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

Gail Pyne & Bella Blue and Seamus O'Malley

Who is pictured in these photos?

That's me, Gail Pyne, Bella Blue and Seamus O'Malley. I'm a certified Fitness Professional and a Running and Wellness coach. I blog at Capablefitness.com. It's not all about fitness. I'm quite opinionated on many issues, as it turns out. Bella Blue is a Blue Tick Coonhound mix. She turned 11 this year. Seamus O'Malley is an Irish Setter who just turned 5.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine? What's brewing? Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

In Canada, it is your civic duty to stop at Tim Hortons every morning for a cup of Joe. I'm not kidding. There is a Tim Hortons on every corner in most urban areas. I have one that I walk to. Tim Horton was a Canadian hockey legend, and we take hockey pretty seriously here in Canada. The shop that I go to has a convenient area that the dogs can be tied to and be admired by patrons as I purchase my medium coffee, double cream, single sugar. I rarely have anything other than my coffee, as I eat a pretty healthy breakfast every day at my home, but both dogs get a plain Tim Bit. They are given free to dogs, if you ask. If either of my dogs ever get lost, this Tim Hortons is where I would look first. They'd likely be sitting by the doors....

How were you and your dogs united?

Bella Blue was found wandering the streets as a puppy in 2005. She was promptly turned over to a local shelter which is where my husband and I found her. No one at the shelter had any background on her. We just call her awesome. It fits pretty nicely. Seamus O'Malley hails from North Carolina. We got him as a two month old puppy in 2011 when we were living in Raleigh. He turned 5 a few months ago. As a puppy he loathed being cuddled and would try and nibble my ears and then squirm out of my arms. Now that he is 80 pounds he absolutely insists on being cuddled and disregards his size as an obstacle to that. On the bright side, he has discontinued his ear chomping. He's our third Irish, so clearly we are obsessed.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Bella Blue was named by a neighbor. Seems rather "hands off" of me, I know. In my defense, I wanted Blue to be a part of her name. I could not just call her Blue because it was too male sounding. A neighbor suggested Bella Blue, and as it rolled off the tongue nicely, I jumped on it. I did not realize at the time that the Twilight series of novels were extremely popular and that Bella was about to become the most fashionable dog name ever. Thank goodness I had the Blue part.... Her alias is Basement Bella. She is terrified of storms and when one is brewing she bolts for her crate, which is in the basement. Lately she has been forgoing the basement and heading to a spare bathroom off our offices. We may have to change her alias to Bathroom Bella.

Seamus (pronounced Shay-mus) O'Malley was named by my husband and I, after we had a hotly debated back and forth Facebook post to my friends and family. I had thrown out the names Clancy, Seamus and Finnegan. Seamus won by a landslide. It was my favorite as well. I chose the O'Malley part. We've had second names for all our dogs and I didn't want to stop with Seamus. His alias is Shameless O'Malley because he's pretty much shameless. He's embarrassed by nothing and assumes he is always the center of attention.

You're a fitness professional and a runner; do your dogs run with you?

Sadly, Bella Blue's running days are far behind her now. She gets a daily walk, but that is all her arthritic hind legs can tolerate. Seamus O'Malley is my eager running partner. He's always game for a run, though in our hot summer months he can't come with me. His running alias is Sir Poops-a-Lot. I just look at our frequent poop stops as interval training. Heart rate up...heart rate down...heart rate up....the kids in the neighborhood call him The Big Red Dog. My favorite running loop takes us through the village of Bronte where the children love to watch him drag me along!!

Where is the dogs' favorite outdoor destination?

Lake Ontario. We are lucky to live within a couple of blocks of it. They love the water, the geese and the ducks.

What is each dog's best quality?

Bella Blue's watchdog skills and Seamus O'Malley's kindness. When I was diagnosed with cancer, and while recovering, Seamus seemed to know how sacred I was and would just be there for me. When I was at my lowest, he was there to remind me that wallowing in self pity was not going to help. Plus, even though I had cancer, Seamus still needed to go outside to pee....

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

For Bella Blue it is the tennis ball. Seamus? All three. He's never met a ball, stick or squeaky toy he didn't like.

Postman, cat, squirrel...?

For both dogs it's all three, but while Bella Blue wants all three dead, Seamus just wants to be friends.

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

Bella would erase from my mind all knowledge of nutrition and my belief in food portion control. There are days where I'm sure she thinks I'm starving her. Seamus O'Malley would change my attitude towards training and tell me that some runs don't need a Garmin GPS watch and proper pace....some runs can just be for fun.

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

I would ask Bella Blue why she loves to eat Kleenex and toilet paper. I would ask Seamus O'Malley why he is terrified to step on wet stones.

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

Dame Maggie Smith for Bella Blue. She has the right amount of imperiousness. Rupert Grint for Seamus O'Malley. I feel only a red head can get another red head.

