Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Kate Kelly & Lucy

Who is in the photo at right?

This is a photograph of me with my lovely lady, Lucy. Lucy is a female of indeterminate breed and an age we don’t know. She was found in Mexico where our vet had gone to run a spaying clinic. Lucy (then named Pancha) had been hit by a car and someone saved her but couldn’t afford for her to have medical care. As a result, she has a very odd gait from the accident but it doesn’t seem to bother her at all. She’s been with us for six years.

I'm Kate Kelly, an author of some 40 books—many of them collaborations—and I currently publish a website, America Comes Alive. During the “Dog Days of Summer” I publish three stories per week about American dogs—it’s a great way to tell the story of our country and our citizens’ relationships with dogs. I’ve also gathered some of the stories into a book, You Lucky Dog! From Homeless to Famous.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I am a tea person. While several cups of tea are consumed while Lucy and I are working (er, she’s napping—I’m working), her favorite time is the tea break I take at about 4:30 p.m. By that time, I have fed her dinner and I’ll sit down to sort mail or read for awhile. It’s a relaxing time for us both.

What's brewing?

The tea consumed at this time is likely to be peppermint.

Any treats for you or Lucy on this occasion?

I will have a small snack and Lucy will enjoy four post-dinner baby carrots. She’s vegetarian of sorts---to keep her weight down.

How did Lucy get her name?

The vet called several of her dogs Pancha so we wanted a new name for Lucy. She started out as Lucita in honor of her Mexican heritage but she now ranges from Lucy to Lucille to Lucifer when I’m convinced she’s outsmarting me (much of the time).

How were you and Lucy united?

The vet brought the dog to NY where we were living at the time. She knew we had recently lost a dog and were looking. We had a sweet beagle still living with us, and the vet thought we would provide a good home for Pancha/Lucy.

Who are Lucy's best pet-pals?

We lost her companion, a beagle named Boo, about 8 months ago and are not quite ready to move on to another dog, but we meet lots of dogs on our walks, and her favorites are two labs—Bella and Gracie, and a labradoodle, Rigatoni.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

She’s scared to death of a neighbor’s cat that frequents our yard. I did learn she is probably a little bit Pointer; one day she took the Pointer stance to indicate the whereabouts of the cat. Of course, that meant I should go investigate. Chase the cat or bark at it? Not Lucy!

What is Lucy's best quality?

She is the most good-spirited, cheerful dog! She is definitely compromised in her walk because of the earlier car injury, and two summers ago we had to have some cancerous tumors removed, meaning about 8 weeks in the Dreaded Cone. She was cheerful throughout, and I would even catch her sunbathing in the yard with her head in the cone, her tummy sunward, and her bandaged leg (where the surgery had been done) pointing skyward just as if this were the most natural thing in the world [photo right].

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Based on Lucy, I think there is no doubt that dogs see some color… she is very clear about which toys she likes, and they are all red or dark pink. Right now she has a new-ish squeaky bird that she carries with her… but I fear her true favorite is a mangy dark pink monster, which—in my mind--is not as cute as the bird.

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

She would like it if I let her wear a watch set to Lucy Time. She is convinced that her dinner should be served exactly one hour earlier than when I intend to serve it, and we go through a long hour of conversation over who knows the “real” time.

Please tell us about your new book.

You Lucky Dog! From Homeless to Famous is based on my dog story series, The Dog Days of Summer. By researching stories about specific dogs in American history, I’ve found it a great way to tell a compelling story about our country. For example, people are amazed to read that because we had no canine corps in World War II, the only way to assemble one quickly was by asking people to donate their pets--they did in great numbers. That speaks volumes about the American people and the era.

Or the story of our country’s first seeing eye dog, introduced in 1929, is both heartwarming and very informative.

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

I would like to hear about her life in Mexico.

Visit the America Comes Alive website, and learn more about You Lucky Dog! From Homeless to Famous.

--Marshal Zeringue

Monday, July 29, 2013

Alison Rice & Chace

Who is in the photo at right?

In this photo is myself, Alison Rice, and my dog, Chace. My husband and I recently opened a pet care facility in Huber Heights, Ohio called Sit, Stay, N' Play Dog Park where I work everyday. I get to take Chace along with me to work which he loves. Chace is a 2 year old Golden Retriever. He is a big baby!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Chace loves to go running with me. We usually run on a bike path that runs parallel to a creek so he can jump in and cool off whenever he likes. He enjoys swimming and I enjoy watching him run around like a goofball, so we both love going on this date together. I try to take him at least twice a week, which means lots of baths because the water is a little smelly.

What's brewing?

After our hard workout, I will drink a mocha cappuccino flavored protein shake. It is delicious! And Chace gets to lick the cup.

Any treats for you or Chace on this occasion?

When it comes to treats we are not picky. I enjoy my anything chocolate while Chace enjoys anything peanut butter.

How were you and Chace united?

I have always had Golden Retrievers growing up and love the breed, so I knew exactly what I was looking for. When I went to the breeder to pick out a puppy, he came right up to me and snuggled between my legs. I immediately knew he was the one I wanted. To this day he still likes to walk between my legs and stand there.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Deciding on a name for Chace was a difficult task for my husband and me. We threw out a bunch of names and finally Chace just seemed to fit. He is not named after anyone specific, just a random name. We tend to call him Chacer or when he is in trouble, Chace Stewart.

Please tell us about Sit, Stay, N' Play Dog Park.

Sit, Stay, N' Play Dog Park is Ohio's only indoor dog park. We have an 8,000 square foot indoor park and a 3,000 indoor park for big dogs and small dogs, respectively. We also do boarding and doggie daycare.

Does Chace have a role at Sit, Stay, N'Play?

He is my sidekick but sometimes he acts like he owns the place. His time is spent between being the door greeter and dog wrestler. He loves being first at greeting people at the door but he also enjoys going into the dog parks and wrestling with our four legged guests.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Chace loves hunting squirrels. He never gets close to catching one but he continuously tries.

Who is your dog's best pet-pal?

Chace has several friends since he goes to work with me everyday, but his top two pet-pals are Uncle Lenny (my parents' Golden Retriever) and Lukas (a viszla that comes to daycare at Sit, Stay, N' Play). [Chace and Lukas, photo left] Chace and Lenny love to chase squirrels together and wrestle around in the yard. When Chace plays with Lukas, they just run, run, run. After spending a few hours with his friends, he is wiped out for the day.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Chace loves all toys but he also destroys all toys. He likes to rip apart the stuffing to get to the squeaker or tears apart the plastic. We normally just stick to bones now. It takes him a little longer to destroy those.

Does Chace have a favorite place to go for outings?

He loves to go swimming. We often go to a local park where there is a creek for him to swim. He jumps right in and just sits in the cool water.

What is Chace's best quality?

His best quality is that he is needy (probably because I coddled him when he was younger). Since he is needy, he always wants to be by your side so he will not run away from you if he is off leash. He always wants to be with you so he will do anything to please you.

If Chace could change one thing about Ohioans, what would it be?

He would really love to go into all the restaurants and eat with us so he would like to have more Ohioans open pet friendly businesses.

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

I would ask him if he really is color blind. I am convinced that he can see in color.

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

Well, Chace is funny and tough at the same time, so the only voice that would be appropriate for him would be Mark Wahlberg.

Visit the Sit, Stay, N' Play Dog Park website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Free book: "Lara's Gift"

Knopf Books for Young Readers and Campaign for the American Reader are giving away a copy of the forthcoming book, Lara's Gift by Annemarie O'Brien.

HOW TO ENTER:
(1) send an email to this address:

(2) In the subject line, type: Lara's Gift.

(3) Include your name (or alias or whatever you wish to be called if I email you to tell you you've won the book) in the body of the email.

[I will not sell or share your email address; nor will I be in touch with you unless it is to tell you you have won the book.  I promise.]

Last chance to enter: Monday, August 5th.

Only one entry per person, please.

Winner must have a US mailing address.

Learn more about Lara's Gift at Annemarie O'Brien's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Friday, July 26, 2013

Kristie Blevins & Lula Mae Belle

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Kristie Blevins, a simple mountain girl from Piney Flats, Tennessee. I earned a BS and MA at East Tennessee State University and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati. I am currently Associate Professor in the School of Justice Studies at Eastern Kentucky University. My research interests include crime prevention, corrections, and wildlife crime. I admittedly spend a lot of time in prison and jail, but I do so to interview inmates about their experiences. The information I get from them helps me to learn more about their risk factors, motivations, and target selection techniques. I have published the results of some of my research in several academic journals and books. Aside from my research endeavors, I teach three classes each semester. I love working with the students! Outside of work, I love participating in outdoor activities and hanging with my dog. I am also an avid (some might say rabid) University of Tennessee football fan.

