Julie Barton & Jackson

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Julie Barton, a writer and mom of two daughters, ages 11 and 8. Lying down next to me is dog Jackson, our 8-ish-year-old mutt, who we recently learned, via a pricey DNA test, is part Australian Koolie, part Chinese Crested Terrier, part Beauceron and part Greyhound.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

On weekdays, I have coffee every morning with Jackson. After the kids leave for school and my husband leaves for work, I make a latte and head to my desk. Jackson follows and settles in on the dog bed right next to my chair.

What's brewing?

A latte from our nifty Nespresso machine. We recycle the aluminum pods ourselves with this cool thing called an Outpresso, and we compost the grounds. We suffer much less environmental guilt that way. (http://www.outpresso-usa.com)

Any treats for you or Jackson on this occasion?

This morning I’ve got cereal. Pretty boring. Nothing for Jackson. He already ate, and I think he’s the only dog on the planet that doesn’t like dog treats. The only treat he has ever consistently liked is lunchmeat, and even then he loses interest after a few bites.

How were you and Jackson united?

I was thinking about getting a smaller dog and wanted to get a rescue. I found a middle aged Scottish Terrier on the web site of an adorable rescue in San Francisco called Wonder Dog Rescue. http://wonderdogrescue.org I contacted them and they said that the Scotty had been adopted, but that they had this new small black dog, about a year and a half old, that had just been surrendered. Apparently, we are Jackson’s fourth home. I don’t know much about his three other homes; I just know we are his last.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

The folks at the rescue organization named him Action Jackson. We thought the name fit. He’s extraordinarily fast despite his short and stubby legs. I also call him Jacks, Punkydoodle and many variations of Smoosh: Smoosher, Smoosherpoo, Mr. Smoosh, Smoochy…

Does Jackson do more to help or hinder your writing?

He helps, mostly. He’s usually quiet when we’re at home and will always give me a kiss if I ask for it. And when I take a break and pull out the leash to take him for a walk, he’s so happy that it’s infectious. The only distraction: I can be in the middle of writing, focusing on something intently, and if he hears a threatening noise (aka, a child on a scooter or skateboard), he barks so loudly and urgently it jolts me out of my chair.

Would you tell us about your new book, Dog Medicine: How My Dog Saved Me From Myself?

It’s the story of how, when I was 22, I was diagnosed with major clinical depression after a difficult first year out of college. Nothing helped until I adopted a golden retriever puppy who helped me begin to heal. Dog Medicine is about love and learning to accept healthy love, both the canine and human varieties.

How were you and Bunker united?

My mom and I found an ad for Golden Retriever puppies in the Columbus Dispatch classifieds. (It was 1996. Pre-internet.) The ad led us to a small family farm in Alexandria, Ohio, where Bunker was waiting for me.

What was Bunker's best quality?

I can’t possibly list them all here—but his sensitivity to mood was incredible. He leaned against me whenever I was having a hard time. He also went through a lot, at a young age, and showed me what resilience looked like. His fur was a beautiful dark red; a lot of people mistook him for an Irish Setter. His ears had the best little kinked curls, and he howled whenever he was happy.

Back to Jackson: if he could change one thing about Californians, what would it be?

That people build less and leave more open space for him to run. Also, dog-friendly everything please.

If Jackson could answer only one question in English, what would you ask him? What would you have asked Bunker?

Jackson: I would ask him what he has against scooters/skateboards and why he has to bark like a maniac every time he hears one within a two-mile radius.

Bunker: I would’ve asked him if he knew that he had saved my life.

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

Jackson: A young Fred Savage (Wonder Years era).

Bunker: I don’t think anyone could do Bunker justice.

What advice would Jackson give if asked?

Three things: “If all else fails, take a nap. Always give kisses when asked. And don’t worry if you have big ears. My mom says they’re adorable.”

Like Dog Medicine on Facebook, and visit Julie Barton's website, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue

Cat Fisher & Annyong and Toby

Who is in the photo at right?

Toby Stubbs / Male / 8 YO / Hound Mix.

Cat Fisher / Strategic Communications Consultant.

Annyong Bluth Fisher / Male / 7.5 YO / Greyhound.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Post Thanksgiving coffee break from the family.

What's brewing?

Tim Horton’s Original Blend.

Any treats for you or Annyong and Toby on this occasion?

Some Florida Sunshine.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Annyong is named after the Arrested Development character Annyong Bluth. Nicknames include Anny Bean, Beans, The Prince, Bibimbop, Dragon, Anteater.

Toby keep his name given to him from his time in the foster system. Nicknames include Toberton, Tobers, Toblerone, Toby Woby.

How were you and Annyong and Toby united?

Four and a half years ago, I was lucky enough to adopt Annyong from Greyhound Welfare in Maryland. Recently, we moved to Atlanta to merge our family with Toby’s. Now we are twelve legs strong!

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

Annyong: Bikes and skateboards.

Toby: Chases down all of the above, and more.

Stick, ball, squeaky-toy...?

Annyong: Broccoli head and all the dog beds.

Toby: Not interested.

What are your dogs' favorite outdoor destinations?

Any outdoor hiking parks, and the Grandparents’ houses.

Who are Annyong and Toby's best pet-pals?

Each other!

What is each dog's best quality?

Annyong: His calm zen-like demeanor.

Toby: His loving nature...

If Annyong and Toby could change one thing about Atlantans, what would it be?

Teach them how to properly spell the word “dog.” They are very confused at what a “dawg” is.

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

Annyong: Christopher Walken.

Toby: John C. Reilly.

If Annyong and Toby could answer only one question in English, what would you ask them?

What makes you happiest?

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

“The more meat you eat, the more you will smile!”

Visit Cat Fisher's website and Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue

Catherine Reef & Nandi

Who is in the photo at right?

Greetings! I am Catherine Reef, a hardworking author of nonfiction books for young people and adults.

The gentleman with me is Nandi, an eleven-year-old Italian greyhound.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We are taking a break to check on the progress in our garden.

What's brewing?

Nothing fancy. I am having my usual half-caff blend brewed with cinnamon.

Any treats for you or Nandi on this occasion?

A treat for Nandi might be a scrambled egg.

How were you and Nandi united?

Nandi was living with some relatives of ours whose situation changed. I knew him and had seen what a nice dog he was, so I invited him to come here. The move worked out well for everyone concerned: old family, new family, and Nandi.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

I had been thinking about getting a puppy, and I had told my mother that if I did, I would name it after her, because I knew this was something she would like. (Her name is Pat.) But instead, Nandi came to live with us. He was two years old and liked his name, so I gave him his middle name, Patrick. He is sometimes known as the Nandster, among other pet names.

Does Nandi do more to help or hinder your writing?

He’s a big help, really. He has a bed in my office, between the desk and radiator, and I call him my associate. He doesn’t accomplish a whole lot, but I value his company because writing is such solitary work.

What is Nandi's best quality?

His loving heart.

You're the author of more than 40 nonfiction books, including many highly acclaimed biographies for young people. Which of your subjects was the biggest dog-lover?

Sigmund Freud. Are you surprised?

Freud learned to love dogs late in life. In fact, he was in his seventies when he befriended his daughter Anna’s German shepherd, Wolf. He doted on Wolf and would feed him treats or leave a light on for him when exiting a room. This led to much laughter in the Freud household and caused his family to ask if Wolf was planning to read. Freud soon had a canine companion of his own, his beloved chow, Jofi. She kept him company while he wrote just as Nandi does with me.

Who are Nandi's best pet-pals?

Nandi’s dog buddies, Gretta and Rondo, live in upstate New York with our son and his fiancée, so he only sees them a few times a year. Nandi has trouble remembering the many rules Rondo expects him to obey, but he looks forward to being with these two good friends all the same.

[photo right: The dogs, left to right, are Nandi, Rondo, and Gretta.]

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

We wait eagerly every day for the mail to be delivered, and a cat is just about the most exciting thing we can see on a walk. But squirrels? Eh.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Nandi is not a “toy” kind of guy. He would rather relax on a soft cushion and listen to beautiful music. He understands well the Italian concept dolce far niente: how sweet it is to do nothing.

If Nandi could change one thing about Marylanders, what would it be?

He would make them more generous with the contents of the refrigerator—at least the Marylanders he knows.

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

I would ask, “Do you have a good life?” Because that’s what I want for him.

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

How about Placido Domingo? Of course the movie would have singing.

Visit Catherine Reef's website.

The Page 69 Test: Frida & Diego.

--Marshal Zeringue

Douglas Anthony Cooper & Pixel, Snorkel, Manatee, and Moose

Who are you and what do you do?

Well, it’s really a “we” with regard to the current project – I’m a novelist, and Dula Yavne is a visual artist. Together we’re producing Galunker, a children’s book about a pit bull.

For the last two years, I’ve also been writing essays on animal welfare, and in particular the No Kill movement, which has earned me the fierce enmity of people who support kill shelters (PETA, etc.).

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We were in the middle of a Kickstarter campaign to fund Galunker (as no traditional publisher will go near a kids’ book about a pit bull). Galunker has been written mostly in a cafe – essentially my office. I’m there every day, with all four dogs. I live in Oaxaca, in the south of Mexico, where the dogs are treated like aristocrats. They tend to be served before the humans: they get water, and then I get coffee.

What are your dogs' names, gender, age, breed?

It’s a diverse menagerie. All girls. Moose is a mutt – probably half Chihuahua, half Jack Russell. Manatee and Pixel are Italian Greyhounds, and Snorkel is a Xoloitzcuintle – a Mexican hairless.

What's brewing?

The coffee here is some of the best in the world. One of the cafes is owned by a good friend, who ran a coffee shop in Princeton. My morning ritual is a triple latte, which comes in a bowl. (Oaxaca is the Paris of Mexico.)

Another cafe, which I’ve recently begun to frequent, is devoted to exotic methods of preparing coffee: Vietnamese drip, etc.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Well, no need for treats. This new cafe in particular prefers dogs to humans, and insists that they run wild. I’ve had to dissuade the waitresses from feeding the dogs, but my sense is that they still do it on the sly.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Moose was named for the reason that you call a basketball player “Shorty.” She’s pretty small. Manatee as well: she’s the opposite of fat. Pixel was named for her personality: dancing and bright. Snorkel was hilariously wrinkled as a puppy: she looked like a snorkel.

How were you and your dogs united?

Moose we got from a veterinarian who had a litter to be homed.

Manatee was a gift. Pixel we got her from a woman in Mexico City, who is a biologist dedicated to keeping the breed healthy. Snorkel was bought for our landlady, who wanted a Xolo, but she bonded instantly with my girlfriend, so we had to keep her.

How do your dogs help--or hinder--your writing?

They’re the reason I’ve been writing Galunker. They’re in fact the reason I got into writing about animal welfare in the first place. Absolutely central to my life. That said, they do their best to make sure that I don’t get any writing done. (High maintenance.)

Galunker had a great start Kickstarter campaign, didn't it?

The campaign has been successful beyond anything we ever imagined: pit bull advocates from around the world have supported the book.

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

We don’t have squirrels or traditional postmen, so it’s cats by default. We’ve been tending a feral cat colony; the dogs have mixed feelings about this.

What is each dog's best quality?

Moose: poetic. Pixel: absurdly social. Snorkel: ridiculous. Manatee: criminal mastermind.

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

They’d prefer I didn’t write, so that I could pay attention to them full time. They’re sincerely hoping that Galunker will be the last book.

Visit the Kickstarter campaign page for Galunker.

--Marshal Zeringue

Joyce Miller & Sammy and PG

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Joyce Miller. I'm a mechanical designer--I design experiments at a nuclear physics laboratory, Jefferson Lab, in Newport News, VA. In my spare time I volunteer for a greyhound adoption group, James River Greyhounds; I teach a therapy dog training class through Jefferson Lab's employee activity group; I paint; and I just started tap dancing when I turned 50 years old. I love to take my two greyhounds, shown in this photo of us at a tea party, on walks and I write a blog called Pawstcards from Hampton Roads. Sammy is a 5 year old male, white with brindle spots--which the greyhound people call "parti-colored." PG is a 5 year old brindle female.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We are stopping for a drink on our way to take one of our walks. Sometimes we walk by ourselves and sometimes we walk with a big group of adopted greyhounds called the Around Town Hounds.

