Anne Milstead & Puppy

Who is in the photo at right?

That's Puppy, the Dachshund, and myself, Anne Milstead. I'm an aspiring children's book author, and Puppy is a 9-year-old male aspiring navy seal dog.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Puppy and I enjoy sitting together and dreaming of greater things. I have written a children's book, Puppy, the Navy Seal Dachshund, which chronicles Puppy's dream. My own dream of success as an author parallels his, and we both actually have about the same chance of achieving them.

What's brewing?

I enjoy the second cup of whatever my husband brews in the Keurig machine. Earlier, Puppy has enjoyed his morning half a can of Mighty dog food. It's just a taste treat for him. His main staple is dry.

How did Puppy get his name?

His original name was Waggedy Andy, given to him by my daughter who was to be his owner after having lost her precious beloved miniature dachshund named Isabella Rosaweanie. She then decided she couldn't keep "Andy" and left him with me. By then I was calling him "Puppy" and he thought that was his name.

How were you and Puppy united?

As mentioned previously, Puppy was to be for my daughter. We found an ad in the paper for miniature dachshund puppies, went to the home, selected "Waggedy Andy/Puppy" and brought him home. Then my daughter went back to California, and he became mine.

How does your dog help or hinder your work?

Puppy only helps. He lies beside me quietly on the sofa while I type away. If I make a mistake and utter an angry sound of some sort, Puppy sits up and puts his paw on my leg or if I'm really frustrated, he gets on my lap. He is a very calming influence on me.

Have any actual dogs inspired fictional dogs in your writing?

Oh yes, Puppy is the main character in my book. The other important character is my dear departed old dog, Lucy, who passed away this summer at the age of 15. More about her later.

What is Puppy's favorite outdoor destination?

My dog and I go on a daily walk around the block at 8:30 AM. Puppy jumps off the sofa at this time and runs to the back door as if he wants to go out. I get up and open the door. He just looks at me, and then I say, "Puppy, do you want to go for a walk?" He begins to yelp and whine and rebound off my legs until I get his harness and leash. Then off for the walk. He leads the way and turns in at our house at the end. I guess you could say Puppy's favorite outdoor destination is his own house...

What is Puppy's best quality?

He has many good qualities, but the most helpful is his consistency. His routine is set and he won't deviate. He's like a demanding personal trainer, getting me up for the walk whether I want it or not.

Who are your dog's best pet pals?

Puppy has really only had one best pal and that was Lucy. She was his nanny when he came to us as a tiny puppy. She patiently put up with him for many years, and they were inseparable. Dear Lucy just got old, couldn't get up on her own, had to be hand fed. We're still grieving her passing.

[photo right: Puppy and Lucy]

If your dog could change one thing about Arizonans, what would it be?

I think Puppy is highly satisfied with Arizonans. He likes the way things are, doesn't want to see any change. Perhaps he would say that Arizonans are too complacent.

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

Puppy's voice should be done by Dustin Hoffman, and Lucy's voice should be done by Sandra Bullock, who is such a wonderful actress that I'm sure she could make her voice sound a bit older. I believe that Puppy would actually sound like Dustin Hoffman if he could speak.

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

I think I would ask him, "Puppy, what are your thoughts?" Maybe that's too open ended.

What advice would Puppy give if asked?

He would say, "Persevere, stay on schedule, and be alert to the world around you." He does actually live his own life that way.

Visit Puppy the Dachshund's website, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue