Mark Edward Langley & Lady Cora

Who is in the photo at right?

Why it’s Author Mark Edward Langley and his two-year-old Cockapoo, Lady Cora!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We hardly ever go out for coffee. When you have a Keurig Duo machine at home, relaxing on the patio surrounded by tall arborvitae and a warm breeze is the best place to be. Sometimes Lady Cora even lays on the patio table under the umbrella and relaxes.

What's brewing?

My choice of java depends on how I’m feeling—sometimes it’s Costa Rica blend, other times it’s Nantucket, and yet again other times it’s Bourbon Pecan.

Any treats for you or Lady Cora on this occasion?

Normally I sit and enjoy just the nectar of the gods by itself, but there are times when I may choose any flavor or yogurt or—as this morning—a hot cocoa roll with marshmallow icing. Cora doesn’t like to eat outside.

How were you and Lady Cora united?

After our first dog Denny Crane--named after you know who--crossed he rainbow bridge, it was a while before my wife and could get another family member. It took about five years, I believe, before we missed having that unconditional love around. That’s when we started looking and found Lady Cora.

How did your dog get her name?

As you might guess, my wife and I love Downton Abbey, so when she wanted to name our new love, she thought nothing fit her better than Lady Cora!

Does Lady Cora do more to help or hinder your writing?

I would say that she—like Denny—helps. Sometimes when I’m working, she will walk into my office and hop up on my leather recliner and lay down and just watch me. I wonder if she knows what I’m doing? Now the wolf dog that is Arthur’s buddy he rescued from an shelter in the Nakai series has every mannerism, every look and every emotion as our Denny Crane. As I was writing my first Arthur Nakai Mystery, he would come and sit with me. I told him that everyone was going to know him because I was using him in my books.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Aside from a few other dogs where we live, she loves to bark at squirrels that climb the arborvitae that surround the patio.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Lady Cora loves chasing her tennis balls, chewing on her squeaky toys and—most of all—taking out her ferocious, primal instincts on her limp rabbit, skunk and fox. They crunch when she bites them and flail when she shakes her head trying to render them lifeless. Funny to watch!

Where is Lady Cora's favorite outdoor destination?

Wherever there’s a pool, she’s the first to jump in! We don’t have one and don’t want the hassle of them, but if we take her anywhere there is a pool, she acts like Ester Williams!

Who is Lady Cora's best pet-pal?

I’d have to say Charlie. He’s an old white Golden Retriever. Cora loves him, but she’s too much of an excited teenager for him. He’s so past caring about the PYT’s.

What is Lady Cora's best quality?

That’s an easy question; the love she gives. Every morning I make my coffee and sit in my chair to catch some local news, she jumps up and lays in my lap, takes a big breath, and just lays there. She loves being petted, too. She lays in bed on my wife’s side, or between us, and takes up space and the end of the bed.

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

To work less so we could go on more walks in the park close by.

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

She is sooooo much like our Denny, I’d love to know if he was reincarnated inside her. The similarities are uncanny! We couldn’t get that lucky twice!

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

Hmmmmm? Dame Helen Mirren. I think she would have the perfect attitude to play Lady Cora!

What advice would Lady Cora give if asked?

Hey, Dad, make sure you take me out more times, okay? My bladder’s killin’ me here!

Visit Mark Edward Langley's website.

My Book, The Movie: Death Waits in the Dark.

--Marshal Zeringue