Eulalia Benejam Cobb & Wolfie and Bisou

Who is in the photo at right?

The black German Shepherd is Wolfie, a male, who will be seven at Thanksgiving. The little red dog is four-year-old Bisou, a female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Me, I’m Eulalia Benejam Cobb, writer and illustrator, living close to the earth in Vermont with my husband, dogs, and eight hens. My blog is called My Green Vermont.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We just went for a walk in the field in front of our house to see if the apples from the wild apple tree were ready for picking. The chickens love them.

What's brewing?

I drink organic, fair trade French Roast Green Mountain Coffee, roasted and packaged in Vermont, brewed by the drip method.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

For them: windfall apples and the scent of fox. For me: the clear sunshine on the fading foliage.

How did your dogs get their names? Any nicknames?

In the movie Amadeus, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s wife calls him affectionately, “Vooolfie,” and that’s what we named our fierce-looking but sweet-tempered East German Shepherd. “Bisou” means “kiss” in baby French. In moments of extreme affection I call her “Bisoulette.”

How were you and your dogs united?

They both came from local breeders whom I knew and respected and who allowed me to get to know the parents of my prospective puppies.

Where do your dogs most like to visit on an outing?

The woods behind the house.

Do the dogs have any non-canine pet pals?

Bisou is fond of the frogs in the little pond behind the house. When they sun themselves on the slate patio she bops them with her nose to make them jump back in the water.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Wolfie takes his responsibilities to heart regarding squirrels, porcupines, fishers (a large member of the weasel family), deer, wild turkeys, bear, coyotes and other denizens of our Vermont hill. But he’s never met a human he didn’t like.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

On our walks Wolfie will pick up a large fallen branch or small tree and carry it proudly, like a band major’s baton. We can’t even whisper the word “ball” around Bisou.

What is each dog's best quality?

Wolfie likes to have all his ducks in a row. When one of the hens gets loose he catches it and holds it down on the ground with his mouth. He has never hurt one yet. Bisou is cuddliness personified indoors, and a speed demon when we go outside.

If your dogs could change one thing about the people of Vermont, what would it be?

Not a thing. Vermonters are dog people, and they often hang out in farm yards, which makes their boots extremely interesting.

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

Wolfie, why have you never given up hope of having babies with Bisou? She’s been spayed and you’ve been neutered for years…

Bisou, if I never got tired of throwing balls, would you ever, on your own, stop chasing them?

Visit the My Green Vermont blog.

--Marshal Zeringue