Jenn Waters & Corbin

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Jenn Waters and I work for a local college. My pooch is Corbin, he's 16 months now and we call him the American Mutt - mostly we think he's some mix of American Staffordshire, Great Dane, Lab & Boxer... but who knows! Someday we might do a DNA test for him, but for now... he's just a Corbin!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

A friend of mine was in town and we had planned on meeting in Saratoga Springs for some coffee... since it was a beautiful fall day, I decided to bring Corbin along.

What's brewing?

Starbucks skinny Vanilla Latte... YUM!

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

The latte was enough to satisfy me! I only treat myself every once in a while.

Any treat for Corbin on this occasion?

I actually forgot to bring treats for Corbin (I usually like to have them when we're walking. People always want to give him one!), so we stopped at a local dog shoppe called Sloppy Kisses. I planned on just getting Corbin a half pound of their home made treats, but we ended up leaving with a new t-shirt for him as well!

How were you and Corbin united?

My boyfriend, Adam, and I had just moved into our house and my family dogs stayed with my parents. Adam had never had pets before so I figured fostering would be a great way to get a dog in the house and test it out to see if it would work. I contacted a local rescue group who assured me they didn't have dogs coming in until January, but told me to stop in to discuss things with them. December 19th of last year, I got ready and headed out to their adoption clinic, assuring Adam I wasn't coming home with a dog this time. As I was talking with one of the volunteers, this crazy brown goofy dog ran up to me. His foster mom over heard us talking about how I was interested in fostering and explained to me that Corbin needed a new foster home. She had two young foster dogs, both were on limited activity since they each had leg issues, and boy did they love to play together! They were a handful for her to keep calm. So, shortly after talking with Corbin's foster mom, I was making a phone call to Adam to tell him Corbin was coming to meet him. He wasn't happy, as I told him I didn't want a young dog, and I didn't want a pit bull... Corbin was both of these. When Corbin arrived in our home, he ran around like a mad man, and then curled up on the couch and he was out like a light. Although we didn't know it then, Corbin did. He knew this was his home and that he was never leaving. Two months later, we realized it too. Corbin had ran, jumped, spun and licked his way into our hearts, and we just couldn't let him go.

How did Corbin get his name?

Corbin was given the name by his first "family" who dropped him off at the humane society where he was scheduled to be euthanized due to his pit bull look. After he came into our home, we thought about changing his name, but he was just such a Corbin... so it stuck.

Any aliases?

We call him Monkey most of the time -he jumps, crawls and climbs like a monkey! My mom calls him Corbie and my dad calls him "door knob" -I guess Corbin is the name of a door knob company. Adam's dad calls him Scooby because at times he looks and acts like Scooby Doo!

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Squirrels, bunnies and birds! He thinks he's a hound dog. If he's inside and there's a squirrel outside, he'll run from our front window to the sliding glass doors to the back yard whining and yelping and throwing a huge fit to make sure we're aware there is a squirrel outside. And if we acknowledge the animal, he looks at us with the funniest face like he want to say "See it? Why are we not doing anything about it!? LET ME OUT!"

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

How about D: all of the above? Corbin loves anything that means playtime! Sometimes he gets so excited when Adam gets home and if there isn't a toy in site, he'll grab the nearest shoe, food dish or anything he can find that will fit in his mouth. Not to destroy, but just to prance around with.

Where is Corbin's favorite place for an outing?

He loves going anywhere and everywhere, even the vet! He gets excited every Sunday because he knows Adam is taking him to the "mancave" for football where he gets showered with attention. He also enjoys taking rides in the firebird up to Lake George - he loves boating and swimming!

We've just enjoyed Halloween: did Corbin do anything special to celebrate?

Corbin was dressed up as a frog prince! A week before Halloween, he came with me to a fundraiser at a harvest fest for the rescue he came from. He wore his costume and encouraged people to come see what the rescue is all about! Everyone loved him and he got lots of kisses so that he'd turn into the prince he is. He also wore his costume on Halloween and helped us hand out candy. He only got scared once when a werewolf came to the door!

