Paula Brackston & Bluebell

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Paula Brackston, the author of The Witch’s Daughter and The Winter Witch, and this is my dog Bluebell. She is a Labrador cross Merle Collie, and would rather I didn’t give her age.

What’s the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

This is really Darjeeling with a Dog. Or actually, the walk before the cup of tea. It’s a daily thing with us. Blue has my long term health uppermost in her mind at all times, and persuades me to get some fresh air and exercise as often as she can. The tea is my reward.

What’s brewing?

Twinings Darjeeling or Lapsang Souchon. Made in a pot and served in a fine bone china cup with saucer. With milk and sugar. Blue has spring water.

Any treats?

Shortbread for me. Blue won’t touch it, says she’s watching her figure. But she will have a couple of dog biscuits, or maybe a lap of milk. It’s the only time she’ll eat any actual dog food. For dinner she has whatever we’re having. Sunday roast is her fave.

How were you and Bluebell united?

A friend has a black Labrador who had a romantic liaison with a neighbouring sheepdog. I was invited to lunch, seated next to the basket of snuffling puppies, and I was hooked. Some friend!

How did Bluebell get her name?

She has different coloured eyes – one is bright blue. We call her all sorts of things – Blueberry muffin, Snoo, Spotty Muldoon… the list goes on. Fortunately she answers to Hi or any loud cry. We’ve had to give up playing Twister, though, as every time someone shouts out ‘Right hand on blue!’ she gets terribly nervous.

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

She has an excellent ear for regional dialogue, so I try it out on her from time to time.

Cat, postman, squirrel…?

Postman. Postmen in fact – she can sniff out an off-duty one anywhere. She’s such a gentle creature, ordinarily, but anyone smelling of stamps or junk mail… look out. Gets very growly, hackles up, teeth bared. And cyclists, too, she can’t abide them. I think it’s the lycra.

Some of her best friends are cats. In fact, she wouldn’t dream of chasing anything with four legs. Or a beak.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick…?

You throw it, she’ll fetch it. Unless it’s a tantrum. And she’s very fond of board games. Will watch us playing Monopoly, ears pricked, eyes bright, tail wagging, for hours. If only the rest of us could remain so enthusiastic.

Does Bluebell have a favorite place to go for outings?

She always comes in the car on the school run, just in case we meet any cyclists. And we visit friends by the sea, so she can enjoy a game of cricket on the beach. We’re fortunate enough to live on the side of a Welsh mountain, so we have 520 square miles of National Park to run around in. Or so she keeps reminding me. Don’t think we’ve covered it all yet.

Who are Bluebell’s best pet-pals?

Can we count my two children? I’m sure she thinks they are puppies. And our two cats. She’s very affectionate with them as long as she thinks nobody’s looking.

What is Bluebell’s best quality?

Aside from being simply the Best Dog Ever, d’you mean? She’s incredibly sensitive, cuddly, funny, loyal, well-behaved (postmen and cyclists not withstanding), and her ears are made of velvet.

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

I’ve asked her this, and after a deal of squirming she admitted she’d like me to stop using the vacuum cleaner, as the noise upsets her. How can I refuse?

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

Is it OK that we make you be the little silver dog every time we play Monopoly, or would you prefer the top hat sometimes?

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

How did this get out? The contracts aren’t finalised yet! You might as well know we’re hoping to cast Meryl Streep. It’s the colour of her eyes, and the length of her nose… plus we’d really like her to try a Welsh accent.

Visit Paula Brackston's website and blog.

Writers Read: Paula Brackston (February 2013).

--Marshal Zeringue

Ann Bonwill & Arthur

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Ann Bonwill, picture book writer, and this is Arthur T. Dog, canine wonder. Arthur is a 7 year old male Cardigan Welsh Corgi (picture Queen Elizabeth's lovelies, but with a tail).

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We're celebrating the release of my new book, When Mermaids Sleep. Arthur's favorite part is the fairies sleeping in flowers, since his ancestors served as fairy steeds.

What's brewing?