Lula Mae Belle is my baby girl. She is a bloodhound, weighs about 105 pounds, and is almost five years old. Although she is definitely a house dog, she loves being outside.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I’m getting a caffeine boost before we go for a nice long walk.

What's brewing?

For me: Green Mountain Island Coconut with Splenda and a splash of creamer.

For Lula: Cold water in a coffee mug to make it feel special.

Any treats for you or Lula Mae Belle on this occasion?

For me: A peach turnover from a local orchard.

For Lula: A pig’s ear and a couple bites of my turnover.

How did Lula Mae Belle get her name? Any nicknames?

Because of her breed and my background, I thought my pup definitely needed a name that sounded a little country. Her registered name is Duchess Lula Mae Belle of Volunteer Nation. We primarily call her Lula Belle or Belle-Belle, but she responds best to “look here.”

How were you and Lula Mae Belle united?

I was living in North Carolina at the time and was looking to adopt a large dog. The local large breed rescues required that applicants have fenced yards before they could adopt from them. Since I didn’t have a fence, I was browsing online for dogs available in the area. I came across her litter and fell in love. I adopted her from a wonderful family as soon as she was weaned.

So...you're a criminal justice scholar and your dog happens to be the breed most commonly associated with sniffing out crime--is that a coincidence?

I get asked this question quite a lot. The truth is that it really is coincidence. I was actually looking for a great dane or mastiff when I found her. I think it is true that everything works out for the best! As for sniffing out crime, I would never put Lula in a dangerous situation. She is definitely a pet rather than a working dog, though we have no problem volunteering on occasions when there is a local missing child or other lost person.

Who are Lula Mae Belle's best pet-pals?

Her best friends Fozzie and Krimpet were our neighbors in North Carolina. We visit with them every chance we get. Here in Kentucky, she loves Sammy, Brownie, Marlin, and Warning. She gets to hang out with them when her Aunt Tina or Uncle J.B. babysit for us.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Lula loves pretty much any toy or stick, but she is obsessed with Air Dog squeaky tennis balls. She plays with them every night, usually instigating a game of keep-away from me. She also loves to chase the red dot (laser pointer).

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Cats for sure. She is borderline neurotic when it comes to cats. The problem is she wants to play with them, and they don’t necessarily want to play back. Once a cat is used to her, she whines at it if it doesn’t want to play or simply sits still.

What is Lula Mae Belle's best quality?

Of course, I want to say everything about her because I think she is the best dog in the world. If I have to choose just one quality, I have to say it is that she shows her love. She is a cuddle bug and gives big hugs—paws on shoulders and nose nestled in my neck. And, you definitely notice when you have been kissed by my slobber monster.

If Lula Mae Belle could change one thing about you, what would it be?

She would request that I spend less time at the office. I think she would prefer that I be at home to cater to and spoil her (as I always do when we are together).

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which Lula Mae Belle could speak, which actor should do her voice?

I think Dolly Parton should do Lula’s voice because her dialect is similar to my family’s. I like to think that Lula as picked up our style.

If Lula Mae Belle could answer only one question in English, what would you ask her?

Given that you seem to love all people and animals, why do you act like a big, bad, mean, growling monster until they get right next to you?

--Marshal Zeringue

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Michelle Loh & Jingle

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Michelle Loh, a Singaporean and I am about to embark on a career break for a while, before getting back into the grind. For now till August, I am a pharmaceutical in-house talent acquisition manager at a Fortune 200 company. I am super looking forward to lazy, long lunches with Jingle at local cafes working on my blog and fun, relaxing walks at parks in the evenings. Jingle is 11 this year and she is a Jack Russel Terrier.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I am always with Jingle, especially on weekends. Today, it is extra special as I am doing this guest post with her by my side.

What's brewing?

If there aren't mojitos on the menu, I am happy with a skinny latte from any local cafe that is sprouting up by the dozens in Singapore. I am easy with my coffee choices.

Any treats for you or Jingle on this occasion?

I am having a slice of home-made summer strawberry cake that I made myself yesterday while Jingle is having steamed sweet potato. She loves them. And she gets just a little cake when she looks at me with those 'give me some...' eyes of hers.

How did Jingle get her name? Any nicknames?

She was born in December and we thought Jingle would be a cool name for her - my sister calls her Jing Jing or we all call her Jingle Loh in our loudest voice, when she is naughty.

