J.D. Horn & Kirby

Who is in the photo at right?

J.D. Horn, author of the Witching Savannah series, Shivaree, and the new The King of Bones and Ashes; Kirby Seamus Weissman-Horn, male, will be declared as being 3 years old on 2/14 (not sure of actual age), Chihuahua.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

There's a cafe named Kofi just a few blocks down the street. Kirby and I sometimes stop by while out on our walk.

What's brewing?

I'm a total addict when it comes to coffee, but here I always order the "Crimsonberry" herbal ice tea.

Any treats for you or Kirby on this occasion?

No. I'm trying to get back in shape for a half marathon in February. Kirby will get a "good boy" biscuit when we get home.

How were you and Kirby united?

We met through Rocket Dog Rescue in Oakland, CA. (Adopt, don't shop!)

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

We were looking for a name that begins with a hard consonant--supposedly dogs respond better to names beginning with a hard consonant--that suited him. He just looks like a Kirby, no? The middle name of Seamus came from my younger stepdaughter. With Kirby's red fur and green--yes, gorgeous green--eyes, he has a bit if an Irish look to him.

We've come to call him "The Professor," as he is an incredibly intelligent and serious dog.

Does Kirby do more to help or hinder your writing?

I've learned to type with one hand while playing tug with a squeaky toy with the other. You decide if that's a help or hindrance.

Has Kirby inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

Not yet, but our dear, departed cat Sugar appears as a character in The King of Bones and Ashes. Makes me feel like Daddy has given her a tenth life.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Kirby loves cats. His big thing is bunnies. He hates them with a fiery passion. An Anya Jenkins level of loathing for the rodents. Our place in Palm Springs is overrun with the critters. They're actually adorable, but Kirby has a total meltdown whenever he spots one.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Ball and squeaky. He loves both. With a dog his size, I'd have to go with a twig rather than stick, so it hardly seems worth the effort.

Where is Kirby's favorite outdoor destination?

We live half the year in San Francisco, and Kirby adores Huntington Park on Nob Hill. It's a small park, but there's usually a dog or twelve to meet there. Every Friday evening from 5 to 7, people bring wine or beer and gather in the park with the dogs for "Yappy Hour." Some of the people who come aren't in the position to have a dog, so they drop by for their canine fix.

Who is Kirby's best pet-pal?

Our Palm Springs neighbor (and pet sitter) has a Tibetan Spaniel named Ava. She's Kirby's bestie.

What is Kirby's best quality?

He is such a good boy. How can I choose just one best quality? All of his qualities are the best.

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

I would never again leave home without him.

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

My rescue boy suffers from terrible separation anxiety, especially when we go out at night. I would ask him what I could do to help him feel safe when we're not there.

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

Liam Neeson.

What advice would Kirby give if asked?

If you can avoid swallowing the pill your dad has wrapped in a treat, you can double or triple your treats before taking the medicine.

Visit J.D. Horn's website.

--Marshal Zeringue