Margaret Mizushima & Hannah

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Margaret Mizushima, author of the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series, and I’m pictured here with our German shorthair pointer, Hannah, also known as Hannah Boo. Hannah is about eight years old, and she’s thin-skinned and almost hairless. Years ago when my husband brought her home in December as a puppy, she shivered like a tiny Chihuahua, and I couldn’t bear for her to be raised outside even though all of our dogs have access to a heated doghouse. So Hannah became our housedog and hangs out with me while I write.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Hannah and I are taking a break from work to cuddle with a book. Whenever I sit on the couch to read or watch television, Hannah is right there by my side with her head on my lap. Having her ears stroked puts her to sleep every time, and it also relaxes me.

What's brewing?

I had to give up coffee and tea years ago so I drink a variety of herbals, my favorite being Yogi brand Egyptian licorice or peppermint. This summer I became hooked on LaCroix sparkling water, especially the flavors Pamplemousse (Grapefruit) and Key Lime. I drink one every morning while I write.

Any treats for you or Hannah on this occasion?

Whenever I approach the pantry where her treats are stored, Hannah begs for a treat by barking and going into her play pose. This is a result of my misguided attempt at teaching her to speak. Consequently, she now speaks up several times a day whenever she wants a treat but doesn’t say a word when we ask her to “speak.” The patrol dog in my mystery series, German shepherd Robo, is sort of a wonder dog and very obedient—but I’m evidently not as good a trainer as my protagonist, K-9 handler Mattie Cobb, because Hannah has me wrapped around her little toe and pretty much runs the place.

Readers can learn more about Hannah from our 2018 Q&A. Anything notable happen with her in the last year?

Hannah is very much a creature of habit. As long as she has her food, treats, water, and daily run, she’s happy. She wakes up at the same time every morning, gets up from her bed on the couch, and lets us coax her outside at the same time each morning, afternoon, and night. Frequently she goes with my husband out to hunt birds or run at a nearby lake, but otherwise her life runs like clockwork. No notable changes this past year for her, but I’ve noticed the days certainly do slip by faster the older we get.

Please tell us about your new book.

Tracking Game is the fifth book in the Timber Creek K-9 series. It starts out with a bang when Deputy Mattie Cobb and her love interest Cole Walker have their first public date interrupted by an explosion near town. When they arrive at the scene of a burning van, they find Cole’s best friend injured and a local rancher dead, shot twice in the heart at close range. Mattie’s investigation begins, eventually taking her and her patrol dog Robo into Colorado’s mountain wilderness where they encounter not only a killer but also a dangerous creature. This mystery stands alone, but if you want the full character arc over the series, start with book one, Killing Trail.

I've heard that Hannah is averse to going outside unless she knows she's going out to hunt or going for a run. She sounds exactly like some human introverts I know. Do you have a theory of your own about why Hannah is like that?

I once thought it was because her thin skin made her susceptible to hot and cold weather, but she’s this way year round. We found it interesting when we learned that her mother is just like her, and her family says they could barely get her to go outside to do her business. Hannah is exactly the same way, which I thought might be because she was perhaps…could it be…spoiled? But now I have to ask, what part of this quirky behavior is nature and what part is nurture? (Please tell me I didn’t create this problem child myself.)

You've done some search and rescue training with past dogs. What was that like?

When our kids were toddlers, my husband and I took two of our dogs (an Australian shepherd and a Rottweiler) to search and rescue training sessions through our county. Although neither of us had the time to continue with the certification process, we and our dogs learned enough so we could have ready access to a SAR-trained dog if one of our children wandered off while we were camping or hiking. I learned a lot about tracking and trailing behavior in dogs and techniques for handlers, never knowing that someday I would use this knowledge base for a mystery series. Serendipity.

Have your experiences with watching bird dogs hunt influenced your writing?

Bird dogs have given me a sense of what it’s like to watch a dog air scent, quartering the field as they ping back and forth to narrow in on the bird’s scent cone. I was able to watch air scenting dogs trail humans during our days of search and rescue training as well, while some dogs like to put their noses down and track the scent of a human on the ground. Some dogs do both. All of these observations of doggie behavior have influenced my writing.

Readers of this site met Bertie, Lily and Tess last year. Are there any new dogs in the pack these days?

No, we have the same foursome. Lily is still with us, and though she’s become quite elderly, she still likes to putz around the yard and will play with the other dogs in short stints. She no longer likes to go for runs with the pack and prefers to stay home. Tess and Bertie are still their lively selves and enjoy going to the vet clinic with my husband. Our Tess has become quite the cattle dog and is a big help when moving the Angus cattle that we raise back and forth from the pasture. She’s also a sweetheart and likes to cuddle close to my husband when they get into the feed truck to feed each morning, a trait that we find endearing.

Visit Margaret Mizushima's website.

Coffee with a Canine: Margaret Mizushima & Hannah, Bertie, Lily and Tess.

Writers Read: Margaret Mizushima.

The Page 69 Test: Tracking Game.

--Marshal Zeringue

Margaret Mizushima & Hannah, Bertie, Lily and Tess

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Margaret Mizushima, and I write the Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries. Please allow me to introduce you to our pack—from left to right we have: Hannah, a German shorthaired pointer; Bertie, also a GSP; Lily, a yellow lab; and Tess, a border collie. Our eager beaver Tess thought this photo shoot was loads of fun, while Hannah…not so much. Though she’s never liked to have her picture taken, she was a bit more relaxed for the picture in the chair.

What’s the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

My drink of choice is herbal tea, and I have a cup in hand every morning when I go upstairs to my office to write. The dog who likes to follow me is Hannah, because we’re attached at the hip. Tess and Bertie go with my husband to work at his veterinary clinic, and Lily, who is quite elderly, likes to sleep.

What’s brewing?

My favorite is a Yogi brand tea, Egyptian Licorice. It’s spicy, naturally sweet, and it tastes like licorice. Yes, licorice is one of those flavors that you either love or hate, and I happen to love it. Inherited that trait from my dad.

Any treats for you and your dogs on this occasion?

Treats come at breakfast time, and Hannah barks at us if we forget. When she was a pup, we taught her to sit on the stairway for a treat. Now, at seven years old, she perches on the steps and watches us until she gets one. If we don’t respond to the silent begging, she barks for our attention.

How were you and your dogs united?

My husband is a veterinarian, and he seems to need a pack of dogs to be happy. His work provides him with many opportunities to adopt a new pet. We’ve been married thirty-six years and have shared our space with dozens of dogs and cats, the occasional tank of fish, and an exotic bird or two.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Lily was soft and sweet as a puppy, which reminded us of a flower. Hannah came next, and she got a name that I love because it reminds me of someone who’s kind-hearted and dear, which Hannah is to a fault. Tess is a cattle dog, and we needed a short name that we could use for her training; it’s also the name of Cole Walker’s assistant, the vet character in my Timber Creek K-9 mysteries. (Both the dog Tess and the character Tess assist their vets at work.) And Bertie just seemed like a good name for a rollicking puppy.

Do your dogs do more to help or hinder your writing?

They all definitely help my writing. I’ve spent years observing dog behavior, traits I utilized to develop Robo, the K-9 German shepherd in my books. I think that dog behavior is interesting, and I try to stay true to dog nature when I write. Here is one reviewer’s take on characters Mattie and Robo in Killing Trail, the first book in the series: “Winning heroine…strong debut…a realistic view of how a K-9 team works, treating Robo as an important character, but never stooping to anthropomorphism. And it’s impossible not to fall in love with Robo.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

Cat, postman, squirrel?

Birds and mice. We live in the country, so a postman doesn’t come to the door. Our dogs have grown up with cats, so cats are just part of the pack. We don’t have squirrels in our yard, but we have plenty of birds and mice. Our bird dogs—Lily, Hannah, and Bertie—point birds in the trees, and Hannah even pointed an airplane in the sky when she was a puppy. Tess, our border collie, loves anything that moves, and going after mice in the grass is a favorite pass-time.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick?

All four love squeaky-toys. It sounds like an orchestra warming up when they’re all chewing at once.

What is each dog’s best quality?

Each one is sweet and they all make great companions, but I’m fascinated with the propensities associated with each breed. If you watch the foursome play in the yard, the bird dogs will be pointing and flushing sparrows in the bushes, the cattle dog will be circling the sprinkler snapping at the droplets, and the water-dog retriever will be rolling on the wet grass or picking up the sprinkler head to carry it around while the water sprays in her mouth.

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

What’s keeping you girls from learning how to cook dinner?

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

This is a fun question! Lily would need someone old-fashioned and blonde—Doris Day comes to mind. Tess needs a voice from someone who plays characters that are tough and brave, maybe Sigourney Weaver. Bertie is a clown—how about Goldie Hawn or Kate Hudson? And Ashley Judd should play our sophisticated and regal Hannah.

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

Eat food that’s good for you, enjoy your work, and take a walk every day.

Visit Margaret Mizushima's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Heather Gudenkauf & Lolo

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Heather Gudenkauf, author and educator and this lovely girl (who, with no luck, we were trying to get to pose for a picture) is Lolo, a four-year-old German shorthair pointer.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

On weekends, Lolo and I have a ritual of hopping into the car and going to get a Diet Coke.

What's brewing?

For me, it’s a Diet Coke from a fountain with a skinny straw. Odd I know, but it’s the simple things in life that make us happy, right?

Any treats for you or Lolo on this occasion?


No treats for me today but I always keep a stash of dog treats in the car’s center console.


How did your dog get her name?

Lolo is named after Iowa native and Olympic athlete Lolo Jones.

Any aliases?

We call her Lo for short.

Back in 2010 you introduced us to the much-loved Maxine, also a German Shorthaired Pointer. Is there something about the breed that you really like, or can that be a coincidence?

It’s no coincidence and kind of a long story. Maxine, our mischievous German Shorthair Pointer, completed our family. If Maxine didn’t have the chance to run each day, destruction would follow. Shoes disappeared, food vanished from countertops, especially sticks of butter, and once we discovered a hole eaten out of the center of our mattress. But Maxine was also smart and loving. When one of our five was diagnosed with cancer, Maxine, once the bossy center of our household found herself on the sidelines. Between trips to the hospital, work and school, Maxine was often left alone for long stretches, but she was always there for whoever needed comfort.

We could cry into her soft fur when we became overwhelmed with the reality of the illness that changed our family. She would lie patiently at our side, head on our laps, when we had no energy to do anything else.

On a cold evening, ten-year-old Maxine died suddenly.

We were devastated. While we continued to feel the deep loss, we were mindful of the joy that having a pet brought us. One day I received an unexpected call from the man we bought Maxine from. He said he had a puppy if we wanted to meet her. We did.

The pup was returned to him by the hunter he sold her to because she was soft, scared of loud noises. She intermittently approached us and skittered away, but still, we fell in love. The man pulled out her papers and then brought out Maxine’s genealogy. He smiled broadly. The puppy’s mother was a littermate to Maxine. Maxine was this puppy’s aunt!

We named her Lolo and she seamlessly joined our clan. I imagine her Aunt Maxine, from the great beyond murmuring, That spot, next to the windows, is the best place to soak up the morning sun. Right there, in front of the fireplace is the perfect spot to lie down and chew on your bone. You can play in the woods, but don’t go too far (Lolo doesn’t). Don’t chew on shoes, they hate that (Lolo does). And I imagine that Maxine whispers to Lolo about us, her human family ~ all good, I hope.

Does Lolo do more to help or hinder your writing?

I love having Lolo nearby as I write. She looks out the window or snuggles up in a chair while I work at the computer. If I’m sitting for too long she reminds me that it’s time for a break and talks me into taking her for a walk.

Has Lolo inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

I think there is a lot of Lolo in Stitch from Not A Sound. Like Stitch, Lolo definitely has a mind of her own, is loyal and loving.

Cat, postman, rabbit...?

Rabbits, squirrels, anything small and crittery Lolo will get her attention.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

All of the above!

Who is Lolo's best pet-pal?

Lolo loves to hang out with the neighbor dogs – two yellow labs named Roxie and Bo.

What is Lolo's best quality?

Lolo is sweet, snuggly and always up for an adventure.

If Lolo could change one thing about Iowans, what would it be?

I think Lolo would encourage we Iowans to take a little time off work and get outside and hike the beautiful trails that many people don’t realize that Iowa has.



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



I would ask Lolo what she thinks of us all – though I’m a little afraid to hear the answer!

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

What a fun question! I would say Alexis Bledel, Rory Gilmore of Gilmore Girls.

What advice would Lolo give if asked?

Wake up each morning ready to explore the world around you, run hard, rest when you need to.

Visit Heather Gudenkauf's website.

Coffee with a Canine: Heather Gudenkauf and Maxine.

--Marshal Zeringue

Noni Brueckner & Sally

Who is in the photo at right?

This is me, Noni Brueckner, and my dog Sally. I'm a wedding and family photographer in Charleston, SC and Sally is a 5 year old, 40lb mutt. We did a gene test on her and she's mostly Staffie Pit Bull but also hound, pointer and bulldog. We think she may have some Ridgeback as well.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Sally loves people so I like to bring her to my favorite coffee shop, Muddy Waters. It's a treat for both of us.

What's brewing?

Muddy Water's large latte with 2%. Yum.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Sometimes a muffin.

Any treat for Sally on this occasion?

Just lots of people to wag her little stubby tail at and lick.

How were you and Sally united?

My husband, Eric, adopted Sally from a shelter after she was found stray at 5 months old in Los Angeles (where we used to live). She was living off pizza crusts and chicken bones (she still loves pizza crust)! He was in school at the time and I was worried that he wouldn't have time for a dog... but it was totally the best decision ever.

[photo left: Sally and Eric, shortly after he adopted her]

You've got some beautiful wedding photos on your website. Which are more challenging to photograph: dogs or brides?

Haha! I'd say dogs. And thank you!

How did Sally get her name? Does she have any nicknames?

My husband named her when he saw her - thought she looked like a Sally. We call her about a million things including Sal, Sallymander, Salsal, Princess, Sea Captain, The Captain and all kinds of nonsense.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Squirrel and cat! Also opossum, raccoon and skunk.

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

Stick!!!

Where is Sally's favorite place for an outing?

Probably the mountains in California where we used to live. We'd take her on long hikes all the time. A close second would be Folly Beach here in Charleston where we bring the ball slinger and she plays beach fetch.

Who is Sally's best pet-pal?

Probably Zoey, our best friend's great dane mix. We all used to live together and hike a lot. Unfortunately, we just found out yesterday that Zoey has bone cancer which is so very sad.

What is Sally's most endearing quality?

Her excitement towards people. She will squirm and wiggle her butt so hard to greet you and then wants to lick and cuddle. She even does this to strangers! She also is very floppy and relaxed and will lie comfortably in anyone's lap and all kinds of contorted positions.

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

She would have me take her on even more and longer walks -- oh and probably never use a leash.

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

Wow, I have no idea. Maybe Shailene Woodley.

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

Probably if there is anything she needs! (I really love my dog!)

Visit the Noni Elizabeth Photography website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Steve Caplan & Ginger

Who is in the photo at right?

Allow me to introduce Ginger, my great friend and ~5 year old female Vizsla-Labrador retriever, pointer and setter! Oh, and I’m Steve Caplan, a professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. I study membrane trafficking, but in addition, I’m a published author of fiction who has written 3 novels that deal with the lives of everyday scientists and academics, as well as mental health disorders. I also blog on Occam’s Typewriter and write for The Guardian (UK) science page as part of our Occam’s Corner group.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I am belatedly celebrating the publication of my most recent novel, A Degree of Betrayal, a mystery involving a stellar female graduate whose mentor slides into a depression and refuses to allow her to graduate. Someone who read the book recently tweeted that “It’s a must-read for every male scientific PI (principal investigator).”

What's brewing?

For many years I have been highly particular about my coffee and would even prefer tea (yuck) to bad or weak brew. My “Miss Sylvia” Rancilio espresso maker is firing up at this very moment for a double espresso (Lavazza; only the very best!) with a dollop of low fat steamed milk on top.

Any treats for you or Ginger on this occasion?

Ginger is always in favor of treats, and on this occasion it was some Indian curry followed by pistachio nuts. She will happily eat anything that humans eat, including lettuce, celery, spinach, raw kale, etc.

How did Ginger get her name? Any nicknames?

She was initially named Vi by the people at the shelter (being largely a Vizsla), and my daughter suggested Ginger because of her beautiful coloring and eyes. By the way, our family speaks Hebrew at home and Ginger is a bilingual dog. Although there is another word for “ginger” in Hebrew, the English word is typically used in day-to-day Hebrew. Her most frequent nickname is Ginger-baby!

How were you and Ginger united?

That is a fascinating story! About 16 years ago, when my wife and then-3-month old daughter moved from Israel to the US for postdoctoral studies, we brought our 12 year-old dog with us. Our kids grew up hearing countless stories of the semi-mythical canine figure that once played such an essential role in my life, and had been hounding us (pun intended) for years about adopting a dog. We finally overcame the last objections (my wife), with me mortgaging my soul in the process, and set out to adopt a dog last summer. Wanting only a very friendly and affectionate dog who is also active and enjoys long walks, I was convinced that a Labrador or Lab-mix would be a good fit for the family. I looked at dogs for adoption at a local and wonderful no-kill Nebraskan shelter (Hearts United for Animal, or HUA), and found a beautiful looking dog online whose primary description was loving, friendly and affectionate. My daughter, son and I set out to visit the shelter (about 80 miles from where we live), and we met “Vi” (given that name by the shelter because she was mostly, or at least half Vizsla). It was love at first lick. My kids had asked “How will we know if she is the right dog for our family?” After the visit there was no need to answer the question. Ginger fit in as though she had always been the key member of our family. By the way, when we adopted her she had been in the shelter for 3 years, and they had picked her up as a ‘stray’ in a small Nebraskan town when she was approximately 1 year old. The only explanation we could get as to why such a loving and beautiful dog hadn’t been adopted earlier was that people were worried about her highly affectionate nature and tendency to jump up in the air in pure happiness. Their loss and our gain!

Are there any Ginger-inspired dogs in your fiction?

Not yet, but doubtlessly there will be! My previous dog, Rodrigo (named after the Spanish composer) inspired the appearance of Compo (short for composer) in my first novel, Matter Over Mind.

Does Ginger do more to help or hinder your writing?

Ginger never hinders anything. She is the most wonderful wonderful companion, respectful of my work and time. Vizsla’s are known as Velcro dogs because of the way they stick to their humans, and Ginger sticks closer to me than my shadow! I think she ‘imprinted’ on me. But she also knows that I am a sucker for a game of ball or a nice long walk.

Who is Ginger's best pet-pal?

I guess that would have to be Vanilla the Guinea Pig, by default.

Where is Ginger's favorite outdoor destination?

Ginger loves any destination, outdoor or indoor, as long as she is with her humans. Walks to the park with a ‘Chuckit’ and tennis ball are well-loved, but I’d have to say that the few times we’ve taken her to swim in a nearby lake have been a highlight for her. She loves swimming and especially retrieving tennis balls thrown in the water.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Tennis ball, Tennis ball, Tennis ball (by the dozen)! Ginger has tremendous stamina, and as a pointer-retriever, she will keep going and retrieving for hours if I can spare the time. She also loves to catch tennis balls in the air or on the first bounce, and I spend a lot of time practicing with her. She leaps high in the air for catches and is very competitive and hates to miss a catch.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Rabbits! Ginger is a Pointer-Retriever, which means that when she spots a rabbit she slinks down really low to the ground and lifts one of her front paws, pointing in the direction of her prey. Now, what she would actually do if she caught a rabbit is another story. My guess would be to lick her to death.

What is Ginger's best quality?

Ginger’s best quality is her personality; her super-sweet affectionate nature. But she is no push-over; she is a dog who knows what she wants and how to ask for it!

If Ginger could change one thing about Nebraskans, what would it be?

I don’t know if this is a common thing in other states in the US (or perhaps other parts of the world), but dogs are loved and revered in Nebraska. It seems that almost everybody has a dog, and they are very well-treated by humans. I was very surprised one Saturday morning when I went through the drive-through bank (a common feature in the mid-west) and Ginger came along for the ride. When my driver’s license (ID) had been returned after I deposited a check via the air-pressure shuttle that sends the capsule to the teller at the window, I found a couple nice dog biscuits had been inserted for Ginger. I’m betting Ginger wishes that all Nebraskans would hand out treats in such a nice way!

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

I had to ask my kids for help on that one: Jennifer Lawrence of The Hunger Games.

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

First, Ginger definitely answers questions, at least in a yes or no manner. For example, if I ask her if she wants to go outside, she will leap vertically 3 feet in the air (seriously!). She makes basketball players look bad. But when Ginger does not want to go out (if it is raining or dark), she sits down where she is when I ask. If I ask her a second time, she then proceeds to lie down, as if to say “What part of ‘no’ is it that you don’t get?!”

But if I could ask her a question that she could answer with more than a yes-no response, it would have to be “Where did you live before you arrived at the shelter (HUA)?"

Visit Steve Caplan's website and Amazon author's page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Charlie Quimby & Roxy

Who is in the photo at right?

Roxy is a roughly four-and-a-half-year-old female who was advertised as a lab/pointer mix. As with most of us Americans who aren't pure-bred, it cannot be the entire story. Charlie Quimby is a writer and author of the novel, Monument Road.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Laughing Dog Coffee House in Grand Junction is located on Monument Road and I pass it by every time I go into town. My regular stop there is Thursday mornings on the way to my volunteer gig (where the coffee's free but weak). Today, I brought Roxy along for errands and a walk in a new place.

What's brewing?

Normally, I go for volume and darkness. This time, since I'd already consumed 2/3rds of a pot at home, the "coffee" is actually a chai skim latte.

Any treats for you or Roxy on this occasion?

Roxy got a couple treats for jumping up on the planter for the picture. She has a year's supply for winning an Average Dog Trick contest in Minneapolis last summer, so we have to dole them out or she'll lose her girlish stunt dog figure.

How did your dog get her name? Any nicknames?

The name just jumped in my head when my wife and I were taking her home. (Roxy is semi-officially Susan's dog and I am assistant owner.) Nicknames include Rox and Sweetie, both of which are subject to misunderstanding when we go out in public. Kid: "Your dog's name is Rocks?" Woman: Silent glare at the man standing nearby who says, "Hey, Sweetie."

How were you and Roxy united?

Roxy was a mange-afflicted seven-month-old adopted from the Animal Humane Society in Minnesota. She was among the first 2,000 dogs who've made the trip all the way up from Oklahoma through a rescue program called Save Our Strays.

Are there any dogs in your fiction that are inspired by Roxy?

A ranch dog plays an important minor role in Monument Road, and a drug dealer's pit bulls also put in an appearance. But those dogs are too obedient to have been inspired by Roxy.

Does Roxy do more to help or hinder your writing?

She helps tremendously because my wife and I are both retired, and Susan takes her for a long walk each morning, which guarantees a daily period of quiet in the house. Now Susan's got a book project going and I'm going to have to pay her back for some of those days. (I mostly handle night and some afternoon walks.) It'll mean I have to structure my time differently, which isn't a bad thing.

Who are Roxy's best pet-pals?

In Minnesota, it's Simba, one of our two cats who is utterly unintimidated by Roxy's desire to play. When we're in Colorado, it's Panda, my sister's mini-Aussie who lives next door and is more inclined to wrestle.

Where is Roxy's favorite outdoor destination?

She's fortunate to have so many options, but it's probably a beach on Lake Michigan in Door County Wisconsin where Susan's family has a cottage. She gets to swim, run full out, dig without ceasing and gobble the occasional rotting fish.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick…?

She needs no props in order to play, and she's a chaser but not much of a returner, so her ball functions mainly as a pull toy. She keeps a nylabone next to her bed like a pack of cigarettes.

Cat, postman, squirrel…?

In a yard full of oaks? Squirrels, definitely.

What is Roxy's best quality?

Beauty that's more than skin deep. She attracts attention but then knows what to do with it in a particular situation. I think she won the pet trick contest in part because she was the only dog who spontaneously schmoozed the judges.

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

She would have me running again, so our walks would have a more vigorous pace. When she's off-leash and decides to lay it out, she's a sight to behold.

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

Roxy has too much taste to be in a movie that features a fake talking dog. And she would insist on doing her own lines and her own stunts. That would be in the contract.

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

"Describe fully how you experience time." I'd want to learn about her months in Oklahoma, but maybe dogs don't experience time as a narrative of past and present. I'm interested in how that short dog's lifespan feels in comparison to a longer human one. In particular, I'd want to know about her perception of the future beyond the next few minutes and what life's like without an awareness of one's mortality.

Visit Charlie Quimby's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Juliana Willems & Otis

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Juliana Willems. I work marketing and events at my local humane society, I foster mostly "pit bull" dogs and I document it all in my blog Peace, Love & Fostering. The dog with me in the photo is one of my former foster dogs Otis, a two year old mutt (American bull dog? boxer? pointer? pit bull dog?), who is currently staying with me while his forever dad is out of town.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Otis is a big baby and since he doesn't like doing anything without me I bring him along even for my morning coffee.

What's brewing?

Anything from Starbucks. Probably something seasonal - so right now a skim, no whip gingerbread latte.

Otis doesn't need coffee because he becomes instantly caffeinated whenever I return from being gone for more than 30 seconds.

Any treats for you or Otis on this occasion?

I try not to feed him in public so that his drool doesn't take over his entire being.

How did you and Otis first meet?

He was adopted by a friend of mine and it wasn't working out. I offered to dog-sit him when they went away for a weekend and, as you can probably guess, he never went back. I fostered him two separate times (one other adoption didn't work out, poor pup) until he found his perfect forever home. It was worth the wait, because he and his dad are the most perfect pair.

Would you share a bit of insight about your work with foster dogs?

In the past year I've had a handful of both long term and temporary fosters, including dogs from the rescue group I work with, Jasmine's House. Because I work at the county shelter I see how valuable fostering is to open up cage space for the homeless animals that pour in through our doors every day. My foster dogs have all picked me for one reason or another, and even though they've all been adopted, a part of each of them will stay with me forever.

How did Otis get his name? Any nicknames?

Otis came with his name. I absolutely hated it at first, but now I think it totally fits him. His full name when he was looking for a home was Honey Bunches of Otis, and some current nicknames include Oats, Otie, Otie-potie, and dumbo.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

None of the above. To quote Otie's owner: "Otis almost chased a squirrel today. When it ran in front of him he walked a little faster for a few strides."

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Again, none of the above. Your best bet is to take any of those things and cover them with peanut butter before presenting it to him.

Does Otis have a favorite place to go for walk?

Anywhere his human goes - otherwise, he prefers the couch.

Who is Otis's best pet-pal?

He shares a yard with a really cute female mutt-something. They flirt all the time, but they're still in the awkward "I'm pretending I don't really like you" phase. He also has a great BFF relationship with a cocker spaniel who is about 1/3 his size.

What is Otis's best quality?

He makes you feel like you're the coolest person in the world!

And he doesn't destroy the house when I leave (a quality you learn to seriously appreciate when you're continuously getting foster dogs who aren't used to living in a home).

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

He would probably try to make it so that I never went anywhere without him.

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

Do you really think whining makes things all better?

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

Oh, definitely whatever actor played Napoleon Dynamite.

Visit the Peace, Love & Fostering blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Jessica Pierce & Maya

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Jessica Pierce and I’m a bioethicist and writer. With me is Maya, my little German Shorthaired/English pointer Mix. She’s about 9 and a half, and the sweetest thing you’ll ever meet. We’ve just finished a run together.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I go to The Stone Cup almost every day, and almost always with Maya at my side. We stop there on our way back from a morning run and I arm myself with caffeine before I head to work. The motto of The Stone Cup is “Lyons’ Front Porch”—it is a hub of activity in this little town. My day doesn’t really feel complete without a few minutes on the Porch.

What's brewing?

I am a creature of habit. I have a flat macchiato, little extra milk, small sized cup, and a piece of the Stone Cup’s most excellent pumpkin-walnut bread. They know me well, so I just have to walk up and say “The usual.” The Stone Cup uses organic and fair trade coffee beans, and they compost or recycle almost every scrap of trash they produce.

Any treats for you or your dog on this occasion?

Maya shares my pumpkin bread. She doesn’t really like walnuts, so I have to pick those out for her.

How were you and your dog united?

Maya’s father, Buzz Lightyear, belonged to a friend of mine. This friend just happened to mention that Buzz had sired a litter of pointer-mix pups and that there was one little puppy who still needed a home. My daughter and I went out to visit the mom, Ocho, and her two remaining pups, Maggie and our little Maya. (Maggie remained with Ocho’s family.) Pointer puppies don’t yet have their spots, so Maya was pure white except for her solid brown head. She looked like she had been dipped upside-down in a bucket of brown paint. She was fat as a sausage and, of course, totally irresistible.

How did she get her name? Any aliases?

Maya is named after a guinea pig. Said guinea pig belonged to one of my daughter’s kindergarten friends. Our Vizsla, Odysseus, had been invited inside this friend’s house one day, during a play date. Ody proceeded down to their basement to visit the guinea pig. Later that night, the poor guinea pig died mysteriously. My daughter’s five year old friend was convinced that Ody had caused the little creature to have a delayed heart attack. Ody was branded a murderer. We adopted Maya shortly after the guinea pig debacle, and it just seemed fitting to honor the life of the deceased guinea pig. Maia is also a goddess in Greek mythology, and so the name seemed like a nice complement to the great king Odysseus.

Maya’s nickname: Meep. Don’t ask why.

Please tell us about your new book, The Last Walk: Reflections on Our Pets at the Ends of Their Lives.

The Last Walk is about the final year of Ody’s life, and about the practical and moral challenges of caring for aged animals and helping them die well.

Does your dog have a favorite place to go for an outing?

Maya loves to go running with me, and it doesn’t matter where we go. But she especially loves a place called Button Rock Reservoir. There are miles and miles of mountain trail where Maya can run off leash.

Squeaky-toy, ball, stick...?

She has a stuffed collie which she likes to use for tug-of-war. Actually, it isn’t stuffed anymore—she pulled out all the fuzz.

Who is your dog's best pet-pal?

Thor the cat. Who really thinks he’s a dog.

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

Oh dear… so many choices. She would probably make me be a little less conscientious, that way I would feed her more treats and worry less about her getting a little round about the belly.

If Maya could speak in the movie about your life, who should do her voice?

Natalie Portman.

If your dog could answer just one question in English, what would you ask her?

I would ask her if she likes being an only dog or if she would rather we got her a sibling or two.

Read more about The Last Walk: Reflections on Our Pets at the Ends of Their Lives at Jessica Pierce's website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Laura & Bongo

Who is in the photo at right?

This photo is of me – Laura – and Bongo. I work as Director of Children’s Ministry at a local church and Bongo works hard at keeping up his blog. Bongo is a Pointer Mix – we’re not sure what all that mix includes – and is nine years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Bongo and I just returned from the trails and are ready for a refreshing drink. I’m not a coffee drinker so it’s iced tea for me, and Bongo’s happy with water.

What's brewing?

I’m drinking Arizona Iced Tea with lemon.

Any treats for you or Bongo on this occasion?

Our treat was our walk on the trails, so we won’t indulge in anything else right now.

How did Bongo get his name? Any aliases?

Bongo already had his name when we got him. The name fit him, so we kept it.

How were you and Bongo united?

Bongo was a rescue dog. We found him about six years ago at the Sedona Humane Society. I had our back yard fenced so we could get a dog and then went searching. Bongo came over to us and kept handing us balls to toss for him, so we figured he was the one. What we didn’t realize was that Bongo is a jumper and it didn’t take him long to learn that he could jump the fence.

Does Bongo have any non-canine pet-pals?

Bongo lives with a cat named Scratchy and they tolerate each other. He loves it when our mail carrier comes to the door because she loves on him, and he likes to make friends with the people we meet on the trails.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Bongo’s favorite toys are a snake that squeaks on both ends, and his Frisbee.

What is Bongo's best quality?

Bongo’s best quality is his playfulness. He loves it when he finds someone – person or dog – who will play with him.

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

Bongo would want me to drop everything and play with him anytime he’s ready.

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

I haven’t imagined Bongo with an actor’s voice and I think he’d settle for the voice of the dog who plays Marley in Marley and Me.

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

I’d ask him who he lived with before he came to live with us.

Visit Bongo's blog and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Glen Tickle & Elvis Costello

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Glen Tickle, the one with the beard. I’m a comedian and host of Pretending to be on TV with Glen Tickle. With me is my lovely wife Stephanie and our five year old English Pointer Elvis Costello.

What’s the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We took Elvis to a new dog park that opened in Easton, PA which happened to be nearby The Quadrant Book Mart and Coffee House. He was really pumped for the dog park and Steph was really pumped for the book store. We went there because they had outdoor tables, but we didn’t stay long because it was freezing that day.

What’s brewing?

I had a cappuccino. Steph had something pumpkin flavored.

Any treats for you or Elvis on this occasion?

We brought along a doggie biscotti for Elvis from home. That dude loves biscotti. Steph and I each had a bagel.

How were you and Elvis united?

Elvis used to live with a woman my mother worked with who had to give him up. She didn’t want to take him to a shelter and tried very hard to find a good home for him. Steph and I had just bought a house and I really wanted a dog, so I went to meet Elvis and the first thing he did was shake my hand. He’s very polite. When I came back with Steph so she could meet him, the woman had just gotten home as we pulled up and hadn’t had a chance to let Elvis out yet, so as soon as she opened the door Elvis bolted passed all of us and ran around the yard non stop for a solid twenty minutes at full speed before finally calming down enough to meet Steph. It took some convincing after that to get my wife on board, but she came around.

How did Elvis get his name?

He was three when we adopted him, so he already had the name. Although he originally he was named after Elvis Prestley, but because he’s an English Pointer I thought Elvis Costello was more fitting. Now he’s a lot hipper.

Aliases?

I tend to give his name a French accent a lot of the time for no real reason, calling him “El-vee”.

Does Elvis make any contribution to your comedy?

Constantly. I’ve written more jokes about Elvis than anything else. Some people would say I have too many jokes about him. Those people are wrong. The first thing I shot for Pretending to be on TV was an interview with Elvis, and he’s made a few minor appearances on the show since. Last year during National Novel Writing Month Elvis featured prominently in what I was writing.

Also, often when I’m writing things like guest posts for blogs like this one, Elvis will decide he’d rather I be chasing him around the dining room table while he carries his favorite toy in his mouth. Be back soon.

Does Elvis have a favorite place to go for a walk?

He doesn’t seem to have much of a preference for where we go, just as long as we go for a walk. He does it for the love of the game. He really likes walks, but he goes completely bonkers when he gets to ride in the car. He looks out the window, but pants with such vigor that the glass fogs up, so he licks it clean. The back seat of my car is coated in fur and slobber. He’s really sort of disgusting.

Squirrel, postman, cat…?

Squirrel. No contest. He spends most of his time outside in our yard running between two trees and barking at the squirrels. He loves the postman because he carries treats, and he’s afraid of my in-laws’ cat.

Squeaky-toy, ball, stick…?

Elvis is a big proponent of the squeaky toy. His favorite right now is a monster I bought him for Halloween. It seems like his favorite time to really get into a good rhythm with his squeaking is when Steph and I are trying to watch TV. He's also a pretty big fan of his moose, with whom we caught him snuggling.

Who are your dog’s best pet-pals?

Elvis’ best friend is Dylan, the German Shepherd that lives behind us. Over the summer he regularly wanders over to our yard to visit.

What is Elvis’ best quality?

He’s exceedingly polite. His go-to move when he meets people is to give them a high five. When he’s around other dogs he shares his toys, his water, whatever.

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

I think he would like to see me unemployed so I’m home all the time. He does his best to break my heart every time I leave. And he reacts with the same raucous enthusiasm when I walk in the door whether I had been gone for two weeks or just walked out to get the mail.

What is Elvis’ proudest moment?

When he finally caught one of the squirrels in our yard.

Most embarrassing?

Probably when I told him that he’s not actually supposed to catch the squirrels.

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

I suppose it should be the human Elvis Costello.

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

“You’re happy you live here, right?”

Visit Glen Tickle's website and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Eric Goebelbecker & Caffeine

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Eric. I am a software engineer on Wall Street and also own and run Dog Spelled Forward, my dog training business.

I give classes every week at the Maywood Veterinary Clinic in Maywood NJ and Fetch Club in New York City. I'm also a substitute instructor at St. Hubert's Dog Training School, where I apprenticed to learn dog training from the best trainers in the business.

I write for my own blog and for Dog Star Daily, and also do a podcast for the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, where I am on the Board of Directors.

Caffeine has been with me since she was nine weeks old. She is nine years old now and a Border Collie/Pointer mix, as far as we know. Caffeine takes "high energy" to a new level. At nine she is still running, jumping, and generally driving everyone nuts.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Caffeine and I walk to Moon Doggie Coffee Roasters a few times a week. Sometimes just the two of us, sometimes with Buddha and/or Gage, my other two dogs.

What's brewing?

Tanzanian Peaberry, black, no sugar. This is my favorite brew and I can only find it at Moon Doggie.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Not this time. Sometimes I go for one of their cranberry muffins, but my wife took the picture and she's pretty strict about my diet.

Any treat for Caffeine on this occasion?

Moon Doggie always has great treats out for dogs! The owner, Donna, volunteers for a Basset Hound Rescue. Caffeine got a heart-shaped cookie this time.

How were you and your dog united?

We found Caffeine at a rescue, as a puppy. I believe on Petfinder? Was it around back then? We had just lost Sally, a pit bull mix, to lymphoma.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

When we visited the rescue they had two puppies, Caffeine and another. Caffeine was the more spirited of the two, eagerly jumping around and exploring the lobby of the grooming salon where we met. At one point she attacked, fatally wounded, and then eviscerated a defenseless Dunkin' Donuts bag. I told my wife "We could name her Caffeine."

A few days, after we decided to adopt her, I called the rescue to ask about her. When I said we had seen a female black and white puppy the volunteer said "Oh! You mean Caffeine?" The name had stuck!

She is often referred as "the Princess" because she can be very demanding as far as how much attention she receives and what she believes she deserves treats for. (Breathing, drinking, eating....) She is also sometimes called "Decaf," usually after 8:00PM.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Yup. But she only wants to smother the postman with kisses.

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

Caffeine loves to play fetch, but she prefers a squeaky ball with something for me to grab onto so we can tug between throws. Right now her favorite is a large sized "Bad Cuz" rubber ball. She also loves when I set up the agility equipment in the yard for the spring and summer.

Where is Caffeine's favorite place for an outing?

She loves the walk to Moon Doggie, but enjoys playing in the yard quite a bit too.

Who are your dog's best pet-pals?

Buddha, my other Border Collie mix, is probably her best friend. They love to wrestle in the morning, and can often be found lying near each other. Gage, our other dog, is a bit if a jerk and doesn't always play nicely.

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

I'm too stingy with the treats, and won't let her eat my food directly off of my plate. I'm a bit of a jerk that way.

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

Caffeine is a real ham. She loves to show off in front of people. We attended a K-9 Nose Work seminar last year and she was the absolute center of attention for a couple of 5 minute sessions and I thought she would explode with pride.

Visit the Dog Spelled Forward blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Pam Townsend & Tango and Ceiligh

Who is in the photo at right?

Me, Pam Townsend, writer, photographer, and vice president of the SPCA/Humane Society of Prince George’s County, MD, hanging out in the backyard with our two dogs, Tango, an 11-year-old collie/sheltie/Akita/chow chow mix (according to a DNA test), and Ceiligh (pronounced KAY-lee) an 8-year-old pointer/JRT.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Who needs an “occasion” for a good cup of coffee, and what better way to enjoy it than in the company of my favorite canines? I can usually be found sipping mine while sitting at my computer as Tango and Ceiligh snooze at my feet, or if the weather is warm, I sprawl in an Adirondack chair on the patio while they protect the yard from squirrels.

What's brewing?

Starbucks mocha…I’m addicted! I usually go for decaf. (And don’t say, “Why bother?” I get plenty of caffeine from the English Breakfast tea I brew at home.) Today it’s hot mocha, but when I’m sitting outside in the spring or summer, it’s definitely iced.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Not today. Once I realized how many calories are in a mocha, I try to think of it as a major treat to be savored without the “distraction” of other textures and flavors.

Any treat for your dogs on this occasion?

Tango and Ceiligh are enjoying a freeze-dried chicken breast strip today…although they’ll have consumed every morsel long before my mocha is gone.

How were you and Tango and Ceiligh united?

My husband, Mark, and I adopted Tango and his littermate Samba (who sadly died last February from hemangiosarcoma) when they were almost 14 weeks old. We saw them at an SPCA adoption show and they looked so much like Boris, our beautiful black Lab/golden retriever who had just passed away, that they made us cry. And that was that.

Ceiligh joined our family 3 years later. Mark and I went into a pet supply store to get goldfish for our pond, and a local rescue group was there with a litter of black-and-white puppies. After holding Ceiligh for a few minutes—just to help socialize her, you understand—I was smitten. So instead of goldfish, we went home with an 8-week-old, 5-pound puppy.

How did your dogs get their names? Do they have any nicknames?

Tango and Samba joined our family when Mark and I were taking ballroom dance lessons, so dance-related names just seemed natural. I came up with Fred and Ginger, but Mark thought they were too “obvious.” Of all the dances we’d been learning, tango and samba made the best names. When we adopted Ceiligh, we wanted to stick to the dance theme. A ceiligh or ceilidh is an Irish or Scottish dance or dance party. It’s turned out to be really appropriate since she doesn’t so much walk as prance around. When talking to them, we sometimes call them things like Tango Booshmoo, TangoBoo, and Ceilighwicious; disgusting, isn’t it?

You are a professional photographer. What's the trickiest thing about getting a dog to stay in the frame for a photo?

I absolutely love photographing dogs but it can definitely be a challenge sometimes. If a dog knows basic commands, like “sit,” “down,” and “stay,” it’s obviously much easier to do a portrait-type shot. But if it’s not trained or it’s a puppy, it’s a whole different story. I’m always prepared with lots of yummy treats for rewards—or bribes—and usually bring a variety of props—everything from dog toys and old riding boots to baskets and feather boas—for them to interact with. If they’re really high energy, I’ll usually play with them a while to wear them out before trying to photograph them. And I’ve gotten really good at making “interesting” noises to get their attention.

Please tell us about your dog photo books.

Because Tango and Samba—like their two predecessors—were black dogs, I became aware of the difficulty black shelter dogs face finding homes, a situation sometimes referred to as “Black Dog Syndrome.” In an effort to increase awareness of this issue and to expose people to the beauty and diversity of black dogs, I self-published a photo book called Black is Beautiful: A Celebration of Dark Dogs.

More recently I produced A is for Angel: A Dog Lover’s Guide to the Alphabet, which features the photos of dogs whose names begin with each letter of the alphabet. Profits from the distribution of both books, which are available on my blog, support selected animal welfare organizations.

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

Tango likes rubber ball-type toys and kongs. Currently, his prized possession is a thick, somewhat squishy rubber ball that looks like a white-and-orange globe. He loves for us to throw it for him, inside or out; Mark once tossed it to him for 135 times in a row. Often when we’re eating dinner, Tango will drop his ball near Mark’s legs, then back up and stare at Mark for several minutes before giving up. He also likes to drop the ball in the tub—and then retrieve it—while I’m taking a bath.

Ceiligh, although also very fond of playing fetch, is most enamored with her collection of “babies,” stuffed toys of all shapes and sizes. She can—and does—spend hours carrying around the baby of the moment or curling up and mouthing it till it’s rather damp.

Who are Tango and Ceiligh's best pet-pals?

Tango isn’t what you’d call a dog’s dog, having a rather prickly personality when it comes to most canines, but he absolutely adores my parents’ 14-year-old yellow Lab, Abby, perhaps because he met her when he was only 5 months old. He only sees her a few times a year but each time he does, he acts like an infatuated school boy with a canine cougar, play bowing, pouncing, and nuzzling her ears.

Ceiligh likes Abby almost as much as Tango does, but being of a more social nature, she also has other casual doggy pals, including those she attends agility class with and the parade of foster puppies that have used our house as a way station between the county shelter and their forever homes. Still, when it comes down to it, I think Ceiligh thinks she’s the same species that I am and would rather spend time with me—and some of my friends—than other canines.

Where is Tango and Ceiligh's favorite place for an outing?

Both dogs enjoy hiking in the woods of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains or spending a week on Hilton Head Island, SC, where they can walk the beach and run in the waves. Ceiligh is a particularly strong swimmer and adores aquatic retrieving.

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

They’d probably prefer it if I had fur coat like theirs so that I wouldn’t be so negatively affected by the cold. That way, I’d walk them more in the winter.

What is each dog's proudest moment?

I’d say both dogs are proudest of being included in my books,…although Tango still hasn’t gotten over the fact that I chose Samba to be the Black is Beautiful cover girl.

Most embarrassing?

I’m guessing that the most embarrassing moments for both Ceiligh and Tango have involved being dressed up for Halloween or Christmas photos, although they tolerate the humiliation pretty well.

Visit the Digital Doggy Photography website and the Dancing with the Digital Doggy blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Jan Price & Merci, Sam, and Buddy

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Jan Price and I'm the one holding the leashes in the photo at right. Merci is a small red mixed breed, Sam is a liver and white English Pointer mix, and Buddy is pure hound. I'm a pet blogger who enjoys writing and taking photographs.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

This is our usual morning walk. I try to take them on two a day since walking is good for all of us.

What's brewing?

I don't like strong coffee so I always prefer to brew my own. It's just regular Maxwell House without any additives – no milk substitute or sugar.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

I only have two hands, one for the leashes and one for the coffee, so there are no goodies with the coffee.

Any treat for your dogs on this occasion?

No, no treats for the dogs on this walk. They don't get treats before breakfast.

How were you and your dogs united?

All the dogs were throwaways. Merci was adopted from the local animal shelter. Buddy was dumped in mid December – at only 3 or 4 weeks of age. And Sam was abandoned when he was 4 months old.

How did your dogs get their names? Do they have any nicknames?

I really wanted a dog that would get along with my cats and not hurt them. Merci has definitely lived up to her name. Buddy – well, he's my buddy. He can't stand for me to even take out the trash without him. He howls. And he's taught the others to join him. I'm not big on nicknames for animals, so Sam is the only dog with one. His name is actually Samaritan but Sam is easier to type.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

If you are asking which they would like to chase, no squirrel is safe on our walks, but they would chase a cat too. Sam was very disappointed when I brought him home because he would jump at one of the cats and bark, trying to make it run so he could chase it. But they were used to Merci and Buddy and just ignored him. On our walks, they will argue over which one gets to chase the squirrel, even though they're each restrained by a leash.

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

None of them like a Frisbee. Buddy likes a tennis ball. Sam prefers a soccer ball. And they all like a squeaky-toy.

Where is your dogs' favorite place for an outing?

They love our walks. They will refuse to go out the back door into a pen when it's raining, snowing, the wind is blowing, or it's sweltering. But they will run directly from the back door to the front door to get hooked up to go for a walk. They did this during a recent sleet/snow storm. The weather was too bad to go out the back door but not too bad to go out the front door so I could get pelted with ice while they peed. Had I been daft and tried to walk them in that storm, they would have enjoyed it.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

They don't get to socialize much any more. But when Merci first came, she loved the cats and was a cat magnet on our walks. She rescued Percy when he was very young and Cameron, a neighbor's kitten, loved Merci so much he came in one day and wouldn't leave. He was the last kitten from a litter so the neighbors were glad he found himself a home.

What is each dog's most endearing quality?

Merci is a gentle dog. Buddy was the inspiration for Jan's Funny Farm blog. He was always into something and you could almost see the wheels spinning in his mind as he plotted. Sam has no fear of the camera. When it comes out, the other animals stop what they are doing or leave the room. But not Sam. When the camera appears, Sam is front and center, all excited he's going to get attention.

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

Merci's proudest moment had to be coming home with Percy. She didn't give up telling me the “bird” was a cat. And finally he crawled out from under a bush. I notified the office we were walking by since he was inside locked gates and rushed home to grab a carrier. We got back just as maintenance appeared. Merci was so happy she appeared to be prancing on air all the way home.

When Buddy was small, he liked his toys and bedding spread out and messy. Merci would pick up all the toys – cat and dog – and put them in a neat pile in “her den.” Buddy would spread out their bedding, rumple it up, stomp it good, and spread everything around again. And then he would pose as proud as a peacock with the end result.

Sam's proudest moment has to be when he finally mastered “roll over.” He's a big dog and he had a real problem getting the momentum to roll over all the way. He was terribly frustrated. And then one day he did it. He was so excited he kept running around knocking things over with his wagging tail.

I can't think of any embarrassing moments for them, though I'm sure there have been some.

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

I think they would most like for me to spend less time on the computer and more time on walking adventures with them.

Visit Jan's Funny Farm blog.

--Marshal Zeringue