Leza Lowitz & Bingo and Memo

Who is in the photo at right?

That’s Memo on the left, and Bingo on the right, chilling out in the early morning before their first walk. They’re both rescue dogs, so we don’t know their exact ages or breeds. But Memo is about eight and part Shiba Inu and part Corgi (we think). Bingo is about five and part Shiba Inu and part Japanese tanuki or fox-- something totally undomesticated and undomesticatable. Is that a word?

I’m Leza Lowitz and my husband is Shogo [photo left]. We don’t have many pictures of us with the dogs because they don’t stay still for anything, let alone a camera. We write books and run a yoga studio in Tokyo.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Just waking up. Any occasion to crowd the ‘Rents pillow, you know? Give us a soft spot and we’ll take it over. That’s our motto.

What's brewing?

Since we live in Tokyo, it has to be green tea. Anything green tea. Matcha with a traditional bamboo whisk. Or a matcha latte.

Any treats for you and Bingo and Memo on this occasion?

A one-hour walk and lots of love.

How were you and Bingo and Memo united?

It’s a modern love story: Shogo found Memo on the Internet. It was just after the earthquake and tsunami, and she was rescued from the mountains outside of Tokyo. When she got picked up, she gave birth to eight puppies in the rescue truck. All the pups were adopted, but Mama dog was still waiting for a forever home. She looked exactly like our previous rescue dog, Aska, who we’d brought with us to Tokyo from San Francisco, so Shogo was kind of stalking her online to see if she’d get adopted. When she didn’t, we decided to take the plunge. The little one, Bingo, was connected to Memo by some kind of invisible string, even though she wasn’t one of Memo’s pups. There was no way we could separate them. So we brought them both home.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Memo is the name she came to us with. When Bingo came, she was named Karen. Bingo is a totally wild dog, always jumping long distances suddenly with a boing and landing somewhere completely unexpected, like on top of a table or a lap. Needless to say, the name “Karen” was way too boring. At the time, our six-year-old son was learning the English song, “There was a Farmer...” and you know the rest. He gave her the name Bingo.

Do Bingo and Memo do more to help or hinder your writing?

The verdict is still out on that one. They do keep us active though. And laughing.

[photo right: Lowitz and Aska]

Have any actual dogs inspired fictional dogs in your writing?

We wrote an epic adventure story about a female ninja, called Jet Black & The Ninja Wind, in which there is a bad-ass ninja dog named....you guessed it--Aska!

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Definitely cat. Our little Tokyo alley seems to attract people who leave out food for stray cats who drive the girls crazy. We also have a pretty wild garden, so the unwitting cats inevitably make their way into the ninja dog’s den. Then the fun begins.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Do cats qualify as any of the above? Try telling that to Memo and Bingo.

[photo left: The Boy and Memo]

Who are Bingo and Memo's best pet-pals?

A Shiba Inu named Riku and two huge white giant poodles who shall remain nameless because they belong to the local yakuza gangster (in full tattoo--we know because we’ve seen him at the bathhouse) and his paramour. These two characters also have a young black Kai breed male dog, who is totally tough and wild, and of course the girls love him.

What is each dog's best quality?

Memo--Patience.
Bingo--Wildness.

If Bingo and Memo could change one thing about you, what would it be?

Uh. That five letter word called a....leash?

If Bingo and Memo could answer only one question in English or Japanese, what would you ask them?

Inu ni umarette shiawase desu ka? （犬に生まれて幸せですか？）Are you happy you were born a dog? (This is from our ten-year old son).

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which Bingo and Memo could speak, who should voice them?

Memo would be voiced by Anthony Daniels, the actor who voiced C-3PO.
Bingo would be voiced by Lady Gaga or Jennifer Lawrence.

What advice would Bingo and Memo give if asked?

Live Free (from Shogo).
Treat People Well (from the ten-year-old).

