Laura Sibson & Nala

Who is in the photo at right?

In this photo you see me, Laura Sibson, with Nala, our 11-year-old female Labrador Retriever lying nearby on her dog bed. I am a writer living in the northwest corner of Philadelphia. My debut young adult novel The Art of Breaking Things has just been released on June 18! My favorite place to write is this kitchen table and Nala is never far from me.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

This is pretty much us every day. As a writer, I often work at home and Nala is my primary company. There are days when I don’t speak to anyone all day except for Nala. I’m grateful for her company.

What's brewing?

I’m so glad you asked! My favorite coffee is La Colombe. My husband and I are equally hooked on coffee so we have it delivered in 5 lb. bags. We brew traditional coffee at home, but when I write in a coffee house, I’ll treat myself to a latte.

Any treats for you or Nala on this occasion?

Nala is always up for treats. As a Labrador Retriever, she’s an opportunistic eater. Now that she’s an aging dog, her daily treats are the joint supplements that the vet recommended. I’m just happy with my coffee in this moment.

How were you and Nala united?

We found Nala through a recommendation from a friend. The breeder was located in New Jersey, which was only about a 45-minute drive from our home. So, on a cold February day, my two sons and I picked up the 8-week-old bundle of fluff that was Nala and brought her home.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

When Nala came to us, our sons were 11 and 8 years old. My husband, sons and I made lists of possible names. Nala won because at that point, she looked like Nala from The Lion King. We also call her Fluffernutter because she’s fluffy and she’s the color of peanut butter.

Does Nala do more to help or hinder your writing?

Nala is an old dog now, so doesn’t hinder me at all. (As opposed to when she was a puppy, chewing everything in reach and making messes on the floor.) She helps me when I’m struggling in one of my stories because I find that walks always help to untangle story knots. And Nala is always up for a walk.

Has Nala inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

Not yet! But I’ve had a couple of ideas that could pan out in future stories.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

The postman is at risk of getting licked to death if Nala is outside when he arrives. In her prime, she would dart after squirrels, deer and even a fox one time. But these days, she can’t be bothered.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Nala is a Retriever that loves to pick up items, but never brings them back. She chases balls and sticks – especially in the lake where we vacation. And she has a whole host of toys that she cycles through, greeting us at the door with any number of them.

Where is Nala's favorite outdoor destination?

Nala and I have logged many miles in Fairmount Park, which is only about a mile behind my house and which offers a whole network of trails to explore. But watch out when she gets near the creek! There’s no stopping Nala from swimming.

Who is Nala's best pet-pal?

When I was working in higher education, she attended a daily dog party where she was able to run around with a half dozen dogs. But one of her favorite dog friends has always been Tonks, my friend’s rescue. We take long walks together and when I tell Nala that we are going to see Tonks, she wags her tail like crazy.

What is Nala's best quality?

I don’t think I can name just one! Nala is extremely gentle. Dogs that don’t get along with other dogs often get along with Nala and people who don’t like dogs often like Nala. She’s also very quiet. Oddly quiet, actually. I don’t think I’ve heard her bark in a year or more.

If Nala could change one thing about Philadelphians, what would it be?

Nala would urge Philadelphians to slow down and stop taking things so seriously.

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

My husband and sons are suggesting that we get a puppy, reasoning that Nala will train the puppy by example. I’d ask Nala what she thinks of that idea – would she want a puppy in the house, and would she really train it?

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

Amy Poehler from when she voiced Joy in Inside Out.

What advice would Nala give if asked?

Nala would advise us to enjoy the journey and not be so focused on the destination. She’d definitely tell us to stop and smell the roses -- and the honeysuckle and the grass and the pee on that leaf down there.

Visit Laura Sibson's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Paula Munier & Bear

Who’s in the photo at right?

That's me, Paula Munier, and Bear.

I'm an author, an agent, and a writing teacher. My dog's name is Bear. He's a male, probably about three years old, a Newfoundland Retriever mix as far as we can tell.

Every morning we have coffee together. I drink coffee, he drinks water. Bear is a morning person, I am not a morning person. That’s why Bear has to wait for me to get my act together and come outside and sit down and drink my coffee. We live in New England in a big old 18th-century Colonial—19 acres of Sugar Maples and a lake, and lots of wildlife all around.

What's brewing?

What's brewing is coffee, black. I never drank coffee as a young woman. I drank Pepsi. When I got my first job as the only woman reporter on a tough-guy staff of a business magazine back in the 80s, they made fun of me. They said that real reporters drank black coffee. So I learned to do it. They taught me to curse, too, but that's another story.

Any treats for you or Bear on this occasion?

Bear always get a treat. If we're having bacon and eggs, he gets bacon and eggs. If we're having peanut butter toast, he gets a little peanut butter toast. He's spoiled. What can I say?

How were you and Bear united?

We adopted him. He's a rescue from Alabama. He'd been hit in the head (probably with a shovel) and abandoned. Double Dog Rescue found him, fostered him, and brought him up to New England for us. He's a lovely dog in every way.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

His name was Bear already when we got him. But I call him Yogi Berra because he's the same goofy, profound kind of character that Yogi Berra was. If you see a fork in the road, take it….

Does Bear do more to help or hinder your writing?

Bear is a great help to me in my writing. He served as the inspiration for Susie Bear, one of the dogs in my K-9 mystery, A Borrowing of Bones. She’s a Newfoundland Retriever mix like Bear. She works as a search-and-rescue dog with Vermont Game Warden Troy Warner. Like Bear, she’s friendly and cheerful—and a very good swimmer.

Cat, postman, squirrel…?

We have a rescue cat, a torbie tabby named Ursula. Bear chases her, but only with the aim of persuading her to play with him, which she naturally refuses to do. He really needs a pal, and we're on the lookout for another rescue dog to be his playmate.

Ball, squeaky toy, stick?

Bear doesn't show much interest in fetching, although he’s a very smart dog. He's done very well in obedience training, and we’re doing some agility and nose work now. (When we train him, we use treats as a reward.) We've taught him to go kayaking with us in our tandem kayak, and to jump up on my paddleboard with me when I go out on the lake, which is great for me because it adds almost 100 pounds to my workout.

What is Bear's favorite outdoor destination?

Bear likes to go anywhere anytime. He loves to go with rides from Michael in his truck, especially to Home Depot because he knows that every Home Depot run usually ends in a stop at McDonald's for a cheeseburger or a breakfast McMuffin depending on the time of day. (We are remodeling the house, so there are a lot of trips to Home Depot.) He likes to go on walks with me in the woods. He likes to go swimming in the lake. He likes to go anywhere and everywhere. He's always ready to have fun.

What is Bear's best quality?

I would say his best quality is his ability to live in the moment. He had a very rough beginning in Alabama. When we rescued him, he showed up with half of his upper teeth missing and it was apparent from the X-rays that his skull and facial bones had been fractured. Our vet removed the roots left from those missing teeth, and he seems to be fine now. But you’d never know that he’d had such a tough past. Our vet calls him The Happiest Dog in the World. He’s living large in the present. A good lesson for all of us.

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

That's a really funny question. I'm stricter with Bear than anyone else in the family, because I do the training with him. So, he'd probably like it if I let him get away with more at home. And he’d probably like our walks through the countryside to be even longer than they already are.

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

I'd ask him to tell me a little bit more about his past so that we'd understand him better. Or maybe I’d take a cue from his “Be Here Now” philosophy and just ask him what kind of playmate he'd like to have, now that we are actively looking for another rescue. (Or two or three or...after all, we do have 19 acres now.)

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

I would say Yogi Berra, because he reminds me so much of Yogi Berra in that zany Zen monk kind of way. But since Yogi Berra is no longer with us, Bear will have to settle for Tom Hanks.

What advice would Bear give if asked?

I think Bear would advise us to lighten up, have fun, and live for the moment. He'd also tell us to take care of one another. He's a very protective and loyal dog. And he pays very close attention to everything we do and say. I think he'd remind us to pay attention to the people we love. Just like he does.

Visit Paula Munier's website.

My Book, The Movie: A Borrowing of Bones.

--Marshal Zeringue

Melissa Caruso & Freya

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Melissa Caruso, author of The Tethered Mage and The Defiant Heir, the first two books in the Swords & Fire trilogy, novels of intrigue and magic from Orbit Books. Freya is a 9-year-old female Labrador Retriever, and the sweetest lump of butter you could possibly imagine.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Freya and I like to hang out on the deck in together while I write and sip iced tea! Our deck is my fair-weather office, and Freya is my constant writing companion. Today we're working on edits for Book Three of the Swords and Fire trilogy.

What's brewing?

Teavana Jade Citrus Mint tea, iced. I’m actually not a coffee drinker…eep! Is that allowed? (I love the smell of it, though.)

Any treats for you or Freya on this occasion?

I just had a delicious cinnamon roll, and Freya helped finish it.

How were you and Freya united?

Freya was a Christmas present to the whole family. When my eldest (who was five at the time) opened the surprise box we’d carried her into the house in and saw her for the first time, she whispered “It’s real!” in this awed voice, as if she’d seen a magical creature. And in a way she really did—I’m not sure there’s any creature more magical than a puppy!

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

Freya is named after a Norse goddess. Her beloved predecessor, Sif, and my husband’s childhood dog, Loki, also have names from Norse mythology. So we have a tradition going!

Does Freya do more to help or hinder your writing?

Mostly she’s a wonderful and patient writing companion. Sometimes she decides it’s Arbitrary Barking Time when I’m trying to concentrate, though. And she kindly makes sure I never get so absorbed in my writing that I forget dinner!

Has Freya inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

One of my main characters in the Swords & Fire trilogy has a dog, Scoundrel, who isn’t directly based on Freya—but she certainly inspired some of his traits, like his intense devotion to expected leftovers and love of chasing sticks.

Cat, postman, squirrel…?

Freya lives with three cats and both loves and is intensely jealous of all of them! For barking at, though, nothing gets her worked up quite like deer, which we do get in our backyard sometimes.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick…?

That’s a tough one… She’s a retriever, so she loves anything and everything she can carry around in her mouth. She has a special enthusiasm for really big sticks, though. She’ll drag around small logs if she gets the chance.

Where is Freya's favorite outdoor destination?

Any park with a pond! She loves swimming more than anything. We also have taken her on a few trips to hike in the White Mountains in New Hampshire with us, and she really loves those, especially when we hike alongside streams with lots of swimmable pools!

Who is Freya's best pet-pal?

Freya has a very special friendship with one of our cats in particular, a little female tortoiseshell called Star. Star climbs up on Freya’s back and gives her massages, and Freya occasionally brings Star dog toys in the hopes that she’ll play with her.

What is Freya's best quality?

Her boundless capacity for love. She’s one of those dogs who immediately loves everyone she meets and wants nothing more than to play, snuggle, and be petted. Though she does have one special talent—one of our friends who house-sit for us when we go on vacation has epilepsy, and apparently Freya can detect her seizures before they happen and will make her go lie down shortly before a big seizure occurs!

If Freya could change one thing about Massachusettsans, what would it be?

I think she wishes they allowed dogs in more places, especially at beaches and in restaurants…but probably most of all, she wishes she could go with her girls to school.

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

Someone with the right degree of goofy warmth! I’m not really a big movie buff, so I’m clueless about specific casting.

What advice would Freya give if asked?

She might advise us that it would be better for our health to give half of whatever’s on our plates to the dog. Also that petting dogs relieves stress…Especially in this one spot on her chest that really gets her leg going!

Visit Melissa Caruso's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Emily Adrian & Hank

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Emily Adrian. I’m the author of YA novels Like It Never Happened and The Foreseeable Future, which was released on May 8. Hank is a seven-year-old shepherd/Golden Retriever mix (we think).

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Hank and I have coffee most mornings, but today is Saturday so we are extra relaxed.

What's brewing?

Some Dunkin Donuts coffee that we brewed in a cheap coffee maker from Walmart that never gets quite hot enough.

Any treats for you or Hank on this occasion?

I’m having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Hank is eagerly awaiting his human sibling’s breakfast time, at which point human sib will toss a lot of food from the high chair to the kitchen floor.

How were you and Hank united?

My husband and I adopted Hank when he was an eight-week-old puppy in the city of Toronto. Hank, like our son, is Canadian; my husband and I are both American.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Hank just seemed like a Hank—however, his full name is Hank Buckles Triumph Musty Bear.

Does Hank do more to help or hinder your writing?

Honestly? I’m never more peeved than when Hank barks at the postman, waking the baby from his nap and effectively ending my writing time. That said, Hank’s overall impact on my life is so positive that I’m quick to forgive his occasional misdeeds.

Has Hank inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

Oh, absolutely.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

He’s terrified of cats, offended by the postman (see above), and indifferent to squirrels.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Shhh…he’ll hear you.

Where is Hank's favorite outdoor destination?

Any body of water.

Who is Hank's best pet-pal?

A lovely beagle named Louis, our friends’ dog, with whom he grew up.

What is Hank's best quality?

Hank is truly up for anything. In his seven years, he has been on countless road trips, stayed in hotel rooms and Airbnbs, moved with us from Canada to the states, explored cities and forests and small towns. No matter where we go, he’s right by our side.

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

We’ve been living in a small town in north Ohio since last August, and Hank’s chief complaint is that most of the dogs here are confined to their houses or backyards. He would like the dogs to go for walks, so that he can meet them.

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

Who’s a good boy?

What advice would Hank give if asked?

Remember: you’ve got three legs and a spare.

Visit Emily Adrian's website.

Learn more about The Foreseeable Future.

--Marshal Zeringue

Leslie Connor & Atticus and Broomis

Who are in the photos at right and below?

That human is me; I’m Leslie Connor and I am a children’s book author.

The blonde canine is Broomis. He’s a shepherd mix and he’s about eight years old. The “cookies and cream” dog is Atticus. He is seven. Until very recently, we thought he was a Border Collie/Great Pyrenes mix. But a doggie DNA test, says he’s neither! He’s a super-mix—Golden Retriever, Labrador, Australian Cattle Dog, with traces of Terrier and Guard breeds. (We figure all of this means he can do anything.)

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We are back from our walk and today is another writing day. It’s just what we do: daydream along the trail, stoke the fire, fill the mug, and get to work.

What's brewing?

It’s tea—Earl Grey, loose leaf, which we order in bulk from Frontier. It’s brewed here at out house in a stylish handmade pottery teapot, which was a gift from a dear friend. (I happen to know that she purchased it at the Blue Hill Farmers’ Market in the great state of Maine.)

Any treats for you or Atticus and Broomis on this occasion?

They get wheat-free treats while the tea brews.

I might be having a chunk of dark chocolate before noon. Maybe. It happens.

How were you and your dogs united?

We adopted one another. Broomis came first, one Valentine’s Day at a big rescue event for dogs from Tennessee. One year later, I found Atticus on Petfinder. He came from Kentucky.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

We landed on the name Broomis after a few other names including, Pancake, Chickpea, and Sun Bear, failed somehow. (I know. What were we thinking?) Broomis was the name of a “roly-poly” bear in an old children’s song—spelled Brumus, actually—but we changed that because our guy is the color of broom straw. Atticus was named by his foster-family. We thought he’d been through enough changes in his young life already (picked up running in the wilds of Kentucky…) so we kept it. We like it, but he’s really more of a Scout.

Aliases? You bet. Nicknames happen endlessly at our house. Broomis is also known as: Broo, Broo-bacah-soda crackah, Hummus (oh, that chickpea thing), Hummy-ding and Hoy-ding. (I can’t believe I’m confessing this.) Atticus is also called: Atti-kissy, Attri, Pat-pat, and Little Man With a Hat.

Do Atticus and Broomis do more to help or hinder your writing?

Well, there is that hourly business of me being a dog door. But by way of keeping my mood elevated and giving me so much love, they help immeasurably. Also, both dogs take dictation and type one hundred words per minute, so there’s that.

Have any actual dogs ever inspired dogs in your fiction?

Yes! My new middle grade title, The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle, features a dog named Moonie Drinker. Moonie is modeled on my Atticus. I’m working on something new now and there is a dog with a mysterious past—a thread based on the guesses we’ve made about Broomis’s life before he landed with us.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Atticus: avoid, kiss, chase.

Broomis: fear, cautiously curious (there have been biscuits…), chase (but not like he means it).

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Atticus: six catches and we’re done, not offered (because my ears), proud to carry one but only for a hundred feet.

Broomis: What ball? (rolls by him), not offered, too scary!

Who is each dog's best pet-pal?

Since they have each other there’s a lot of canine brotherly love. Both our dogs welcome canine and human visitors; nothing is better than when one of our grown human kids comes home to visit.

What is each dog's best quality?

Atticus: enthusiasm!

Broomis: quiet reserve.

If Atticus and Broomis could change one thing about Connecticuters, what would it be?

More funds for no-kill shelters!

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

Name one thing you wish we’d stop doing to you? (Not that we’ll stop…)

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

Atticus: Gaten Matarazzo. Broomis: Steve Carell.

What advice would Atticus and Broomis give if asked?

Shut down the device, get down on all fours, and smell every inch of the eighty-acre wood.

Visit Leslie Connor's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Rhiannon Navin & Oscar Wilde

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Rhiannon Navin, author of Only Child. That is Oscar Wilde, giving me a big kiss on the nose. Oscar is a Golden Irish (mix between a Golden Retriever and an Irish Setter) and he’s five months old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

The picture was taken on Thanksgiving, when Oscar was brand new to our family. He just wanted me to hold him all day long, like my kids when they were babies. So I held him, ate my turkey with one hand, and let him give me kisses.

What's brewing?

I don’t drink coffee (a cruel trick of nature that I just don’t like the taste, since I could really use the caffeine) But I drink several cups of green tea in the morning after the kids are off to school. Oscar and I will sit together while I sip my tea and read the paper. I enjoy the peace and quiet and Oscar misses the kid-chaos.

Any treats for you or Oscar Wilde on this occasion?

So many treats for this pup all the time. I spoil him rotten, I’m afraid.

How were you and Oscar Wilde united?

The kids and I watched the movie A Dog’s Purpose together and just fell in love with the dog protagonist, a beautiful Golden Irish. The kids had been working us to get a dog for a long time. We found a breeder in Illinois who was about to have a new Golden Irish litter. Next thing we knew, my husband was on a plane to Chicago to pick up Oscar.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

We wanted an Irish name and from the shortlist, the kids picked Oscar. I added the middle name Wilde. I don’t know if he’ll ever learn his actual name though, because we call him by about a thousand different nicknames.

Does Oscar Wilde do more to help or hinder your writing?

Oh, totally hinder! Every time I have a great writing window and am about to dive in, without fail, Oscar will saunter over and stare at me with his sad, guilt-inducing Irish setter eyes. And then we’re off, for walk number thirty-seven before we’ve even had lunch. On the plus side though—walking time is thinking time and I’ve had some of my best ideas while out and about with Oscar.