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

To appreciate the now, rather than fret about the future. Also, always scrape the poop off the bottom of your paws, and then move on.

Visit the Capable Fitness website and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Steve Caplan & Ginger

Who is in the photo at right?

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

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

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

What's brewing?

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

Any treats for you or Ginger on this occasion?

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

How did Ginger get her name? Any nicknames?

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

How were you and Ginger united?

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

Are there any Ginger-inspired dogs in your fiction?

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

Does Ginger do more to help or hinder your writing?

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

Who is Ginger's best pet-pal?

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

Where is Ginger's favorite outdoor destination?

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

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

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

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

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

What is Ginger's best quality?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--Marshal Zeringue

Jelena Louie & Gage

Who is in the photo at right?

Jelena Louie and Gage. I, Jelena (pronounced Yeh-leh-nah), am a language teacher and textile designer by education, but currently work part-time grading language arts tests and use the other half of my time for running a small handmade jewelry business. When I have time and inspiration, I also write the hART Sense Design blog on Wordpress.

Gage is a male, field English Setter, approximately 6 years old, and we have had him for about 4.5 years now.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We decided to take advantage of a nice fall day and enjoy some of the Pumpkin Bog Festival events at a local winery. Gage likes to go for rides in a car, and the picnic area by the winery offers plenty of grass for him to do all that dogs do with and on the grass.

What's brewing?

Mulled Legacy Rimrock wine from Prairie Berry Winery.

Any treats for you or Gage on this occasion?

Gluten-free pecan shortbread for me and an organic banana for Gage. He does have a sweet tooth and is particularly fond of bananas and apples.

How were you and Gage united?

My husband and I adopted Gage through a breed specific rescue group, Above & Beyond English Setter Rescue, when Gage was approximately 18 months old. He was dumped by his original owner to a shelter in North Carolina at the tender age of about 6 months. The rescue group pulled him from the shelter, placed him in a foster home, had him neutered and treated for heartworms, and then, he waited and waited for his forever home for months on end, until we decided we wanted to get a companion for our old Irish Setter girl. He was a perfect fit for our family both personality wise and in all other ways. To transport him to us all the way from North Carolina, the rescue group organized a number of volunteers, who each drove one or two legs of the transport route, with us picking up the last one. That was quite the trip for Mr. Gage, but we are sure it was absolutely worth the effort.

After his Irish "sister" passed last year, Gage became an only pet, and a rather spoiled one for that matter.

How did Gage get his name? Any aliases?

Gage was named by his original owner, and we didn't want to cause an identity crisis by renaming him. He also responds to Gagey-boo, Bug, and Bugsy. He is a very affectionate fellow, sometimes to the point of bugging people until they finally relent and give him some pets.

Does Gage do more to help or hinder your art and jewelry design?

He neither helps nor hinders. He only supervises. After all, our house and everything in it operate only for the benefit of the dog.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

While friendly to most humans, Gage definitely has it for many different kinds of critters. This summer alone, he has caught 4 birds. In the past, he used to catch bunnies, and he considers cats his nemesis. However, squirrels that come to our backyard feeder are one of his yet unattained hunting goals. They tease and torment him all the time, and we are just waiting for the day when he comes in from the yard with some red fur in his mouth.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Gage is an equal opportunity toy user. If you toss a ball or a stick for him, he will catch it but not bring it back. He will entertain himself with chew toys often, and he could at times drive one crazy by squeaking his numerous squeaky toys.

Does Gage have a favorite place to go for outings?

Gage doesn't mind where he goes as long as the outing includes a ride in the car. He is even excited to jump into the car for a visit to the vet's office.

Who is Gage's best pet-pal?

While our Irish Setter, Susie, was alive, she and Gage were inseparable. Now that he is an only pet, he despises other dogs and only wants to socialize with humans.

What is Gage's best quality?

Gage has a soft temperament and a very loving personality. When my husband or I feel tired or ill, he lays his head in our laps and melts our hearts with one look from his brown eyes. He is canine love personified, and he is not afraid to show it.

If Gage could change one thing about South Dakotans, what would it be?

He'd want them to either build some fenced-in dog parks or keep their dogs on leashes when out for a walk. He simply doesn't think it fair that most dogs get to run loose all over the neighborhood, while he always has to be on a leash when out of his yard.

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

Why can't you just get along with all of our little bird, squirrel, and bunny friends that like to visit the yard?

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

Laurence Olivier - the epitome of a handsome English gentleman.

Visit Jelena Louie's handmade jewelry website and the hART Sense Design blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Debbie and Scott & Lyla and Devin

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Debbie B. We sold our house in NJ and moved into our 35' Cedar Creek 5th Wheel. My husband, Scott and I have been traveling full time for 2.5 years.

