Michael Morse & Mr. Wilson

Who is in the photo at right?

This is Mr. Wilson and me, Michael Morse, sitting in my backyard on the day we picked him up at a highway rest stop. He’s a two-year-old Schnoodle according to him, a two-year-old mutt according to me. I am a retired Rescue Captain with the Providence, RI Fire Department and author of two books about that, Rescuing Providence, (2007, Paladin Press) and Responding, (2011, EPI) and the forthcoming Mr. Wilson Makes it Home, (Fall, 2014 Skyhorse Publishing) about life with Mr. Wilson.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

My coffee, and now Mr. Wilson are my constant companions every morning; my coffee cup is always close until it’s gone, and Mr. Wilson keeps an eye on me every waking minute.

What's brewing?

My wife and I brew Jim’s Organic Happy House Blend in a Faberware percolator. We order it in five-pound bags direct from Jim and keep it in the freezer. I put a little milk and two Stevias on the bottom of the cup and fill ‘er up three times or until I have to leave the house, whichever comes first.

Any treats for you or Mr. Wilson on this occasion?

My treat is the coffee, Mr. Wilson gets his cookies at bedtime, usually Wellness Well Bars with whitefish and sweet potatoes.

How were you and Mr. Wilson united?

Mrs. Morse thought I was a little lost without a dog in my life – we had been without for over three years - and decided to get me us a dog for my birthday. She Googled “little dogs that don’t shed for adoption in Rhode Island” and Wilson (the Mr. was added later) appeared. He was actually in Arkansas, and through the combined efforts of Friends of Homeless Animals, RI, Alpha Pet Transport, a lady named Cheri and a great network of volunteers a week after her first sighting on our monitor the little guy showed up in Connecticut with about twenty other dogs that had been adopted. It was truly a magical moment, I was so moved by the experience I wrote the book.

How did Mr. Wilson get his name? Any aliases?

He came to us simply as Wilson. We have no idea why we call him Mr. Wilson but we do know that he likes it better. He also likes “W” “Schmedly,” (only when we call him in from outside) and “Potato.”

Does Mr. Wilson do more to help or hinder your writing?

There’s something about this little guy, he just makes everything I do better, and my writing has become less forced and much more natural. I still have to dig into my forehead with a dull knife for the right word now and then, but it is a lot less painful.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

He learned right quick to not chase the cats, both female Maine Coons, and loves to bark at the postman but lives for chasing the squirrels that gather at the bottom of our birdfeeders. If the cats dressed up like squirrels and delivered the mail I think he would have a sensory overload and die a happy dog.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

He loves his squeaky toys and treats them like delicate little flowers, nibbles rather than chews and is especially fond of his purple monkey.

Who is Mr. Wilson's best pet-pal?

Why, me of course!

What is Mr. Wilson's best quality?

He’s just kind. Simple as that.

If Mr. Wilson could change one thing about you, what would it be?

He doesn’t like the way I drive.

If Mr. Wilson could answer only one question in English, what would you ask him?

What are you thinking?

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

Will Ferrell acting like Andy Griffith in a remake of Mayberry RFD.

Visit the Mr. Wilson Makes it Home blog.

--Marshal Zeringue