How were you and Jingle united?

My then-boyfriend, who is my husband now, saw an advertisement online and we went to see the dogs that were available at the owner's house. I chose her out of 4 other dogs because she ate the fastest! I figured she would grow up healthy and strong.

Who are Jingle's best pet-pals?

She has none - she hates all other dogs. Is it my fault? That I spoil her too much? Oh well, she has me.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Squeaky toy (her favourite one is in the photo up right)

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

All!

What is Jingle's best quality?

Her intelligence - she is able to sniff out lizards, she knows she can manipulate me and only me among the rest of the family members and she only eats healthy, good food like salmon, sweet potato and cheese is her favourite!

If Jingle could change one thing about Singaporeans, what would it be?

She would want everyone to be like me - my husband always says she is my boss! She would be able to 'manipulate' the rest of them too, to bring her for walks 8 times a day, regardless of the time.

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

A nonchalant Mila Kunis.

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

I would ask her if she is happy.

Visit Michelle Loh's baconandjackrussells blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Monday, July 22, 2013

Jacqueline West & Brom Bones

Who is in the photo at right?

The two-legged person is Jacqueline West—that’s me. I’m a writer. The latest book in my middle-grade fantasy series, The Books of Elsewhere, Volume Four: The Strangers, will be released this month. The four-legged person is Brom Bones, our springer-spaniel-border-collie-beagle boy.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Brom and I have coffee—or I have coffee, and he has his meat cereal—every morning. Mornings this summer have been especially busy, with the publication of The Books of Elsewhere: The Strangers and with deadlines for the fifth (and final) volume looming…but coffee and Brom help me to deal with everything in their own very different ways.

What's brewing?

A mix of City Kids French Roast and Decaf with a slug of skim milk. There’s often a tablespoon of CafĂ© du Monde’s chicory coffee in the mix, but we’ve run out of the stash we brought back from our last trip to New Orleans. Oh well. It’s a good excuse to go there again.

Any treats for you or Brom on this occasion?

For me: Toasted sourdough bread from Hanisch’s Bakery here in Red Wing, MN. (I think I gave the very same answer to this question two years ago! The jam may change, but the toast remains the same.) For Brom: Chilled watermelon is his favorite summertime treat. He comes running to the kitchen the moment he hears us taking it out of the fridge.

You've been busy since we were in touch in 2011--congratulations on the new book. So what's new with Brom?

Thank you! These have been two very busy years for me; between tours and book releases, I’ve finished three books and embarked on several others.

Brom, meanwhile, has turned four years old without gaining a single day’s worth of maturity. (At least, we think he’s four; we got him from a shelter when he was full grown, so no one is sure exactly how old he is.) He now shakes paws and rolls over—halfway, just enough for a belly rub—on command.

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

Friends of ours have a young Viszla named Rocky who comes over for occasional visits. We call the resulting condition a dognado. Rocky and Brom [photo left] slam around the house, knocking into furniture and skidding across the hardwood. It’s nearly impossible to take a picture of the two of them that isn’t a brownish blur.

Squeaky-toy, ball, stick...?

If there is a ball within Brom’s field of vision, nothing else exists. He also loves his tough fabric throwing rings and his heavy plastic Busy Buddy bone, which has ends that can be filled with kibble. This buys us a few moments of peace.

If Brom could change one thing about Minnesotans, what would it be?

Brom would like it if we all grew a coat of nice, thick fur. This way we could play outside in the wintertime without the furless ones starting to shiver and whine and pull the furry ones back indoors.

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

I imagine him sounding like Richard White, the actor who did the voice of Gaston in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Howard Keel would also do …if he were still alive, that is.

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

There are so many things I’d like to ask him (Where are your baby pictures? Do you want your dewclaws removed? How long after we left did you wait before you jumped up on the kitchen counter and ate that entire loaf of cinnamon bread? Is there any way to get you to stop making that smell?), but if I could ask just one, I’d probably go with Are you happy? I hope the answer would be yes.

Visit Jacqueline West's website and the The Books of Elsewhere website.

Read--Coffee with a Canine: Jacqueline West and Brom Bones (July 2011).


--Marshal Zeringue

Friday, July 19, 2013

Jamie Brazil & Frankie

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Jamie Brazil, and Frankie. She's a 7-year-old Bloodhound. We're both authors.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We're celebrating Frankie's book, The Wisdom of the Buddhist Bloodhound.

What's brewing?

Medium roast Tully's. I use a Chemex.

Any treats for you or your dog on this occasion?

No treats. We're both on diets. However, I'm pretty sure my husband sneaks treats (not to mention he regularly cooks her special dinners... roast pork, ground round, boneless skinless chicken breast).

How did Frankie get her name? Any nicknames?

She came with the name "Freckles." Freckles??? Frankie is not a Freckle-hound. So I chose Frankie Rose because it sounded similar.

How were you and Frankie united?

We were united through the power of Craigslist. She was a hyper, underweight two-year old at a rescue when I met her. Some friends had a Bloodhound, and my husband and I had just lost our dog. I had a hole in my heart and decided that another dog might help me heal. I wanted a dog with an opposite personality that wouldn't remind me of our Pit-mix -- because no dog could ever replace him. In reflection, I probably jumped back in too soon. On the other hand, Frankie turned out to be a wonderful decision, though we had many challenges in the beginning. We spent a lot of time on training. And yes, she definitely filled that hole in my heart.

Does Frankie do more to help or hinder your writing?

Help. Definitely. She climbs under the desk and plants herself in a such a way I can't get up from my chair. Nevermind having a muse, Frankie has upped my productivity.

Who are Frankie's best pet-pals?

The list reads likes a Romper-Room who's who: there's Leo (Lab mix), and Andy and Lilly (Collies), and Turbo (Pitbull), and Blue (Lab). All neighbors' pets. There's a Cocker Spaniel named Katie who just moved in down the road, too. Can you tell Frankie and I take a lot of walks?

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Stuffies! An Octopus with musical tentacles is her current favorite (though stuffies have short life spans in this house).

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Bloodhounds aren't prey driven, though after she sees a squirrel or bunny she has to know everywhere they went. Now cats, she considers those Supreme Universal Beings which should be equally worshiped and feared.

What is Frankie's best quality?

She has a sweet, loving and gentle personality.

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

If she had a magic wand she'd turn me into a 40 lb bag of kibble. She's starving even after a big dinner. But like I said, we're both on diets.

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

Drew Barrymore.

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

I'd ask her how I could reincarnate as a Bloodhound!

Visit Jamie Brazil's website and blog, and follow her on Facebook.

--Marshal Zeringue

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Free book: "Lara's Gift"

Knopf Books for Young Readers and Campaign for the American Reader are giving away a copy of the forthcoming book, Lara's Gift by Annemarie O'Brien.

HOW TO ENTER:
(1) send an email to this address:

(2) In the subject line, type: Lara's Gift.

(3) Include your name (or alias or whatever you wish to be called if I email you to tell you you've won the book) in the body of the email.

[I will not sell or share your email address; nor will I be in touch with you unless it is to tell you you have won the book.  I promise.]

Last chance to enter: Monday, August 5th.

Only one entry per person, please.

Winner must have a US mailing address.

Learn more about Lara's Gift at Annemarie O'Brien's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Susan Bordo & Sean and Dakota

Who is in the photo at right?

The three creatures fighting over the coffee cup are (in order of self-importance): Sean, my four year old male Havanese; Susan Bordo (that would be me, author and teacher); and Dakota, our one-year-old female Great Pyrenees/Border Collie mix.

What's brewing?

First cup: French Roast or Espresso, made on my Keurig (an invention I bless every morning.) That’s the wake-up cup, and I drink it watching either Morning Joe or (if Joe Scarborough gets me too angry) one of the DVRs of Bravo shows from the night before. My doggies on either side of me. The rest of the morning it’s usually half-caf.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Sean and I have a regular early morning ritual, organized around the first cup of coffee I make (the blast-my-eyes open cup). As soon as I head for the Keurig, he jumps off the couch, toddles over to me, puts his paws up on my legs and looks beseechingly/adoringly. That’s my signal to pick him up and put him on my shoulder, the way I used to carry him around when he was a baby. As soon as the coffee is ready, I put him down, ruffle his fur a little, add my seasonings, and we head for the couch together, where Dakota is waiting. (By the way, the cup you see in the Keurig has an image of the cover of my most recent book; I have availed myself of zazzle to get my whole life decorated in this shamelessly self-promoting way.)

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Doggies get their treats after they have done their stuff in the backyard or on a walk. Right now, it’s walks because we have a nest of bunnies in the backyard who Dakota thinks are doggy-toys. They get Milk-bones. I get another cup of coffee.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Sean is a purebred and was named that by his breeder; we liked it, and just kept it. Dakota is a rescue, and my daughter Cassie named her. For perverse reasons of her own, she sometimes calls her “Puff”—which is the last thing she looks like. Sean is my baby, and I sometimes call him “Seannie” or “Sean Baby”.

How were you and your dogs united?

Sean: After our precious Jack Russell Vinnie died, we eventually stopped crying and started looking for another dog. At that time, Jenny our beloved border collie (who lived to be 18!!) was still with us, and her vote counted a lot. We took her around to the local shelters, and she growled at every doggie we put her with. But we knew she would get along with a Havanese, as my sister had two that Jenny had spent some time with. So we sprang for the big bucks, found a great breeder, and waited patiently for Sean’s mom to give birth.

Dakota: Cassie (now fourteen) loves Sean, but wanted a big dog—the bigger the better—of her own. She is of the “If I can’t wrestle with it or ride it, what use is it?” school of pets. I wasn’t so certain. Then, one day, Cassie and I were riding home from the mall and saw a dog right in the middle of traffic, seemingly about to get hit. We careened into a nearby driveway (bashing the side of my car on a trash can en route) and she ran out to the road to rescue the dog. He had a collar and tag, so we called the owner, who promptly came to get him. Having been raised by a very superstitious father who saw omens in the most pedestrian events, I felt this incident was telling me something, so next morning I started looking online at local shelters. As soon as I saw Dakota’s picture (I think she was called Rosie at that point) I knew she was the one. And she is, she is!

Do your dogs do more to help or to hinder your writing?

I’ve learned to ignore the barking at whatever/whomever passes by the front of our house, but the mommy in me is torn when I know that they’ve been inside for too long. If I’m on a writing roll, and my daughter or husband isn’t around, it’s a toss up as to whether the paragraph or the doggies come first.

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

Sean believes the mail carrier is a terrible threat to our safety—unless he/she actually is let in the door, at which point all is well. Dakota loves everything and everyone, and wants to jump up/knock down/put her mouth on/fondle anything that comes into view. They are both, shall we say…interactive doggies?

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Dakota likes to run after things and sometimes will bring them back, but especially enjoys anything with stuffing that can be “killed” and scattered all over the house. Sean is fairly indifferent to anything that isn’t actually edible. He is embarrassed by Dakota’s lack of discrimination.

What is each dog's best quality?

Sean: Unique mixture of cuddliness and refinement.

Dakota: Sweet beyond belief. You’ve seen the movie Marley and Me? That’s Dakota.

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

They think I’m perfect—which is of course, a major reason why I love them.

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

Sean: Jesse Eisenberg.

Dakota: Sandra Bullock.

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

What are you thinking?

Visit Susan Bordo's official The Creation of Anne Boleyn website.

My Book, The Movie: The Creation of Anne Boleyn.

--Marshal Zeringue

Monday, July 15, 2013

Lauren Atkins & Winston and Maggie

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Lauren Atkins, instructional technologist and food blogger at haveforkwilleat.com. My canine companions are the very distinctive Winston, a five year old basset hound-shad pei mix. His "little" sister is Maggie, thinks she is a tiny kitten but is actually a 3 year old English Mastiff.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

It's stormy out and when it rains, we like to curl up with a cup of tea and watch tv together while I work on recipe ideas. Maggie in particular is a very snuggly dog. Winston just really enjoys naps and very much hates rain.

What's brewing?

This occasion is technically Chai with a Canine. Iced chai tea latte in the summer; hot chai in the winter. I like to make it super frothy and add a lot of cinnamon on top. Winston and Maggie get water…preferably (for me) clean water from their bowls, preferably (for them) water from a puddle on the patio.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

They get wheat-free dog treats (Maggie has allergies) and occasionally, when they look just far too cute to turn down, cubes of cheese.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Winston just looked like a Winston, even at the tender age of 8 weeks, when he was all wrinkles and skin. His full name is actually Winston Churchill, and occasionally he goes by Sir Winston or The Prime Minister, depending on how lordly he feels that day. Maggie's full name is Margaret Thatcher [photo left], though "Maggie" fits her pretty well.

How were you and your dogs united?

We got Winston as a young puppy. We were looking to adopt a pair of lab puppies but stumbled upon him and he was too cute to pass up. He was so adorable that people would pull their cars over on the street just to ask us what kind of dog he was. Maggie came a couple years later, after we'd bought a house with a yard. We got her from a mastiff rescue at 9 months old.

What role do your dogs play at your Have Fork, Will Eat blog?

My dogs are my editors, but their grammar is atrocious, so really it's just in name only. Otherwise, they are a soundboard for ideas, keep watch over me while I'm cooking and provide companionship while I write. They're negotiating for a taste-testing role but so far that deal hasn't panned out.

Squirrel, postman, cat….?

While they are interested in both the neighborhood cats and the postman, their true nemeses are the squirrels and the walnuts they throw.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Laser pointer. Really.

What is each dog's best quality?

Winston [photo left] is extremely smart, while Maggie is just the sweetest thing ever.

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

We'd feed them table scraps.

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

Winston: Patrick Stewart.

Maggie: Frances McDormand doing the accent from Fargo.

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

To Winston: How exactly did you know it was going to rain?
To Maggie: Why do you hoard all the toys?

Visit the Have Fork, Will Eat blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Free book: "Lara's Gift"

Knopf Books for Young Readers and Campaign for the American Reader are giving away a copy of the forthcoming book, Lara's Gift by Annemarie O'Brien.

HOW TO ENTER:
(1) send an email to this address:

(2) In the subject line, type: Lara's Gift.

(3) Include your name (or alias or whatever you wish to be called if I email you to tell you you've won the book) in the body of the email.

[I will not sell or share your email address; nor will I be in touch with you unless it is to tell you you have won the book.  I promise.]

Last chance to enter: Monday, August 5th.

Only one entry per person, please.

Winner must have a US mailing address.

Learn more about Lara's Gift at Annemarie O'Brien's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Friday, July 12, 2013

Julie Joyce & Rufus

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Julie Joyce.  I run a link building company called Link Fish Media, based out of Greensboro NC. This is me with Rufus, who is an oversized male bloodhound who happens to be overweight and 6 years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I will take any excuse to talk about poor Rufus and do very little work. Since I do a lot of work from home, it's always "Take Your Dog To Work Day" here.

What's brewing?

I have non-trendy coffee, even though I am brewing it with a Keurig. I'm sad because I'd prefer a full-fat iced mocha with whipped cream from Starbucks but Rufus doesn't drive.

Any treats for you or Rufus on this occasion?

I'm having eggs from our backyard chickens. Rufus is having his usual boring breakfast of dry dog food and whatever leftovers he can pick up from the trash can.

How were you and Rufus united?

As a person who swore never to buy a dog from a pet store, I bought Rufus at a pet store. I was in there with my husband and saw him and immediately had to have him. As a proper Southerner, few dogs are more sacred than a bloodhound, and he was huge and clumsy and I just had to have him.

How did Rufus get his name? Any aliases?

He was named after an ancestor of mine, who was a redhead who raised utter hell. His aliases as Buddha, Boo, Ruf, and Buddhasaurus Rexicus.

Cat, postman, squirrel…?

He's recently accepted our cat Dashwood, after only 18 months. I think Rufus is solely responsible for one postal employee quitting her route and one needing anxiety medication. Squirrels calmly run all over his backyard and he never seems to notice but if a person walks within 100 yards of our house, Rufus goes into attack mode. Sadly, we live on a busy street so when he's outside, he's on edge most of the time.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick…?

Well, he can't catch anything because of his gigantic jowls and slobber…no squeaky toy has lasted more than about 5 minutes so I'll go with stick, unless you want to include "pieces of the house."

Does Rufus have a favorite place to go for outings?

He's a bit difficult to take on outings and has started getting so upset at the vet's office that he has seizures, so we're gently introducing him to a quick walk around the block again. He seems to really like areas with overgrown ivy that are full of other dogs' pee.

How well does Rufus get along with your chickens?

He's been outside with them once and ran at them but with him, you never know what he's intending to do. We keep them separated so it's usually Rufus inside beside the glass doors while the 4 chickens line up and stare at him. He pretends not to see them. I think he's embarrassed.

What is Rufus's best quality?

If he likes you, you will never ever be afraid of anyone hurting you, coming into your house, etc. He also tends to stand on your foot and lean on you when he wants attention, which is insanely cute even when he's drooling, although much cuter when he's not.

If Rufus could change one thing about North Carolinians, what would it be?

He'd bring more open-mindedness into our political system so that we weren't always oppressing people who lived different lifestyles.