Has Oscar Wilde inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

Not yet. But I must find a way to work him into a story soon. He’s quite the character.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Yes, yes, and yes. Oscar tries to make friends with anything or anyone. We have two cats (Romeo Tony Stark and LuLuLemon) who used to rule the house before Oscar showed up. Now they have to share the kids’ affection with a loud, goofy puppy and they’re not too pleased. Oscar hasn’t given up hope yet that one day the cats will want to be his buddies.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

All of the above. He brings home sticks and walks around with them for hours. And he has a huge tub full of toys, because…how fun is it to shop for dog toys! Again, this is a very spoiled puppy.

Where is Oscar Wilde's favorite outdoor destination?

We have a lake close to our house and Oscar loves chasing the geese and ducks who live there. I don’t take him there too often though, because it kills my shoulders, trying to keep him from following his “friends” into the water.

Who is Oscar Wilde's best pet-pal?

His girlfriend Penny who lives just a few houses down. Penny is a Black Lab puppy, only one week younger than Oscar, and they are in love.

What is Oscar Wilde's best quality?

Well, it’s not good listening! But Oscar is fantastic with our kids. So loving and gentle. He’s still a puppy and has a lot of energy, but he would never hurt the kids. They could put entire limbs inside his mouth (and they do all the time, actually) and he wouldn’t bite down.

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

He would make sure I’d let him lick all the dishes in the dishwasher. What kind of stupid rule is that anyway—don’t stick your nose in the dishwasher?

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

Why must you shred every last piece of paper in the house if you’re not going to eat it?

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

Morgan Freeman. His voice would be funny coming out of such a little puppy body.

What advice would Oscar Wilde give if asked?

If you give this lady the sad-puppy-eye-look, she will do anything for you.

Visit Rhiannon Navin's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Tracy Calhoun & JJ

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Tracy Calhoun and I am a full time hospice nurse, in addition to being the driver for JJ, a seven-year-old female Golden Retriever, who is a therapy and crisis response dog, working alongside me at our inpatient hospice house.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

While in Seattle, our favorite stop for coffee is, of course, BARK! Espresso, with it's own dog cafe on one side.

What's brewing?

Even if it is 10 degrees below zero, it's always an iced latte for me.

Any treats for you or JJ on this occasion?

While I grab a cookie, since there is always time in a day for a cookie, JJ has the special Pooch's Peanut Butter Latte and gives it a 4 paws up rating.

How were you and JJ united?

I actually caught JJ when she was being born. She had a tiny white "kiss mark" on her forehead and still has a white twinkletoe on one foot.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

JJ was named after one of my nephews, Jaret. It's hard to come up with a girl's name from this, but JJ stuck. Her nickname is ButterButt, because she was so big as a puppy.

Please tell us about your new book.

In 2016, I was approached by a publisher asking if I would be interested in writing a book involving JJ, her hospice work and her day to day life. JJ's Journey tells the story of a therapy dog dedicated to helping humans through crises, tragedy, and loss through love and comfort. While these stories are often emotional, they also highlight the power of the human-animal bond, bringing smiles, laughter and tears. While the topic of hospice can be difficult for people to think about, many of the stories are about living life and helping others, expressed with humor and canine chaos along the way, as only a dog obsessed with bacon, puppies, and swimming can do. Along the way, JJ's sassy voice captions the photos throughout the book.

Cat, postman, rabbit...?

Squirrel!

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Ball or retriever bumper, but with the very non-retriever like attitude of "No take. Throw. No take." It makes the game a bit of a challenge.

Who is JJ's best pet-pal?

Taz, also known as Cat-dog. He was rescued as a tiny kitten and raised by a pack of Goldens. He sleeps every night curled up with JJ. We haven't had the heart to tell him he's a cat.

Where is JJ's favorite outdoor destination?

Anywhere she can find a pond to swim in.

She still is trying to convince me that a pond time counts as bath time.

What is JJ's best quality?

Her intuitive nature and ability to seek out those who need her comfort and attention.

If JJ could change one thing about Oregonians, what would it be?

Eat more bacon. And share it with your dog!

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

How are you able to pick the people who need you most day after day?

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

This one is easy, since one of JJ's names for me is BossyPants. It would have to be Tina Fey, bringing life to a very sassy dog!

What advice would JJ give if asked?

During the time of writing these stories, JJ was diagnosed with lymphoma. Even during treatment, she has taught us all how dogs embody the concept of living in the moment. No one has told her she has a life limiting disease, so she continues to live life with zest and work at her second home.

Her motto has become "Barke Diem", a dog's take on Carpe Diem, meaning seize the day.

Visit the JJ Hospice Therapy Dog website and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

S.F. Henson & Francie

Who is in the photo at right?

Here you see me, S.F. Henson, attorney and author of Devils Within, my debut YA novel that's out October 31. In my lap, sitting so that I can't reach my sweet caffeinated nectar, is Francie. She's a little over a year old. We think she's a Golden Retriever mix. There could be some German Shepherd in there, but honestly Francie is probably the result of a drunken night, so anything could be mixed in. (Just out of sight, and reach, is my favorite coffee cup).

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We needed an afternoon caffeine boost (and by "we" I totally mean me. Francie doesn't need any additional energy!). The weather was gorgeous and Francie had just rocked her daily training, so we headed to the back porch to relax.

What's brewing?

Usually it would be a mocha from my favorite local coffee shop, Angel's Island, but since it's closed on Sundays I'm drinking a Gevalia mocha latte from the two-in-one autodrip/k-cup coffee maker in my kitchen.

Any treats for you or Francie on this occasion?

Francie got a mix of Pet Botanics chicken flavored training treats and good old fashioned milk bones. An afternoon with my pup was treat enough for me.

How were you and Francie united?

My husband and I adopted her from Animal Services about a month ago. We'd actually gone to look at another dog and saw Francie curled up on a cot in the back of her pen. We couldn't resist her tufted ears and sweet nature. We thought she was a calm, chill older dog who needed love when everyone else was interested in the puppies. Turns out she was younger than we thought and she'd just been spayed. So not calm, drugged. Saturday morning she was a whole new animal! We couldn't be happier with our choice, though.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

Our last dog--Atticus Hairyson Henson--was named after Atticus Finch (see the attorney and author part above) and my favorite Beatle (George Harrison), so we decided to stick with the literary and music theme. Her full name is Francis Lane Henson, Francie for short. Francie comes from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, a favorite book of both mine and my husband's, and Lane from "Penny Lane." She gets the full thing when she's bad, and Francie-bug when she's adorable (which is most of the time).

Does Francie do more to help or hinder your writing?

Right now, hinder, but she's learning. She was a stray before we adopted her, so she's been desperate for attention. The more comfortable she gets with us, though, the more she trusts that we're not going anywhere and the more independent she's becoming. It's really great to see her transform and become more confident!

Has Francie inspired the creation of any dogs in your fiction?

Not yet, but I have some ideas brewing.

Cat, postman, rabbit...?

Cat, rabbit, squirrel, bird, chipmunk, you name it. If it darts, Francie is on it! We're trying to find ways to channel her prey drive before she drives our two cats insane.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

She's a sucker for a squeaker, but she really loves her Frisbee. She hasn't quite figured out the catching part, but the chase is half the fun for Francie.

Who is Francie's best pet-pal?

She'd love it to be the cats, but seeing as how they want nothing to do with her, Francie's best friend is my husband. She knows the moment his car pulls in the drive and wags her tail so hard her entire body waggles.

What is Francie's best quality?

Francie is extraordinarily good-natured. She loves everyone she meets and is the most complacent dog ever. We can play with her paws, cover her eyes with her ears, or hold her like a shepherd carrying a sheep and she just goes along with it.

If Francie could change one thing about Alabamians, what would it be?

She'd want more restaurants with outdoor seating. Francie loves going out with us (anywhere, everywhere), but we may be getting a little tired of the same two or three restaurants that allow dogs on their patio.

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

Do you think you're actually a cat? Francie tends to lay on the back of the couch, and drape across our backs, and try to squeeze her body other places cats go that dogs don't fit, so I'm not sure if she understands that she's a canine at all.

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

Chloe Moretz. Francie is young, and kind of sassy. I can totally hear Chloe as her voice.

What advice would Francie give if asked?

If all else fails, roll on your back and show your tummy. Humans can't resist a good tummy.

Visit S.F. Henson's website.

My Book, The Movie: Devils Within.

--Marshal Zeringue

Zana Fraillon & Tishkin and Moomin

Who is in the photo at right?

That is me (Zana Fraillon) with my two gorgeous Golden Retrievers, Moomin and Tishkin (Moomin is the one lying quietly and calmly). I write books for kids, so I am lucky enough to spend the day working with my dogs at my feet. Taking them for a walk along the river is also a sure fire way to overcome writer’s block. Tishkin has just turned one, so we are hoping he is just about over his destruction phase (it is a phase, right?), and Moomin is 4. She is far more sensible, although has a thing for carrying shoes around – this has caused many a late morning when at least one of us will have to rummage in the garden for the missing shoe…

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Coffee is an essential part of my day, and sitting on the front porch is the perfect place to have it. The dogs always join me – both for the morning tea titbits which often find their way into the dogs’ mouths, and for the lovely morning sun that soaks the porch. We have all sorts of wild birds around here (including the rather bossy cockatoos who tear up the wood on our porch when the neighbours have neglected to fill their bird feeder) so the dogs are on lookout for intruders. Of course, they are a little scared of the cockatoos (they are huge birds), so bark from a safe distance.

What's brewing?

A latte is my coffee of choice. We usually use beans from our favourite café – Everyday Coffee in Collingwood – which at the moment is a blend of Colombia La Playa and Colombia Yancanquer.

Any treats for you or Tishkin and Moomin on this occasion?

I did enjoy some lemon syrup cupcakes left over from the kids’ lunchboxes, and shortly after this photo was taken the dogs both enjoyed their daily bone in the back yard. They have recently worked out that they can both enjoy their bones if they stick to separate spots in the garden, which makes for a much more relaxing morning.

How were you and your dogs united?

Moomin was the first Golden Retriever we have ever had. We bought her from a woman who wanted her dog to have just the one litter (and despite us pleading to have more after we bought Moomin, she stuck to her promise). We bought Moomin when our previous two dogs had reached 13 and 12 years of age. Moomin re-energised them both, and made the transition from ‘old dog’ family to ‘young dog’ family as smooth as it can be.

We knew after the success with Moomin that we wanted another Golden Retriever, and searched Golden Retriever Rescue for a long time. Most of the dogs there though were old and ‘needed a quiet life’ or interstate and unable to travel. With a fairly young dog already and three young boys we decided to go for a puppy instead. We found Tishkin through a reputable breeder and have really enjoyed watching him grow up with the kids.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Both the dogs are named after book characters. When we first got Moomin, she looked exactly like a Moomintroll – fat, white and fluffy. She also made a noise that sounded a lot like Chewbacca, so for a while we couldn’t decide. In the end we decided that if we called her Chewbacca she would get Chewy for short, which would surely only cement her desire to eat everything. As it is, she gets Moomy and Moom (or Moomin Troll Fraillon when we are being formal) and doesn’t chew a thing.

Tishkin was named after the character Tishkin Silk. This is a book by the wonderful Glenda Millard, and just a beautiful story. We had all read the book and loved it, and Tishkin suited the pup straight away. Funnily enough, he ended up with the same middle name as Moomin, so he gets Tishkin Troll Fraillon, which makes no sense at all.

Do Tishkin and Moomin do more to help or hinder your writing?

They definitely do more to help me write. Dogs are wonderful for bringing people back to the important things in life, and their daily walk is one of the best parts of the day. They have also taken me to explore places I wouldn’t otherwise have ventured to, and these places inevitably end up in my books.

Have your dogs inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

Not yet – although they have inspired the creation of characters of different species. Undying loyalty and unconditional love are the hallmarks of dogs, as well as their ability to know when something is wrong without you having to say a single thing. They are perceptive and know exactly when to cosy up for a snuggle, or when what is really needed is a good game of fetch (which, by the way, they are both hopeless at. They chase the ball, they pick up the ball, then they drop the ball where they are and wait for me to come and get it. I guess they haven’t cottoned on to the ‘retriever’ part of their gene pool…)

Cat, postman, rabbits...?

Both Tish and Moom love chasing rabbits. I always wonder what would happen if they were fast enough to catch up to one – I suspect they would run away. They do also enjoy chasing cats, but only to play with. They look quite offended when the cat in question takes a swipe. The postman seems largely irrelevant to the dogs, although parcel deliveries which make it to the front door are always met with waggy tails and the hope of a pat.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Anything, especially if it is in the water. They both love swimming and taking them to the beach is wonderful. It always makes me wish we could live near enough to a beach that I could take them swimming more regularly. We have a river near us, but the risk of snake bite means we can only swim the dogs there for about 4 months of the year.

