Diane Kelly & Reggie, Junior, and Brownie

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Diane Kelly, author of the funny Death and Taxes mystery series from St. Martin’s Press. In my previous life as a CPA/tax attorney, I inadvertently worked for white-collar criminals - twice. Lest I end up in an orange jumpsuit, I decided self-employment was a good idea. So I became a writer. My brushes with white-collar crime gave me great fodder for my novels, which star a rookie criminal investigator for the IRS.

On the left is Reggie, a Dalmatian/Tasmanian devil mix. On the right is Junior, a shepherd/husky mix. In my lap is Brownie. She belongs to my daughter’s best friend, but she’s hanging out with us for a few days while her family is out of town.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We’re celebrating that the groundhog did not see its shadow, so spring will come soon. That means good weather at the dog park! Yay!

What's brewing?

We’re drinking chai tea lattes with soy. It tastes like liquid spice cake. Yum!

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Peanut butter dog cookies. They love them!

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Junior had been surrendered to the city shelter by his previous owners, so he was already named when we got him. Reggie was just a name we liked. It sounds more like a male name and she’s a female dog, but since she’s deaf she can’t hear her name anyway so we figured she wouldn’t mind. They both have several nicknames. Junior is also June-bug, Junie, and Justin Bieber. Reggie is also Reggers, Reginald P. Kelly, and Noodlebutt (I have no idea where that one came from!).

How were you and your dogs united?

I had a dachshund mix who lived to be 19 ½. I’d had him since I graduated from college and it was really hard when he passed away since he’d been with me my whole adult life. When he died 3 years ago, we knew we wanted to get more dogs. A house doesn’t feel like a home without a dog or two. I took my kids to the city shelter and let them each pick a dog. My daughter picked Reggie and my son picked Junior. The dogs are a good match. They get along great and love to play fight.

Are your dogs more help or hindrance to your writing?

As much as I hate to say it, they are definitely a hindrance! They want in, out, in, out, in, out all day long. It really interrupts my train of thought. Not that I blame them. I’d get bored being in one place, too. I take them to the dog park every morning it’s warm enough so they can run around and burn off some energy. Sometimes I even take my computer and sit at a picnic table at the dog park to write.

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

Squirrels! Especially a particular one that likes to sit on top of the back fence and flick his tail in challenge. We call him Taunty. He’s a jackass.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Nylabone. Reggie has had one particular bone since we got her and it’s really held up well. She gnaws on it constantly and has gorgeous white teeth as a result.

What is each dog's best quality?

Junior’s best quality is that he’ll round up Reggie for us. Since she’s deaf, we can’t simply call her into the house when she’s out moseying around in the yard. But if I tell Junior to “go get Reggie,” he’ll run over to her and somehow communicate that we want her to come in. Reggie’s best quality is her sweetness. She loves hanging out with us and always greets us with a wagging tail in the morning.

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

That I’d stop being so stingy with the Oreos.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which your dogs could speak, which actors should do their voices?

Since Reggie is both deaf and cute, Marlee Matlin would be perfect to do her voice. Junior would best be played by John Krasinski who plays Jim on The Office. Junior and Jim are both basically nice guys, but they don’t tolerate a lot of BS, either.

If your dogs could answer only one question in English, what would you ask them?

I’d ask Reggie what she’s dreaming about when she makes that whimpering sound and twitches her nose in her sleep.

Visit Diane Kelly's website, blog, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

My Book, The Movie: Death, Taxes, and Peach Sangria.

--Marshal Zeringue

Bev Kaye & Roxy

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Bev Kaye, the founder and Co-CEO of a Talent Management consulting organization called Career Systems International. I lead a group of 40 professionals in delivering learning solutions and consulting to Fortune 1000 companies on the subject of engagement, retention and career development. I live in Sherman Oaks with my husband Barry, Roxy, and our sometimes visitor, my daughter Lindsey.

I've just finished co-authoring my latest book titled Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go: Career Conversations Employees Want. Any manager of talent reading this blog should get the book and read it to your dog!

Next to me in the picture is my good friend, Roxy! As you can see she has an unusual look! (And that's what attracted me to her in the first place!) Roxy is 13 and is a Dalmatian/Terrier mix. I love black and white...may favorite colors in what I wear and in my home! Roxy always matches!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Roxy and I have coffee together every morning that I am home. (Keurig Coffee Maker...any bold dark blend!) Alas, I travel a great deal, so it's not a regular thing. Roxy knows what it means when I put my suitcase on the bed, she's been known to go into a depression and refuse to eat after I leave.

