Nicole Galland & Leuco

Who is in the photo at right?

The adorable canine is Leuco, my 6-year-old Portuguese Water Dog, a dog of such excellent qualities that my friends have been known to squabble with each other over who gets to dog-sit when I’m out of town. I’m Nicole Galland, usually an historical novelist, who recently jumped genres to write Stepdog, a lighthearted tale of blended families, Irish music, and unexpected road trips with sociopaths. I also write a tongue-in-cheek advice column for the Martha’s Vineyard Times, and with my friend Chelsea McCarthy I direct a theatre project called Shakespeare For The Masses.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Midafternoon break. Stepdog just came out and so I’m a bit scattered, my writing schedule is all thrown off…but we’re spending a few months living on an old farm on Martha’s Vineyard, so I let myself come up for air and chill outside with the ukulele, a mug of coffee, and Leuco. Wherever I am, there’s Leuco.

What's brewing?

French press coffee! I love the aesthetic of it, the benign artisanal pretentiousness, the very word: cafetiere. I always add cream. I never add sweetener unless it’s a stand-in for dessert.

Any treats for you or Leuco on this occasion?

Leuco has been getting more than enough treats from the elderly (but still working!) stone mason we’re sharing the farm with, so I’m trying to limit what she imbibes the rest of the time. But we received some awesome doggy-swag from Polka Dog Bakery last week for a reading – a bag of dried codfish skins – and she’ll get some of them later on.

How were you and Leuco united?

My first husband and I both wanted a dog. I wanted a rescue; he wanted a purebred. He won. We found a very reputable breeder, who interviewed us twice and made us sign so much paperwork that, as my dad said, we could have adopted a child from Kazakhstan with less oversight. When we went to get her, the breeder came out with this monkey-faced furball and plopped her into my arms, and I’ve hardly let go of her since then. When I left my marriage, less than a year later, she was practically the only thing I took with me. It’s a longstanding joke among all who know me how hyper-attached we are to each other.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

She’s a Portuguese Water Dog, and so we wanted to give her the name of a Portuguese water goddess. We couldn't find any that we liked, so we settled for a Greek water goddess, Leucothia. That was shortened to Leuco, although as all of our friends who know Latin kept pointing out, “Leuco” means white and she is black. It also sounds like a male name, and she’s a girly-girl. She has no official aliases but she gets called “pup” as lot, as in “Who’s the puppiest pup that ever pupped?” I try to only do that in private. In fact I can’t believe I just admitted to saying that.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Squirrel! Squirrel squirrel squirrel oh boy squirrel! And maybe cat, depends on how squirrelly it is. But never Postman. We love Postman because he is Human, so we will sit at his feet and look up at him hopefully in case he’s planning to give us a treat. Maybe if we wag our tail just a little? Or lean against his shin?

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

At the beach, with Billy teasing her, Leuco goes bananas over balls, sticks, Frisbees… It is literally the only time she ever barks. Otherwise, she mostly just wants floppy toys that are full of stuffing so she can eviscerate them and then play tug with their carcasses.

Who is Leuco’s best pet-pal?

She “grew up” with a friend’s English shepherd, Jackson, whom she still loves, but after playing together for about 10 minutes, they ignore each other like an old married couple. With Obie, on the other hand – a dog we often dog-sit for – she gets more excited and playful the longer they are in each other’s company, so that evening generally finds them tumbling all over each other and tearing all the tug-toys apart. But Henry (immortalized in Kate Feiffer’s Henry, The Dog With No Tail) has been her big brother from puppyhood, and although he’s an old man now, and can’t even take walks with us, I believe he holds a particularly sacred place in her heart.

What is Leuco’s best quality?

I have gotten used to hearing “She’s the sweetest dog I’ve ever met.” “Sweet” is such a generic and uninteresting adjective, but her sweetness is neither generic nor uninteresting. She very gently throws a ton of love at everyone. I think she has a calling to be a therapy dog, but unfortunately I don’t have the time to be a therapy-dog-handler.

Does Leuco do more to help or hinder your writing?

Oh I wish I didn’t have to face this question. The truth is, I get more done when she’s not around, but I like having her around. (I would like to point out that this is also true about my husband.)

What is Leuco’s favorite book?

Stepdog, of course, because she is the Stepdog. (Or she was, anyhow.)

Have any actual dogs inspired fictional dogs in your writing?

Cody, the dog in Stepdog, is Leuco dressed up as a Golden Retriever. Peter Sagal, who kindly read an early copy and wrote a blurb for us, wrote me to ask if Leuco was actually as endearing as the dog in the book, because it was hard for him to believe any dog could be as endearing as the dog in the book.

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

I would grow an extra arm and hand so that I could give her belly-rubs 24/7.

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

“Do you understand that when I give you a bath, it’s not because I’m a sadist?”

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

This is a great question…she’s so quiet that I can’t imagine her speaking at all. Maybe Barbara Luddy, if she were still alive - she was the voice of Lady in Lady and the Tramp, and Kanga in Winnie-the-Pooh.

What advice would Leuco give if asked?

Be gentle.

Visit Nicole Galland's website, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

The Page 69 Test: Stepdog.

My Book, The Movie: Stepdog.

Writers Read: Nicole Galland.

--Marshal Zeringue

Holly Menino & Keel

Who is in the photo at right?

The one with less hair is me, Holly Menino, author of mysteries and a good bit of nonfiction. The one with all the curly black stuff is Keel, a Portuguese Water Dog. Now that she's ten she doesn't like to give her age. Thinks she might be expected to act it.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

The occasion is morning, and it happens every day. But it might not if Keel weren't responsible for getting me up. It's her cold nose, on my warm one.

What's brewing?

Zabar's, in a variety of roasts from light Ethiopian to dark Espresso. We drink it black, like Keel.

Any treats for you or Keel on this occasion?

Foot licks.

How did Keel get her name? Any nicknames?

Keel was named short and sweet by her breeder, who was under the impression the pup had an even disposition.

How were you and Keel united?

I visited Keel's breeder and Keel's mother before she was born, and as soon as they would let me, brought her home. Although she grew quite a bit, her name never did.

Are there any Keel-inspired dogs in your new novel?

Alas, no. I haven't been able to get up enough nerve to try to characterize her.

Does Keel do more to help or hinder your writing?

She is the world's best editorial assistant.

Who is Keel's best pet-pal?

Pal doesn't seem quite right. It's Buddy, big, yellow, three-legged Buddy [photo right]. Keel has supervisory responsibility.

Where is Keel's favorite outdoor destination?

Our pond and her lake.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...? Cat, postman, squirrel...?

It's the door that preoccupies Keel. Who can be allowed in. Who can go out. And when.

What is Keel's best quality?

I can't say because she is a perfect—and I mean that—bitch.

If Keel could change one thing about New Yorkers, what would it be?

If by New Yorkers you mean people who actually live in the city, Keel has met only one, a divine dog trainer she met in the water pooled at the bottom of a gravel pit. Divine, and how can you improve on that?

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which Keel could speak, which actor should do her voice?

Judi Dench.

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

What is it, Keel, about this water and boats thing? I mean, where does it come from?

Visit Holly Menino's website.

Writers Read: Holly Menino.

The Page 69 Test: A Distance to Death.

My Book, The Movie: A Distance to Death.

--Marshal Zeringue

Lisa Begin-Kruysman & Hooper

Lisa Begin-Kruysman and Hooper the Portuguese water dog are making their third visit to Coffee with a Canine. They were also guests of the site in September 2010 and again in June 2011.

Are you and Hooper celebrating the release of your new novel, Full Snow Moon, with any special brew or treats?

If we were up north in New Jersey, we might be having a lot more hot coffee (although it’s been pretty warm up there we hear). But right now, we are back in Key Colony Beach, Florida, where it is in the low 80s every day, a good place to take that left over morning coffee and make a cool iced-coffee concoction in the afternoon! This is a special place for us because it was here last year that we wrapped up the dog-centric Something's Lost and Must be Found. We are happy to bark that this book has been ranked consistently in the top fifty at the Kindle Store in the Dog Category and now has 34 five-star reviews!

Please tell us about the new novel.

Full Snow Moon tells the story of a hapless surfer who is persuaded by a restless spirit to find a missing cache of Jefferson Peace Medals buried on the property of the spirit’s boyhood home. It is a coming-of-age story with plenty of American and Meteorological History, tied together with a spiritual and paranormal theme. Most of the action takes place in my town of Brick Township, NJ and Asbury Park, NJ. I am confident most people will learn something new in this book.

Are there any dogs in Full Snow Moon?

I think most people were expecting my second book to be a dog book. But, the only “woof” of a dog is a reference to Lewis and Clark’s (the givers of the Peace Medals) dog, Seaman, a strong and brave Landseer Newfoundland who accompanied them on their expedition.

What's new with Hooper since you were last a guest here on the blog?

Hooper is still the same silly, loving and headstrong Portuguese water dog. Although she does not care for the heat of Florida, she does love to swim in the Gulf here. She often sits at my feet inspiring me as I work on my next book, the biography of Will Judy, the man who founded the National Dog Week Movement (McFarland 2013).

Did you and Hooper make it to Woofstock in Islamorda again this year?

Yes, we did. Woofstock was held earlier this year and we almost missed it. Woofstock is an extraordinary event and it is good to see it is going strong after three years. Unfortunately, it was a very hot day and we had to leave after an hour so that Hooper could cool off in The Gulf. I love the spirit of Woofstock, all these happy dogs wearing “Adopt Me” vests being walked by volunteers. Many of these dogs are surrendered due to the death or illness of their human or by families who can’t keep them. You just want to help them all. I am confident they will go to good homes because the volunteers and “fosters” are so dedicated.

In the writing of the Will Judy book, I always remind people that National Dog Week was launched not to bring more dogs into the world, but to make humans more responsible pet owners. I urge people to heed this message and to spay and neuter their pets appropriately.

Read Lisa Begin-Kruysman and Hooper's September 2010 Q & A and their June 2011 Q & A.

Visit Begin-Kruysman's National Dog Week Movement blog and connect with the National Dog Week Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Sue Wilcox-Hall & Fudge and Samba

Who's in the photo at right?

I'm Sue Wilcox-Hall and with me are two of my ten dogs. I used to work as a bookkeeper, but now I spend my days playing with my dogs and indulging in my hobbies of knitting, sewing and cross stitch.

On the left is Fudge, a six year old Portuguese Water Dog and on the right is Fudge's mate Samba, a nine year old Portie.

What's the occasion for Coffee With A Canine?

The pack joins us every morning for coffee. If we have an early morning vet appointment or obedience class, we still have coffee together when we get home.

What's brewing?

No special blend in the morning. I do like a mocha later in the day. Any excuse to have some chocolate.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Each morning my husband makes two slices of toast for the dogs. Some days he spreads them with cream cheese, sometimes with peanut butter and occasionally with jelly. He cuts them into little pieces and each dogs gets two pieces. They all wait quietly while we have breakfast, knowing their special treat is coming afterwards.

How were you and your dogs united?

We used to rescue abused and neglected puppies. Our first PWD was one of those pups. When he died at age 14 I knew I had met my breed and would always have one. I contacted a Portuguese lady who had some pups and Samba came to live with us. After a few years I decided to breed her and I studied pedigrees. Fudge had the best pedigree I could find and so at 8 weeks of age he joined the family. Together they produced a litter of nine and we kept six of the pups. The eight Porties along with two mixed breed rescues make up our family.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Definitely squirrels which we have to refer to as 'sq'. They recognize the word and race to the windowseat to check the deck and trees for invading squirrels.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

I put a lot of thought into naming our dogs because they tend to grow into their names. Samba is Boo's Legacy Samba Dancer. Boo was our first Portie and she is his legacy. Legacy is also our kennel name. She came out of her carrier after a twelve hour flight jumping and dancing and ready for action.