Who are Tishkin and Moomin's best pet-pals?

Each other. They love meeting new friends down at the park, but invariably end up charging around with one another, while their bemused new friend looks on.

What is each dog's best quality?

Moomin’s best quality is her calm nature. At some stage I will do some therapy dog work with her, because she is so in tune with people and so calm. I have taken her to the kids’ school where she has been surrounded by 50 excited, yelling 6 year olds, and she just sits in the middle of the circle and lets them pat her.

Tishkin is also wonderful at adjusting his play - he will lie down as soon as a baby arrives at the house, or when he meets a small dog. He is also fiercely intelligent so very easy to train. Of course, this does mean he can get bored if we are out for the day, but who wouldn’t?

If Tishkin and Moomin could change one thing about you, what would it be?

Not having enough time in the day. They are both very chilled dogs, and as I speed around trying to fit everything in, they do look at me wearily. If only life was one big holiday, we could all live as happily as dogs.

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

I would ask Tishkin why he always steals the newspaper from the table and the tea towel from the oven door, even though he knows he shouldn’t…and I would ask Moomin what they actually do when we are out. I can tell by the look on her face when we return that they haven’t been sleeping quietly in the sun...

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

Oh that is so hard! My old dog Trapper, I would have said Clarke Peters (Lester Freeman from The Wire) but he is too old for Tishkin’s voice…If we could go back in time, I would choose Wayne Rogers (Trapper from M*A*S*H) for Tishkin, and Carrie Fisher for Moomin (because who wouldn’t choose Princess Leia to be their voice, right?) – although really I can’t imagine them having a voice at all. I have a feeling if they could talk, it would totally change their character. Things are much wiser when you can’t understand them…

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

‘Ladies and Gentlemen take my advice, pull down your pants and slide on the ice…’ (The dogs are both huge M*A*S*H fans as well…)

Follow Zana Fraillon on Twitter.

My Book, The Movie: The Bone Sparrow.

Writers Read: Zana Fraillon.

The Page 69 Test: The Bone Sparrow.

--Marshal Zeringue

Dale Kushner & Maisie

Who is in the photo at right?

That’s me, Dale Kushner, (the one without the lovely white coat) with beloved Maisie, our fourth Golden Retriever.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine? What's brewing?

We’re at our cabin in Wisconsin’s northwoods. I’m a break from writing my blog for Psychology Today, stimulating my synapses with a cup of Colectivo Sumatra. We’re also celebrating Maisie’s first birthday and the completion of my second novel The Lie of Forgetting. (I’ve borrowed my husband’s HERO mug for the occasion.)

Any treats for you or Maisie on this occasion?

Maisie’s treat this morning is to blissfully sniff the ripe scent of deer, coyote, and porcupine in the piney woods.

How were you and Maisie united?

We drove across the border to Michigan to get Maisie from Malagold Kennels. Connie Miller has been raising superb Goldens for over forty years.

How did Maisie get her name? Any aliases?

We played around with several names for our new puppy, but “Maisie” had staying power. We hadn’t known it’s one of the most popular names in Scotland, short for Margaret, and since the breed of Golden Retriever originated in Scotland, we thought it was a good match. (Our girl is definitely a Maisie, not a Margaret, Meg, or Peg.)

Have Maisie or Malibu inspired the creation of any fictional dogs in your novel-in-progress?

Maisie has not yet appeared in my fiction, though my new novel is set in the northwoods, and wolves and coyotes make an entrance. However, I do have in mind a children’s picture book about a Golden Retriever who thinks she’s a cow.

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

Maisie has not yet elevated her status to muse. At the moment, she’s still in her “I- need-to-taste-everything-in-sight-phase,” which means I have to get up and check on her if she’s in another room and quiet for too long. I now have shoes with eaten straps, rugs with chewed edges, a slipcover with a large chomp hole in the middle. Maisie’s nickname is Mighty Mouth.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Our postman is gaga in love with Maisie and visa versa. When he sees her outside, he pulls over, gets out of his truck with a treat and gets a smooch. Squirrels and chipmunks whip Maisie’s brain into a froth, but lucky for them, the little critters are still too quick for her.

Does Maisie have a favorite place to go for outings?

Maisie’s fave place these days is snuffling around the edge of the lake in the reeds for frogs and other tasty specimens. Toad hang-outs are also of great interest to her.

What is Maisie's best quality?

Maisie’s best quality is her “mushballness,” that is, her deeply affectionate nature. She’s also super intelligent, which sometimes leads to naughtiness; she can easily outsmart her people.

If Maisie could change one thing about Wisconsinites, what would it be?

If Maisie could change one thing about Wisconsinites, she might request they vote for politicians who have animal rights on their agenda.

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

I would ask Maisie why she beelined to us that day at the kennel.

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

Meryl Streep could do Maisie’s voice. Meryl Streep can do anyone’s voice. Second choice is Marisa Tomei.

Visit Dale Kushner's website, Facebook page, and Psychology Today blog.

Coffee with a Canine: Dale Kushner and Malibu.

--Marshal Zeringue

Alexandra Oliva & Codex

Who is in the photo at right?

Hi! I’m Alexandra Oliva. I’m an author, and this is my pup, Codex. She’s a shelter dog, so I’m not sure exactly what she is, breed-wise, but based on looks and temperament, my husband and I think she’s some sort of hound-retriever mix. If you want to get precise to the point of probable inaccuracy, I’d say she’s mostly a mix of Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Plott Hound. Whatever her breed, she’s about two and a half years old—and getting older by the day.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I needed my afternoon caffeine fix, and Codex got an extra walk out of the deal. (Lucky girl!)

What's brewing?

Cold brew iced coffee from a local cafe. I’m not sure what beans they use, but the sign said “single origin”, which I guess is a good thing? All I know for certain: It’s delicious.

Any treats for you or Codex on this occasion?

Nothing for me, but Codex is getting turkey-pumpkin bites because she’s a good girl who waved at the camera when asked.

How were you and Codex united?

When my husband and I moved to the Seattle area in 2014, we knew we wanted to get a dog ASAP. (We came from New York City, where our lifestyle didn’t mesh with pet ownership.) We found Codex online; her mom had been abandoned while pregnant and gave birth to a litter of brindled adorableness at a shelter. Codex’s coloring made her our favorite of the litter and once she hit eight weeks old, we road-tripped over to eastern Washington to pick her up and bring her home.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

It was important to me that my dog’s name not be common or overtly feminine. I can’t remember what made me first think of “Codex,” but it was some bookish word on a list somewhere. I was thinking it might be a fun name, and loved the literary connection (codices were the first bound manuscripts) but wasn’t sure the word was name-y enough until I remembered a web series called The Guild, in which a character’s gaming alter ego is named Codex. At that point, I was like: It is a name! And Codex has many aliases. Too many to list, in fact. Most are nonsensical rhymes like “Codex the Modex” or some variation on “Muffin.” E.g.: Muffin Face, Muffin Butt, Snuggle Muffin, The Muffin…

Does Codex do more to help or hinder your writing?

Hinder. Definitely hinder. She always seems to want to play at the worst possible time, writing-wise. I’ll just be hitting my stride with a scene and suddenly she’s shoving her tug-rope into the back of my knee or doing something equally adorable and distracting. Case in point: she’s literally doing figure eights between my legs as I type this sentence (I have a standing desk).

Has Codex inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

Nope. At least not yet.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Squirrel. She’ll sit at the back door just watching a squirrel until the time is right, then she’ll sprint out and try to catch it. But she’ll bark at the other options too; the hound in her seems to take great pride in letting us know whenever there is an “intruder” on the property.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Codex is totally ball obsessed. If we allow it, she’ll play fetch until she keels over. Sometimes my husband and I have to hide the ball and force her to take breaks.

Who is Codex's best pet-pal?

Codex is pretty indifferent toward other dogs… except for her “boyfriend,” a chocolate lab named Banks. She’s known Banks since she was nine weeks old and loves him to death.

What is Codex's best quality?

Her love of learning, which maybe sounds silly, since she’s a dog, but it’s true: training is her favorite pastime. Sometimes she gets so excited she can’t pay attention to what you’re actually asking her to do and she’ll just run through her entire repertoire of tricks, hoping to hit the right one.

If Codex could change one thing about the denizens of the Pacific Northwest, what would it be?

She’d probably like for them to pay less attention to her. She’s a shy pup who prefers to sniff strangers when they’re not looking to being approached. That, or for everyone to always be carrying squeaky balls. As shy as she is, she’s easily won over by a squeaky ball.

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

Instead of asking a question, I’d use the opportunity of her briefly understanding English to explain to her that we’re moving soon and that our destination will be her new home. I’m worried she’s going to have trouble adjusting.

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

I could do it! I spend much of my average day having conversations with Codex in which I do both our voices. It’s hilarious! To me, at least. Hollywood pros probably wouldn’t agree. In which case… Kristen Schaal. I think she could capture Codex’s mix of adorableness and absurdity.

What advice would Codex give if asked?

Probably something not FDA-approved, like: “Eat more bacon. Eat only bacon.”

Visit Alexandra Oliva's website.

The Page 69 Test: The Last One.

--Marshal Zeringue

Susan Meissner & Bella

Who is in the photo at right?

Hello, there! My name is Susan Meissner and I’m a fiction writer who loves to write novels where I place ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. My dog’s name is Bella and she’s a ten-year-old Golden Retriever.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Every morning is coffee time with Bella. My husband and I spend a half hour every morning with a hot cup of java, the morning paper, and the Today Show, with Bella lying between us.

What's brewing?

In the morning I love me two cups (and often a third that I heat up several times from breakfast to lunch) of freshly ground dark roast. Or if I’m in a hurry, a K-cup of Caribou Coffee’s Obsidian also makes me happy. In the afternoons, I like to spoil myself with a frothy Nespresso cappuccino and honestly, any flavor out of the Nespresso is my favorite.

Any treats for you or Bella on this occasion?

I had a toasted piece of beer bread for morning snack and Bella loved the corners of crust that I tossed to her.

How were you and Bella united?

An acquaintance of mine who breeds Goldens was retiring Bella and wanted to find a loving home for her. She was five then and deserving of a cushy life with dog lovers who only wanted one thing from her: affection. We had lots to give and so did she.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

I am not sure how she got her name, but we loved it and didn’t want to change it when she became our dog. We have lots of nicknames for her. Here are just a few: Bellaphone, Cinderbella, Tinkerbella, Bellaphant, Accabella, Tacobella, and Bellacopter.

Does Bella do more to help or hinder your writing?

Bella thinks she’s my muse. She is always as close as she can be to me when I’m writing. If I’m in my writing cave, she’s at the threshold of the room. If I’m writing in the living room, she’s lying on the rug at my feet. Whatever room in the house I decide to plop down in to work, she’s right there. I think she’s under the impression that if she’s not beside me, I am unable to write a word.

Please tell us about your new novel.

Stars Over Sunset Boulevard is a book about two studio secretaries who become best friends on the 1939 set of the most memorable film ever made, Gone With the Wind. One sets out to reinvent herself in LA after her dream of becoming a wife and mother falls apart and lands a job at a Hollywood studio where she meets enigmatic Audrey Duvall, a once-rising film star who is now a fellow typist. What Audrey and Violet are willing to risk, for themselves and for each other, to ensure their own happy endings will shape their friendship, and their lives, far into the future. This story is framed by a shorter contemporary thread about the iconic curtain-dress hat Vivien Leigh wore in the movie which shows up out of the blue at a Hollywood vintage clothing boutique.

Has Bella inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

I would say every time I give a character a dog, I do so because of not only Bella, but our Labrador Retriever, Luke, whom we lost three years ago at the age of 14. Our dogs have been such gentle companions to us. They’ve made our lives sweeter. I have given characters dogs who needed that sweetness because of all the trouble I put them through.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Bella chases nothing. Barks at nothing. She will bark when we get home but only because she’s happy we decided to come back.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

She loves her toys. They’ve all been other animals, stuffed of course. Bear, bird, dragon, zebra. When she chews a toy (usually eviscerating it and pulling out the stuffing) it is the only time she shows a hint of aggression. She will chase a ball but bringing it back to you so you can throw it again isn’t high on her priority list. Or she might have not have figured out that’s how it works.

Who is Bella's best pet-pal?

She loves other dogs. All dogs. Cats, too. She doesn’t think for a moment that they might not like her. She will happily approach any dog or cat with the tail wag of friendship. It sometimes doesn’t go over too well.

What is Bella's best quality?

She wants to please you and make you happy. Her only aim is to make you feel good about being alive.

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

Bella would like to come inside all the stores, not just Petco.

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

Have you ever been in a bad mood?

