Yona Zeldis McDonough & Queenie, Willa and Holden

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Yona Zeldis McDonough, author of four novels; the most recent, A Wedding in Great Neck, just came out this month.

The dog on my lap is Queenie, a seven-year old female Pomeranian.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I sit with the dogs in the morning when I have my coffee. If the weather is good, I’ll go out in the yard and let them sniff and scratch while I sip.

What's brewing?

We have a nifty Nespresso maker and I use it to make a latte with steamed milk and a dash of cinnamon on top.

I use a small bowl instead of a mug or cup, so I can pretend I’m in Paris.

[photo left: Willa]

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Yes, everyone gets a post-breakfast biscuit in the morning. I might have half of an English muffin or a couple of biscotti.

You have a new novel that's just hit the bookstores. Are there any dogs in it?

Yes, there is a nervous, yappy Pomeranian, and the Pom plays a pivotal role in the story.

[photo right: Holden]

In fact, if Queenie were literate, I might find myself being sued for libel or slander—she just might not like the portrait I’ve created!

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

They would want me to give them more treats!

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which your dogs could speak, which actors should do their voices?

Queenie—Bette Middler

Willa—Nicole Kidman

Holden—Tom Hanks

If your dogs could answer only one question in English, what would you ask them?

Are you happy?

Learn more about the author and her work at Yona Zeldis McDonough's website.

Read--Coffee with a Canine: Yona Zeldis McDonough & Queenie and Tallulah (October 2009).

--Marshal Zeringue