker sits nicely for his own dog cookie. Jupiter would have snitched the treats and the paper towels they sat on. A master at the snitch-and-run.

How did your dog come to be united with you?

Tucker is actually my step-dog; he came into my life when I met John. Now Tucker has a stay-at-home writer mom, which I think he likes very much. He thinks it’s his job to guard me, which is something we disagree about. The way my kids and I became united with Jupiter, though – that story (which involves a road trip, a broken down car, a snowstorm, and a new beginning for us all) is told in my newest book, The Story of Us, which will come out next year.

How did he get his name?

John rescued Tucker from the pound. With his folded down ears and funny, friendly face (Tucker’s, not John’s), John thought the name suited him. Every now and then, when Tuck’s being a pile of trouble, I think it would have been more fitting if he swapped out that first letter (yeah, you know, to an “F”). Most of the time, though, I agree that the name fits him perfectly. He really is a sweet, funny soul.

Jupiter’s name came from the dog in John Cheever’s short story, “The Country Husband.” It’s one of my favorite stories, and I couldn’t have imagined calling her anything else.

Please tell us a bit about Tucker and Jupiter's roles in your writing?

I think dogs make great characters, and Jupiter has appeared often in my books over the years. She was the model for the beagle Milo (a guy dog – sorry dear Jupiter) in The Nature of Jade.

Tucker's manners have been cleaned up a bit for his appearance as Rocket in The Six Rules of Maybe.

My latest book, though, The Story of Us (Simon & Schuster 2012), is really my Dog Book, featuring Jupiter as herself. A major theme of the book is dogs and our relationship with them – the ways that unique partnership enriches our lives. As well, it’s a book about life, loss and change within a family. It's a book for dog lovers, definitely.

Does Tucker have a favorite place to go for walk?

I think he most enjoys his regular loop around our neighborhood of Ravenna, especially the corner by the park, where all the dogs stop, and where he can catch up with all the canine news. He likes to see his regulars out there – Joey, Winston, Black Dog, and The Crazy, Small, White Twins. He’s friendly to everyone, no matter how big or small or ominous they are.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

All of the above, with enthusiasm. I swear, Tuck can hear a Fed Ex truck starting up from the next town over.

What's your dog's best quality?

His good-willed enthusiasm. Whatever Tucker does, he does one hundred percent. Jupiter’s best quality was her steadfast devotion. She stayed nearby, whenever you needed nearby.

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

He would ask that I be more patient with the whole barking-during-writing hours conflict we have. Actually, the barking-at-all-hours conflict we have. He doesn’t see this as I do. After all, I could be in mortal danger from delivery trucks, the neighbor’s cat, and every dropping pine cone.

What's your dog's proudest moment so far? His most embarrassing?

I taught Tucker this super-cool trick, where, after his dinner, he scoots his bowl in a straight shot across the kitchen floor, to land right at the cupboard where we keep his food. When the bowl hits the cupboard, I put a bit of dessert in. He’s as proud as a little soccer player making a goal whenever he does it. Now, though, he’s begun to up the ante, scooting the bowl for round two to land at my feet. Who says dogs can’t talk?

His most embarrassing? Running exuberantly back into the house when the glass doors were still shut. Banged right into them, and looked a little dazed. Oh, dear.

Jupiter once opened the refrigerator door at my mother’s house, exposing the riches like a triumphant treasure hunter. I feel bad to mention that she sometimes barked when the doorbell rang on TV. She was a good dog.

Learn more about the author and her books at Deb Caletti's website and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Ron Troke & Sophie

Who is in the photo at right?

Hi, I'm Ron Troke and I'm retired. My dog's name is Sophie. She is 4 years old and is a Labradoodle.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I have my fix every morning with Sophie who makes sure that I get up every morning after whimpering and nudging me into the morning light.

What's brewing?

I swear by a fair trade blend called Espresso Blend made by the Just Us Company located in Grand Pre in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Canada.

I always have two scoops plus... for my Italian espresso maker. The result is an Americano which is what I always choose at any local cafe.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Besides a full breakfast, my coffee is accompanied with toast, biscotti or scone.

How were you and Sophie united?

Sophie chose me and my husband Jim, one day in March 2007. She was looking out a kennel window and we spied her looking at us. It was love at first sight!

Any treat for Sophie on this occasion?

Sophie sits on her hassock while I savour my goody because she knows she will get a piece of it.

How did Sophie get her name? Does she have any nicknames?

Sophie's name comes from my husband Jim's Gr Gr Grandmother.

Sophie has a nickname for sure. It is Licker which was bestowed upon her by Jim's 94-year-old father who says she tries to lick him all the time.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Sophie totally ignores squirrels, goes bonkers when you say `kitty, kitty` and has met the post lady twice with the exuberance she shows everyone who is human.

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

Tennis balls used to excite her but she has grown to dislike these fuzzy balls.

She is very partial to the rubber orange balls. Squeaky toys make her moan and whine especially after breakfast when she is full and contented.

Where is Sophie's favorite place for an outing?

Point Pleasant Park in Halifax, Nova Scotia tops the list because there are numerous dog trails and for that matter dogs who give her a run for her money. She makes a point of sharing her orange ball with any dog that responds. Most do, and if they don't, immediately she drops the ball for them to pick up and she then encourages a chase. Smart girl, she is!

Who is Sophie's best pet-pal?

Sophie's best pal is Clancy, a Bichon Frise. He was rescued from neglectful owners.

Sophie is so good with the little guy and they have a grand time running and chasing each other.

What is Sophie's most endearing quality?

Sophie loves people and she is so kind and friendly.

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

Sophie would want me to allow her to eat seaweed every time we go to the beach.

What is Sophie's proudest moment? Most embarrassing?

Sophie's proudest moment is when she catches her orange ball on the first bounce of the first throw.

Her most embarrassing moment is when she extensively sniffs someone new in places that are very private.

Visit the blog From Sophie's View.

--Marshal Zeringue

Ellie Allen Cook & Cedar, Moss and Scully

Who is in the photo at right?

That would be me and one of my dogs, Cedar, hiking in L.L. Stub Stewart State Park in Oregon. Cedar looks annoyed that we've stopped for yet another picture, which she is, and I look just a little bit awkward, which I am. My name is Ellie Allen Cook, and I'm currently a graduate student in English, and am also teaching basic composition classes (English 101 and 102) at the university where I'm getting my degree. I'm set to finish up this year, which I'm greatly looking forward to because that means I can get back to writing! I'm currently working on a Harlequin-style romance novel for fun, and hope to finish it this year. Who knew playing with cliches could be so much fun?

Anyways, I currently have three dogs, two Border Collies, Cedar and Moss, and one rather sullen Boston Terrier, Scully. Cedar is three years old, Moss is two, and Scully is five. They are the main focus of my blog, Cedes of Change.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Coffee and my canines are the only way that I've managed to stay somewhat sane throughout the craziness of grad school!

What's brewing?

Starbucks double-shot, iced skinny vanilla latte!

Any treat for you and your dogs on this occasion?

For me? Warm pita bread, kalamata olives and roasted garlic hummus. For the dogs? String cheese. Lots and lots of string cheese. But they also really like carrots, red bell peppers and broccoli stems for treats.

How were you and your dogs united?

I've always had dogs, and have been training and competing with them for over half my life. Although my background is in conformation showing (In the past, I've gone as far as to compete at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York City and the AKC/Eukanuba Invitational in Tampa, FL), in recent years I've gotten more into performance events like agility, herding, and rally obedience. Agility is my favorite, though!

Scully was a gift from my boyfriend (now husband) shortly after we started dating.

Cedar [photo right--the day we met] was the end result of years of research and searching for the "perfect" Border Collie to do agility and other fun stuff with. She flew halfway across the country, from Indiana to Idaho, to get to me! It was love at first sight. (one of the pictures I attached is of the first day Cedar and I met)

Moss came into my life after I started herding and decided that I wanted a dog specifically for that purpose. He was bred by my herding instructor and I picked him out of the litter at two days old. He's very talented on sheep, but he's also a great buddy and a wonderful pet.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

The X-Files is one of my favorite television shows, and Scully is named after one of the main characters, Special Agent Dana Scully. She has a few nicknames, but Monkey and Monkey-face are probably the two used most often. Oh, and we started calling her Scaly after my iPhone kept autocorrecting "Scully" to "scaly." Haha!

With Cedar, I knew I wanted a nature-themed name for my next puppy. I'd always liked the name Cedar, and luckily it fit her personality when I finally met her in person. One of her nicknames-- "Cedes"-- was part of the inspiration for my blog, Cedes of Change. Her other nickname is Beat/Beats, short for Beatcakes, which was originally short for Cede-Beats. Not sure what that one is short for, though.

Moss just looked like a "Moss" to me, plus that name fit into the "nature" theme I started with Cedar. I started calling him Moss at two days old, and it just stuck. His most common nicknames are Butters (because he reminds me of the South Park character) and Mossimo (like the fashion designer).

You're writing your thesis on the works of Francis Burney. I know she mentions her dogs in her diary; do dogs figure in the novels you're writing about?

Animals appear quite often in Burney's work, from monkeys dressed up as miniature "gentlemen" to, yes, dogs. One of the novels I'm studying (Cecilia, Burney's second novel) does contain a dog quite prominently in part of the plot. Unfortunately, he doesn't really fit into what I'm writing about. But yes, there are dogs in her novels, and she writes them like she's known a dog or two in her life.

Cat, rabbit, postman...?

Squirrel. We have one that lives in our back yard and will come up onto the deck to taunt Moss while he's in the house. They stare at each other from both sides of the sliding glass door.

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

Tennis ball, especially if it's attached to a Chuck-it, and we're at the park. Moss is the most toy-obsessed dog I've ever met. He doesn't see anything else when I've got a toy in my hand, and constantly tries to get me or the other dogs to play with him. Even though he's two years old, he still has the impulse control of a puppy.

Where are your dogs' favorite places for outings?

Scully-- the park. Cedar-- agility, or hiking in the foothills near my house. Moss-- the park, or herding.