Visit Leza Lowitz's website, and learn more about her latest novel, Up from the Sea, which BuzzFeed chose as one of five new YA novels you should read this January.

The Page 69 Test: Up From the Sea.

--Marshal Zeringue

Michelle Kaffko & David Bowie the Dog

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Michelle and my fiance's name is Joel-- I'm a portrait photographer by day and Joel's a graphic designer by day... by night we're both obsessed with our dog, who is a male Shiba Inu named David Bowie the Dog. We added "the Dog" just so no one confuses him with David Bowie the Human. Bowie turns 5 on October 1st.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We just had our engagement photos taken and had to include Bowie since he's such a big part of our lives-- so we asked a fellow photographer [ed. note: credit all images for this entry to Sally O'Donnell Photography] to join us at the park for some photos... which were mostly of Bowie and we were just props. And we're okay with that.

What's brewing?

I'm a tea drinker all the way and my latest obsession is decaf green tea with some mint leaves from my little backyard garden.

Any treats for you or Bowie on this occasion?

Any occasion is an occasion for Bowie treats! To get him to look at the camera for these photos we gave the photographer a handful of tiny chicken-flavored training treats to pull out of her pocket now and then and say "Bowie, want noms?" It definitely worked. He's a spoiled, grain-free pooch and sometimes I make his own treats. One of his favorites is dried sweet potatoes. I slice a peeled sweet potato really thin and then put the slices in a food dehydrator to make crunchy chips. They last a long time, are good for his digestive system, and are really cheap!

How were you and Bowie united?

I knew I wanted a Shiba Inu but I also wanted a rescue dog so I found a few breed-specific rescue associations in my area and watched their adoptable dogs. I adopted Bowie from the Shiba Inu Rescue Association on March 22nd, 2011 when he was about 6 months old-- he was rescued from a puppy mill at 3 months old. He had 9 applications in for him and I was worried that someone else would get him, so the night before the decision was to be made, I sent a quick email to the forever home choosers to remind them of how awesome a life he would have with me. I told them what food I'll feed him, which vet I'll take him to, that I work from home most days so I'll be with him more often than away from him, and that he'll romp around the dog park several times a week. It worked and they picked me! I couldn't be luckier- he's the best dog ever.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

I'm a big fan of David Bowie the Human so I just had to name my dog after him. We call him Bowie, though his full name is David Bowie the Dog. He also responds to BoBo, BooBoo, Fuzzypants, Bowiemonster, and sometimes Numbnuts.

You're a professional photographer. Do you think your clients tell their friends, "Hey, David Bowie's personal photographer took photos of me today!"?

Oh definitely. When I'm taking headshots of my clients sometimes he'll sneak into the photo and sit on their feet or lie down on the ground to distract them. He was actually recognized on the street one day at a festival we went to. Someone stopped us and said "is that David Bowie the Dog? I follow his Facebook page!" If he could write, he would have signed an autograph.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Sometimes Bowie will chase the occasional cat or squirrel, but mostly to say hi. Shibas are hunting dogs but he's so used to seeing other critters on the street that he doesn't really care to hunt them anymore because they never give him bacon. He did once see a slice of pizza on the sidewalk. I've never seen his prey drive come out that strongly until that day...

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Balls. Bowie is an absolute fetch-aholic. He also loves squeaky toys and plush toys but he hardly gets to play with them because they only last about 5 minutes until he shreds them to bits and yanks out the squeakers.

Who is Bowie's best pet-pal?

Our neighbor has a Boston Terrier named Little and they'll sniff each other through the fence and run back and forth to play. He used to have a girlfriend but we moved last fall so he doesn't get to see her that often anymore. I think they might have broken up or are seeing other dogs now so he's single and ready to mingle.

What is Bowie's best quality?

Bowie is really smart and very communicative. I taught him to ring a bell when he has to go outside and he'll sometimes also ring it to alert us of his other needs-- like if he wants us to pull back a window shade so he can have a sunbeam to lie in, if we wants to go out and play fetch, or if we've got dinner in the oven and he thinks it's done and we should check on it. He seriously knows when dinner is ready and lets us know- I don't even own a kitchen timer anymore.

If Bowie could change one thing about Chicagoans, what would it be?

I think he would change the contents of their pockets to bacon. Every time he meets someone new he checks their pockets and any bags they have and when he doesn't find bacon he walks away.

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

I think I would ask him why he eats his poo now and then. About once every year or so he'll randomly eat his own poo once or twice and I thought he was smarter than that. It baffles me.

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

You would think David Bowie the Human would voice him, but I have to honestly say that I think Sir Patrick Stewart would be a better fit. His voice is confident, authoritative, but every so often perfectly silly and always classy.

What advice would Bowie give if asked?

I think Bowie would tell people not to take things too seriously and that sometimes you need to take care of yourself-- take time off when you need it, even if it's just for an afternoon to go to the park or lie in a sunbeam. Also I think that if he were given the opportunity to hand out unsolicited information, he would just list a whole bunch of recipes that use a lot of bacon.

Visit the Organic Headshots website and the David Bowie the Dog Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Mandy Jean, Brett & Hank and Kimber

Who is in the photo at right?

Brett, Mandy Jean, Hank (bloodhound), and Kimber (Shiba Inu) This was our first family photo the day we picked Hank up.

Brett is law enforcement and Mandy Jean is a beauty, fashion and lifestyle vlogger at Mandy Jean Chic.

Hank is a 4 year old bloodhound. We adopted him in October of 2011.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Our dogs are our children. They go as many places as possible with us. When we dine out on Saturday afternoons we normally look for locations that allow dogs on the patio. One of our favorite restaurants is the Indigo Crow Cafe in Corrales, NM. Hank also has a huge crush on one of the waitresses that brings him bacon.

What's brewing?

We actually ordered tea as the temperatures are nearing 95 here in New Mexico.

Any treats for you or Hank on this occasion?

Hank loves going to the Indigo Crow Cafe because the chef is a dog lover. Hank says the chef makes the best bacon.

How did Hank get his name? Any nicknames?

When we adopted Hank his name was Duke. Duke didn't fit him. He is very much a lay on the porch and people watch kind dog. Hank just fit him.

He has a couple of nicknames. His favorite is "Angel Baby". Hank can do no wrong in my eyes. He is very much a Mommy's boy. Brett on the other hand just calls him "Hank" or "Hanky".

How were you and Hank united?

In July of 2010 our English Pointer collapsed and passed away unexpectedly. We were devastated. After a year we started thinking about a 3rd dog. At the time we had our 4 year old Shiba Inu and my 11 year old Siberian Husky. We actually decided against getting a 3rd dog because having 3 makes it a little harder to travel. One day in October I decided to look up Bloodhounds on Petfinder. I still really don't know why but I did. The first dog I saw was Hank. He is standing by a pool and just had the most beautiful face.

We adopted Hank via South Central Bloodhound Club. His foster drove 5 hours to meet us in Amarillo, TX. The first time I saw Hank I knew he was my dog. He was supposed to be my husband's. Hank and I bonded and he is definitely my "Angel Baby."

Where does Hank most like to visit on an outing?

Hank loves going to the Indigo Crow Cafe and he also enjoys attending rescue events here in New Mexico to help promote Bloodhound rescue.

Who is Hank's best non-canine pet pal?

Me. Hank is my buddy. On Thursday I had to say goodbye to my 15 year old Husky and it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Hank must have felt that I was getting a little depressed because he has been by my side for the last 2 days. This morning I really didn't want to get out of bed and Hank jumped into bed with me for some cuddle time. I instantly felt better.

Hank also likes to watch our Ferret, Tommy. I really don't let them play but they sniff each other. I am not worried that Hank would intentionally hurt Tommy but Tommy bounces around and I am afraid Hank would step on him.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Hank loves to people watch. When I open my blinds in my office/craft room he will sit there all day. Just watching people...