I am a tea drinker - preferably strong mint. Arthur will drink anything - preferably muddy puddle.

Any treats for you or Arthur on this occasion?

I'll have a scone with clotted cream and jam, in honor of Arthur's birthplace. He'd like chicken and cheese, but since he's a long dog and needs to watch his weight (back problems) he gets canned green beans instead.

How did Arthur get his name? Any nicknames?

Arthur seemed like an appropriate name for a Welsh dog favored by royalty. His "official" name is Kilvroch Be A Clown, and he certainly is one! Arthur has many nicknames, including T-Dog and Fuzzy-Nose. He's also been called Rabbit by curious children. My husband wanted to name him Thunder Scar, which couldn't be more inappropriate given his scaredy cat ways.

How were you and Arthur united?

We got Arthur as a puppy [photo right: Arthur the puppy] while we were living in England. He's from a show dog family, but because of his slight stature and turned out feet, he was not deemed "show quality." He's star quality to us (and to the judges who awarded him first place for "friendliest puppy who doesn't jump up!"). When leaving his first family he cried all the way home. We cheered him up by composing a song for him, which we often sing to this day.

Does Arthur do more to help or to hinder your creativity?

Arthur helps my creativity by making me laugh every day. He warms my feet in the winter, and he sometimes pushes me out of the bed which allows for late night writing fests.

Who are Arthur's best pet-pals?

Arthur does a friendship dance with any dog we meet on our walks. Excited-Anxious-Excited-Anxious he's like a pogo stick and knows nothing of playing it cool.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Squeaky toy - specifically Katie's Bumpers.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Most definitely squirrel. He is oblivious to all others, including giant pheasants walking across his path in England and herds of roving rabbits in Germany.

What is Arthur's best quality?

Loyalty. Arthur is steadfast and true. In proper herding dog fashion, he doesn't like to let any of us out of his sight, and he prefers the whole family to be in the same room (everyone on different floors drives him to distraction).

If Arthur could change one thing about Virginians, what would it be?

Our weather. He's not much for the heat, and salt laden snow hurts his paws. He'd also like for us to take more walks, play more tug-of-war, and drop more food.

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

Face to face, Woody Allen. Behind a closed door, Samuel L. Jackson.

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

Why do you lick ____ (the couch, our toes, the dishwasher, insert anything stationary here)?

Visit Ann Bonwill's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Sally Koslow & Percy

Who is in the photo at right?

This is Percy, a three-year-old male Havanese/King Charles Spaniel mix. I, Sally Koslow, am his neighbor and along with my husband, we are Percy’s surrogate “parents” when his terrific family vacations.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Percy keeps me company while I write, which is a lot, because I am a novelist and contributor or articles and essays to magazines and websites.

What's brewing?

Chock full ‘o Nuts with a dash of cinnamon that my husband brews every morning.

Any treats for you or Percy on this occasion?

Anything. Percy is an equal opportunity eater.

How often do you dogsit?

About once every six weeks for about four days at a time.

How did Percy get his name?

I believe he was named by Daniel and Lela, the darling kids in his real family.

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

I adore dogs. My husband and I had a very smart Puli, Muzzy, who lived to be 15, and Maggie, a Cocker Spaniel with long, beautiful blonde ears. We hope to get another dog in a few years, but love dog-sitting, especially for Percy. When I write, he is a cozy companion, and I also enjoy the breaks to take him for walks.

Are there any dogs in your new novel?

My new novel, The Widow Waltz, not only features a Corgi named Sadie but she is on the book’s cover.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

We sometimes take care of Sparkie, our friends’ cat. Percy and the kitty peacefully co-exist.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Percy loves his Kong Wubba blue thingy.

Does Percy have a favorite place to go for outings?

New York City’s Riverside Park, which is nearby.

What is Percy's best quality?

I’m going for two qualities: he’s affectionate and very, very cute.

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

Nothing.

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

“When do you need to go out?”

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

Jack Black.

Visit Sally Koslow's website and Facebook page.