Who are Corbin's best pet-pals?

Corbin's best pal is Emmett, we say Emmett is his brotha from anotha motha. Emmett was the other foster Corbin was with for a week before coming to us. They look very similar and they go absolutely crazy when they see each other. He also loves our neighbors Piper and Radar and we walk with them just about every night. He also meets his blogging friends Maggie Mae and Levi for walks at least once a month and his pal Floyd, too! We also decided to continue fostering after we adopted Corbin, so he gets a new foster sister every once in a while!

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

Without a doubt, Corbin would change the fact that Adam and I have to leave for work every weekday morning. He would much prefer to stay in bed and be lazy with us all morning and play with us all afternoon.

What is Corbin's proudest moment?

It's hard to pick just one... Corbin is proud with just about everything he does. He is one of the happiest dogs I've ever been around. He is most proud when he's wearing something, whether it's a jacket, costume or one of his cool “muscle” shirts. He doesn’t just walk, he struts!

Most embarrassing?

Quite a funny story, actually. It was the first time we took Corbin out on the boat. He had his life jacket on while the boat was in motion, but we took it off of him while we were anchored because he had started getting hot in it. Adam was goofing around and jumped in the water and out of the corner of my eye; I see this brown blob in the air. Corbin had jumped in after him. This was Corbin’s first experience in the water and his face said it all. Of course, I was having a minor heart attack because he didn't have his life jacket on, but he was paddling away, completely unaware of what happened and scared to death! His eyes were bugging out of his head. He clearly had no idea what he was in for when he took that leap! It took us a while to get him back in the water (with his life jacket!) after that. But now he loves it!

Visit Corbin's blog and befriend him on Facebook.

--Marshal Zeringue

Bruce DeSilva & Brady

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Bruce DeSilva. I was a journalist for 40 years before I retired last year to write crime novels full time. The first, Rogue Island, was just published; and I recently finished writing the second. My best friend is a 14-month-old male Bernese Mountain Dog named Brady.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I go out early nearly every morning for take-out breakfast and coffee and then settle down with them in front of the computer in my home office to start the day’s writing. Brady likes to sit on my feet with his head in my lap while I write.

What's brewing?

Nothing fancy—just old reliable Dunkin Donuts regular to wash away the cobwebs.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

An egg-and-cheese sandwich for me--and, if my wife’s not looking, I sneak a couple of glazed donuts.

Any treat for Brady on this occasion?

Nope. Brady gets fed first in the morning, so he’s already had his fill. He’s one of those rare dogs who stop eating when he’s had just the right amount.

How were you and Brady united?

I’d had dogs all my life until our family moved into a no-dogs-allowed apartment in Tarrytown, NY, about ten years ago. When we finally bought a house in a suburban New Jersey town in the summer of 2009, the very next thing we went shopping for was a Bernese Mountain Dog. Many years ago, in another life, I raised Border Collies; but my wife, the poet Patricia Smith, had fallen in love with Berners after watching them at dog shows. We bought Brady from a fine breeder in Arkansas. From the moment we laid eyes on him, he had our hearts.

Have your dogs had any influence on your writing?

You can learn a lot about people by how they treat dogs. The same thing is true of fictional characters, so I sometimes use dogs to help with characterization. Two dogs play major roles in Rogue Island; and in the sequel, tentatively titled Cliff Walk, one character owns a Bernese Mountain Dog named (surprise!) Brady.

How did Brady get his name? Any aliases?

I grew up in New England, which means I’m a Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics fan by birth. Brady is named after Tom Brady, the Patriots’ quarterback. Patricia sometimes calls him Bear in tribute to his size.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Brady can be scary at first because he is so enormous, but he loves every living thing. Occasionally he’ll chase a cat or squirrel, not because he wants to hurt it but because he hopes it will play with him. This summer he found a box turtle waddling through our yard and was enthralled. He followed it around, occasionally nudging it gently with his nose when it stopped to rest.