Squeaky toy, ball, stick…?

He really doesn't play with toys. He has one lion that is his "baby". He will sleep with it, cuddle with it and if Kimber (our Shiba) wants to play with it he will politely take it away and jump on the bed where she can't jump.

What is Hank's best quality?

Hank loves with all of his heart. You never have to question his temperament. He is easy going and loves to snuggle. He may not be the best dog in obedience class but he listens. He can be stubborn but that is a Bloodhound.

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

He hates sleeping with blankets. When I lay on the sofa I always have a blanket. Hank dislikes sleeping with a blanket. He will sigh and get off the sofa.

I also think he would prefer if I quit watching hockey. I really get into the games and yell at the TV. Hank is a soft dog and doesn't like yelling.

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

Mike Judge. He was the voice of Hank Hill on King of the Hill. I imagine Hank would have a Texas accent. We actually had a 12 year old Bloodhound named Ladybird. They just kind fit together.

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

I would ask Hank if he would like a puppy. I am trying to talk hubby into a Bloodhound puppy and if Hank thought it was a good idea maybe it would help.

Visit the Mandy Jean Chic website, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue

Paige and Chris Evans & Joey

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Paige Evans and my husband Chris and I live in Southern California. He's going to dental school at USC and I'm working a couple jobs to help us stay afloat. We have a 7 month old Shiba Inu named Joey and he keeps us on our toes.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We took Joey to the Huntington Beach Dog Park to check out the ocean for the very first time and to interact with other dogs.

What's brewing?

We don't drink coffee, but we do love a good vanilla steamer and/or hot mint chocolate from Starbucks!

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Toasted bagels with butter or cream cheese, mmmmm.

Any treat for your dog on this occasion?

Not at the beach :) His treat was seeing all the other dogs, it's his favorite.

How were you and Joey united?

Well...about a year ago Chris and I were at a pet store (I LOVE looking at animals) and we saw some puppies that were a breed I'd never heard of or seen before...Shiba Inu?? We thought they were rad looking which was rare because we've NEVER agreed on the same kind of dog. Chris is a poodle boy and I love miniatures. Anyways I looked up Shiba Inu breeders when I got home and found out there was a breeder less than a mile from my parent's house in Washington state. We put our names on a waiting list and last Halloween I flew to WA and brought back our puppy!

How did Joey get his name? Any aliases?

We love the show Friends and have been naming our pets after them for awhile. We have a cat named Rachel, a rabbit named Chandler, a pair of zebra finches named Frank Jr. and Alice (although Frank Jr. recently passed away) and we had a guppy fish named Gunther. Joey just seemed like the best fit for our puppy. And if we ever get a poodle we'll name him Ross.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Dogs and people. Joey just gets so excited an anxious whenever he sees another dog or human.

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

He loves plush toys with squeaky things in them and will chew the toy for hours until he gets the squeaker out and scatters the batting EVERYWHERE.

You have an active blog: Is Joey ever an inspiration for it? A distraction?

Joey definitely pops up on my blog a lot. We do a lot of things with him and I think he's very photogenic and cute so he makes an appearance quite often.

Where's Joey's favorite place for an outing?

He loves being outside and going on walks around the block.

Who is Joey's best pet-pal?

He loves our cat Rachel, though she doesn't quite reciprocate his feelings...

What's Joey's best quality?

He's such a mama's boy and follows me around everywhere and it's so nice to be loved.

What's his proudest moment? Most embarrassing?

His proudest moment was when he learned to "sit" in 30 seconds at the dog trainer's house. It really only took 30 seconds!

His most embarrassing moment was when he got outside and ran after a man walking his two dogs and one of the man's dogs broke free of his grip and the man started yelling and swearing and it was scary...

Read about the visit to Huntington Beach, and learn more about Joey--and Chris and Paige Evans--at their blog.

--Marshal Zeringue