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

Joanne Froggatt, who plays Anna Bates on Downton Abbey.

What advice would Bella give if asked?

Don’t worry about things that haven’t happened yet or may not happen at all.

Visit Susan Meissner's website.

Writers Read: Susan Meissner.

My Book, The Movie: Stars Over Sunset Boulevard.

--Marshal Zeringue

Kerry Alan Denney & Holly Jolly

Who is in the photo at right?

That’s me, Kerry Alan Denney aka The Reality Bender, multiple award-winning published author of various horror, sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal, and supernatural novels and short stories, with my Golden retriever Holly Jolly the professional Therapy Dog. In the photo, we’re disguised as Holly Jolly Claus and SuperSanta. Look at the expression on Holly’s dog-face: I swear I believe she actually knows when she’s being photographed. She’s such a ham for the camera! She’s so photogenic.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Any chance to share Holly’s unique unconditional love, affection, playfulness, and joie de vivre with others is a good occasion. As a fully trained and well-behaved Therapy Dog for six years now, Holly loves people and dogs of all sizes and ages, and loves making others happy... and making Holly and others happy makes me happy.

What's brewing?

For me, hot chocolate with marshmallows; for Holly, a bowl of fresh, clean water.

Any treats for you or Holly Jolly on this occasion?

I may be allowed a few double-chocolate fudge brownies, or some chocolate chip cookies. Holly gets 100% all-natural chicken jerky treats—no preservatives added!

(An important note for dog owners: Always check the list of ingredients on packaged treats you buy for your dog, and never give them anything with propylene glycol in it! That’s basically anti-freeze. It’s poison, and will shorten the life of your furry friend, and eventually kill them. I believe it should be illegal to put this preservative in dog treats, and that packages should be clearly marked with a warning when it’s used, but the companies that use this preservative to extend the shelf-life of the treats aren’t regulated by the FDA, and don’t care if they shorten the lives of our canine friends. It’s up to us to be the watchdogs for the health of our furry buds!)

How were you and Holly Jolly united?

In the late Fall of 2006, I searched Petfinder.com for reputable breeders of Golden retrievers. I found a mother-and-son combination in Michigan who occasionally bred them (not a puppy farm!), and they had posted photos of a litter of Golden pups all dressed in various Christmas regalia: festive bows, Santa caps, decorative ribbons, etc. They were irresistibly cute. After personally contacting the breeder and determining that she and her son were respectable and legit, I submitted my request just in time, and got the last pup of the litter, a female they had named Sandy.

On December 21, 2006, I went to the cargo pickup warehouse at Atlanta, Georgia’s Hartsfield International Airport and picked up Holly as a nine-week-old puppy. She was so cute it made my chest ache. It was love at first sight for both of us, and we’ve lived happily together here in Stone Mountain, GA ever since that unforgettable day. Holly is nine now, and still happy, healthy, and as playful and energetic as a puppy.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

On the evening of December 20, 2006, I went to bed early still trying to come up with the perfect name for my new furry friend. At 3 a.m. the next morning—the morning I was scheduled to go pick her up—I jerked fully awake with the famous Burl Ives tune “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” playing in my head as if it were blaring out of my stereo, and I thought, “Eureka! Of course!” After that, there was never any doubt: Holly Jolly she was. And the name fit her personality perfectly.

Does Holly Jolly do more to help or hinder your writing?

Definitely help! She is the best writing companion I could ever hope or ask for. Her unique joy for life and unbridled enthusiasm inspires me endlessly.

Have any actual dogs inspired fictional dogs in your writing?

Absolutely! Holly herself inspired my short story “Old Coot,” about a remarkably gifted Therapy Dog. It was published online at Page & Spine to critical acclaim on November 1, 2013.

Additionally, Holly and several of her canine buds have inspired me to write about amazing and remarkable dogs in all of my published novels, as well as a few not published yet (and one coming out in 2016). I love writing about dogs, and believe they are the greatest gift our creator has ever given us. Treat your canine friends well and they will shower you with unconditional love all their lives!

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Amazingly, Holly has never been the type of dog to chase or be aggressive or defensive over any creature. Plus, because of her thorough training, she is so well-behaved that she knows better than to leave my side without permission. We’re constantly complimented on her excellent behavior and obedience. In our interaction with other dog owners with Golden retrievers, I’ve noticed that the breed is so eager to please that most people who own them have commented on how easy they are to train.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

All three! She is an excellent “play fetch” companion, and has been since she was just a puppy.

And she loves to swim. We go to the lake at Stone Mountain Park two to three times a week, where she plays tennis ball fetch in the lake. And she loves her plush stuffed toys too: She even identifies several of them by name when I ask her to choose one (doggie, froggie, bear, seal, turtle, leopard).

Who is Holly Jolly's best pet-pal?

Definitely Josie, a beautiful half-Golden retriever half-German shepherd owned by my great writer friend Lynda Fitzgerald. Holly and Josie play so well together, and have from the moment they met. Lynda and I believe they were best buds in a past life, reunited in this one.

What is Holly Jolly's best quality?

Definitely her joie de vivre (exuberance; energy and love of life). She has many remarkable qualities: affectionate, loyal, sweet, enthusiastic, gentle, playful, endlessly happy. But her joy of life is her shining star.

If Holly Jolly could change one thing about Georgians, what would it be?

That’s a tough one! My best guess would be that we would love cold weather more. (Native Georgians by and large can’t stand the cold, and being a native Floridian, I’m no exception.)

Holly absolutely loves cold weather and especially snow. See for yourself in her YouTube video.

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

Another tough one. I may change my answer to this question ten times or more after I’ve answered it. I would ask her what I can do to make the world a better place for us all to live in, but she’s already answered that many times before just by her sheer nature, which I put as the answer to the last question here. There are so many questions I’d love for her to answer! Such as:

Will I see you on the other side? (If there is a God, I surely will.) But I’ll go with this one: What can I do to make her live a longer, happier, healthier life?

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

If Hollywood made a movie about my life in which Holly could speak, I’d let her choose who would do her voice, and then we would Snoopy dance together on the ceiling. However, my choice would be the talented voice-over actress Mila Kunis. Because of her past experience in voice-over acting, I believe she would create the perfect voice for Holly.

What advice would Holly Jolly give if asked?

Easiest question yet. She would share her motto, her creed, which she has shared all her life by example: Live your lives with wind-in-fur.

Visit Kerry Alan Denney's website.

--Marshal Zeringue