[Debbie and Lyla, photo right]

We originally were going to full time with 3 dogs. Ryley a 10 yr old Irish Setter. Pillsbury, an 11 yr old Irish Setter, and Lyla, an 7 yr old English Setter. Ryley was blind and had bone cancer, Pillsbury had no use of his back end and legs and used a dog cart (doggie wheelchair), and Lyla is deaf from birth. But fate had other plans that were difficult on our hearts but better for our transition to living in an RV. Pillsbury passed from a stomach tumor 4 months prior to our start. Two dogs were more manageable. Our blind Ryley, adjusted well to any situation even though he was blind. Three months after moving into the RV, we had to let Ryley go because of the pain from bone cancer. That left us with just 7 yr old deaf Lyla. Her deafness does not affect our circumstances other than she cannot be off leash. We have since adopted Devin, an Irish and English Setter mix. Two large dogs are our limit in an RV.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Every morning is my special time for "Coffee with a Canine" ...or two. I am the early bird and my husband sleeps in. This early time is my quiet time to enjoy coffee and a piece of toast with peanut butter & jelly and an extra piece with just peanut butter for my dogs to split.

[Scott and Lyla, photo left]

What's brewing?

Bold dark roast beans, fresh ground and drip method in a cone making only one or two cups at a time and drinking black.

My "go to" brand is Peet's Major Dickason. When I first tried this it was only available via mail order or in California. Now it can be found in many major grocery stores. Since we travel, I now try different local brands. I'm currently finishing up Craven's Montana Jack.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

As stated above, this is our breakfast ritual and whole grain toast with peanut is expected by my Setters.

How did your dogs get their names? Any nicknames?

Both our dogs are rescue dogs. Our English Setter Lyla came with name and we liked it so it stayed. Our Irish/English Setter Devin, came with the name Breslin, which we hated. We looked for Irish names and Devin popped out.

How were you and your dogs united?

Our English Setter, Lyla was born deaf as is unfortunately prevalent in English Setters. Any reputable breeder will BAER test their litter to ensure none are deaf. Since Lyla is completely deaf, she is no longer show quality and it was suggested she be euthanized. The breeder would not do that and gave her to rescue to find a good home. She was adopted through Above & Beyond English Setter Rescue, where I now volunteer.

Our English/Irish Setter Devin, is also a rescue dog with the help from Magnolia Setter Rescue. He was turned over to rescue because the owner did not have time for his energy and he was crated for most of the day. [Debbie and Devin, photo left]

You've traveled all around the country. Where have the dogs seem to have enjoyed it most?

Unlike humans, the dogs don't care about scenery. The are all into smells! I think their favorite area is at the Corps of Engineers Park, Sandy Creek in Jasper, TX. There is a reservoir for Devin to swim in, lots of squirrels for Devin to keep occupied with, and Lyla loves to sniff out the armadillos that come out at night.

Another place is Four Paws Campground in Rutherfordton, SC. This is an RV park that caters to dogs. There are 7 dog parks, a pond and hiking trails on the property. There are activities for the dogs, such as agility, sausage eating contest, etc. And just like their "Mom & Dad," they prefer cooler weather and get the crazies when the temperatures drop.

Another place they loved was near Diamond Lake, OR. There were all kinds of ground squirrels, and birds to entertain them and of course a beautiful lake to take dips in.

Do the dogs have any non-canine pet pals?

Oh yes, we just finished pet sitting for a pair of adorable rats. At first Devin was very, very interested, but eventually got used to them. After a while I would let him smell them without fear of his eating them. Their home is also shared by an African Grey Parrot, named Swayze. Swayze was name after Patrick Swayze. African Grey Parrots have bright red tail feathers just like Patrick Swayze had a red, hot bum! Swayze will growl when an unfamiliar dog passes the window.

Have the dogs encountered any exotic critters on your travels?

Hmmm, not really. The first time Lyla saw a horse, she was petrified and stayed very close to our legs and as we passed, she continued to look behind her until the horse was out of sight.

Devin met some miniature horses in Livingston, TX and he was so afraid of them he pulled me down and got loose. Lyla, our gentle girl went right up to them for a nose to nose encounter.

We've come across elk and mule deer in our campsite at the Grand Canyon, but they both handled it well. It seems they are becoming acclimated to meeting new critters.

While in Custer State Park, the wild burros stuck their heads in our truck hoping for treats and the dogs didn't even both to lift their heads.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Lyla likes to play tug of war once in a while, but normally, she is just a mellow dog. Devin will empty out his toy box looking for a specific toy and not always the same toy. He does tend to like squeaky toys and when he really gets a rhythm going, he'll howl in between squeaks all the time keeping the toy in his mouth.

What is each dog's best quality?

Lyla has an angel's face. She will sit in front of you and give you that special look which means, "I want a hug." We then get on our knees, she gently jumps up and puts her paws on our shoulder and gives us nose to nose kisses. Lyla was a Hospice Therapy Dog for a while and even attended a patient's funeral and sat with the family in the front row.