Fudge is a brown and white Portie. His full name is Deerpark's Chocolate Legacy RN. Deerpark was his breeder's kennel, his color is chocolate and Legacy is our kennel name. I was at a loss as to what to call him until my husband asked what was my favorite type of chocolate candy. My answer was Fudge and it was the perfect name for this boy.

Samba is sometimes called Mama because she's the mother of so many of our dogs and Fudge is Fudgie or sometimes Doofus.

Tennis ball, squeaky-toy, Frisbee?

All of the above. Fudge like to make noise so he often carries a squeaky toy around and keeps up a constant squeak. Samba's very favorite toy is her Flying Cow Frisbee. She gets so excited when she sees it that I keep it hidden. She even taught all her puppies to play with it. Samba also loves her water Frisbee and does great water retrievals when we go to the lake.

How many times have you heard: "Oh, isn't that the kind of dog the Obama family has?"

Before the Obama's adopted Bo, most people had never heard of Portuguese Water Dogs. When I said I raised them, people gave me a blank look and asked what it was. Now some people recognize my dogs as PWDs, but even those that don't at least have heard of the breed. I no longer get people asking if they're poodles, labradoodles or sheepdogs.

What's each dog's proudest moment so far? The most embarrassing?

Samba's proudest moment was when she and I delivered her beautiful puppies together. We cared for them together, it was really a joint effort. Samba doesn't have embarrassing moments. If something doesn't go as she planned, she shrugs it off and tries harder the next time. I wish I was more like her.

Fudge's proudest moment was when he earned his Rally Obedience title. We worked hard for it. He would say that wearing some of the hats I find for him are his most embarrassing times. I'd say his most embarrassing, at least for me, were the times in the show ring when he decided on his own to show the judges the tricks he could do. I say judges because Fudge has done this several times. He loves to make people laugh and if he sees that he's succeeding, there's no stopping him.

Do your dogs have a favorite place to go for a walk?

We have a fenced acre for the dogs to run and that's their favorite place to play. We organize games such as ball games, frisbee or chasing paper airplanes. They also have a wading pool that they love to splash in. There is a public trail behind our house and we often walk a couple at a time. It offers a good opportunity to do training away from their own yard and the rest of the pack.

What is each dog's best quality?

Samba is loyal. She wants to be with me every minute of the day. She'll do anything I tell her to. Fudge is a clown. He loves to make people laugh and he's also a very good sport.

If Hollywood made a movie in which your dogs could talk, who should do their voices?

Fudge would be Robin Williams. Fudge is a clown.

Samba would be Barbra Streisand because she has a great vocal range which she isn't afraid to use, from high pitched yips to deep throaty growls. Also as our Alpha dog, she's quite bossy.

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

Samba is a chow hound so she'd make me more generous with treats. She'd also be sure that I took her with me every time I leave the house. Fudge would like it if I paid less attention to the other male dogs in the house and gave him my undivided attention at all times.

Learn more about Fudge and Samba and their pack-mates at The Portuguese Water Blog and the Dogs-N-More blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Lisa Begin-Kruysman & Hooper

Lisa, I recognize you and Hooper (in the photo at left) from when you were guests here last fall. What's brewing today?

Today we are enjoying a nice Kona Blend, whole bean. We've taken to grinding our beans, something we started when we inherited a machine that does the grinding and brewing. We are a little behind the times. Hooper got some leftover cereal and an organic treat I got at a dog fair.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine this time around?

These busy days, I need all the energy I can "brew" up. Less than two weeks ago, I published a collection of six short stories as a Kindle e-book on Amazon and now I'm busy promoting it. Something's Lost and Must be Found tells six distinct stories about some special search and rescue dogs of the soul. It is under 26,000 words. The Title Story follows a mother as she struggles with one of life's greatest losses. Human Directional presents a young man as he discovers for himself the underside of the puppy mill world and The House of the Happy Dog (the longest) follows a Bouvier de Flandres named Simon as he searches for his Fourth and Truest Home. My adopted catchphrase is, "Sometimes it's not just the dog that's lost." I've been letting people know about it through the book's dedicated Facebook page and my blog and it's been doing nicely over in the Amazon rankings. I think its a short and engaging read, perfect for the summering reading season. I hope to have a softcover version available in the coming months.

When you were last here you were just about to celebrate Dog Fest there in Brick Township. How did the event go?

It was phenomenal. They will be having DogFest II on September 18th of this year, just in time for the 83rd observation of National Dog Week. We had great weather and big crowds ... the kids loved it! This year promises to be bigger and better. I've also reserved a display case in our town's library to fill with dog books to honor National Dog Week.

I read on your blog that you occasionally visit Florida. Does Hooper like it better there or at home in New Jersey?

Great question. We love the Keys and St. Augustine and our family goal is to spend more time there. I am so inspired to write when I'm there, I wrote two of those short stories on our visit in March. I've read that more best sellers have been written there than anywhere else! I sure hope that' true. And Hooper loves the dog-friendly beach and gets to do what a Portuguese water dog loves best, swim and run. She is not always great in warm climes, so she does seek the shade and cool spots. We also attended the second occurrence of WoofStock, another very successful dog-event in Islamorada in the Keys.

Learn more about the short story collection, Something's Lost and Must be Found.

Read the September 2010 Coffee with a Canine Q & A with Lisa Begin-Kruysman and Hooper.

Visit Lisa Begin-Kruysman's National Dog Week Movement blog and connect with the National Dog Week Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Rebecca Katz & Bella

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Rebecca Katz. I’m a cookbook author, chef and culinary translator. My dog name is Bella. She’s a 6-1/2-year-old Portuguese Water Dog.

My books include The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen: Nourishing, Big-Flavor Recipes for Cancer Treatment and Recovery and One Bite at Time.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I have my coffee with Bella while she eats her breakfast.

What's brewing?

We have a fancy little coffee machine. My husband makes lattes in the morning, I just drink one shot of espresso.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

No goodies with the coffee. Just a kick start before Bella and I go for our walk. Then I’ll come back and eat breakfast.

Any treat for Bella on this occasion?

Well, her breakfast is a pretty amazing treat. She eats better most of us!

I've read that Bella prefers carrots to bacon. Can that possibly be true?

It’s true. She prefers carrots to bacon. But, she prefers beef and salmon to carrots.

How were you and Bella united?

Bella and I were united by a trainer who thought Bella had the right temperament to become a good canine cancer scent dog, and would be a great dog for me.

However, the breeder was going to ship her off to live with a family living in a small apartment in NYC. She changed her mind and that decision changed my life.

How did Bella get her name? Does she have any aliases?

Because she’s molto bella! She goes by Miss B, and too many silly names to mention in print.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

She stares out the window watching the squirrels, but she gets totally riled up by the any delivery man. She becomes the attack dog when the UPS truck rolls down the street. She’s a smart dog. The more she barks, the more treats she gets.

Frisbee, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Bella loves her squeaky-toy. However, she loves nothing more than to chew on a stick or branch.

Who are Bella's best pet-pals?

Bella hangs with a floppy eared, loose lipped, slacked jaw, boy toy named Clyde who is a 3-year-old Blood Hound. They are quite the pair!

If Bella could change one thing about your children, what would it be?

There are no children in the house. She’s the dog child and the center of the universe. That’s the way she likes it.

What is Bella's best quality?

Her winning personality.

What is Bella's proudest moment? Her most embarrassing?

Her proudest moment would have to be starring in a video about the soup that was named after her — Bella’s Carrot Orange Fennel Soup.

Her most embarrassing moment: When she got caught red handed with a large wedge of Parmesan cheese.

Visit the official Rebecca Katz website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Lisa Begin-Kruysman & Hooper

Who is in the photo at right? What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

That's Lisa Begin-Kruysman and Hooper.

On Sunday, September 19th, Hooper and I will stop for coffee on our way to Dog Fest at Windward Park Beach in our city of Brick Township, NJ. At the old “Corner Grocer” on Princeton Ave, I’ll have an unknown brand of coffee, strong, fresh, dark, one sugar (this ‘aint no Starbucks).

Are you and Hooper planning on including any treats with your coffee?

