Melodie Campbell & Frankenpoodle

Who is in the photo at right?

The Star is Frankenpoodle…the dawg Dr. Frankenstein would have created if he’d had a chance. Now eight, Frankenpoodle got his start as the klutzy giant of the litter. To qualify for standard poodle status, a pooch must be at least 15 inches at the shoulders. Frankenpoodle is 30. We call him a “Giraffe in a dog suit.”

Oh yes – me. I’m Melodie Campbell, the Executive Director of Crime Writers of Canada. I’m also the author of a funny mob goddaughter series (latest book, The Goddaughter’s Revenge, has just won the 2014 Derringer Award!). And the author of the wacky time travel series, Rowena Through the Wall. And a few more in there. Okay, 200 publications. I’ve won 9 awards for short fiction.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Every day is ‘take your dog to work day’ at Casa Franken! Together, we have slogged through seven novels, me at the keyboard, him on the worn brown chaise beside me. Both of us snarfing snacks and looking forward to walk time.

What's brewing?

Kenyan AA. (I’m a purist.) Usually from Starbucks.

Any treats for you or Frankenpoodle on this occasion?

I will beg for cannoli. Frankenpoodle is quite happy with cream in a bowl.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

His kennel name was Soleil de…(huge long impressive French royalty sounding words here, long forgotten.) The first word translates to Sun, so Sunny is his quick name. But he also answers to Dammit, as in ‘come here, dammit!’

How were you and Frankenpoodle united?

When our former pooch crossed the rainbow bridge, we were inconsolable. We lasted two days. Then I started searching for dawgs that were looking for homes.

Frankenpoodle was being held back for breeding. But when the breeder saw how big he was (at least 1/3 bigger than the rest of the males in the litter), she got worried that she would be breeding giants. So he came available just when we needed him.

Does your dog make any contribution to your writing?

You bet, he inspires me. Dogs are in all my books! In The Goddaughter’s Revenge, a black standard poodle with a Mohawk hairdo is a star. In the fantasy series (latest book: Rowena and the Dark Lord) Rowena is a vet. She has dogs in our world, and a pet wolfie when she goes through the wall to the fantasy world.

Where is your dog's favorite place for an outing?

On the boat! (We have a 28 foot cruiser.) Frankenpoodles are water dogs. Bronte Harbour is close to our house. We live on the edge of a giant provincial park.

Who is Frankenpoodle best pet-pal?

Miller, his little shi-poo cousin, who lives close by with my daughter Natalie. [photo left]

What is Frankenpoodle's best quality?

He is the best natured big guy you ever saw. Talk about a gentle giant. No killer instinct at all. Just ask the bunnies under the birdfeeder, ten feet from where he is lying right now.

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

To go outside more. The brown chaise is fine for a few hours, but this working 8-10 hours a day is for the birds. Er, cats.

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

The one who does Scooby Doo. No question about that.

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

More than that, I’d like to thank him. For all the delivered slippers, protection from evil geese, and generally good natured patience. Also the joy. Oh yes, the joy of reuniting after a few hours apart! Thank you, dear pooch, for teaching me those simple joys.

Visit Melodie Campbell's website.

--Marshal Zeringue