Jodie and Alfie

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Jodie, and Alfie! I live at home so Alfie is a family pet more than he is mine; in fact he is very attached to my mum! I am 20 years old and work as a nursery nurse/childminder assistant (Two jobs). Alfie is a Westie (West HighLand White Terrier). He is 4 in November. We got him as a puppy when he was 5 weeks old. Too early but he wasn't being looked after very well at all! He is a very 'yappy' (Barks a lot) as he is very insecure and a wimp! He is a lovely dog though, very gentle with the children in the family and will come and lay with me when I am ill.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Alfie is a very lazy dog and likes to spend the day in bed whenever he gets the chance so today is a relaxing day in the sunshine (when the UK gets some!).

What's brewing?

Not tea or coffee! Probably a cherry cola....

Any treats for you or Alfie on this occasion?

Alfie is more of a human food dog when it comes to treats so any type of meat and he is there!

How did Alfie get his name? Any aliases?

Nope. My sister really liked it and we all agreed on it.

How were you and Alfie united?

My dad got him as a surprise after me begging for a friend for Frank (R.I.P).

You have an interesting YA lit blog. Do you have a favorite literary canine?

Thank you. No, sorry! I don't read books or watch films with animals in in case it's a sad ending. (I know, a wimp!)

Who are Alfie's best pet-pals?

My niece and nephew! He is so gentle with them and always rolls on his back to get some fuss and play.... Oh, and my mum (he is a mummy's boy).

[photo right: Alfie and Bilbo the bearded dragon]

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Eat, Eat, Eat! Haha! I am just kidding. But seriously, he is scared of cats so will bark at them (his way of showing fear, especially when some are bigger than him!) and postman is an evil man who posts something through his door too early in the morning for him.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

This is going to sound strange but Alfie isn't a very toy dog. He likes to play with balls sometimes but I think because we got him when our German Shephard was old Alfie copied his traits which was basically sleeping all the time! haha...

What is Alfie's best quality?

I love how he will get in bed with you, nudge you until you lift the covers up for him and then go and lay against you! He can be such a gentle boy.

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

Probably change the fact I don't let him near my hamsters! haha...

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

Jim Carrey.

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

What can we do to make you less scared of everything! (Because then we could take him places like the park etc instead of just his normal walk!)

Visit Jodie's "Books for Company" blog.

--Marshal Zeringue