My Book, The Movie: The Widow Waltz.

--Marshal Zeringue

Susannah Charleson & Jake Piper

Who is in the photo at right?

Susannah Charleson, author of The Possibility Dogs and New York Times bestseller Scent of the Missing and three-year-old service dog Jake Piper, a German Shepherd / Lab / Pitbull / Standard Poodle mix.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We shared this nice moment before a Dallas performance by Ira Glass of This American Life.

What's brewing?

Skim cappuccino, expertly made by local coffee house Pearl Cup.

Any treats for you or Jake Piper on this occasion?

A great cappuccino is always a treat! Jake, however, prefers crunchy peanut-butter squirrel (shaped) cookies.

How did Jake Piper get his name? Any nicknames?

Jake's ears are large and have the gull-winged appearance of some Piper aircraft. So ... Piper! Jake because he came to us very young and very, very ill, and he deserved a strong name. If was as if we could claim a strength by naming it. He has a new nickname almost every day, but mostly it's JakeyP.

How were you and Jake Piper united?

Jake Piper was brought to my doorstep by a neighbor who found the puppy following him on a morning walk. He, the neighbor, was very much allergic and couldn't do much for the puppy, but he had heard that "the lady on the corner rescues dogs" -- and so he brought him to me. Jake was probably about ten weeks old at the time. He was very small, with huge dark eyes that looked both pitiful and hopeful at the same time. Jake was dying of starvation and gastroenteritis when he came to us, but the hope won out. It was a hard struggle requiring great veterinary care, but he survived and, in time, thrived!

Please tell us about your new book.

The Possibility Dogs is a journey into the world of service and comfort dogs -- in this case, dogs identified in rescue and trained for this good work-- dogs that can learn to serve the disabled with psychological disabilities or a community struggling in the aftermath of tragedy. Like Jake Piper, I think the book reflects both hardship that can be overcome and the amazing resilience, courage, and joy dogs and their people can achieve together.

I know that in the book you discuss how you learned to identify abandoned dogs with service potential. Can you give an example of a characteristic or behavior that you look for?

We love a dog that has perked ears, a happy wag, and a friendly eye gaze straightaway. Interest in humans and calm, responsive friendliness with men, women, children, babies is a primary trait we look for. Also willingness to learn a new task when offered the opportunity by an encouraging human in a learning environment. Is this dog human-centric, engaged, happy and eager to learn? Those are definite early plusses when we meet a dog.


What is Jake Piper's best quality?

Equanimity. Jake Piper came from profound neglect. He would have every reason to be nervous, fearful, reactive, and he's not. He enjoys new experiences and adventures and calmly responds to even the outrageous. In New York City on the second day of the book tour, a group of little girls with bubblemakers and fairy wands danced right up to him, squealing. Fine with Jake, who I realized, had probably never seen bubbles! Later we were standing at a corner of Central Park when a horse and carriage pulled up right before the curb where we stood. The horse switched Jake's face with its tail, a right pop, and Jake kind of blinked and looked up at me, his expression bemused. If a dog could have shrugged, Jake might have shrugged, like "Horses -- New York horses wearing bells and feathers. What're ya gonna do?"

We met your search dog Puzzle a few years ago. How do she and Jake Piper get along?

Puzzle [with Jake, photo left] loves Jake Piper and vice versa. Though Puzzle never had puppies of her own, puppy Jake brought out the maternal in her, and I credit her for the stability and sociability that a mature dog can teach to a youngster.

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

Oh, he'd love to eat table scraps and probably wishes I was open to that. He loves all food, any food. But he never gets "people food" from any table, anywhere. Can't blame a guy for wishing, though.

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

Matthew McConaughey, no doubt. A marked drawl with a wink in it, a lot of charm.

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

Sweetheart, what is the one thing I could do in our partnership that would make it even happier for you?

Learn more about The Possibility Dogs at Susannah Charleson's website, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

Read--Coffee with a Canine: Susannah Charleson and Puzzle (July 2010).

