Edie Jarolim & Madeleine

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Edie Jarolim, and I’m a freelance writer. I’ve launched a Kickstarter campaign to finish and publish a memoir of my days as a travel writer, Getting Naked for Money.

My dog is Madeleine, which is the name she came with when I adopted her last July from the Southern Arizona Humane Society. A lot of people call her “Maddie” but I always use her full name. Maybe when I’m angry with her I should call her the shorter version.

She’s about 5 now and, though I didn’t realize it at the time, she’s probably at least 90% Jack Russell Terrier, with all that implies about her energy level.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Madeleine waits for me semi-patiently to brew my coffee – these days I like the organic dark roast I get at Sprouts with a few hazelnut beans thrown into the mix – because she knows she will get a treat while I am drinking it. I am having breakfast, which varies day by day; she is having a dental chew bone (shhh, don’t tell her it’s good for her).

How were you and Madeleine united?

A friend of mine who knew I was about ready to get another dog after my beloved Frankie [see Coffee with a Canine: Edie Jarolim & Frankie] died posted Madeleine’s Humane Society picture on Facebook and I thought I would take a look. This friend had an almost mystical sense that we were meant to be together.

Does Madeleine do more to help or hinder your writing?

Madeleine probably helps my writing by insisting on long walks – 45 minutes minimum. She has short legs but she’s very fast. I balk at having my work interrupted but really it’s a good thing that she forces me to take a break.

[photo left: the picture on Facebook that convinced Jarolim to go look at Madeleine]

Although your forthcoming book is a travel memoir, will any dogs rate inclusion in the story?

The late, great Frankie will figure at the very end of the story. Adopting him made me realize I could write about a variety of different topics, not just travel. And Madeleine is the official spokesdog for my Kickstarter video. Although she is not in the book, she is a great representative for it.

What is Madeleine's best quality?

She is very friendly to everyone. She figures that they are potential sources of treats (above all else – except maybe lizards, which are her obsession -- Madeleine loves to eat). She loves me, of course, but I don’t have to worry too much about leaving her with a friend/petsitter because I feel confident she will be not be terribly unhappy as long as she is fed.

Who is Madeleine's best pet-pal?

She is kind of a femme fatale, even though she no longer can officially be a seductress, what with having no active female hormones. Several friends’ dogs that have come to stay at my house try very hard to engage her attention. She is mostly indifferent, but the one who has best succeeded in getting her to play with him is Earl, who is small but very persistent.

[photo right: Earl sitting on Madeleine, not a very romantic move]

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

It was clear that Madeleine had had puppies not too long before I adopted her but she was found as a stray without them. I’m curious about what happened to them – if she knows. Of course it might be a painful topic. I wouldn’t force her to answer. Still, I’d bet they’re darned cute if they look anything like her.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which Madeleine could speak, who should voice her?

As it happens, I held a contest for who should voice Madeleine for my Kickstarter video. I was lucky: One of the videographers was chosen, so it was easy for the voice to get done. Several of my friends participated. It wasn’t Hollywood, but it was fun.

When the movie is made of her life, I think Madeleine should be played by Uggie of The Artist fame – another talented JRT.

View the shortened version of the Kickstarter video in which Madeleine is featured or the full version.

Visit the Will My Dog Hate Me? blog and Edie Jarolim's website.

Coffee with a Canine: Edie Jarolim & Frankie.

--Marshal Zeringue