Julie Flanders & Clancy

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Julie Flanders and, in addition to my full-time job as a librarian, I have just started working as a freelance writer. I am working on my first novel, and I have had two articles published so far this year, one in the summer issue of Thrive in Life, and one in the current (November) issue of Cat Fancy. My dog is Clancy, and he is four years old. He is part standard poodle and part spaniel. It’s also possible he has some lab in him. He’s a real mutt!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Clancy and I love going to our township park, and we walk there regularly. I never need an excuse to have a cup of coffee, but it was unexpectedly chilly on the day of our coffee date, so the coffee was especially tasty.

What's brewing?

Just regular coffee, with lots of cream.

Any treats for you or Clancy on this occasion?

No treats for me, but Clancy had his favorite treat in the world, cheese curd. As far as Clancy is concerned, cheese curd is manna from heaven, and he would do absolutely anything for a piece of it.

How were you and Clancy united?

I adopted Clancy in 2008 from a wonderful organization called Circle Tail. I wasn’t really planning on getting a dog, in fact I had just recently decided against it, but I was looking for a local rescue group where I could volunteer. Circle Tail caught my attention as I was so impressed by their mission – they train service dogs in addition to running a rescue program. On a whim, I looked at the dogs they had available for adoption, and Clancy’s picture caught my eye immediately. I changed my mind about not getting a dog, and filled out the adoption application that day. I’ve never regretted that spontaneous decision!

How did Clancy get his name? Any nicknames?

Clancy was named Dagan when I adopted him and I really didn’t care for the name. I thought about calling him Frankie, but I didn’t think that suited him either. Two days after I adopted him I watched an episode of Mad Men, one of my favorite shows. There was a dog on the episode named Chauncey. I thought that was an interesting name, and while I didn’t want to name my dog Chauncey, I started thinking about similar names that started with a C. Clancy popped into my head, and I knew right away that Clancy had his name.

His nickname is Clancy Pants, a play on Fancy Pants. He is also known as Mr. Pants, or simply Pants.

Does Clancy have a favorite place to go for walk?

Our local park, because he has dog friends he sees regularly there. He’s always more interested in seeing his buddies than he is in walking.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Postman. Clancy loves other animals, especially cats as he lives with a cat. He doesn’t like people he doesn’t know coming to his door.

Squeaky-toy, ball, stick...?

Squeaky toy.

What is Clancy's best quality?

He is so silly and goofy that he makes me laugh all the time. He is very entertaining.

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

I think he’d want me to be independently wealthy so that I didn’t have to work. He loves when we are home together.

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

His proudest moment was probably passing obedience class with flying colors. Clancy loves performing tricks on command, as long as treats are involved.

His most embarrassing was when I dressed him up as Batman for Halloween. It was three years ago, but I doubt he’s forgiven me yet.

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

What his life was like before I adopted him. Circle Tail houses their rescue dogs at Ohio prisons while they are waiting to be adopted, and I would love if Clancy could tell me about his experience at the prison.

If Clancy could talk in the movie about your life, who should do his voice?

Will Arnett. I’m a huge Arrested Development fan, and I think Arnett has a great speaking voice. And as I said, Clancy is a total goofball, so it fits.

To get to know Clancy and Julie better, please visit the What Else is Possible? writing blog and their new pet blog, The Pet Parent Diaries.

--Marshal Zeringue