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

We’ve bought Brady a bunch of toys, but his favorite thing is to play tug of war with bath towels. He much prefers them to rubber pull toys, but he’s so strong that he tears them to shreds in a couple of days. We’ve gone through a lot of bath towels.

Where is Brady's favorite place for an outing?

He loves to take us on walks around the woodland path that encircles a nearby reservoir. Most days, the path is teeming with other dogs to play with and people eager to pet him.

Who are Brady's best pet-pals?

Brady’s best pal is Mikaila, our 15-year old. I know, I know, she's not a pet-pal; but Brady doesn't seem to know that. He loves to roughhouse with her on the lawn or the floor of our family room. Brady thinks Mikaila is his litter mate.

What is Brady's best quality?

He is incredibly affectionate, craving human touch. If no one is petting him, he’ll find someone to rub against, or he’ll sit down on someone’s feet.

What is Brady's proudest moment? His most embarrassing?

He seemed awfully proud of finding that turtle. When he first sniffed its presence in the yard, he bounded to the door to alert us to his great discovery. I don't know if he was embarrassed when when our teenager put reindeer antlers on him at Christmastime, but I was embarrassed for him.

Read an excerpt from Rogue Island, and learn more about the book and author at Bruce DeSilva's website and blog.

The Page 69 Test: Rogue Island.

--Marshal Zeringue

Patrick Shannahan & Riggs

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Patrick Shannahan, and Red Top Riggs, my champion sheepdog.

My home is on a small sheep ranch in Caldwell, Idaho, where I run a commercial flock of Katahdin hair sheep and work with individuals to train and work livestock dogs at Red Top Kennel.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I usually look forward to coffee every morning. My day doesn’t start without coffee.

What's brewing?

Drinking Peets coffee. Just drip brewed, as I do every morning.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Well, this morning I am eating plum crisp that I made for some guests last night. It's great with coffee.

Any treat for Riggs on this occasion?

Riggs is a good eater, and would love a treat of most anything. I usually don’t give treats, as I save all the good stuff for his regular meals.

Congratulations to you and Riggs for winning the recent 2010 National Finals Sheepdog Trials as well as collecting three secondary awards for best in gather, best in drive, and best in shed. How did you celebrate?

That happened over a week ago, and I am still really just starting to feel the impact. We celebrated that night with a dinner with friends at an Irish Pub, but have a couple more celebrations planned. Hope to have an Open house here for all the local people who have helped me these past few years.

I understand you and Riggs' great-great-grandmother Hannah were also crowned national sheepdog champions in 1994. How far back do Riggs' ancestors go with you?

Hannah was the first Border Collie that I owned. Most every one of my dogs go back to her. I have kept her lines in all of my breeding animals.

Several years ago you and Riggs were named the reserve national nursery champions, which recognizes the best sheepdog in the nation under the age of 3. Riggs is now 8-years-old: is that a typical age for a national champion? Do they need that many years for training and maturity?

No, I think that I had other opportunities to win earlier in his career. In 2009, we had a very good run going before he had a ewe break at the pen and ruined some of his chances. Most of the time, a dogs best years are from 4-7. When they are younger, they can be great some weekends. When they get older, their experience helps them be better on more weekends.

How did Riggs get his name?

It is from the movie.

What's an ordinary day like for Riggs?

We usually work sheep in the morning. He doesn’t need much training, so he helps me sort and prepare the sheep for the other dogs. He usually hangs out the rest of the day, sometimes in the dog yard, sometimes in the house. Occasionally he goes running with me.

Who is Riggs's best pet-pal?

All of my dogs love Riggs. They understand his role here at the house, and give him respect. I would say that Andi is his best pal, as she goes on most trips with him. And as his daughter: she looks up to him, and wants his respect.

What is Riggs's best quality?

His temperament is the best quality. He wants to be a team player, and to please me all the time.

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

That I could stay home more with him. Since I give so many training clinics, I have to be away from home more than he (or I) would like.

Learn more about Patrick Shannahan and Riggs at the Red Top Kennel website and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Heather Gudenkauf & Maxine

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Heather Gudenkauf and I'm the author of The Weight of Silence. Maxine is a five-year-old, female German Shorthaired Pointer.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

A beautiful Sunday morning on our deck.

What's brewing?

No coffee for me. Diet Coke.

Any goodies to go with the Diet Coke?

A cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting!

Any treat for Maxine on this occasion?

We try to avoid giving Maxine any "people" food, but she gets dog treats everyday when we get home from work. She also enjoys crunching on ice cubes.

How were you and Maxine united?

My husband is a pheasant hunter and the kids and I wanted a family dog. We did our research and found out that German Shorthaired Pointers are perfect for families and for hunters. We found Maxine at the home of a man who raises GSPs. We were playing with a litter of new puppies and my husband noticed a beautiful dog that was about three months old. We took her home that day.

How did Maxine get her name? Any aliases?

My husband named Maxine because he thought it would be a good name for a hunting dog. We call her Max or Maxie for short.

Does Maxine have any influence on your writing?

Max loves to sit on the chair with me as I write, no easy feat because she takes up most of the room. Max also helps me in my writing because I get so many of the ideas for my stories as I'm hiking through the woods or going on walks with her. Each of my books features a dog and in the book I'm currently working on, there is a beautiful, wonderfully loyal German Shorthaired Pointer.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Definitely squirrels... and anything with feathers.

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

All three, plus all of the stuffed animals in our house. Maxine enjoys gathering up all of my daughter's toys and and placing them in a pile next to her dog bed. She is especially fond a particular stuffed monkey.

Where is Maxine's favorite place for an outing?

Maxine's favorite places to go are into the fields to hunt, trekking through the woods, playing in the snow and creek stomping.

Who is Maxine's best pet-pal?

Maxine's best buddy is Dexter, a fellow GSP. They often get to go on hunting trips together.

What is Maxine's best quality?

Maxine is the most loving dog - she snuggles right up next to us.

What is Maxine's proudest moment? Her most embarrassing?

I think that Maxine is most proud when she is out hunting with my husband She gets a lot of satisfaction out of pointing and retrieving pheasants. Maxine's most embarrassing moment was when she had to wear a cone to keep her from chewing at her stitches. She looked mortified when we took her outside.

Heather Gudenkauf is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Weight of Silence. Her new novel, These Things Hidden will be released on February 1, 2011.

Visit Heather Gudenkauf's website and journal.

--Marshal Zeringue

Eve Marie Mont & Maggie

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Eve Marie Mont, English teacher and author of Free to a Good Home, my debut novel inspired by my shelter pup, Maggie, a Jack Russell-Boxer mix now thirteen years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Since I’m a high school teacher, I get up most days at 5:15. When I leave the house, my husband and pup are usually still in bed (I’m so jealous!), so the weekends are precious to me. I like to make a big pot of coffee that fills the house with heavenly aroma, curl up next to my husband and Maggie, and do a crossword puzzle or watch some recorded episodes of The Daily Show since I can’t stay up that late during the week.

What's brewing?

Dunkin’ Donuts Original Blend with lots of cream and sugar!

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

My favorite weekend breakfast is an Everything Bagel with cream cheese, sliced tomato, and scallion.

Any treat for Maggie on this occasion?

She knows if she pretends not to beg, she’ll always get the last bite.

How were you and Maggie united?