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

"Why did you once run across the yard with a can of paint in your mouth?"

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

There is only one choice: Sam Elliott.

Visit the Link Fish Media website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Jennifer Zobair & Shadow and Dino

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Jennifer Zobair, a recovering attorney and the author of the debut novel, Painted Hands. Shadow, one of my two dogs, is a recovering area rug eater and a skilled thief of food left on the counter. He’s also a 3-year-old Goldendoodle.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Tea on the deck this weekend.

What's brewing?

Allegro organic green tea.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

There might have been a handful of treats. This also might have been why the non-pictured dog, Dino, got too worked up to pose for the photo.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Shadow got his name because when he was a puppy, he would jump whenever he saw his own shadow. And yes, we get all the comments about a white dog named Shadow. We adopted Dino at age two, so he was already named.

How were you and your dogs united?

Shadow [as a puppy, photo left] was a birthday gift for our daughter. We got Dino after my husband watched a documentary about all of the unwanted dogs in shelters. We were in the car a half an hour later, driving to a local shelter. We had actually been thinking about getting a second dog for some time, but not necessarily with such urgency.

How do your dogs help, and how do they hinder, your writing?

I always had this romanticized image of writing at my desk with a dog at my feet. This is very hard to pull off with Shadow and Dino. Even though they are both large dogs, they see themselves as lap dogs, not sit-at-my-feet dogs. It’s very cute, and also not very productive.

Are there any dogs in your new novel?

There are not, and now that you mention it, I feel like it’s a huge oversight. My novel is about contemporary Muslim American women, and a lot of Muslims don’t think people should have dogs as pets. There is some great scholarship refuting this prohibition, especially by Khaled Abou El Fadl, Professor of Islamic Law at UCLA School of Law. And now, I think I have to work a dog into my next book!

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

Our next door neighbors. It’s very awkward and we spend a lot of time apologizing.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Usually a ball, and usually they will deflate it in a matter of minutes.

What is each dog's best quality?

Shadow seems to genuinely love our affection. In the mornings, I feed the dogs together and when I put the food down, Dino dives right in. Shadow, on the other hand, waits for me to pet him and love him up and only then will he start to eat. Dino has such genuine enthusiasm to see us. When the kids are walking up the driveway from school, Shadow sits and waits, but Dino’s entire body wags.

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

They’d make my lap big enough for both of them.

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

For Dino, it would be Jack Black, because he’s funny and has a lot of personality. For Shadow, I would say Matt Damon, because he’s the more serious, composed dog, but still can be quite entertaining.

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

I would ask them if they are happy.

Visit Jennifer Zobair's website, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

The Page 69 Test: Painted Hands.

My Book, The Movie: Painted Hands.

Writers Read: Jennifer Zobair.


--Marshal Zeringue

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Lindsey Jeremiah & Harley

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Lindsey Jeremiah, a Freelance writer with Cottage Life Magazine and an Educational Program Coordinator with a Boating Safety Company. My dog Harley is a 6-year old cross between a redbound coon hound and a yellow lab. I rescued him from Toronto when he was a puppy without a home and we moved to B.C., Canada together shortly after to run along the ocean!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Harley is often featured in my articles about living the cottage life, getting outside with your dog, dogs and boating, etc. He is a great friend and source of creative inspiration for this writer!

What's brewing?

I usually stop by Starbucks for an Earl Grey Tea Latte. Grande. Soy.

Any treats for you or Harley on this occasion?

A rice crispy square for us both.

How were you and Harley united?

I saw a rescue ad online and drove down right away to bring him home.

How did Harley get his name? Any aliases?

He's just a Harley. Big, goofy, loveable, red. A real boy’s boy. A real Harley.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Squirrel!!! The hound instinct never fades!

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Stick!!!! Harley loves to wrestle sticks away from his doggy friends in the neighbourhood.

Does Harley have a favorite place to go for outings?

He loves to meander down to the lake where he can swim or roll all over a dead fish. It’s just the best thing in the world to old Harl’s.

Who is Harley's best pet-pal?

His brother Gus the pug! BFFs for life! They make an odd pair but they are perfect together!

What is Harley's best quality?

He’s a gentle giant. 80 pounds of love.

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

He would like me to get more exercise with him.

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

I would ask him if his epilepsy medication makes him feel better.

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

Eeyore, from Winnie the Pooh.

--Marshal Zeringue