I might indulge in a hunk of crumb cake or Jersey fave, buttered roll. No coffee for Hyper Hooper, but she will lick the bottom of the bakery bag clean of every crumb.

How were you and Hooper united?

Hooper is an 8-year-old Portuguese water dog, bred by Carolyn Iraggi of North Star Portuguese Water Dogs, making Hoops a true Jersey Dog. After several visits to Carolyn’s house and a thorough screening, this diligent and protective breeder deemed my husband, Rich, and me worthy and responsible owners!

How did Hooper get her name?

Hooper was named by my husband after the Matt Hooper character in Jaws, one of his favorite movies. Of course there must now be a Quint and Broady, right? “Hooper drives the boat, Chief.” Kids like to call her Hooper the Pooper.

Cat, squirrel, postman?

Cat – Scared of most.

Squirrel- Likes to chase them just to see them scamper up trees, wouldn’t know what to do with one if she caught one.

Postman – We’ve been blessed with great mail carriers who give her treats and attention so she loves them.

Stick, Frisbee, or squeaky-toy?

Frisbee? Thinks it’s a shallow water bowl.

Squeaky Toy – loves to get new ones so she can rip out the squeak box.

Sticks – Likes to eat them or play games with them like stick soccer and who has the most sticks in the yard.

Who is Hooper's best pet-pal?

Unfortunately, Hooper is not a real dog lover, but she has one doggy bff, Cody, who kind of feels the same way about dogs so they both know how chill out together.

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

I think Hooper regrets that there are no children in our household, but she loves when kids visit…. I tell her that if she lives a good life, in the next one she can ask to come back as the 20-somethingth child of the Duggar family.

What is your dog's best quality?

Hooper is loyal, affectionate and good to all humans.

What is Hooper's proudest moment? Her most embarrassing?

Embarrassing? Well, there was that Thanksgiving when she snuck into the kitchen of my sister and brother-in-law’s elegant house and took the entire turkey carcass off the counter and dragged the greasy thing all over their hardwood floors; the stain remains three years later. Then there was the Amelia Island Closet Incident. It’s a long story, but due to a confluence of misinformation, false sightings, panic, and a dog that hid silently in the back of a large walk in closet in our rental house for 18 hours…. We believed Hooper to be lost and let’s just say the entire community, of Amelia, and many in my hometown, were helping to bring her home, complete with a posting on Craig’s List and flyers… Story has a happy ending complete with a spiritual and metaphysical aspect that convinced me that help comes from the most unexpected people and places.

How will you and Hooper celebrate National Dog Week?

This year, for the very first time, our city of Brick Township will be hosting a Dog Fest, welcoming all kinds of dogs and their humans to a big waterfront park. Its an extra-special occasion because it is the first day of the 82nd observation of Will Judy’s National Dog Week. Back in 1928, Captain Judy started Dog Week as a way to thank our military dogs and show appreciation for all dogs in the nation for being man’s true best friend.

At Dog Fest, we will visit the booths of different vendors, watch demonstrations by our local K-9 Police Dog Unit, and therapy dogs, and visit NJ’s very own Dog Whisperer, Janice Wolfe, who rescues and rehabilitates dogs so they can be trained to be assistance dogs for children with special needs. Our Mayor will also be declaring Brick Township a National Dog Week City using the Proclamation written by the late Captain Arthur Haggerty, often referred to as “The Grandfather of American Dog Obedience.” Captain Haggerty was a great supporter of NDW and wanted people to continue to honor it during the last week of September each year.

My book Every Dog has its Week: How Seven Days in September came to celebrate Dogs and the People who Love them (represented by the Parkeast Literary Agency) chronicles the life of the National Dog Week Movement. The book’s Foreword is written by Babette Haggerty, daughter of Captain Haggerty, and an accomplished dog trainer in her own right in NYC. You can learn more about the book, and the Movement on my blog.

What kind of seven day salute will you and your readers give our dogs during National Dog Week?

Visit Lisa Begin-Kruysman's National Dog Week Movement blog.

--Marshal Zeringue