--Marshal Zeringue

Michelle Mosher & Fizz

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Michelle Mosher, a buyer at Sounds True. The little guy is Fizz, an almost four-year-old half Boston Terrier/half alien.

Does Fizz come to work with you every day at Sounds True?

He wishes. He comes in about 3 days a week.

What's brewing?

Just plain ole water.

Any treats for you or Fizz on this interview break?

Some gourmet dog cookies I snagged from the freebie section in our kitchen.

How were you and Fizz united?

He was my boyfriend’s. We took an instant liking to one another and now the Fizz is like a son to me.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

An energy drink flavor from the Youtube Video: Powerthirst 2: Redomination. He’s called Fizzy-Fizz at home and Mr. Fizz for formal occasions.

Does Fizz have a favorite toy, ball, or stick?

You’ll never find a dog that loves the tennis ball more than Fizz.

Who is Fizz's best pet-pal at Sounds True?

He’s not much of a dog’s dog. He gets along surprisingly well with his officemate, Savanna.

Does Fizz have a favorite place to go for outings?

We go on a lot of hikes around Colorado. We’re new to the area, so he’s always up to explore.

What is Fizz's best quality?

His super-dog agility.

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

He’d give me an extra arm with the capability to throw a tennis ball nonstop.

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

Minnie Mouse.

Learn about other dogs at Sounds True, including: Andrew Pike & Miles, Kasmah McDermott & Scruffy, and Wendy Zollner & Savanna.

--Marshal Zeringue

Marion Winik & Beau

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Marion Winik, a writer, and with me is Beau -- a not-so-miniature-dachshund, though honestly I haven't been sticking to my diet lately either. He is eight years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

This morning we stopped by Atwater's on Falls Road in North Baltimore on the way to visit my friend Ken in rehab. He was run over by a car in April and has been laid up ever since. Though the rehab is pretty nice, they don't have decent coffee so we bring him a latte whenever we visit. It's great that they allow dogs in, too. Pet therapy is great for people who are stuck in a hospital bed.

What's brewing?

When I want to treat myself right, I get an Americano, short, with a little cream. Otherwise, just black and straight up.

Any treats for you or Beau on this occasion?

Atwaters has great baked goods and awesome huevos rancheros but I need to get into a sexy dress tonight for my book launch party so not today. We'll bring a pastry to Ken and maybe one home to my daughter Jane.

Your new book is dedicated to Beau, so I'm guessing he has made a significant contribution to your writing. Would you tell us about that?

Highs in the Low Fifties is about my adventures -- misadventures, really -- trying to find new love after the demise of my second marriage, and it's one train wreck after another. Beau plays a key role in the story as the loving constant in my life. Kids can be bratty and friends can be busy but Beau is always there for me, ready to bound up the stairs and burrow under the covers to snuggle. His sweet doggy smell and long velvet ears are natural Xanax. I truly believe a close relationship with a dog is one of the keys to being happy as a single person, and this becomes ever more clear over the course of the story.

It may seem strange to dedicate a book to a dog, who could never read it or even know of the gesture, but in that way it's sort of emblematic of the odd romance between a human and a canine.

Squeaky-toy, ball, stick...?

Beau is a ball-man. His favorite thing is to roll them under couch where he can't reach them and then whimper until someone helps him out.

Who are Beau's best pet-pals these days?

Beau and I recently had a two-month affair with a man and his super-crazy one-year-old rescue dog. Dixie was a beautiful, leggy, golden-eyed girl, at least part pinscher and about five times Beau's size. The guy was gorgeous too, and a lot bigger than me too, and both were very manic in their affections. She literally couldn't stop licking Beau and nosing him and trying to get him to play. He's not the playing type, so he would discipline her with growls and nips, which didn't stop her at all -- she interpreted them as part of the game. Bit by bit, he got used to her and by the time they dumped us I think he was sort of enjoying it. Here are Beau and Dixie [photo left]. Maybe we were all wrong for each other but we miss them a lot.

What is Beau's best quality?