What's brewing?

I absolutely love coffee--but my doctor doesn't allow me to drink it any more. So I drink herbal tea now. Usually honey chamomile.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

My dogs get non-stop treats.

How were you and your dogs united?

I adopted my greyhounds through James River Greyhounds in Richmond, VA. Sammy was what they call an "oops" puppy. When the greyhound breeders don't witness the actual breeding of their greyhounds--the dogs can't be registered to race. So Sammy's whole litter was available for adoption as soon as they were born. I've had him since he was 6 months old. PG raced a few times at a Jacksonville, FL track and was a loser on the racetrack so I adopted her when she was not quite 2 years old. She's a winner now, though! Spends most of her days laying on my couch!

How did Sammy and PG get their names? Any aliases?

Sammy was named Sammy when I got him. I embellished his name to be Sammy Davis Jr. for several reasons. One is that I love tap dancing! And the other reason is because Sammy and I do a dog sport called Canine Freestyle or dog dancing. We do the dog dancing as part of our therapy work. Sammy has danced at schools, libraries and for a winter party for some refugees who didn't speak English but could appreciate music and dogs. Sammy just had to be named after a great dancer!

PG's racing name was PG Hairspray. I just kept the PG part because I couldn't think of anything to go with Hairspray. All of her littermates were named after PG movies--PG Top Gun, PG Footloose. It can also stand for pretty girl!

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Definitely cat! When greyhounds are adopted out--they are tested around cats to determine whether or not they can live in a home with cats. Both of my hounds flunked that test! We have a cat in our neighborhood that I call Death Wish Cat because he always wants to come up to the dogs when I'm walking them. It makes me crazy because the dogs go nuts around him!

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Has to be squeaky-toy for the greyhounds. The objective, of course, is to get the squeaky out of the toy! Greyhounds don't get any toys in the racing kennels--so when they move to a home they love having stuffies and toys.

Your blog is a wonderful resource for learning about pet-friendly destinations in and around Hampton Roads, Virginia. Do the dog's have a favorite locale for outings?

The dogs love all the walks that we go on but I suppose their favorites are the beach walks. I think the sand reminds them of sand at the race track--and they want to take off running as soon as they hit the sand. Grandview Beach in Hampton is a nature preserve so there are lots of smelly things on the beach for them--and they love that--the smellier, the better.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Sammy loves all of the greyhounds in our adoption group. One of his littermates from the "oops" litter, Jack, is in our adoption group and we see him at various adoption events.

And PG is Sammy's sidekick. I call her the Tonto to his Lone Ranger, the Robin to his Batman, the Rosie to his Sophia Grace!

What is each dog's best quality?

Sammy never read the book that says that greyhounds don't bark. He barks all the time--and it sometimes it seems to be for no reason at all. He just wants to make a joyful noise. It gives him so much personality--seems like he's talking to me sometimes. I think it would drive a lot of people crazy--but it's endearing to me.

And PG rarely barks--but when she does, she screams like a banshee. Their best qualities are giving me unconditional love.

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

If they could change one thing about Virginians--they would make them more welcoming of dogs in all establishments--like it is in France. We'd love to be able to go to a nice cafe after each dog walk we go on.

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

I would save this question for when they're sick--and ask them what's wrong. That is the time I most wish they could speak English.

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

Sammy would definitely be voiced by Paul Reubens, aka Pee Wee Herman! PG is very quiet and laid back--so she's tougher to cast. Maybe Zooey Deschanel.

Visit the Pawstcards from Hampton Roads blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Angelia Sims & Salem, Anna, Brownie, and Fred

Who is in the photo at right?

Hi, I am Angelia Sims, pictured here with my trusty fur friends or least a few of them. I am a work from home travel agent. I have four dogs--Salem, Anna, Brownie, and Fred. Two big. Two small. They range in age from three years old to eleven years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Today, we are celebrating my oldest pup's birthday. Her name is Salem, she is a big black lab and she is 11 years old. We have a party every year. And every day I am so happy she is still with us. She can be a little wobbly on the ups and down, along with some mighty groans, but all in all, she is happy girl.

What's brewing?

Today, we will be having coffee, cake, and fancy iced dog biscuits. Please put on your party hats.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

All the dogs attending will receive a goody bag. There are squeaky toys and milk bones inside.

How did your dogs get their names? Any nicknames?

Salem is from being black. She reminds me of Halloween and witches, but she is a really nice dog. A good black witch. My second dog is Anna. She is black-lab/greyhound mix. I named her Anna because I wanted another A name in the family (at the time it was all S names). Our third dog is Brownie. We named her before we got her. We wanted a brown dog that reminded us of ice cream (okay, maybe that was me). I, also, wanted a Shih-tzu breed. My mom rescued one that we all fell in love with. I had no idea they even had Brown Shih-tzus until we found Brownie. She was the last of her liter and the only puppy left. She was definitely meant to be ours. Her nickname is Cat. She doesn't bark and plays like a cat. Our fourth dog happens to be the one we all fell in love with at my mom's house. He is a Shih-tzu rescue named Fred. My mom had to move to assisted living last year and couldn't take him with her. Well, I couldn't let him go and that is how he came to live with us.

How were you and your dogs united?

I like to call them planned and unplanned.

Salem was planned. I got her at eight weeks old from a breeder. I wanted a yellow boy lab, but somehow ended up with her. So you could say, Salem won me with her cute face since she was the wrong color and gender.

Anna is unplanned. She is another rescue from my mom. She found her dumped next to a flea market in the country. I met her in my Mom's front yard. She was sooo cute. She looked just like my Salem and was about the size of my hand.

Brownie was planned. Sort of. I convinced my husband we needed a cat. But I didn't want to clean the liter box. So, I told him a little lap dog would be about the same thing and we got Brownie and she doesn't bark and plays like a cat. Hmmm.

Fred was definitely unplanned, but ohhhhh what a wonderful bit of chaos he is. I didn't know I needed a Fred in my life until he came to live with us. He is my constant lap friend (since Brownie the cat is not a lap dog/cat). He loves walks. He loves car rides. He loves just looking at me and following me around. He is the cutest thing ever. My most adoring fan of all time.

Where do your dogs most like to visit on an outing?

Fred loves Petsmart.

Do the dogs have any non-canine pet pals?

There are squirrels in the backyard. A few bunnies out the front window and a gecko that likes to tease Anna on the front door.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Definitely squirrels, but only if you are Anna.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Squeaky toy. So! Many! Squeaky toys!

What is each dog's best quality?

Salem - her snore - I can't sleep if she is not snoring. Anna - her personality - the greyhound antics and humor are a delight. Brownie - her cat-like playfulness - she loves tug and the moving hand. Fred - his crooked grin and doggie cuddles - he is so fuzzy and so cute.

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

That I didn't work and could play with them all day.

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

Salem - Whoopi Goldberg. Anna - Kristin Wiig. Brownie - Jennifer Lawrence. Fred - Owen Wilson.

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

Do you know how much I love you?

Visit Angelia Sims's blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Natalia Sylvester & Maggie and Pita

Who is in the photo at right?

These are my two rescue dogs, Maggie and Pita. Maggie is a Boston terrier and Pita is a Chihuahua/Italian Greyhound mix--at least that's what they told us at the shelter, though we people often tell us she looks like all sorts of breeds. No matter--she's sweet Pita to us!

I'm Natalia Sylvester, author of Chasing the Sun, which is my first novel and will be published in Spring 2014. I'm also a full-time freelance copywriter/journalist, and I blog at www.nataliasylvester.com/.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I admit I'm not much of a coffee drinker---tea is my drink of choice! On this afternoon, Maggie, Pita, my husband and I went to one of our favorite tea spots. The pups love people-watching and the fact that the staff puts out water bowls for them; I enjoy that it's the perfect place to go for a long walk afterwards.

What's brewing?

It's starting to feel more like summer here in Texas, so I opted for a Black Peach iced tea.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Pita loves chewing on baby carrots, and Maggie likes meatier treats like jerky. These two could not be more opposite!

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Before we adopted Maggie, we were convinced we'd name her Daphne. But when we met the woman who was caring for her, she mentioned she'd been calling her Momma's Girl, and Maggie for short, and it just seemed so perfect for her. We call her all sorts of things--Maggie girl, Magster, Maggielicious, Maggie Moo, Magdalena--basically anything we can come up with! Pita also came with her name (she was an owner surrender at our local shelter). I used to joke and call her Pita bread, which sometimes becomes Pita breath. But my favorite alias is Senorita Pita.

How were you and your dogs united?

Maggie was an owner surrender; she'd been left with a dog trainer whose client could no longer care for her, and when we found out about her we knew we wanted to give her a home. That was about 5 years ago. For a while our little family was just us three, but last year we decided it was time for Maggie to have a companion of her own. We went to the Austin animal shelter and adopted Pita on $5 Friday. I still remember the look she gave us through the glass, the way her tiny head turned over her shoulder as we walked by. That's all it took---we knew she was our Pita.

How do your dogs help, and how do they hinder, your writing?

My dogs remind me that I can't sit in front of a desk all day and expect to feel inspired. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten stuck on a scene or a plot point that isn't coming together, only to have Maggie and Pita remind me it's time for their walk. Getting fresh air, feeling the breeze against my skin, and just slowing things down to let them sniff around gives me new perspective on my work every time. I've had many, many writing epiphanies while spending time with my girls. I truthfully can't think of a way that they hinder my writing. Even having Pita randomly bark at strangers that walk by makes me smile and feel less alone.

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

Squirrel?! Where?! Wait, what was the question?

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

They love their ball. We learned very early on that stuffed toys wouldn't work...Maggie could set the world-record for time it takes to destuff even the toughest toys.

What is each dog's best quality?

I love that Maggie is all about attitude. She has such an expressive face and so much personality, and she has a soothing energy about her. Because she's usually so laid back, seeing her getting truly excited about something is a huge treat, and it makes my day every time. Pita is all sugar...she wants nothing more than to cuddle up next to us, and to play. She's the one who wakes up every day as if it's the best day ever--I love starting my days with such a great outlook. She fills our home with joy.

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

The heat! Come summer, they get so excited for their walks and then immediately regret the decision as soon as their poor paws step outside.

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

I always imagine them as Pinky and the Brain, because Pita is so eager to follow Maggie along in everything she does. Maggie would definitely be the mastermind in their squirrel-hunting and treat-stealing schemes.

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

The only question I care about when it comes to them: Are you happy?

Visit Natalia Sylvester's website and learn more about her forthcoming novel, Chasing the Sun.

--Marshal Zeringue

Suzanne Burke & Logan

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Suzanne Burke, author of Logan's Secret. Logan is my male retired racing greyhound. On December 30, 2012, Logan passed to the Rainbow Bridge. He was 12.5 years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I stopped by coffee with canine to tell you about Logan's Secret and his upcoming book titled, The Mystical Collar.

What's brewing?

Oh, we definitely go for the Cafe Latte, simple, yet so elegant.

Any treats for you or your dog on this occasion?

Why, Logan goes for the almond biscotti with his latte.

How were you and your dog united?

After a lengthy lost journey, at a vet's office. Logan's Secret tells of Logan's lost dog adventure. It's a story filled with adventure, adversity, impossibilities and courage.

How did your your dog get his name? Any nicknames?

Animal communicators we worked with during Logan's lost search told us he didn't like his retired name, "Sam". I agree he didn't like Sam after I adopted him, so I decided he should have an Irish name. I tried out several that just didn't seem to resonate with him. One morning I woke up and the name Logan came to my mind, I asked "Sam", "How about Logan?" He looked up wagged his tale and that was that. He became Logan.

Does your dog do more to help or to hinder your writing?

Logan is an amazing inspiration to my writing. He was with me through the entire writing of Logan's Secret. We got to experience our first television appearance together. Today, even though Logan is at the rainbow bridge, he's inspired me throughout the second book in the Logan trilogy, titled, Logan and the Mystical Collar. You will see how he comes to life as well as his other brothers who he joined at the bridge recently.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Totally squirrel.... Logan and his brothers got their squirrel one day when a kamakaze squirrel was running the fence line. I don't know why the squirrel did it. I think he was taunting them and well, he made the fatal mistake of falling of the fence and the greyhounds acted in perfect pack fashion to get their squirrel. Mr. Squirrel had taunted them all season and I suppose he could outsmart them. Didn't happen.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Squeaky toy - Logan wants only the best - a hedgehog squeaky!

Does your dog have a favorite place to go for outings?

Logan loved Main Street Grill in the Shops at Plano north of Dallas, TX. He loved sharing whatever I ordered, but most of all he loved acting like a perfect greyhound ambassador while I ate. People loved meeting Logan and he loved meeting people.

Who are your dog's best pet-pals?

Logan loved his brother Huston most of all. He learned quite a bit from him - how to lead with calm assertiveness. When Huston left us, Logan was a natural to take over as pack lead and he did so with dignity and grace, never forceful, always the quintessential leader.

What is your dog's best quality?

Logan's best quality was his coolness factor. He had a swagger that would make any female dog swoon.

If your dog could change one thing about Texans, what would it be?

Logan would change the law of no dogs in restaurants. He so loved eating out and while he was alive, he only wished he had more choice places to test his palate.

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

What were your favorite times on earth?

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

I've often thought about this, and I think it would be Johnny Depp. Logan was a very cool character, sort of like James Dean and Johnny Depp has that coolness factor.

Visit the Greyhound Stories website, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue

Joanne Anderton & Gully

Who is in the photo at right?

Well, the human person there is me -- Joanne Anderton. I'm an award-winning author of science fiction, fantasy and horror. I've had short stories published all over the place, and my debut novel Debris was published by Angry Robot Books in 2011, followed by Suited in 2012.

And this is Gully! He's a mutt -- he's got some cattle dog in there, and definitely staffy, and we reckon labrador, and the vet even said greyhound. His body is six years old, but his mind lives in perpetual puppyhood.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

It's time for our Saturday morning coffee. I go to personal training every Saturday morning, and stop by the local café for a takeaway coffee on my way home. Then I sit out on the patio with Gully, and he tries to convince me with his eyes that he can, in fact, drink coffee and I should definitely give him some. Lucky for him, it never works.

What's brewing?

Large flat white. A nice strong one.

Any treats for you or Gully on this occasion?

I have a slice of rather delicious banana bread. Gully has at least three bones on the go at one time -- in various stages of disgusting.

How were you and Gully united?

Gully was actually a gift for my husband. Hubby's always wanted a dog, so one year, just before his birthday, I travelled out to the RSPCA and found Gully. I knew as soon as I saw him that he was the dog for us. When we collected him, he spent the whole car ride home in my husband's lap, happy and calm. Definitely love at first sight (or maybe smell) for all of us.

How did he get his name? Any aliases?

He's named after Gully Foyle from The Stars My Destination which is kind of ridiculous, because Foyle is a horrible character, and Gully's the sweetest, sookiest creature ever. He's "Gulliver" if he's done something naughty. But mostly he's just "Gully". Or "doglet".

What role has Gully played in your writing?

I think he helps keep me sane. He's always up for a run, or a walk, or a cuddle -- all of which are necessary for a healthy writing brain. Or I'll talk to him about plot points that are bugging me, because he's always happy to listen.

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

His favourite place is definitely the golf course at the back of our house. He gets to play with other dogs there, and chase rabbits, or run in sprinklers, or swim in ponds. Best place ever.

Squeaky-toy, ball, stick...?

Pinecone. Because they're crunchy and we can play puppy soccer with them. Gully's a great goalie.

What is Gully's best quality?

He's such a loving dog. He looks tough to people who don't know him (particularly when he's running a million miles an hour right at them) but he's the biggest sook. He'd rather have a cuddle than eat his breakfast. He'll let little kids and young puppies crawl all over him without protest, even the ones who insist on grabbing his ears.

On his first holiday away from home he was too scared to sleep outside, and stayed at my husband's side the whole night, periodically licking his elbow just to make sure he was there. He's a giant sweetheart, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

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

I'd spend less time inside on the computer, and more time outside with him.

What is Gully's proudest moment?

I think that depends on who you ask. I'm sure Gully would say something like finding the dead thing (it might have been a fox) on the golf course and rolling in it until he stank. He's always very proud of himself when he reeks.

I'd say it was when his beagle friend Hunter went missing. Gully and Hunter used to love to play together, but sadly Hunter's family have moved away. Hunter's owner was a young girl and she lost him late one evening on the golf course. We met her on our walk and she was distraught -- but she couldn't stay out in the dark to look for him. So we put Gully on the case: "Where's Hunter? Find Hunter!" And he did! In the middle of the scrub. We were happy to reunite them, although I think Gully wanted Hunter to stay over for longer -- they were having a great time wrestling in the backyard.

If Gully could speak in the movie about your life, who should do his voice?

You know that dog in Up? The one with the goofy mechanised voice box? That's Gully all over. Including the random "Point!" at nothing.

Writers Read: Jo Anderton.

Visit Joanne Anderton's website, Twitter perch, and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Terri Jacobson & her greyhounds

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Terri Jacobson and I am one of the servants at Greyhound Gardens. By day I am a graphic designer at a community college, by night I take photos and everything in between I spend with the dogs. The greyhound snagging the treat out of my hand is Minnie. She’s eight years old and is one of the spunky ladies that keeps the rest of the hounds in line.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

My partner Karen and I actually have coffee twice a day, every day with the hounds. Our back patio overlooks a fenced acre and we spend an hour every morning and an hour every evening out on the patio having coffee.

What's brewing?

Fresh ground and home brewed, strong with a splash of cream.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

During the summer months, the dogs love to eat the fresh fruits, cherries, plums and apples as they ripen on the trees. They have also discovered bully stix, they are a coveted favorite.

How were you and your dogs united?

I’ve been involved in greyhound adoption for a long time. Some of our hounds we adopted because they were seniors or shy or had other issues that made it harder for them to be adopted. Minnie was three months old when we met her at a greyhound farm. I really wanted to see what the racing side was like, so we bought her and her half-brother Flocko [photo left] as puppies to follow them through their careers. When they retired, we brought them home to be our pets.

Timber [photo right] is a fluffy greyhound, a borzoi. He was a complete surprise for us. A friend of ours knew the family that had Timber and the allergies had kicked into full swing with a borzoi. In November 2011 he called and asked if we would be interested. I thought for sure that our friend was kidding, who would give up a one-year old borzoi? Two weeks he called me back and asked if we’d thought about it. He gently reminded me that most of our pack was getting older and it might be nice for us to have a younger dog around. Enter the borzoi at Greyhound Gardens.

When Mickey was born, the kennel owner called me because she knew I had a secret obsession for white and black dogs. Mickey was two days old when we held him for the first time. I think I may have named him Mickey so that I would have “Mickey and Minnie.” He came home from the track only having raced once or twice.

How did your dogs get their names?

Any nicknames? Most of the greyhounds kept their kennel names when we adopted them. We named Talley after one of our veterinarians, we got to name Minnie and Mickey when they were pups. They all have nicknames and a song to go with their name.

You've got some beautiful photos on your website. What's the biggest challenge in shooting dogs?

My hope is to someday become a pet photographer. The more photos I take of the dogs, the more challenges I encounter. The natural light outside is rarely perfect. Most of the time I am either fighting direct harsh sunlight or because we live in Oregon, I deal with a lot of really flat, overcast skies. I’m an eye person, so if the eyes are perfectly focused with a highlight, the photo rarely makes the first cut. I’ve dumped a lot of great action shots just because of the eyes.

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

Anywhere with a leash attached is a favorite place to walk. Since photography is my second passion after the dogs, nearly every week-end we take one dog on an adventure. Sometimes we go to the beach, sometimes we hike in the mountains and sometimes we just go for a drive to see where we end up.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Surely you jest, the squirrels drive the dogs crazy. Our property is surrounded by tall cedar trees, perfect squirrel villas.

We used to have a significantly large population of feral cats, but I think they all got the memo and no longer come around. Or, they have each other to chase around.

Squeaky-toy, stick, Frisbee..?

Squeaky toys rule for most of the dogs. Flocko lives to play with his ball and Timber is quite the tug-o’-war king.

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

Definitely, without a doubt quit the day job and get a bigger bed.

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

Actually, I think being Oregonians suits us perfectly.

The occasionally potty break out in the rain is not always welcome, but the standing water afterwards is a favorite to run through.

The temperature is almost always livable. We are only an hour from the coast and an hour from the mountains. It’s perfect.

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

You live in a multi-hound household and that isn’t going to change. We’ve given each of you your own cushions, kennels and bowls. We’re always available for ear scritches. What else do you want from us to make this the best life ever?

Visit the websites for Greyhound Gardens and Terri Jacobson Photography & Design.

--Marshal Zeringue

Barbara & Trixie and Minnie

Who is in the photo at right?

That’s Minnie and Trixie. Since I’m single, we don’t have any pictures of us all together!

I’m Barbara, a bookkeeper by day, a writer by night and a caretaker for my mom and my brother with Alzheimer’s. Trixie is believed to be a greyhound/spaniel mix and is seven and Minnie is probably a Rottweiler/Boxer and she’s a little over a year old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I couldn’t start my day without coffee. If you cut me, I bleed coffee.

What's brewing?

Plain old Folger’s, although I make it in a 1966 Sunbeam percolator. I use a heavy sprinkling of non-dairy creamer.

Any treat for you and your dogs on this occasion?

All my treats are shared with the pups. They are quite spoiled. We all like sweets. They are fond of Kleenex, however…something I just can’t get into.

How were you and Trixie and Minnie united?

I got Trix from a rescue in Lakeport, CA – she was “mis-aged”. They told me she was about 10 weeks old, but she was only seven weeks. She has always been a neurotic Diva dog. I found Minnie on the lawn across the street from my house, abandoned and very sick with worms. No one came for her, so I kept her. Of course I treated her worms while waiting. She’s always been the affectionate “I wanna be by you” dog.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Dad and I named Trixie after trying to come up with truck stop waitress names. My neighbor started calling Minnie “Mousy” when I found her – I didn’t like Mousy, but she responded to “M”, so I came up with Minnie.

Cat, rabbit, postman...?

We don’t have rabbits, but if you substituted “squirrel”, I’d answer “all of the above”.

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

Surprisingly, neither cares much for toys. Minnie is into cardboard boxes, dog food bags and digging.

Where is your dogs' favorite place for an outing?

Both hate the car, but Minnie is learning that the dog park is a cool ending to a car ride.

If Trixie and Minnie could change one thing about you, what would it be?

I’m not home all day and that I’m really lazy.

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

Proudest: Minnie caught a rat.

Trixie can get any toy by name. She just won’t play with them.

Embarrassing? Trixie always poops when there is someone in the backyard.

Minnie jerked me from the front door, across a flower bed and onto the lawn when I had contractors here. It wasn’t embarrassing for her, but for me…well, it wasn’t my finest moment.

Visit Barbara's "If I Didn't Have a Sense of Humor" blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Michelle Day & Tom, Sadie and Buddy

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Michelle Day. I am a mother, dog lover and wife. For monetary reward, I work for a small business in my home town of Newburgh, Indiana. I pretty much do whatever is thrown my way. For rewards that you can't put a price tag on, I am a foster parent for our local greyhound adoption group, GPA Tri-State.

In this picture is myself, I am the 2-legged one. From left to right: Tom, Sadie and my foster dog Buddy.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I usually have a cup of coffee every morning. But if the weather is too warm, Diet Coke is on the agenda!

What's brewing?

Any flavored coffee. I love to add a couple spoonfuls of Peppermint Mocha liquid creamer and bunches of Splenda.

Any treat for you and your dogs on this occasion?

The hounds are usually so exhausted from trying to get me out of bed, they aren't too interested in treats. I might have a 100 calorie treat of some kind. I have been on Weight Watchers the past 18 months and lost 70 pounds, so I try to be good!

How were you and your dogs united?

I got interested in greyhounds almost 8 years ago. I had recently lost my Dobie and my daughter went to a local meet & greet. My first greyhound, Tom, [photo left] we picked him from a picture off of the internet. Which, looking back, could have totally back fired on us. But he has turned out to be such a sweet, goofy boy. We had Tom only a couple of weeks and we knew we wanted another one. So I turned to the president of our group and she found the perfect match for Tom. A happy go lucky girl, loved to give kisses and had a helicopter tail. Sadly,we lost our Dixie to Osteocarcoma last November.

