Sarah Albee & Rosie

Who is in the photo at right?

That’s Rosie. She’s an eight-year-old standard poodle with what the French—her compatriots—call joie de vivre. She knows we’re heading out soon and is wondering what’s taking so long.

I'm Sarah Albee, and I write nonfiction books for kids. My new book is Dog Days of History: The Incredible Story of Our Best Friends.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I just had my second cup of coffee and now we’re heading to the library, which is a pleasant walk down the hill. (It’s slightly less pleasant walking back up the hill.) I have an ILL (inter-library loan) book waiting for me, so she gets an extra walk this morning.

What's brewing?

A rich, delicious, French-press brew, made by my husband. He gets up at 4:30 to make the coffee and prep for class. (He’s a history teacher.) I get my first cup of coffee delivered to me in bed at 5 am. Sadly, I have to drink it black these days because my doctor says I have to watch my cholesterol, so I have to give up everything that makes life worth living, including milk in my coffee. But it’s still a delicious cup of coffee.

Rosie is quite familiar with the routine, and stays in bed while I get a couple of hours of writing in.

Any treats for you or Rosie on this occasion?

She knows all the guys on the grounds crew at my husband’s school. Her very good friend, Ernie, keeps a box of dog treats in his golf cart, so we’re always on the lookout for him as we head to the library.

How were you and Rosie united?

A friend of a friend let me know that there was a litter of puppies available two towns over. My kids had been begging for a dog. So I made a stealth visit to investigate. I never intended to get a fancy breed of dog (I grew up with a succession of great mutts), but I fell in love with Rosie.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

Our family had endless discussions, and Rosie emerged as the front-runner name. I love flower names like Rosie, Daisy, Violet, Lily. Also it totally fits her delightful personality.

Growing up, my older brothers always got to name our pets. We had a (female) dog named Igor and a ram named Chuck Knox.

Does Rosie do more to help or hinder your writing?

Rosie is always part of the solution. Except when she rolls in something gross.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Bark her head off but keep well back/Bark once and then assume her “adorable” pose in hopes of a treat/outrun it in an open field and then wonder what to do next.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Meh/Meh/prance around with one then lose interest.

Where is Rosie's favorite outdoor destination?

She likes walking around campus because everyone knows her. Sometimes I bring her down the “main hall” if we need to get the mail, and she visits every office where treats can be had. There are many offices where treats can be had.

Who is Rosie's best pet-pal?

Rufus the English sheep dog. They’re BFFs. [photo right: Rosie and Rufus]

What is Rosie's best quality?

She’s amazing with small children. She never growls, ever. When we go away, our friends with four small children look after her. Shenanigans ensue.

If Rosie could change one thing about Connecticuters, what would it be?

Eliminate all dog brushes from the state. She hates having her ears brushed out.

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

What do you dream about? (She makes a lot of noises while she sleeps sometimes.)

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

Peggy Lee of course. (We love Lady and the Tramp.)

What advice would Rosie give if asked?

Wring joy out of every moment of your life.

Visit Sarah Albee's website.

--Marshal Zeringue