When I taught in southern Maryland, a teacher friend of mine ran a small humane shelter out of her home, so my husband and I set out one evening to find ourselves a new companion. We thought we wanted an older dog, one that was housetrained and a little more placid. But when we arrived at the house, I spotted a puppy sitting in a crate by the foyer stairs. We had told ourselves we didn’t want a puppy. Puppies were too much work, too much hassle. But as we played with the other adult dogs, that puppy in the crate kept staring at us, almost begging us to take her home.

“Miracle,” as she was known at the time, had been found on the edge of a farmer’s field covered in ticks. She’d been to the vet and had had all her shots, but she’d already been “adopted” three times and had been returned for various reasons. One family said their son was allergic to her. Another didn’t realize how much work a puppy would be. The last owner said that Maggie had hoarded things in her crate: old socks, stuffed animals, empty plastic water bottles. I didn’t see why this was a deal breaker, as I’d probably hoard things too if somebody had once left me for dead on the edge of a farmer’s field.

She was small and tan with a white belly and white paws that looked like little boots. She also had a white lightning-shaped patch on the back of her neck like Harry Potter. Her eyes looked like they’d been painted with eyeliner, and her face was sweetly expressive. In about five minutes, my husband and I were smitten. We signed the forms, paid the fee, and took her home with us that day.

How did Maggie get her name? Any aliases?

Most of the dogs in the shelter had been kept in a heated garage overnight, but Maggie, being as young as she was, was kept in the house with the cats. When she first came out of her crate, she moved like a cat, slow and dainty, occasionally licking her paws in a feline way. We named her Maggie after Maggie the Cat from Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. From time to time, we call her “Cutie,” “Muffin,” “Sausage,” “Honey,” “Kid,” and my husband’s favorite: “Shmoop.”

Does Maggie have any influence on your writing?

Maggie absolutely influenced the writing of Free to a Good Home. The main character, Noelle, is a veterinary technician who seeks consolation in the unconditional love of her dog, Zeke, when she finds herself childless and divorced at the age of 33. Maggie was the inspiration for Zeke, and she also kept me company through most of the writing process, including when I got all those initial rejections!

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Maggie is a total squirrel hunter. We have tons of squirrels in our yard, and when Maggie chases them, she forgets she’s thirteen and has achy joints.

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

Give Maggie a stick to chew on, and she’s happy for an hour.

Where is Maggie's favorite place for an outing?

Maggie’s favorite place is in our own backyard, lying by the creek.

Who is Maggie's best pet-pal?

Unfortunately, Maggie doesn’t get along with most other dogs, so my husband and I are her best pals. Maggie totally thinks I’m part of her pack, and my husband is the alpha dog.

What is Maggie's best quality?

It’s a tie between her spunk and her sweetness.

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

If Maggie could change one thing about me, I’d be a full-time writer so I could work from home and spend all day with her. (Incidentally, if I could change one thing about me, it would be the same.)

What is Maggie's proudest moment? Her most embarrassing?

Maggie’s most embarrassing moment is when she got in a fight with another dog over a water bowl. Not her water bowl; just a water bowl. Her proudest moments are probably when she chases the squirrels from our bird feeder, then looks triumphantly at us like she’s done a great public service.

Read an excerpt from Free to a Good Home, and visit Eve Mont's website and blog.

Writers Read: Eve Marie Mont.

--Marshal Zeringue

Katelyn Nesi & Bambi

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Katelyn Nesi. I am a professional photographer. Bambi is my Chihuahua and my best little 5-year-old gal pal. She hides from my camera, but I always manage somehow to capture her silly personality.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I don’t drink coffee, but as the weather cools I enjoy drinking hot chai tea.

What's brewing?

Organic Chai Tea with Coconut Milk.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

No goodies with the coffee, but Bambi will enjoy a snack after we play in the park.

How were you and Bambi united?

I came across Bambi on a shelter’s website. She had the most gigantic ears I’d ever seen and a precious little face. I just had to meet her! When I adopted her, I was warned she was fearful and had trust issues. She was presumable beaten and abused by a male. Now, five years later, she has a sweet loving demeanor. Although, she still enjoys her snarls at my husband Chris!