My little black girl, Sadie, was a failed attempt at fostering. She had some health issues and had been in our home for 10 months and we said she was meant to be ours! I call her my million dollar baby, if anything weird is going to happen, it will happen to her!

How did your dogs get their names?

My dogs, came with their names. Their names were given to them by their breeders. Most of them stuck, but they all have silly nicknames. I think all dogs get little names that evolve as they become more acquainted with you.

Any aliases?

Lots of funny names. Tom is also know as TomTom, Tommy Boy, Tommy Two Toes (he has 2 white toes on his back foot), Thomasina (when he cries like a girl). Sadie is Little Bit, Sadie Bug and Million Dollar Baby.

Cat, rabbit, postman...?

Rabbits of course!

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

Anything soft and squeaky. My hounds don't like hard toys. I guess they want the similar feel of the bunnies!

Where is your dogs' favorite place for an outing?

My dog Sadie [photo right] loves to go anywhere! Tom is my bashful boy. While he loves to go in the car, he is a nervous nellie the entire time.

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

I'm not sure about that one, I think they might think I am pretty close to perfect!

What is each dog's proudest moment?

Tom's proudest moment was when he was crowned King of the Greytfest. Since he was our group's first adoptee, he was the first to be crowned King of the Greytfest (Greytfest if our annual picnic and our biggest fundraiser for our group).

Most embarrassing?

Sadie's would probably when I dressed her up as a bat for Halloween.

Visit the Grey Hares...On My Sofa blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Elaine Pritchard & Winnie

Who is in the photo at right?

Hi, I'm Elaine Pritchard and I live in Staffordshire, England. This is Winnie the Greyhound who joined our family in August 2010 when I had a change of lifestyle and set up my own freelance writing and marketing business from home. I also run a not-for-profit pet bereavement website - and I help Winnie with her own blog when she lets me.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We are having a coffee break in our own garden - and celebrating finding a patch of grass which Win has not yet dug up in her daily quest to show me the racing form that made her a star at Sheffield greyhound track. As we never saw her race Win likes to re-enact her finest moments on the far smaller circuit of our back lawn.

What's brewing?

Skinny latte.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Not today. I've got lunch out later so I'm being good. Win's also helped me lose 20lbs in weight since January 2011 so I don't want to let her down. She's a strict diet and fitness coach.

Any treat for Winnie on this occasion?

She has sneaked a rawhide chew out into the garden to nibble on. I just need to make sure she doesn't try and bury it.

How did you and Winnie come together?

My friend Jane, who's a member of the same drama group as me, had adopted a number of greyhounds from Crossing Cottage - a Retired Greyhound Trust kennel in Nottinghamshire - and once I knew I was going to be finishing working long hours in an office it seemed a brilliant opportunity to adopt a greyhound. I know they love company. Also, my son's a bit nervous of dogs and I thought a gentle greyhound would be ideal to build up his confidence. We looked at the dogs available for adoption on the Crossing Cottage website and fell instantly in love with Winnie's picture and her story.

Would you tell us a bit about Lost and Fond?

My last job in the corporate world was as MD of an online obituaries website for people. We were often approached by people who wanted to add tributes for their pets but sadly it wasn't something we could let them do and the company I worked for wasn't interested in diversifying into pet memorials - so it was always something I felt I'd like to do. I also thought there was an opportunity to raise money through the website for pet charities and publicise important pet projects. People can create a free online memorial on Lost & Fond for any pet they have loved and lost either recently or years ago. If they're not confident with technology I'll do it for them.

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

Winnie's name comes from her old racing name - which was Heads You Win. Her many and varied nicknames include "Win", "Win-Win" and "Winnebago"

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Cats just ahead of squirrels. Win tends to do a noisy vertical take-off if she sees either of those creatures on our daily walks and if she ever got off her lead I think there'd be bloodshed. Postmen, ducks and small dogs are all safe from Win though.

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

Squeaky toys, especially if they are cuddly, are Win's toy of choice. She adores them and looks after them very gently. She's not too interested in balls.

Where is Winnie's favorite place to go for a walk?

Brook Hollows in Rolleston-on-Dove - the next village to the one where we live - is Win's favourite local walk. But she jumps (literally) at any chance to go out in the car for a walk a bit further afield. We are lucky to live in a beautiful part of England where there is some stunning countryside.

Who is Winnie's best pet-pal?

The Man Of The House would tell you it's him. I think it's me, of course. Win's not that keen on other dogs because of some past experiences in a re-homing that didn't work out (not her fault) and she needed a home where she could be the only dog. She has some wonderful virtual best pals though thanks to the great world of pet blogging.

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

I think Winnie would love it if the whole family - me, husband Bill, daughter Caitlin (who graduates from Coventry University this year) and son Tom - would stay together in one room all day leaving only to take her for a couple of walks. She loves it when we're all together.

What is Winnie's best quality?

She loves everyone. I think she's taught me some wonderful life lessons in the last nine months. I call them the three L's: loving, loyalty and living-in-the-moment. I look at Winnie revelling in a good sniff on a walk, or 'roaching' - lying on her back legs in the air - and I think "She's got it right. Live in the moment, enjoy the changing seasons and the world of nature and don't worry. Just be happy".

What is Winnie's proudest moment?

I was really proud of Win when she did her first meet-and-greet with Bill outside the Spring Fair that my friend Alyson and I organised a few weeks ago for the Retired Greyhound Trust. I knew she'd be great with people and show them what great pets greyhounds make, but I thought she might not like the other greyhounds that were coming along to help. She wasn't keen at first and grumbled a bit but after a while she decided to let them socialise with her and that was a big deal for her. She's also a great ambassador for greyhounds when we're out and about generally and a lot of people we've met are now considering a retired racing greyhound as a pet - which is fabulous.

Her most embarrassing?

That has to be her windy digestive system. When we're all gathered in the living room, and she's at her most relaxed, you can hear gentle little "parps" followed by a not so gentle waft of noxious fumes. I think many dog owners will identify with that little habit!!

Visit the Lost and Fond website and Winnie's Dog Blog and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Sue & Frankie and Beryl

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Sue, and Beryl. I don't have any photos of me with my other dog, Frankie. Beryl is an ex-racing Greyhound who I've had since Easter Monday, 2010 (where does the time go?) and she's 4 1/2 years old.