He is so loving, and he can really sense when someone comes over who needs comfort. He is incredibly tuned in to people, not just me, but especially me. For example, guy I was seeing last fall and I had the occasional ritual of getting together for tea after we dropped our respective kids at school. One Monday morning, I breezed in with Beau, stuck a container of homemade beef stew in his refrigerator, and settled down on the couch. Of course Beau climbed right into in his lap.

After a minute or two of chitchat, he said, "I have something serious I need to tell you," then informed me that he was going to get back together with an old girlfriend. I was so blindsided by this news, I went blank. I didn't know what to say or do.

But Beau did. He rocketed from the couch, marched to the door, and looked back at me as if to say, You coming? My brand-new ex-boyfriend and I couldn't help laughing. Meanwhile, I took the dog's cue, got up, and followed him out the door.

Oh honey, don't be sad, he told me in the car, assuming his customary position in my lap, paws hooked over my arm, nose out the driver's window. Three's a crowd.

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

I would never go on a trip without him. When he sees the suitcases come out, he gets very anxious -- unless he sees me put his leash and food in the bag too. Often when I fly Southwest I do take him along, since he can fit under the seat in a pet carrier.

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

Tom Waits. He is just that masculine.

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

Do you feel sad and lonely when you're home alone for many hours straight, or is it true that dogs have very little sense of time and it's like, poof! She's back already!

Visit Marion Winik's website and read more about Highs in the Low Fifties.

Check out--Coffee with a Canine: Marion Winik & Beau (December 2009).

--Marshal Zeringue

Wendy Zollner & Savanna

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Wendy Zollner, Purchasing Manager at Sounds True, and Savanna, a 12-year-old female German Shepherd/ Lab mix.

Does Savanna come to work with you every day at Sounds True?

Yes, every day since she was about 9 months old.

What's brewing?

Celestial Seasonings Green Tea….

Any treats for you or Savanna on this interview break?

No treats for this old girl.

How were you and Savanna united?

It was fate: while “shopping” for dogs with my friend for my friend at the LifeLine Puppy Rescue, I fell in love with the puppy who was just watching me the whole time. My friend actually ended up getting me the dog and she didn’t get one at all that day. Later that year Savanna developed painful issues with her knees and hips. As luck would have it my cousin just happened to be a vet surgeon specializing in these exact issues. He performed the surgery for free and as a thank you gift I got him a top of the line GPS unit from REI (back in 2002 that was high tech). That winter he later thanked me for saving his life: he had gone to Alaska and they got lost in the mountains and were way off course ... even the rescue helicopters couldn’t find them. He said without that GPS unit they would not have found their way out! I got goose bumps when I read his story; he saved Savanna’s life and Savanna saved his. I think that day I thought I picked out a puppy, she actually picked me out.

How did Savanna get her name?

The first week I had her I went on a camping trip and lots of names were offered up while sitting around the campfire; her name was influenced by a guy from Georgia and Savanna is the name that stuck (Savanna without the “h” at the end).

Any aliases?

Lots of aliases: Vanna, Savanna Bananna, Savanna Montana, Sav.

Does Savanna have a favorite toy, ball, or stick?

No, she is just not like a normal dog. She doesn’t play fetch, or chase things; she just likes to go outside and eat grass. Oh, the one thing she will carry around with her constantly is her food bowl. And she will get in any body of water that she can find.

Who is Savanna's best pet-pal at Sounds True?

Probably Fife, who is the only one older than her at the age of 14. Fife is a little black Schipperke with a ton of personality.

Does Savanna have a favorite place to go for outings?

Anywhere I go, she goes. Daily walks in the park...

What is Savanna's best quality?

She is so smart. I taught her to deliver paper (like the mail or pick up the newspaper from the driveway), and she figured out she got treats for paper. Now she takes paper out of the recycle bin and expects treats in exchange.

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

More walks.

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

What are you thinking about?

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

Whoopi Goldberg.

Learn about other dogs at Sounds True: Andrew Pike & Miles and Kasmah McDermott & Scruffy.

--Marshal Zeringue