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

Hmm... right now, they would all probably wish that I would take them more places and do more fun things!

What is each dog's proudest moment? Most embarrassing?

Hmm... hard question! Let's see....

Scully-- proudest: holding her down stay in an obedience trial while the dog next to her, a giant Newfoundland, stood up and loomed over her, drooling on her head. We ended up qualifying that day in spite of that! Most embarrassing: when she forgets that it's considered rude to lick people inside their mouths!

Cedar-- proudest: aside from the mad success we've had in our first three agility trials, I'd say our biggest victory has been conquering her fear of the teeter, or see-saw agility obstacle. That took months of hard work, and during that time, we really learned how to trust each other and become a team. Most embarrassing: how about our first herding trial, in which we never even got the sheep out of the pen to move them through the course?

Moss-- proudest: completing the course and placing third at our first herding trial, when Moss was just barely a year old and I was the most nervous I've ever been at a dog event. He was such a good boy and totally saved my butt! Most embarrassing: any time that his toy obsession causes him to run into really obvious obstacles in his way (trees, doors, fences, stairs, the other dogs... tall tufts of grass...)

Visit the Cedes of Change blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Maura Lynch & Dudley and Fergus

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Maura Lynch, a former entertainment and book publishing executive who is now writing a nonfiction book about a major health issue with an emphasis on patients’ perspectives and rights.

Dudley (male) is a 4-year-old Yorkshire Terrier.

Fergus (male) is a 3-year-old Silky Terrier.

What’s the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I pick up a coffee from my favorite street vendor on the corner of 67th and Broadway in New York City every morning when we three are on our way home from a morning walk in Central Park.

What’s brewing?

I have no idea what beans are used—this is a coffee cart on the street—but it’s the best cup of java I know! I like it with International Delights French Vanilla, no sugar.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

No, the coffee is treat enough for this tea drinker!

Any treat for Dudley and Fergus on this occasion?

We usually stop in at my TD Bank branch where they have dog biscuits for customers’ dogs.

How were you and your dogs united?

Four years ago, on Easter Sunday 2007, I found Dudley online through Petfinders.com. I was incredibly naïve, and didn’t realize that he had been born in a puppy mill in Missouri. The next day, I went to Brooklyn to get him from “the middle man,” and fell madly in love. Alas, poor Dudley was very ill, and I had to take him to the vet immediately. He had broncho-pneumonia, which is what happens when kennel cough (bordatella) is left untreated. Poor pup spent the first 10 days in the vet hospital.

In early July 2008 I stopped at a pet store in the West Village to pick up a treat for Dudley. There were puppies in the window, and I knew that these dogs were all from puppy mills. Yet in the back of the store, crated 24/7, was this sad but sweet male pup. I started visiting this puppy twice a week for three weeks. The store owner told me the puppy was a “6-month-old Yorkie.” However, he was a 4-month-old Silky Terrier. By week 3, I had to “rescue” the puppy. I named him Fergus, and he’s been the best addition to my household.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

I loved the name Dudley, probably because of my fondness for the late Dudley Moore. After I named him, I found out that in Irish Dudley means “little black warrior of the two sides.” Dudley is just that. He’s fiercely protective of our home, but when we’re out and socializing, he acts demure and timid. His nickname is “The Bubba” (which then became “The Bubba-do”).

When I got Fergus, I knew I wanted to use another Celtic name, and I liked the meaning, i.e. “fierce man; first choice.” He may be my second dog, but he definitely was my first choice when I saw him! Fergus’s nickname is “Fergie,” and I also call him “Sweetie Pea.”

Cat, squirrel, postman…?

Since they’re both terriers, they’re very protective of our home, and rush to the door if they think “intruders” (meaning anyone who walks past) may enter the domicile. Fergus would love to chase all the squirrels in Central Park, but he’s not allowed to do that. Yet, they’re both very well-socialized, and get along great with other dogs and with people.

Tennis ball, squeaky-toy, stick…?

They are the squeaky-toy kings. When the weather is bad, we play a rousing game of “Fetch” with their vast empire of squeaky-toys. After all, terriers are ratters, and I need to keep them at the top of their game!

Where is your dogs’ favorite place for outings?

Central Park.

Who are your dogs’ best pet-pals?

Each other. They also love my mother’s two Yorkies, Georgie and Seamus, their “country cousins.”

If Dudley and Fergus could change one thing about you, what would it be?

They would like to mesmerize me so that I give treats on their command, which would mean every minute of the day.

What is each dog’s best quality?

Dudley taught me about the unconditional love and loyalty a dog will give you, and he taught me about courage by battling serious illness when I first got him. Fergus wakes up every day full of joy and enthusiasm. His happiness is contagious, and he reminds me that every day is a gift, and fun can be just around the corner.

What is each dog’s proudest moment? Most embarrassing?

I think they each experienced pride when they began to learn basic commands such as, “Sit. Stop. Stay.” They’re rarely embarrassed, except when they’ve fought with me or one another. Then they want to kiss and make up.

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--Marshal Zeringue