The flash title for my job is Wool Technician, every day term is 'rousie' or 'woolhandler'. I work in a local shearing gang where the guys shear the wool off the sheep and the rousies work with the wool once it's off the sheep. It's hard work and well paid but weather dependent and seasonal and when we're not working we don't get paid! But I love my days off cos I get to be with the kids.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Relaxing with the kids on a day off.

What's brewing?

Lipton's Vanilla Chai Latte. I don't drink coffee but I do drink way too much of this.

Any treat for you and your dogs on this occasion?

Hot Cross Buns are in the shops already so I would have one of them, warmed in the microwave with too much margarine on it and I'd be sharing it with Beryl. Frankie doesn't eat that sort of fancy stuff. He's a meat and potatoes kind of guy.

How were you and your dogs united?

I got Frankie on December 22nd, 2009 from the New Zealand equivalent of Ebay. I'm not sure of his birthdate so I made it Valentines Day and he's just turned 3. He had been rescued from the pound in a smallish country town on the day he was to be PTS! His photos on the auction site weren't very pretty but the sadness in eyes got to me finally and on the last day of his posting I emailed the rescue society to see if he was still available.

Obviously nobody had bought him and after I'd been home checked and he'd been neutered he was driven to my town where I collected him. Boy, did he look better after a couple of weeks in foster care!

And he's a very happy chappy now.

I'd been thinking about getting Frankie a mate for company while I'm at work and he got on really well with his Greyhound friends at the park. In fact the love of his life is a little Greyhound called Lucy. When I saw Beryl's photo on the Greyhounds As Pets site I fell in love with her freckles and the mischief in her eyes!

And her write up said she was showing signs of quirkiness which intrigued me. They weren't wrong either, lol! So I had to very quickly get my application in as there weren't many Greyhounds available at the time due to a bout of kennel cough at the tracks so none could be brought in to the kennels. I was very lucky to get her as she was cat friendly and I haven't got a cat! Beryl soon got the message across to Frankie that she was going to be in charge of things and he took it very well although it was probably a couple of months before he stopped occasionally asking me if she could go away for a while. Now they are best buddies.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Beryl was already Beryl. I was going to change her name as she didn't know it but it suits her and I don't know any other dogs called Beryl. It's quite a conversation starter too. She also gets called The Beryl, The Princess and Ratbag.

Frankie just looked like a Frankie in his photos and I asked for his foster parents to start calling him that before I got him. And he is a Frankie. He is The Armourguard Man at the park as he has to patrol the area and make sure it's safe for us. And Bud and Frankie Panky. Also the Greyhound Magnet. Greyhounds love him.

We have a lot to do with foster Greyhounds and most of them are obsessed with him. Frankie, Beryl, Lucy (Frankie and Beryl's BFF) and Cilla, who has now found her forever home, like to run around the park [photo above left].

Cat, rabbit, postman...?

How about cat, rabbit and possum? I have no real idea what breeds are in Frankie. I'm thinking perhaps Kelpie/Whippet and ...? He is quite a hunter and has caught 7 possums which are a noxious pest in New Zealand. He's what we call here a 'pig hunting' type dog and considering where he came from it's most likely that's what he was bred to be. He certainly likes to hunt. He won't let any cats onto my property and he and Beryl have chased them at the river and they've chased rabbits too but never caught any. But for all his hunting tendencies he's an extremely loving, clever dog and I wouldn't be without him for a second. He has no issues from his previous life. Considering he was found extremely emaciated it's a wonder he doesn't guard his food. Someone missed out on a wonderful dog when they turfed him out on the streets. Hmm, I've digressed a bit from the original question, lol!

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

Oh boy, all of the above, bring 'em on! Frankie will fetch sticks from the river for a long time. Beryl is getting confident in the river with the help of her friend, Jake and his tennis balls. His Mum throws the balls into the river and Beryl helps Jake fetch them. The river isn't deep enough for her to learn to swim in yet but hopefully that will happen before it gets too cool. Frankie tends to run off with tennis balls, he's not good at fetching. I have to have 2 sticks on the go at the river for him.

Then there are the soft toys! Some of which Frankie [photo, right] tends to disembowel!

Where is your dogs' favorite place for an outing?

They love going to the park and river which is where I take them most days.

But the beach is their absolute favourite place.

It's total doggy heaven. We had great excitement there the other day when we came across a seal basking on the sand [photo below right].

Frankie thought it was a weird looking dog and Beryl verbally abused it and told it to get off the beach.

What are your dogs most endearing qualities?

Beryl's would be what is probably a Greyhound characteristic, her teeth chattering when she's anticipating a treat or something else good. Not all Greyhounds do it ... I don't know if other breeds of dogs do it? And she 'foofs' which is what I call it when she blows her cheeks out and makes a 'foofing' noise. And her excitement and joy at new experiences. Frankie's is his all over 'Frankiness'. It's just him, the way he just seems to 'know'. Although he's not always endearing especially when he's rolled in something gross....

They both make me laugh many times a day and that's very endearing.

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

Only one thing, that's difficult. They would say I spend way too much time sitting at the computer when I'm home ... and can we go live at the beach.

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

Frankie's proudest moment is every time he catches a possum. His most embarrassing was probably the first night I had him. I'd gone to the shops to try and get him a raw bone as I had a half-day of work the next day. When I got home (without a bone!) I didn't have a dog any more!! My dog proof section wasn't Frankie proof! Talk about panic. I'd taken him for a walk around a big block that afternoon so I retraced my steps and finally found him not far from home at 9pm when it was almost dark. He was going up driveways and coming out again obviously looking for my place. I called him and he came racing up to me, total relief and embarrassment on his face.

Beryl's proudest moment was a few weeks ago when she got 4th place in a Rally O competition much to my surprise! Her most embarrassing was probably the time she was tearing around at the river with her BFF friend, Lucy and she missed her footing and did a huge face plant in the rocky ground. I even got it on video! Luckily only her pride was hurt. This would be Beryl's only embarrassing moment as she is always right and doesn't get embarrassed!

Visit Sue's Greyhounds CAN Sit blog.

--Marshal Zeringue