Susan Gloss & Izzy

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Susan Gloss. Among other things, I'm an author, mother, attorney, blogger, and thrift store junkie. My dog, Izzy, is a rescued Plott Hound mix who is about 7 years old. We adopted her when she was just about a year and a half old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We're celebrating the release of my debut novel, Vintage. It's about a vintage clothing store and the stories behind the items that come in and out of the shop, as well as the lives of the women who meet there.

What's brewing?

Cameron's organic coffee, Mexican roast. Enjoyed with a little bit of cream.

Any treats for you or Izzy on this occasion?

Izzy just enjoyed the breakfast scraps that my toddler son dropped on the floor.

How did Izzy get her name? Any nicknames?

Izzy was named for Izzy Stradlin, the guitarist for Guns N' Roses. My husband was really into metal bands when he was a teenager. Although I was never into the super heavy stuff, I did love GNR as sort of "gateway metal" and had several of their albums.

How were you and Izzy united?

We adopted Izzy from a wonderful rescue shelter in Racine, Wisconsin, called H.O.P.E. Safehouse. Volunteers got her out of a pound in Kentucky where she was slated to be euthanized. They brought her up to H.O.P.E. Safehouse along with several other dogs.

As soon as we met Izzy, we fell in love and knew she needed to be a part of our family.

Does Izzy do more to help or hinder your writing?

Helps! She keeps my feet warm when I'm sitting on the couch, typing on my laptop.

Are there any Izzy-inspired dogs in your new novel?

There is a dog in my novel, a pit bull named Miles. They are alike in that they both love to snooze on the couch.

Who are Izzy's best pet-pals?

Izzy loves her little Mexican hairless friends, Ruco and Chanco.

Where is Izzy's favorite outdoor destination?

She likes to walk to Batch Bakehouse, the bakery in our neighborhood. She waits outside while we're buying bread and, when we come out, she gets a little sample as a treat.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Sticks, definitely. And occasionally dead fish (we live on a lake).

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

The postwoman in our neighborhood gives out dog treats, so she's a canine favorite.

What is Izzy's best quality?

Izzy is a lover. Just a really sweet girl. She's a "people" dog and loves to snuggle and be petted.

If Izzy could change one thing about Wisconsinites, what would it be?

She likes that Wisconsinites eat lots of sausage, but she wishes they would share more of it with her.

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

I picture her talking exactly like the dog in the movie Up and saying: "Hey guys, do you have any treats for me, guys?"

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

I would ask her what she thinks of the members of our family. Sometimes, especially when my husband and I are trying to leave the house in the morning for work, I feel like it's a three ring circus. I imagine Izzy just watching it all, thinking, "What are you guys so stressed out about?"

Visit Susan Gloss's website, blog, Facebook page and Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue