Cate Holahan & Westley

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Cate Holahan and the handsome hound to the right is Westley. He’s a pug/beagle mix, known as a puggle, and is eleven and a half years young. I’m a bestselling author of psychological thrillers and Westley is my uncertified therapy dog. Whenever I am penning a stressful scene, he’s there to let me pet him and takeaway some of my anxiety.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Westley and I have coffee together every morning after his morning walk, before I start writing.

What's brewing?

I have a Miele coffee maker and Starbucks blonde roast is brewing. Today, I’ve put some ice in it because it’s hot out here in NJ.

Any treats for you or Westley on this occasion?

Westley lives for treats. He’s chewing on some dehydrated chicken.

How were you and Westley united?

Westley and I found one another through a Craigslist post. Someone had a litter of puggles and he was the runt. Poor little guy had worms. I adopted him and got him to the vet. And he’s clearly not the runt anymore.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

My husband and I named him Westley after the pirate in The Princess Bride. We’d hoped he would do “as you wish.” Like the Dread Pirate Roberts, he really does as he wishes.

Does Westley do more to help or hinder your writing?

Westley definitely helps me not feel so alone when I’m writing a scary or tense scene.

Has Westley inspired the creation of any fictional canines?

I love dogs, but I don’t really write about them.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

My dog catches squirrels. He has a strong prey drive, despite his age and his fondness for treats.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Squeaky ball.

Who is Westley's best pet-pal?

Westley loves his “cousin” Jack, a ten-year-old Australian shepherd (my sister’s dog). He also is infatuated with her cat and whines for her attention. But she wants nothing to do with him.

What is Westley's best quality?

He’s a good time guy. He loves everything. I think he even loves squirrels… just not in the way they’d appreciate.

If Westley could change one thing about New Jerseyans, what would it be?

Traffic.

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

If he’s been happy.

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

Edward Norton.

What advice would Westley give if asked?

Don’t stress. Have a snack.

Visit Cate Holahan's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Natalie & Max and Rambo

Who is pictured in these photos?

Hey all, I am Natalie, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, 21-Day Sugar Detox Coach, real-food blogger and photographer, a Type 1 diabetic (which brought me to the health and wellness field) and an American Sign Language Interpreter. Max (fawn coloring) is a 5 year-old Puggle but a very old soul; Rambo (black) is also a 5 year-old Puggle, but will forever be a puppy! They are not litter mates, but were born exactly 4 months apart.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

During the week I stick to homemade tea lattes, so it is basically just Caffeine with my Canines. My tea lattes are similar to my coffee beverages, except I swap out my favorite brewed tea for coffee. The weekends are meant for tasty coffee and relaxing in my front yard with the pups after our 6 AM walk.

What's brewing?

This is a Chai latte of my own creation; 1 cup coffee (Third Coast Coffee Roasters-Austin TX), 1/4 cup coconut milk, a splash of vanilla extract, 2 tbsp. Collagen Peptides, 1/2 tbsp. maple syrup, a pinch of sea salt and then a mixture of ground cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, all-spice and cloves. I throw all that in a blender which creates a lovely froth, then sprinkle on some additional cinnamon which helps to balance blood sugar levels.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

No matter the day, these dogs always get a little coconut cream. They love it!

How were you and your dogs united?

My husband and I were trying to agree on a breed. I love big dogs and he wanted small ones. We saw a puggle on TV and started our research. Two months later we got Max, and 4 months after that we added Rambo to the family.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Max's full name is Maximus Meridius, Russell Crowe's character in Gladiator. He also responds to Maxie. Rambo is named after Sylvester Stallone's character John Rambo. He looks pretty tough when he wears his red bandana.

Do your dogs have a role at A Nourished Appetite headquarters?

These dogs end up in most of my blog posts because there is usually some kind of kitchen shenanigans in which they are involved. They make great recipe testers as well, but do not provide much feedback! I also test recipes specifically for them, like baked sweet potato treats. They have both been on a grain-free diet since we got them due to Rambo's sensitive skin. Max recently started having idiopathic general seizures, which basically means the vets do not know why they started and what causes them. A holistic vet I took him to recommended I make their food and start treating his seizures with CBD oil and lepsilyte. Lepsilyte is a botanical medication formulated from extracts of skullcap and valerian. It significantly reduces the frequency and severity of seizures. CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant and has been shown to greatly reduce seizures in animals and humans. We have had great success with this approach and I am happy to say his seizures are almost none existent. For their food, I throw a bunch of ground meats, organ meats, frozen blueberries, sweet potato, spinach, green beans, peas and carrots in the crock pot with bone broth. Sometimes their meals look more appetizing than mine!

Where is the dogs' favorite outdoor destination?

Luckily here in San Diego we have so many outdoor options. They love the Coronado Dog Beach! I try to take them there as often as I can but the trip always requires two humans because they both handle the beach in their own way. Rambo chases all the big dogs around, barking annoyingly when they won't play with him. Meanwhile, Max is busy raiding people's bags for snacks.

What is each dog's best quality?

Max is one of the smartest dogs I have ever owned. Unfortunately, he uses those smarts to manipulate treats from me! He will purposefully bring in rocks, sticks, clumps of dirt knowing he will get the "drop it" command and then walk directly to the treat cabinet to receive a reward. Now that I am on to him and his schemes, he only gets belly rubs, which he also enjoys. Max would let you pet him all day long if you had the time. Rambo is a little Mama's boy and follows me wherever I go. He cannot be in a room without me. I should have named him Shadow. Unlike Max, he only wants attention on his own terms. He tenses up when people try to pet him, especially small humans. When he decides he need attention, he will make it known by crawling on your lap and throwing his tongue in your mouth!

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

They lose their minds for anything that squeaks, balls especially. Rambo will play fetch till his lungs collapse. Max will chase the ball once, then lay down and try to destroy it. The dog has the craziest teeth and has eaten through softballs, tennis balls, golf balls, couches, shoes...you name it, he will destroy it. I do not keep toys laying around because they will be chewed up in minutes. Toys come out on special occasions and Max has to be monitored. Rambo is not a destroyer. He will play with a ball or toy by himself, batting it back and forth like a cat or laying on his back and playing with it like an otter.

Postman, cat, rabbit...?

Any noise outside of our fence warrants excessive barking. We see stray cats, lizards, coyotes and rabbits on our neighborhood walks . They lose their minds and try to chase them down, which is why these two pups are always leashed!

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

I am sure they would prefer I were a stay at home dog mom, unfortunately that is not the case. They do get walks in the early morning and wrestle, fetch, pet sessions in the evenings, which they love.

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

Why can't you brush your own teeth? It's a lot of work for me!

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

Max-Tommy Chong; Rambo-Steve Buscemi.

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

Please do not get a dog if you cannot walk them daily and give them all the love they deserve. Dogs are meant to be a part of the family, not something you tend to if time permits.

Visit the A Nourished Appetite blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Katie Welsh & Melo

Who is in the photo at right?

That’s me, Katie Welsh and I’m the blogger behind Coordinated Kate and also the photographer behind Katie Welsh Photography. And that’s my puggle Melo! He’s a little over one and a half years old. He’s actually a New Years Eve baby!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Well, this is a special occasion, and Melo and I took a trip down to the deli on the corner to grab some breakfast.

What's brewing?

Well, I actually strongly dislike coffee and I usually only drink tea, but since this is coffee with a canine, I thought I’d grab an iced coffee and load it up with half & half and sugar to mask the taste of any kind of coffee.

Any treats for you or Melo on this occasion?

I grabbed a croissant and I brought him one of his favorite pig skin rawhides.

How were you and Melo united?

I’ve wanted a dog of my own for a long time! My husband and I lived in an apartment for a few years and because of a neighbor that was “allergic”, we were never able to get a dog. I don’t think he was actually allergic at all. I just think that he didn’t want a dog so he didn’t want to have to hear one barking next door either. Anyways, the day that he moved out I went to our leasing office and asked about getting a dog and they said they’d check and get back to me but I was already in the process of getting Melo. He actually came home with me the night before a really big snow storm.

How did your dog get his name? Any nicknames?

My husband, Sam, wanted to name him Carmelo because of his caramel colored coat, and the fact that he’s a big basketball fan, but we decided to just shorten it to Melo. But he does have a special nickname: Fat Baby, which I don’t think he appreciates very much.

I know from your website that you're very organized. Does Melo make it easier or more difficult to stay coordinated?

Yes, he definitely makes it easier, because if anything is on the floor or within his reach, it’ll be in his mouth and I’ll need to chase him around the house to try and get it back. Therefore, everything has to stay organized and in it’s designated space.

Who is Melo's best pet-pal?

Cookie! My sister-in-law Simone has a pit terrier mix and her and Melo will play and fight and chase each other around for hours! And since Cookie is a lot bigger than Melo we can always expect to come home and rinse Cookie’s saliva off Melo’s ears at the end of the day!

[photo right: Melo and Cookie]

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

You name it and Melo will bark at it, unless it’s a child! He’s actually really great at not barking and scaring little kids, which will definitely come in handy when Sam and I start our family.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Melo is just really into tearing things apart. If it’s something soft, he’ll rip the stuffing out within 3 minutes of receiving it. Sticks and bones are the way to go with him because it takes him a lot longer to destroy.

Does Melo have a favorite place to go for walks?

It sounds really gruesome but there’s a big, beautiful cemetery at the top of the hill by our house and we both really enjoy walking through there in the mornings. It’s always very quiet, and enough hills that it tires us both out.

What is Melo's best quality?

One of the reasons I really wanted a dog was because I had lost my dad a few months earlier and I was at home a lot more and feeling a little depressed and need a comforting companion and Melo is the perfect companion for me! He knows when I’m upset or pissed off and he comforts me accordingly. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a more intuitive dog.

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

I think I would ask Melo if he hates it when I call his harness a bra. He knows that he has to wear it and he really loves when it comes off but I feel like he may be a little emasculated when I say things like, “come here Melo, let me take off your bra.” So, that might be my one and only question for him.

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

After receiving these questions, I asked Sam who he thought should voice Melo and he was describing a specific type of actor and I had already decided who I thought would be perfect, so I screamed out “Jonah Hill” And he absolutely agreed. I feel like Melo has a great sense of humor and is a little quirky so I’d be super interested in a movie about my life but only if Jonah Hill is the voice of Melo.

Visit the Coordinated Kate website and the Katie Welsh Photography website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Kasie Chelanne & Lola

Who is in the photo at right?

Hello, I'm Kasie. I work in the non-profit sector in sunny Los Angeles and blog at Musings on Momentum. My furry friend Lola is a six, soon to be seven, year old Puggle.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I generally make my own coffee at home. Lola loves any excuse to be in the kitchen and is always excited to help out with the process.

What's brewing?

You will normally find me drinking espresso from our espresso machine. I'm not picky about brand, though being originally from Seattle I do have a soft spot for Starbucks!

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

I often enjoy a slice of my favorite homemade gluten free berry crumble along with my espresso. If Lola has behaved herself during the brewing process she will get a treat once my coffee is ready.

How were you and Lola united?

During my last quarter of college I began the search for a furry friend through various pet adoption and rescue agencies in Seattle. Along the way I came across a little Puggle who had been rescued from a puppy mill. Though I was not chosen to be that Puggle's mom, I fell in love with the breed and knew they were the right pups for me. I began researching Puggles and found Lola a few weeks later.

Lola was the runt of her litter and by the time I met her she had all but been abandoned by her mother. She was so small when I brought her home. In fact she fit in the palm of my hand (and I have really small hands)!

Lola quickly bonded to me as her "mom" and it was clear we were meant to be from day one. We have the same personality...she is clearly my child!

Any treats for Lola on this occasion?

Always! Lola enjoys all foods but particularly loves Charlie Bear treats from Trader Joe's.

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

I came up with a lit of several names for a puppy before I got Lola. Her name was on the list and the second I met her I knew it was the perfect fit for her. She has many nicknames...her main one is Lolabee because she once wore a little bee costume for Halloween.

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

Lola adores squeaky toys! She has developed quite the collection of furry friends. Her favorite activity is defeating their squeakers before ripping them open.

Postman, cat, squirrel...?

Squirrel! Lola is quite intrigued by squirrels and loves to chase them up trees during her walks.

Where is Lola's favorite place for an outing?

We live right at the base of Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles. Lola loves to run around off leash and climb to the highest of high reaches of the canyon.

Who is Lola's best pet-pal?

Lola's best friend is Bowser, a Beagle and French Bulldog mix who she grew up with. They are quite the dynamic duo.

What is Lola's most endearing quality?

Lola really loves to snuggle up with people. Her capacity for love always cancels out any mischievous behavior.

If Lola could change one thing about Californians, what would it be?

She would ask them if they could please eat less healthy food because it doesn't make for the best table scraps. More meat please!

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

Ellen Degeneres! Nobody else possesses the level of sarcasm and sass necessary to voice Lola.

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

Why must you put everything in your mouth?

Visit the Musings on Momentum blog and Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue

Laura Norris & Charlie

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Laura, a freelance writer and running coach, and this is Charlie, a 3-year-old male rescue puggle.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We just finished a run, which is one of our favorite activities to do together, and heading out to grab a cup of coffee!

What's brewing?

Black coffee for me, which is my favorite, and water for Charlie.

Any treats for you or Charlie on this occasion?

Charlie will probably enjoy some homemade chicken broth when we get home, which is his favorite treat.

How were you and Charlie united?

My then-boyfriend (now husband) and I decided to adopt a dog to keep me company when I lived alone in a strange city for graduate school. We found Charlie through Petfinder and immediately knew he was the dog for us.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Before we even knew of Charlie, my husband and I decided that Charlie was the perfect name for a dog. It just came to us one day! We also call him "Snuggle Puggle," and "Chuckles" as nicknames.

You have a very lively blog about food and running. Would you tell us a bit about Charlie as a runner and as chowhound?

Charlie loves to run and to eat! He first starting running when he was 9 months old, and now runs 3-5 miles a few times per month. He also loves to go hiking and explore the outdoors. Charlie is quite the foodie and loves wholesome foods such as roasted chicken, homemade chicken broth, any time of cheese, and (oddly enough) raw cabbage and cauliflower.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Where we live there are lots of birds, and Charlie will always try to chase them! Meanwhile, the USPS and FedEx workers are usually terrified of him, because he will bark at them.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Charlie's favorite toy is a Durabone, but he also has several squeaky-toys that he is fond of. He removed the squeakers from most of them though!

Who is Charlie's best pet-pal?

Charlie's best pet pal is his puppy-uncle Frankie, who is my parents' 2-year-old puggle.

What is Charlie's best quality?

Charlie's best quality is that he is kind and friendly. He always knows how to put a smile on someone's face!

If Charlie could change one thing about Washingtonians, what would it be?

Charlie would change how they drive! He doesn't like the traffic around here and wishes he could get to the park sooner.

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

I would ask him how we could make his days even better, since he is such a sweet dog and I want the best for him.

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

The voice we gave Charlie sounds a lot like Ralph Wiggams from The Simpsons, so the same actor would have to voice him.

Visit This Runner’s Recipes, like This Runner’s Recipes on Facebook, and follow on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

--Marshal Zeringue

Bethany Whitfield & Maddie

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Bethany Whitfield and I am a Print Co-Ordinator for a polythene manufacturer in the UK. What's probably more interesting is that I am a Nail blogger. I write a blog called B Nailed To Perfection, where I write about reviews, nail art and other nail related things. Maddie is my little sweet Puggle and she will be two years old in February next year.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I never need an excuse to sit down and relax with my girl. In this picture we decided to have a sit in our garden...then she decided to invade my sunlight and sit on my knee!

What's brewing?

Just a good old Yorkshire brew!

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

A few chocolate hobnobs...my favourite!

How were you and Maddie united?

My boyfriend and I had been talking about getting a dog for a while and we saw her advertised by a local breeder, went to meet her and we fell in love!

Any treats for Maddie on this occasion?

She has plenty of treats in the kitchen drawer haha but she loves her Stag bone at the moment.

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

We really didn't know what to call Maddie when we met her. We had to wait another week before we could go pick her up and we just searched for female names on Google and settled on Maddie. It was quote appropriate too as she is mad.

She has loads of nick names but the most common ones are Maddie moo and Stinky butt!

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

She gets obsessed with new toys so unfortunately rarely gets them as within 10 minutes they are ripped to shreds. I think her aim is just to de-stuff them, but she doesn't play -- she destroys! She does have a couple of rubber toys that she has had from being a puppy; she plays fetch with them everyday and they are still intact.

Postman, cat, squirrel...?

Pussy cat! Where where?!

Where is Maddie's favorite place for an outing?

She loves going up to the field on a weekend morning as that is the time she gets off lead play with her favourite fetch toy.

Who is Maddie's best pet-pal?

She loves Hank who is a Pug and they see each other quite a lot as he just lives up the road.

What is Maddie's most endearing quality?

Her big eyes. She just looks at you and makes you happy.

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

Probably my job so I could spend alllllll day with her!

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

Gosh that's a tricky one....maybe Sandra Bullock?

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

Do you love being with us? Which I'm sure the answer would be yes as she seems so happy.

Visit Bethany Whitfield's B Nailed To Perfection blog and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Jenifer Meadows & Lola

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Jenifer Meadows and I am a Licensed Massage Therapist! This is Lola, our 4-year-old female Cavalier Puggle!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Today Mommy and Daddy have the day off, so we went on a run at the park, and on some days we will end it with a Starbucks coffee date!

What's brewing?

I had a tall soy caramel mocchiato, my fall favorite!

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Daddy had a bacon gouda breakfast sandwich.

How were you and Lola united?

We did a lot of research before bringing home a pup, and realized a puggle was the ideal dog for us, because they are happy to stay inside and tug on lazy days, and also excited to take a nice walk or hike! We searched for about 6 months to find one, and finally came across a ad for someone who's puggle had made puppies with a cavalier spaniel, and was looking for homes! We went to look at the litter, not sure who we would choose, and little Lola made it clear she wanted to be with us. She would follow us around, and bring us toys, but was also relaxed and not very aggressive, giving us a chance to play with the others, always making it known that she wanted our attention! We have been inseparable ever since.

Any treats for Lola on this occasion?

Lola loves to get a Pupicciono, a cup full of whipped cream! We only do this every now and then, but she knows as soon as we pull into the drive thru it is coming, and gets so excited!

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

I have always loved the name Lola, so we picked it out before we met her, and it seems to fit! She does have lots of nicknames! Her full name (because I am silly) is Lola Bella Meadows, so sometimes we call her Bella, sometimes Bubba, sometimes Bo, and sometimes Pooper!

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

Squeaky-toy and Balls for sure! She has a crab that squeaks that is her favorite toy ever, and chasing a ball is her second favorite pastime, next to eating!

Postman, cat, squirrel...?

Lola loves to chase squirrels and birds at the park! We have two cats as well, and she is more intimidated by them then anything!

Where is Lola's favorite place for an outing?

Lola loves the forest and the beach equally ! Lots of trails, smells and things to investigate in the forest!

And at the beach she gets to run, dig and play! She loves the way the way the sand feels under her paws! You can see the excitement when the ocean air hits her nose, and her whole face changes when paws hit the sand!

Who is Lola's best pet-pal?

Lola's best pet-pal is my grandmother's Karen Terrier Bentley.

What is Lola's most endearing quality?

She is so loving, and always so happy to see us. When we are sad or sick, she is extra loving. When we have been gone and come home, she greets us with a furious amount of excitement and kisses!

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

I definitely think Lola would want me to quit my job and be home always, or that the world would allow her to go with me everywhere! She gets so sad and pouty when I get ready to leave, it's hard to imagine anything else she would change.

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

Lisa Kudrow, as Pheobe from Friends! She is light hearted and playful, always looking on the bright side!

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

Do we make you happy? I know that is silly, because we can clearly tell she loves us, but it would be great to know how we could make her life even better, because she makes our hearts so full!

--Marshal Zeringue

Savannah Miller & Lucy, Rufus, and Emma

Who is in the photo at right?

This is a photo of me, Savannah Miller, and my dog Lucy! I am a stay-at-home mom of 2 amazing little boys and the owner of The Simply Me blog. Lucy is a female black lab. She is 8 years old I got her in the summer of 2006 right after I graduated high school.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

My hubby and boys went to a Reading Phillies game so I had some alone time. I decided to talk Lucy for a walk and picnic.

What's brewing?

Seattle's Best Frozen coffee. It was hot outside when we had our coffee date I wanted something to cool down.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Oreos for me and Beneful bake delights for Lucy.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Growing up I loved the show I Love Lucy. That is how Lucy got her name. Emma my beagle was named by my hubby and Rufus my puggle was named after the bear my hubby gave me for our first V-Day. My kids like playing with the bear so they decided to call their puppy Rufus. They do have some Aliases:

Lucy - Luey, LuLu Bell, Delilah and pretty girl.

Emma - Emma-Jemma.

Rufus - Rufeo.

How were you and your dogs united?

My younger brother came home with a black lab puppy and said our neighbor was given them away for free. I had just rescued Rocky from a shelter (passed away in 2012) and he needed a lot of work; he was abused, so I wasn't ready for another dog just yet. I did want to see the puppies though. My hubby and I (at the time just boyfriend and girlfriend) went to see them and this hyper little runt would not leave us alone. She jumped all over my hubby ran back and forth to get our attention. At the time her ears were to big for her body; she was adorable and just stole our hearts. I knew she had to come home with me!! The saying is true: dogs choose us. The best part was she was perfect for Rocky -- they were best friends and did everything together. She taught him to trust and love again.

My hubby got Emma from his dad. And after Rocky passed away my kiddos were heartbroken. It took us several months, but we decided that Rocky wouldn’t want us heartbroken, that he would want us to love another pup and give them a good home. So we got Rufus: he was the last pup left in his litter.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Squirrels -- my pups go nuts whenever one gets to close to the porch.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Squeaky toy.

Where do your dogs most like to head to for outings?

Lucy likes to swim so I take her to the lake and my dad's pool. Emma gets to hunt with my hubby, and Rufus spends his days playing fetch with my kids.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

My kids -- Lucy and Rufus adore them. Emma is happy as long as they leave her alone. And we do have a cat named Jekyll; they let her hang out with them, but only when she promises not to bat at their wagging tails or try to catch their tongues when they are panting.

What is each dog's best quality?

Lucy is loyal and makes everyone feel unconditionally loved.

Rufus is always happy and can make anyone laugh.

And Emma is the best behaved and the least hyper.

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

Maybe that I always oversleep! They come into my room and poke me with their cold noses enough to let me know they want me up.

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

Emma is easiest she would be Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. She is always kinda sluggish and never in a rush. Eeyore’s voice would be perfect for her.

Lucy is silly and a bit hyper so I would pick Lisa Kudrow; she reminds me of Phoebe on Friends sometimes. Silly and lovable and always sounds happy when she talks.

And finally Rufus: as much as I love him I swear there isn't much going on in his head. When my hubby and I watch Game of Thrones I always say Hordor reminds me of Rufus. My kids disagree though: I asked them who should do his voice and they said Olaf from Frozen.

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

I would make sure to ask if they are happy and feel loved.

Visit The Simply Me blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Sil & Coffee

Who is in photo at right?

That's me, Sil, and my puggle, Coffee. We live in Toronto Canada with my husband and my cat.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Today Coffee and I went out for my daily coffee and walk. I'm also going on vacation for five days and wanted to spend some special time with my beloved pup.

What's brewing?

One small black coffee (Colombian Dark) from the Second Cup just down the road from us. I shared a piece or two of my muffin with Coffee.

Any treats for you or Coffee on this occasion?

Just two small bits of my muffin.

How did Coffee get her name? Any nicknames?

Coffee was named Coffee because my husband loves coffee and because she's the same color. I call her Honey Bunny sometimes or Coffee Cake.

How were you and Coffee united?

After being married for 8 months, my husband and I went for walks in this dog park. We discussed it and decided we wanted to get a dog. We got her from a pet store, but in the future I will adopt from a shelter or breeder.

Who is Coffee's best pet-pal?

She knows her sister from her litter. We actually bumped into each other in a local pet store and after talking with the owner, we put two and two together and Coffee now hangs out with her sister Paige from time to time.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

She loves a bone and will spend hours munching and chewing on one.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

She lives with a cat (Misha) and they co-exist well. Are they best buds? No, but Coffee seems to get along with almost everyone. She is not a fan of raccoons though.

What is Coffee's best quality?

Coffee is always joyous and happy. She is pure goodness and looks you right in the eyes making you feel like there is a deep connection. Even though she is not a puppy anymore, she still has that puppy energy that everyone loves.

If Coffee could change one thing about the good people of Toronto, what would it be?

That the good people of Toronto would allow more dogs into public areas (malls, stores) and make more off leash dog parks.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which Coffee and Misha could speak, which actor should do their voices?

Misha would sound like Scarlett Johansson and Coffee would sound like Ellen DeGeneres.

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

What would you like to do today?

Visit Sil's online stores, Love n Lavish and Fauna and Forest.

--Marshal Zeringue

Jodi & Kolchak and Felix

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Jodi and my pups, Felix Doodle and Kolchak Puggle. We're the nutbars behind Kol's Notes, a dog blog about good food, good friends and the good life! We took around 13 bajillion shots trying to get one where all three of us were looking at the camera, before we gave up. Getting a puggle to sit still is like nailing Jell-o to a tree.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We're celebrating a few days of R&R up at the lake. We are going to lounge on the beach and enjoy a coffee, then head to the park for a little fun.

What's brewing?

I'm a bit of a coffee geek. Today, I'm savouring a cup of Operation Red Cherry Ethiopian Sidamo. I love a bold, complex cup like this because, let's face it, even my coffee needs to be full of drama.

Any treats for you or Kolchak and Felix on this occasion?

Always. Seriously, these boys are so freaking spoiled! We barbecued a salmon last night, so today, the boys are getting bits of the crisped up skin as snacks. It's like canine crack. It also has the added benefit of making me extra popular with all the neighborhood cats.

How were you and your dogs united?

Felix was our rescue. He came to us looking like a hobo with mad street cred, but he cleaned up real nice and now he is just the sweetest little fluffball around. He still had some crazy separation anxiety issues though, so we brought baby Kolchak home to help soothe him while we were at work. Kolchak was the love child of a champion beagle and a sneaky neighbor pug and we fell in love with his giant bobble head and the white spots on his chin and his chest - just like Felix. They were totally meant to be brothers.

How did Kolchak and Felix get their names? Any aliases?

Felix (known aliases: Fe, Fluff, Munchkin, Mister Dog, Feefaroni, and Potato) came with his name already, but we're told that he was named Felix because his original owner originally planned to adopt a cat. Kolchak (known aliases: Kol, Koly, Monkey, Sandwich and Sweet Potato) is named after a really cool TV show, Kolchak: The Night Stalker starring Darren McGavin. It's totally cheesy, but we love it. Both the boys have a ridiculous number nick-names. Really, it's a wonder they come when I call them at all.

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

Tweedledee and Tweedledum (more aliases) are not very discerning when it comes to walk locations. We could be going for a walk through the garbage dump or along the River Styx and they would both be smiling like it was the BEST. WALK. EVER. and peeing all over everything to claim it as their own. I however, really enjoy a walk along the Seawall in Vancouver or the Fort to Fort trail in Fort Langley.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

No! Get your sweet behind off of their lawn, away from their door and out of their life. Now! Although, the neighbor cat tends to ignore their barking and fussing and sit on the stoops taunting them for hours at a time 'cause that's just how he rolls. That Bob is one brave cat.

Stick, ball, or squeaky-toy?

Felix is a squeaky toy addict. Seriously, we're thinking about calling Intervention or Hoarders. He takes all the squeaky toys in the house and hoards them under the kitchen table. It's ridiculous and adorable. Kolchak is fussier when it comes to toys. He loves everything when it is new - but only for a few hours. The only toys that hold his attention are the ones that dispense food. He is also a huge fan of a deer antler to chew.

What is each dog's best quality?

You might think I'm totally cuckoo-bananas, but Felix's best quality is that he seems so grateful now that he is living the good life. Every time he gets a new toy, a snack or some lovin', he just seems so darn grateful, smothering you with kisses and wiggling around in pure joy. No question that Kolchak's best quality is that he is just so happy and goofy. He is one of those happy-go-lucky souls that enjoys everything life has to offer. They have both taught me so much about appreciating how lucky we really are.

If Kolchak and Felix could change one thing about you, what would it be?

I say nothing! Their Mama is pawfect just the way she is! (Kol's Note: the Mama is delusional, the list of things we would change is just way to long to list here. She's a real "fixer-upper.) OK, OK, fine. I'm sure they would change something, so I asked the Daddy. He says that if they could change one thing, that they'd want me to be less strict when it comes to the treats I will allow and the ones I won't - and definitely, they'd get more of those treats. Apparently, I'm stingy. These dogs would look like hippos if the Daddy was in charge of the snack habits. In fact, they probably snack too much now! Roly Poly Koly and I spend several hours a week trying to focus on activities that keep us both from waddling. We're actually going to be sharing our our work out routines next month on our blog. We've declared September K9 Kamp month and we'll be challenging other dog bloggers and owners to get fit and have fun with some easy exercises. We're really excited about it.

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

We took a bit of a road trip to pick Kolchak up at his breeder's. I was getting so nervous on the trip home, as Felix really wasn't taking to this little whippersnapper and he would growl quietly at him every time Kol even touched him, which sucked because Kolchak was already super in love with Felix and worshipped him and they both wanted to be right in the middle of my lap. It was a really long drive. Thank Dog for Xanax. When we were almost home, we stopped for a puppy potty break. As I walked Kolchak away from the truck, he started crying and howling. He was just devastated to be separated from Felix. The real surprise was that as soon as he heard that tiny beagle howl, Felix started crying and barking too. Neither one stopped until they were reunited - and they've been inseparable ever since.

The most embarrassing moment wasn't even a single moment, it was a string of really awful moments over the course of a super terrible day for me. The dogs were on their absolutely worst behavior and they facilitated an entire beach getting an eyeful of my ta-tas. (Get the mind bleach.) The whole day was absolutely ridiculous and you can read about it here if you are ever feeling like you have bad dogs and you need a pick me up. Go ahead and have a laugh at my expense. I'm just glad someone might get some enjoyment out of it!

Visit the Kol's Notes blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Alyson & Chase and Mattie

Who is in the photo at right?

This is Chase and myself (Alyson). There are some pics of Mattie below as well. Chase is almost a year and a half and Mattie is just 9 weeks old. They have the same parents but are from different litters. We just got Mattie yesterday and are absolutely in love! I teach high school English.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Coffee is a must to begin my day and I love to share that time with my two pups!

What's brewing?

French vanilla coffee ... mmmm ... I usually make my own coffee at home but sometimes I'll splurge and get something from Starbucks.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Usually a bagel with butter for me.

Any treat for your dogs on this occasion?

My pups love dog biscuits and anything with bananas.

How were you & Chase and Mattie united?

My fiancee and I were looking for a puggle and found a great breeder in Oklahoma. We fell in love with Chase and when we moved out of our apartment into a house, I knew we had to get another one. Mattie worked out perfectly since she is a true sister to Chase! We had both Mattie and Chase shipped to New Jersey.

How did Chase and Mattie get their names?

To be honest, and I know this is boring, we decided to keep the names the breeder gave to both of them. We loved the name Chase and Mattie was the only girl in her litter and we loved her name too!

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Definitely the postman...Chase will bark at him everyday, the poor guy!

Frisbee, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Mattie sounds like a squeaky-toy right now! For Chase, I would definitely say a stick. When he was a pup, he would bring them inside and make a mess on the carpet. He loves to chew on them.

Where's the dogs' favorite place for an outing?

Anywhere that involves the going in the car is fine for Chase. He loves the dog park or just going to the local pet store. Mattie doesn't have a favorite place yet.

Who are Chase and Mattie's best pet-pals?

Chase's best pet-pals are Bijou and Banjo from his blog. Mattie hasn't had a chance to get to know any pups yet besides her brother.

What's each dog's best quality?

Chase loves to snuggle and give kisses. Mattie is spunky and doesn't fear anything! She loves to play.

If Chase and Mattie could change one thing about you, what would it be?

I would guess that they would wish I was home more with them. They always greet me with kisses and licks and that makes my day!

What's each dog's proudest moment? His or her most embarrassing?

Chase's proudest moment was when he finally learned down. That was a tough one for him and we were so proud of him! Mattie doesn't have one yet. As far as most embarrassing, for Chase it would have to be when he chewed up my cell phone! I'm sure Mattie will have her fill of proudest and most embarrassing moments as she grows up.

Visit the official "Chase the Puggle" blog.

--Marshal Zeringue