Janet Fox & Kai

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Janet Fox, author of books for children and young adults (most recently my middle grade debut The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle), and this is Kai, a two and a half year old male yellow Lab.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Kai watches me and my hubby make coffee every morning, since his early days with us, because it's a ritual. When he was a puppy, he used to lie right at our feet while we brewed. Now it's just, "Will you drink that right now please so we can go for a walk right now right now?"

What's brewing?

We've got a twenty-year-old Swiss espresso machine. My husband is a fanatic. I make myself a double mocha. I'm very good at making foam.

How were you and Kai united?

A friend of ours had a Lab from a breeder in the area and we loved his dog, so we went to her. She's very particular, and we had to fill out a long form before she'd consent to sell us one of her puppies. I guess we measured up.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Kai is short for Kailash, after the sacred mountain in Tibet. Our son suggested it after he and his dad came home from circling the mountain. It fits Kai's Buddhist personality.

Does Kai do more to help or hinder your writing?

Not five minutes ago he was nudging the arm of my chair. "Me time! Me time!" Five minutes before that, he was lying peacefully beside me.

Has Kai inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

Not yet, but as a kidlit author there's always a chance that I'll add a dog. Especially a Kai dog.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Bird. The magpies tease him endlessly.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

All of the above. And more now! Though as you can see, balls are a favorite.

Who is Kai's best pet-pal?

The last dog he met. He's a totally social animal.

What is Kai's best quality?

He's a sweetheart. He loves everything and everyone. He's never growled at a human or animal. He has so much love, he could share it with the whole world.

If Kai could change one thing about Montanans, what would it be?

He wouldn't change a thing! Montanans love dogs. Love dogs. Plus, Montanans have cows. Cows make cowpies. Cowpies are awesome.

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

Wow. Tough question. So...what's it like to be a dog?

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

Chris Pratt. They even look alike..........

What advice would Kai give if asked?

Drink less coffee, play more.

Visit Janet Fox's website.

--Marshal Zeringue