Any treat for Bambi on this occasion?

Bambi absolutely loves Dingo dental bones. So, since she hates the camera, I thought a dingo might get her excited!

What's the most difficult aspect of photographing a dog?

Dogs don’t really like big cameras in their face nor do they like the shutter sound. The second I take out my camera around Bambi, she hides or snarls. Most dogs though just have a lot of energy and you have to ready to run, play and laugh with them.

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

When I adopted Bambi my mom was with me. She said she looked like the little deer, Bambi. And then the name just stuck.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Bambi loves to chase squirrels. I’ve gotten some fun images of her standing tall at the bottom of a tree while a squirrel looks down at her. She enjoys running after cats as well, and doesn’t care for strangers. The UPS man is her favorite to bark at!

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

Bambi doesn’t play with many toys and when she does, it’s rare. Occasionally she likes to throw stuff animals around and attack them. She usually does this when she’s not getting enough attention, like when we have company. Then everyone looks, smiles and she notices you watching. Once she’s gotten your attention, she drops the toy and goes to lay down.

Where is Bambi's favorite place for an outing?

Bambi loves to go to grandma’s house! Anytime I pick-up her travel crate, she screams and dances with excitement. When we get to grandmas, she is thrilled! If we’re not traveling anywhere, she loves to just sit outside in the sun on the back patio.

Who is Bambi's best pet-pal?

Bambi doesn’t really like other pets, but she is best pals with me. She loves to cuddle up and sleep on my lap while I’m editing photos or watching TV. She’s my little heater in the winter.

What is Bambi's most endearing quality?

She easily stops being grumpy with a few commands, tickles and cuddles. She can switch from a sleepy mood to a loving, fun, peppy one in moments.

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

She would probably want me to be home more to cuddle with her. Sometimes I’m really busy. I’ll be out all day or I have a lot to get done, so I never sit down to cuddle or let her sleep on my lap. She gets upset by that and starts to ignore me. I feel bad when a whole week passes without evening TV cuddles!

What is Bambi's proudest moment? Most embarrassing?

Bambi’s proudest moment was probably when she began trusting me.

She was a terror for the first 8 months after adopting her, ready to attack all the time. I took her to a local trainer, where we went to classes for 8 weeks with other dogs like pit bulls and rottweilers. She was a pea next to these peaceful giants. She hated training and the trainers. She was used most often as the example of how to handle your pet when they are aggressive, too.

The first night of training, two of my fingers were chewed up and I had to get a tetanus shot the next day. I have a picture to show how I had to put her in a “down” and keep her there for 30 minutes, with my fingers all bandaged! I spent most of the first two weeks of training afraid of her.

Then, we magically started to change together. We began to trust each other and the fear subsided. Eight weeks later, she went on to pass the test for Canine Good Citizenship through the AKA. It was so amazing and I was so happy to have a better relationship with her finally.

Her most embarrassing moment has to be when she runs excitedly around the house before we head out the door with her in her travel crate. She will whip herself around, dance and squeal, but then she attempts to jump up high or over to the couch and lands smack on her face. She just gets right back up though and goes at it again!

Visit Kate Nesi's photography website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Anne Gracie & Chloe

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Anne Gracie and I write historical romances (Regency era) for Berkley Books. My dog's name is Chloe. She's an 8 year old tri-colored Australian Kelpie with a little Blue Heeler in the mix. They're both working breeds — sheep and cattle herding — and she's fast, loyal and intelligent.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Writing my morning pages. I usually write them first thing in the morning, sitting in bed with the sun streaming in my window, a pillow behind my back, a fresh hot coffee at my elbow and the dog either wedged beside me or teetering on the end of the bed as she hurls abuse out the window at a dog who's had the cheek to pass the house. But otherwise she waits patiently, knowing we'll have a walk when I've finished.