Any treats for you or Roxy on this occasion?

My dog loves Nestle Purina anything! Since they are a client of ours, I make sure that we always have their products on our shelves! (I was there recently to meet with the client and brought pictures of all the dogs in our organization.) Over coffee, Roxy prefers Beggin’ Strips or Dental Chewz!

How did Roxy get her name? Any aliases?

My daughter named Roxy after her favorite clothing store (at the time!). It was Lindsey (now a professional dog walker!) who insisted we get a dog. (For expert dog-walking in the LA area...contact me and I'll pass your name to Lindsey!)

As the (ever-creative) mom...I told Lindsey she had to get 500 "attitude" points in order to get a dog. (She could get up to five points a day....and I could not deduct points...but I could stop the clock! What could have taken 100 days....took a full year....and at 490...I knew I was going to become a dog "grandma"...since Lindsey is the mom!) I owe Lindsey a big thank you because Roxy has become a wonderful granddaughter and member of our household!

How were you and Roxy united?

We adopted Roxy from the Lange Center in West LA. Roxy was the first dog any of us had ever had. She was about one year old, and we were told that she would not shed and that she would stay about 25 pounds. Today....you will find Roxy hair all over our house and us....and she is 60 lbs!

Does Roxy make any contribution to your work?

She reminds me when it is time to stop and take her for a walk. She comes into my office every day at 4:30 and stares at me until I relent! She must wear a watch because she knows our schedule and precisely who to "lick” up to, to get what she wants.

What is Roxy's best quality?

Her eyes....all knowing....all seeing....right into our hearts. Knows when any of us are unhappy....does all she can to cheer us up. Very protective! (In fact, overly so. Neighbors hide behind trees when they see me walking her because she will lunge after every dog that walks nearby. We have never been able to change this habit.)

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

She would not allow us to ever go on trips without her. She would eat my suitcases...and keep us from ever being out of sight!

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

I can't decide between: What makes you happiest? Which of the many meetings we have in our home is your favorite? Did Lindsey really walk you all those years when she lived at home?

Learn more about Beverly Kaye and her new book, Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go.

--Marshal Zeringue

Victoria Corby & Flynn and Desi

Who is in the photo at right?

The two Dalmatians are Flynn, aged 8, with the eye patch standing at the back and Desi, nearly 4, with the black ears lying down and I’m Victoria Corby. I’m a British author living near Bordeaux, France and am currently getting my three print novels ready to publish as ebooks.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I stagger down in the morning, feed the cats then the dogs (the dogs do not approve of this order) then get the chance to put the coffee machine on.

What's brewing?

It’s a standard French filter machine with Brazilian coffee, nice and strong. Then just a dash of milk.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

After their breakfast they get a piece of yesterday’s bread each. They’re French, the French eat bread at every meal so they reckon they should too.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Flynn was born in Spain and came from a litter where all the puppies’ names started with H. He had been nicknamed el Pirata because of his eye patch and was named Herrol Flynn after Errol Flynn’s role in Captain Blood. He’s sometimes called the Large White because he’s huge for the breed and doesn’t have many spots, Mister, Dibs and The Mouf.

Desi’s pedigree name is Desirée which we were going to change, but when a fat spotted princess who looked as if she was born to wear a tiara and a sparkly collar arrived we realised it suited her down to the ground. She’s also known as the Baby, Little Princess, Little D and The Wee (she’s a good size but looks small next to Flynn).

How were you and your dogs united?

Flynn was my middle daughter’s 18th birthday present. We already had his grandmother Jez who had been given to us when she retired from the show ring and her previous owner, knowing that we weren’t interested in breeding or showing and were looking for a patched puppy, told us of Flynn. He was born in Malaga in the south of Spain but luckily was taken to Madrid for us to collect him – still an 8 hour drive which he spent on my daughter’s lap. They’ve been soulmates ever since.

When Jez died Flynn was so distraught – it was the first time in his life he’d ever had to spend the night on his own – that he started self harming and we realised we had to get another puppy immediately. I found an adorable little girl with black ears in Nice (as far away as Madrid) and it wasn’t until I was sent her pedigree that I realised that she was Jez’s great-great granddaughter and Flynn’s cousin.

Do your dogs contribute to your writing?

Desi keeps me company, Flynn prefers to keep his mistress’s bed warm for her. Up To No Good, my third novel, has a Dalmatian in it who was closely modelled on Plum, our first Dalmatian. I corrected the proofs while sitting next to her and nursing her through her last illness and the book is dedicated to her.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Each other.

Rabbit, postman, cat....?

Flynn doesn’t chase anything; Desi, despite her looks, is a natural born huntress, the bigger the better. Luckily the one time she came face to face with a wild boar she realised he was too big even for her. However she knows the cats are off limits and so is the very nice post lady.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Flynn adores anything that squeaks, particularly dropping his ball in the swimming pool and then bobbing for it until he can catch it.

Desi only really likes toys when Flynn has them and she can try to take them away.

What is each dog's best quality?

They are completely loyal and loving. Dalmatians also tend to be wonderfully pragmatic about their owners, they are totally focused on their soul mates then when he or she goes out they turn their attention to someone else in the family and love them wildly until the owner comes back when the second string person gets dropped like a hot brick. It means you don’t have to worry about them pining too much!

If your dogs could change one thing about the French, what would it be?

The French around here are very dog friendly: when our daughter take the dogs to the café in our local market town they are always given bits of bread and croissant.

However the dogs would like summers in France to be cooler – from May onwards it’s often too hot to walk in the afternoons.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which your dogs could speak, which actors should do their voices?

James Stewart for Flynn, he’s laid back and tough; Cameron Diaz for Desi.

If your dogs could answer only one question in English, what would you ask them?

What is it you don’t understand about Not On The Sofa?

They’re bilingual, so do I get to ask them on in French too?

Visit Victoria Corby's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Lia Weber & Elli

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Lia Weber and I’m the human in the picture. I am a dog trainer and the assistant to another dog trainer in Portland. The little spotted one in the picture is Elli, who, I believe, is a Dalmatian/APBT/Whippet mix and the best partner I’ve ever known. She makes me look like a top-notch trainer (most of the time).

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine? What's brewing?

Sorry, I’m not a coffee-drinker. Hot cocoa with either almond mylk or coconut milk every AM, though! Elli’s curled up between my knees, waiting for her day to begin.

Any treats for you or Elli on this occasion?

Not at the moment – but we’ll get started later today with her training. Training happens every AM and PM.

How did Elli get her name? Any aliases?

Elli was named before I knew her. I saw her online and started thinking up names almost immediately – she was absolutely going to be mine, so I named her. I chose Ellipses as her full name; as a former English major, I know the names of obscure punctuation marks – an ellipses is “...” . Elli just so happens to have a similar pattern on her left rib.

She gets a new nickname every day, but mostly she’s referred to by one of the following: Elli-Belle, Elli-Boo, Shoo, Shugs (short for Sugar), or Little Lady. Out on the town and off-leash, she goes by Boobear.

How were you and Elli united?

After deciding that I wanted to be a trainer and realizing that I’d probably need a dog, I went on the hunt. I found her online after being disappointed by several other puppies – they all got snatched up so quickly. I wanted a Dalmatian for what seemed like ages... forgot about it for a long time, decided to be a trainer, then she showed up, and I adopted her the next morning.

Does Elli have a favorite place to go for an outing?

Elli loves all off-leash activities, like visits to the beach, Sandy River Delta and dog parks/soccer fields.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Cat. Definitely cat. One particular cat in our home has made her life very cat-focused. If she sees one, she immediately tries to greet nose-to-nose, if they run, she chases. She’s also quite fond of attacking feet/hands under the covers. If you move, she pounces and usually ends up with a mouthful of blanket, though I allow her a few chomps here and there, so long as she’s gentle.

Squeaky-top, ball, Frisbee...?

Flirt pole (like a large cat-toy made for dogs) antics are becoming extremely awesome to her (she tried to climb the piano this week to reach it, haha) and her all-time favorite Good Other Cuz ball.

What is Elli's best quality?

Her intelligence/eagerness to work.

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

It would be... My inability to control my emotions when not directed at her. I think that makes sense. Basically, she gets extremely upset if I am upset at anything or anyone. She just wants me to be happy all the day long, like she is.

What is Elli's proudest moment?

Elli, my dad and I were out hiking sand dunes one beautiful day last summer in Florence, OR and I had her off-leash. She disappeared while I talked to my dad for a while. After a few minutes, I decided that it’d be a good time to check her understanding of her whistle-recall. I gave the 3-blast cue and waited... and waited and waited. I fought the urge to repeat the cue. A few seconds later, she’s hurling herself up the side of the dune we were standing on with something in her mouth – she comes right back to me and drops it at my feet: a dried up turd. How nice of you, darling.

If Hollywood had made a movie last year about your life in which Elli could speak, which actor should do her voice?

I keep imagining Elli with a British accent, with a really precious laugh because she would laugh a lot. I’m thinking Emma Watson.

Learn more about Elli at the Identity: V+ E blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

CeliaSue Hecht & Cici

Who is in the photo at right?

Me: Celia Sue Hecht, who am I and what do I want to be when I grow up? Freelance Writer, Book & Newsletter Editor originally from NYC, now live in California... 25+ years exp. 40+ publications (newspapers & magazines). As a professional writer, I have written everything from poetry, five romantic travel guides and a dog travel guide to press releases that get published, feature articles for print and online media (published in national magazines including E magazine, Entrepreneur magazine, Parents magazine, O magazine, Real Simple and local and national newspapers) and a blog about my dog.

I have interviewed and worked with celebrities, traveled around the world, written and led transformational seminars and workshops, as well as promoted best-selling authors, books and seminars.

Cici is a 5 year old polka dot princess ... Dalmatian pit bull mix...

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Take Your Foodie Ho Ho Ho Dog to Joe's Cafe Day.

Any treats for you or Cici on this occasion?

Egg nog and dog cookies...

Cookies... Cici loves Cookies... One time at a pet friendly winery, Cici found the dog treats, knocked them to the floor (plastic container) and demanded that she get some from the woman behind the counter.

Cici loves food/treats, especially anything edible, hot dogs, chicken, bacon, turkey, cheese, pizza... She occupies the bed and the house and basically eats everything edible that is not nailed down. Even eats at the doggie buffet (on the ground outside wherever she is).

Just did a survey and a few questions talked about owning a pet... excuse me, I don't own a pet, Cici owns me. Obviously. Pet parents who have rescued a dog or cat know what I am talking about.

How were you and Cici united?

Glad you asked. I was back in Vegas in January 2007. I was living in a house of a former landlord, and he asked me to take care of this dog. She was a pain, constantly showing off her belly and seeking my attention. The last pets I had had were cats and cats are not demanding attention all the time, so it was annoying. But then after a very short time, she grew on me. She was so sweet, loving and funny. She made me laugh a lot. And was just plain adorable and cuddly. So when I found out that he had gotten this dog for a gal with a homicidal maniac boyfriend, who had put the gal in the hospital numerous times and had put her in jail and that the dog was going to be put in the middle of this dangerous situation, I knew I had to do something. They were going to keep this dog tied up in a yard with other dogs and the maniac boyfriend would have access. No way! Since there is a known well-documented correlation between abusers of animals and people, I had to do something quickly so I rescued her!

How did Cici get her name? Any aliases?

I did not name her but the funny/ironic thing is that my first name is Celia (most of my life I've been called by my middle name Sue). Cici or Cece is a common nickname for people named Celia. So I figure it was kismet/fate. Cici and me. She is also known as the polka dot princess, cici bug, bubba, bug, piglet, and other names.

Does Cici make any contribution to your writing?

Cici is my muse. She is a constant source of inspiration for my writing. Everything that she does, eats, and is I use as grist for the mill. This includes anecdotes about our travels together including reviews of pet friendly or pet tolerant venues, products aka foods/treats, toys and other items that she likes or can live without (hah), her health, antics, relationships with other dogs aka her boyfriends, her breed, and more are played with.

Does Cici have a favorite place to go for walk?

She prefers the park one block away. It is unfenced and she likes to visit the neighbors yard that is adjacent. She also gets to sniff her boyfriend Pablo (a very handsome Aussie shepherd, 6 years old) through the fence when he is out in his yard (not often enough). And she can roll around on the grass, dig in the sand box and lick the kids playing there.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

All good for chasing, kissing/licking... although she does have major cat issues so keep her away from them. The cats usually outsmart her anyway. Her other boyfriend Milo lives with cats. One of them was on the roof of their house the other day. Cici wanted to play with Milo but became conflicted when she saw the cat. How could she get on the roof? She has tried to climb trees to get to cats. She stalks lizards, too. Anyone who comes to the door is fair game for a welcoming kiss and wagging tail.

Squeaky-toy, ball, stick...?

Cici is not big on toys. She likes the squeaky ones to tear them apart and take the squeaky and stuffing out of them. And kong-type toys filled with treats will get some attention, too.

What is Cici's best quality?

She is adorable and makes people smile/laugh. She really knows how to use her cuteness for maximum advantage (heart warmer).

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

She'd prefer if I would feed her all day long and take her to the park more.

What's Cici's proudest moment?

Being asked to model a product specifically because she is a pit bull mix (what a great ambassadog for her breed). Good dog.

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

Is there anything else besides food that you live for?

Visit the Have Dog Will Travel blog and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Gini Koch & Harley Quinn, Mileena, Goulash, and Baraka

Who is in the photo at right?

My husband is with our Dalmatian, Harley Quinn; my daughter is with our American Staffordshire Terrier, Mileena; and I’m with our late Komondor, Goulash.

In the photo just below, left: the girl dogs with their new little brother, our Pit Bull, Baraka, who we got after Goulash went to the Great Dog Park in the sky.

I’m Gini Koch, an author -- I write the Alien novel series for DAW Books. Touched by an Alien released April 6, 2010; Alien Tango releases December 7, 2010; Alien in the Family is coming April 5, 2011; and Alien Proliferation will hit the shelves Winter 2011. Alien Diplomacy and Alien vs. Alien have just been bought, and they’ll publish in 2012. I have two short stories, written under my Anita Ensal pen name, coming out in two DAW anthologies -- "Wanted" will be in Love and Rockets, releasing December 7, 2010; and “Being Neighborly” will be in Boondocks Fantasy, releasing January 4, 2011.

How did the dogs get their names? Any aliases?

I call them the Canine Death Squad (our cats are the Killer Kitties…yeah, it’s a theme). Komondors are Hungarian dogs, so Hungarian Goulash (yes, note that this is our family’s level of humor).

Harley Quinn is a double -- harlequin and named for the Batman villainess who’s a total ditz but cute in her way.

Mileena and Baraka are both named for Mortal Kombat characters.

Their aliases are The Big Fella (Goulash), Li’l Leader (Mileena), The Spotted Fiend (Harley), and Big Baby (Baraka). I realize it’s kind of morbid to be talking about The Big Fella since he’s gone, but I still miss him (and our two late Greyhounds, too).

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We have a morning ritual. I crawl out of bed (the hubs is already up 99.9% of the time), and Dalmatian yodels that Treat Giver is awake. I give the Killer Kitties their canned food and the Canine Death Squad get their breakfast, then it’s out back for a drink, a roll, to sun themselves, or whatever strikes their fancy.


What's brewing?

Varies depending on what the hubs has brought home from Trader Joe’s or if I’ve picked up Starbucks or another brand at Costco. The hubs drinks his black, I drink mine with a lot of fat free half and half. Only “regular” drip coffee/Mr. Coffee maker stuff in the mornings -- I’m not coherent enough to make anything cool or interesting before noon. After noon, however, there’s always a chance for specialty coffees -- I can and do make everything from espresso through to Vietnamese Coffee and everything in between. Yeah, we’re coffee addicts here.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

For me, it’s whatever I can choke down and call breakfast. For the Canine Death Squad, it’s their morning meds (The Spotted Fiend requires several, the others don’t) with cheese, and then Milk Bones.

Coffee with a Canine?

Hurry it up, we’re starving!

Eating morning breakfast goodies

Any treat for your dogs on this occasion?

Every morning and before-bed-feeding is a treat, since they get cheese and biscuits. Sometimes they get gourmet cheese, like brie, if we have some we’ve been eating that’s too old for human consumption. Then it’s outside for the morning romp.


How were you and your dogs united?

All our dogs, other than The Big Fella, are rescues. We got The Spotted Fiend through Petfinder. We got Li’l Leader through Petsmart rescue. And we got Big Baby through the friend who helped us with Li’l Leader‘s adoption.