Devin best quality is he is able to settle down inside when Mom needs a lazy day.

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

That I would take them for more long walks.

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

Christine Baranski would play Lyla. Christine can sound sophisticated in the rich, snooty way. Lyla can be aloof at times and just give you a look that says, "Don't push it, this will do."

Jerry Lewis would be the voice for Devin.

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

Lyla, do you have pain anywhere?

Devin, why are you afraid of children?

Visit the Great Escape from New Jersey blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Susan Dennard & Asimov and Leia

Who are in the photos with this Q & A?

Well, there's Asimov (Irish Setter, 3 years) in the chair and Leia (terrier mutt, 10 months) gazing lovingly at the camera.

I'm Susan Dennard, a reader, writer, animal-lover, and cookie-eater. My debut novel -- a YA gothic mystery called Something Strange and Deadly -- came out this summer.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Oh, I have coffee with my pups every day. They're my constant companions since I work at home.

What's brewing?

I always have plain coffee--no sugar, no milk. As for the brand, it's from a coffee shop called Uncommon Grounds. They work directly with their farmers in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. I only buy fair trade coffee.

Any treats for you or Asimov and Leia on this occasion?

They usually get one or two carrots throughout the day. Not sure why, but they both love carrots!

How did the dogs get their names? Any aliases?

photo by Amanda Plavich

Asimov is named after Isaac Asimov, the prolific science fiction writer (and one of my heroes). He get's called "Asimovich" quite a lot…

Leia is named after Princess Leia (also a hero of mine!). I call her "Lay-Lay" or "Lady-Loo"--though I have no idea why I started saying that!

How were you and Asimov and Leia united?

I wanted a puppy after my first dog didn't make it to Germany (the airline lost her!). But adopting a dog in Germany is very hard since--unlike the US--there aren't very many stray dogs. Plus, adopting was about the same cost as getting a purebred. So, we finally settled on getting a dog like I'd grown up with: an Irish setter.

Leia came from a shelter in Georgia. My mom volunteers at it, and I went one day to help her with all the poop-cleaning and dog-walking. I took one look at little Leia and knew I had to bring her home.

Do Asimov and Leia have any non-canine pet-pals?

Well, we have 2 cats--Duma and Mowgli. Leia and Asimov both adore the cats, but the feeling is definitely not mutual.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Squirrel! They love to chase them, though I'm not sure they'd have any idea what to do with it if the ever actually caught one.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

All three! They love furry, squeaky toys for chewing and wrestling. Balls are great for chasing, and sticks are great for eating (though I'm not inclined to agree).

What is each dog's best quality?

Asimov has a ton of personality. He's a pretty grumpy dog (in a good-natured way), and he's very vocal when he's annoyed. (Of course, I definitely go out of my way to annoy him because it's just so darn funny!)

Leia is the sweetest, sweetest dog on the planet. She is all kisses and cuddles, and she will do anything to make me happy.

If Asimov and Leia could change one thing about you, what would it be?

I think both dogs would like to get more walks and be let off leash more often. But...no dice.

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

Hahaha--great question. I think that Michael J. Fox and Sally Fields in Homeward Bound would make a great Asimov and Leia, respectively.

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

Why do you guys keep eating the cat poop?!

Visit Susan Dennard's website, blog, and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Anthea & Ponto, Percy, and Dylan

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Anthea, I supervise children at school at lunch and train dogs. The dogs are, Ponto [photo below left], aged five (on the bed on floor), who is a mongrel girl including genes from labrador, bichon frise, sheltie, staffie, border collie and Irish setter. On my right is Percy, an Irish Setter girl, aged nine and Dylan who is eight is on my left and he is a Cocker Spaniel/Border Collie cross.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

A pleasant interlude during our walk on the beach.

What's brewing?

Tea (PG Tips).

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Liver treats I bake myself.

How were you and your dogs united?

They came to me as puppies.

How did your dogs get their names? Any nicknames?

My daughter named Percy, really Persephone Sisyphus, but she is called Percy for short.

I named Dylan [photo right] after Bob Dylan. My mother named Ponto after a dog she had had as a child.

Rabbit, postman, cat...?

They all like chasing rabbits, are friends with the postman and live with my cat.

Where is your dogs' favorite place for an outing?

The beach or the Forest.

What is each dog's best quality?

Percy - goofy and good at tricks.

Dylan - was a brilliant agility dog but retired now.

Ponto - very loving agility dog.

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

Maybe become my only dog.

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

Percy's [photo left] winning the Casual Agility Class.

Dylan's doing his washing line trick.

Ponto's walking around me backwards.

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

I've no idea.

Visit the Ponto's Ongoing Story blog.

--Marshal Zeringue