What's brewing?

Home brewed Colombian fair trade coffee, strong double espresso with a little milk, no sugar. It kick starts my day.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Breakfast — usually a piece of toast with avocado or sliced tomato.

Any treat for Chloe on this occasion?

No, she's already had her morning bone. Doesn't stop her doing the imitation of the dog-who's-never-been-fed, though.

How were you and Chloe united?

It was several years since my beloved old Bessie-dog had died (aged 20) and for a long time I couldn't imagine any other dog taking her place. Then I dog-sat a friend's dog for a few weeks, and realized I didn't just have a Bessie-shaped hole in my life, there was also a dog-shaped one that needed to be filled. I planned to get a dog from the shelter in a few weeks, after a conference I needed to attend.

Then I made the mistake of walking past a pet shop and paused beside a snaggle of six puppies in a big cage. One woke up, saw me, and came straight over. I'm a bit superstitious about being picked by a dog, but I was going to a conference in two weeks, and in any case, I hadn't planned to buy a puppy from a shop, so I went home and tried to be sensible for a few hours... then went back, telling myself that if she picked me again, it was Meant to Be.

When I walked into the shop, there were a couple of kids playing with the puppies on the far side of the cage. No way any puppy would leave fun like that, I thought. But Chloe turned around, saw me and ran straight over, wagging her whole little body. So that was that. I'd been picked.

Does Chloe have any influence on your writing?

Definitely. I even have a page on my website called "If you want to be a writer get a dog."

I often include a dog in my books, but only if the story warrants it.

How did your dog get her name? Does she have any aliases?

I'd thought of calling her Mixi, but she just gave me a look and I realized she was a Chloe. My friends who looked after her that first time when I went to the conference called her LittleDog, and still do.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

We're in Australia, so no squirrels. Cats definitely. Postman fine. Birds on the ground in her back yard? Outraggggeous! Each time she leaves the house she bursts from the back door and explodes into the yard like a woofing, bucking bronco, sending birds flying in all directions. Gives me a laugh every time.

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

Squeaky toys at home, tennis-ball-sized rubber/foam ball at dog-park. Actual tennis balls? For peasants. Frisbee? What is the point of catching a plate with no food on it? Really!

Who is Chloe's best pet-pal?

Toby-dog, a golden Lab who lives with the people who call her LittleDog. Chloe is smaller than Toby, but she bosses him shamelessly. The ecstasy and wild excitement when they meet is hilarious.

What is Chloe's most endearing quality?

She has lots. I love the way she curls up in the car, in the passenger seat with her muzzle planted firmly on my thigh. It's also very cute the way she shamelessly makes up to strangers at dog-park, sitting on their feet so they can't move away, and gazing meltingly up at them, offering a disgusting, drool-ridden ball as a (temporary) gift.

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

That I would learn to fling balls and walk as I write. And then I could write/walk/fling for 18 hours a day.

What’s the most amusing thing Chloe does? The most frustrating?

The funniest thing she does happens whenever I'm about to do a load of washing. The moment I open the lid of the washing machine or pick up the washing basket she flees the house and lurks in the farthest reaches of the back yard, watching suspiciously. Because naturally I'm going to shove her in the washing machine, aren't I?

The most frustrating?

There's not really anything, she's amazingly easy to live with, but if I had to pick something, it's her ongoing war with the monster in the hose. She doesn't touch the hose itself. It's the water that spurts out of it that needs attacking. Usually I just crack up laughing. But sometimes I think she's over it, then when I least expect it she will come flying out of nowhere, leaping through the air as her jaws snap on the evil jet of water. The water escapes, but I get drenched.

But really, she's a blessing.

Read an excerpt from Anne Gracie's new novel, The Accidental Wedding.

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Chloe stars in Gracie's featured post, "If you want to be a writer get a dog."

--Marshal Zeringue