Eating morning breakfast goodies

Li’l Leader and Big Baby were both home abandonment dogs -- different times and places, but still, abandoned with their cats and no food or water for weeks. Neither one of them hurt their cats (who were taken by different rescue, or I would have adopted them, too). Both of them are awesome dogs. The Spotted Fiend was found abandoned on the streets, starving, and was in the pound for over a month and then in four foster homes before we got her.

Now all three of them have doggie beds in our bedroom and the living room, they get four squares a day, and lots of love and playtime. So, their lives might have started out badly, but they’re all living large now.

Waiting to go romp

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

The Killer Kitties don’t hold with dogs chasing or attacking cats, and neither do I. Squirrels and birds are fair game -- both pitties have caught at least one bird that we know of. They all think they’re scaring off the postman, but The Spotted Fiend really loves the UPS delivery men and likes to go out with me to claim packages and get pets.

Tennis ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Any damn thing you want to throw. The Big Fella was never a fetcher, but the current crop all are. They love anything, but their favorite is the super sturdy dumbbell toy they sell at Petsmart. All the “indestructible” toys

Baraka with the favorite toy

are quite destructible, but at least the dumbbell lasts a little longer than most (yes, all 3 dogs have destroy Kong toys, more than one each).


Where is your dogs' favorite place for an outing?

Probably Petsmart because of all the attention and extra goodies. But really, they like to go anywhere, be it around the block, to the park, for a ride, etc. They even like to visit the vet, again, for the extra attention and treats.

I take Li’l Leader with me to the Post Office late at night because she’s the best trained of all our dogs. She’s the only one I’ll allow to ride in the front seat of any car, because she’s the only one who “gets” that she’s not supposed to do anything other than sit there. This is her sitting in the front seat, on one of our most recent USPS excursions.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

They love each other very much, and their cats. And of course, all of us.

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

All walkies and all treats, all the time. Oh, and the permanent removal of the “no dogs on the beds or couches” rule. (That’s the hubs’ rule. If it were just me, they’d be up on the couches and beds with me. Only the Killer Kitties are allowed this privilege, though.)

Big Baby likes to rock the cool. He’s our big goofball, basically

What is each dog's proudest moment? Most embarrassing?

When he was 7 months old, The Big Fella scared off an escaped criminal who was in our back yard. Li’l Leader and The Spotted Fiend learned from him, and are teaching Big Baby the ropes. They all do a great job of being good protectors as well as fun, loving pets. Otherwise, not a lot of “big” moments, at least that I’m aware of. Per the Canine Death Squad, they protect us from invisible enemies at all times, but per the Killer Kitties, it’s really only about 25% of the time.

Visit Gini Koch's website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Dayna Hilton & Sparkles

Who is in the photo at right?

Hi. I’m Dayna Hilton from Clarksville, Arkansas. I am a volunteer firefighter, fire safety educator, children’s book author, blogger, CEO of Firehouse Dog Publishing as well as the Executive Director of Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation. Pictured along with me is my good friend, Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog. Sparkles is a Dalmatian, and is 11 years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Sparkles and I have so many exciting fire safety projects going on each day that we start our day very early. Because of this, I require lots of coffee to wake me up and engage my brain to handle such a packed schedule. This morning we are up very early to work on media requests.

What's brewing?

Couldn’t start my day without Dunkin’ Brands coffee with vanilla creamer added. The coffee isn’t complete until it has a dash of Splenda added. Today, I am having my coffee in my new Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog coffee mug [photo, left] which just came in the mail yesterday.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

If I am home in Arkansas, like today, I have cereal with blueberries and toast with my coffee. If I am traveling, I usually have a blueberry muffin.

Any treat for Sparkles on this occasion?

Sparkles is enjoying a small peanut butter treat to start her day.

How were you and Sparkles united?

In April 2003, I began to look online for a Dalmatian to adopt and found "Daisy" on the Dalmatian Assistance League of Tulsa website. The site noted that “Daisy” was calm and loved children. After seeing the look in her eyes, I fell in love with her.

After a lengthy adoption process, my husband and I went to Tulsa to meet her. The children that were in attendance at the adoption event were in love with her and when she rolled over and let them pet her belly, I knew immediately that she was the dog for me. She was so very affectionate to the children as well as to my husband and myself.

Once Sparkles became acclimated to her new surroundings in our home, I took her out to the fire station to meet the firefighters one evening. When I asked them for suggestions for a name, they came up with several wonderful ideas. Then, all at once, it hit me-- "Sparkles!" It was the perfect name for her since she had such a amazing "sparkling" personality. She was so HAPPY to be out at the fire station and was totally in her element.

Sparkles and I have been together ever since, and I love seeing her so happy helping teach fire safety and being around children. Sparkles truly found her calling and I am so thankful to be in her life.

Would you tell us about the work you and Sparkles do for fire safety education?

Sparkles travels with me across the United States as we represent her foundation, the Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation. Together, we have reached millions of children and their caregivers.

Sparkles has had the good fortune of appearing on PBS KIDS Sprout On Demand and currently appears on the PBS KIDS Sprout website sharing fire safety tips. We were also very fortunate to appear on FOX and Friends. Sparkles is the star of the children's fire safety book and audio book, Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog.

Sparkles is busy dog, sharing the fire safety message on her website, blog, Twitter, and Facebook pages.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2007 there were more than 1.5 million fires reported in the United States. These fires caused 3,430 civilian deaths, 17,675 civilian injuries, and $14.6 billion in property damage. In that same year, there was a civilian fire related death every 30 seconds. Sparkles and I hope to help change these unfortunate statistics, one presentation at a time.

Who is the most famous person Sparkles has met?

Probably the most famous person that Sparkles has met was Kiran Chetry. Kiran is now an anchor on CNN America Morning and at the time Sparkles met her, she was on FOX and Friends. Sparkles also met Alisyn Camerota at that time.

Where is Sparkles' favorite place for an outing?

Sparkles’ favorite place for an outing is anywhere that I am. She is truly a devoted dog. When I put on my firefighter clothes or gear, Sparkles’ tail wags a mile a minute and she knows that we are going to see children and do a fire safety presentation or other fire safety related activity. Her favorite place for an outing is a trip to our fire station (Johnson County RFD #1), a ride in a fire truck, or a trip across country to see her friends at the Southborough Fire Department (MA).

Who is Sparkles' best pet-pal?

Currently, Sparkles has more friends than I do as she is such a likeable dog! She has over 1800 dog pals and their humans that follow her on Facebook page.

Three of Sparkles’ best pet pals live with us. They are: Spanner (also a rescue), Tango (new to the family two years ago), and Sprinker, a white Holland lop bunny with black spots. Sparkles has a new pet pal, Frankie the Walk ‘n Roll Dog, and the two have started working together to promote some very important messages. Their new blog is called “Frankie and Sparkles” which very recently debuted. Frankie and Sparkles will Skype with each other tomorrow for Clarksville Primary School students where they will be sharing fire safety messages for those with and without physical challenges.

What is Sparkles' best quality?

Sparkles is a good soul. She has an unselfish quality in her willingness to help share the fire safe message. Even though she has a rough start in life, I realized early on that she truly found her calling and that she was a true credit to the fire service. She absolutely loves being around children and firefighters! Another endearing quality that makes her special is that she tries so hard to please me and make me happy. The look in her eyes is indescribable as she devotes herself to helping share the fire safety message.

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

That’s a challenging question and one that I have never been asked before. If Sparkles could change one thing about me, I believe that she would wish that we could be out among the public more. She knows that that would make us both happy to be in an element that we truly love.

What's Sparkles' proudest moment? Her most embarrassing?

Sparkles proudest moments have been working with PBS KIDS Sprout and being on FOX and Friends. She also got a big kick when her picture appeared on Times Square. In addition, Sparkles was honored by having her book mentioned in Washington, DC during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Community Preparedness Sub-Committee meeting and on the Floor of Congress. These were good moments, but the highlight of her life was when she learned that she had helped save the lives of two children and their two families. We thank God everyday that they and their families were safe.

As to her most embarrassing moment, she’s too much of a lady to divulge her most embarrassing moment.

You wrote a book about Sparkles. Please tell us about it.

Sparkles is the star of her own critically acclaimed award winning children's fire safety book and audio book, Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog. The book is not only fun, but educationally sound and based on the latest fire safety research for children. Proceeds from the sale of her book benefit the Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation and enable us to provide no or low cost materials to fire departments and schools. View the trailer for the book here.

You may read more about Sparkles here and watch a video that we have developed for children.

--Marshal Zeringue