Davida Breier & Alex George, Vera, and Javier

Who is in the photo at right?

Davida Breier with Alex George, Vera, and Javier. I am a debut novelist who also works in publishing by day as a sales director and distributor at Johns Hopkins University Press. Alex George (m) is an 9yo shih tzu-mix, Vera (f) is a 5yo chihuahua?-mix, and Javier (m) is a 10-15yo chihuahua mix. All are rescues.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

The house was finally quiet and I made a cup after they had their breakfast.

What's brewing?

Cafe Bustelo with soy milk.

Any treats for you or the dogs on this occasion?

It is post-breakfast. We haven't worked up to treats yet.

How were you and the dogs united?

My then 8yo son and mother went to the county shelter in 2014. He noticed a small, terrified dog. He said he knew the dog needed more help than the friendly dog in the cage next door. They brought Alex George home that day.

Javier was adopted from Doodle Dogs Rescue in the spring of 2017. He had been in a high-kill shelter in the south and was part of a rescue network that pulls dogs from shelters, fosters, and finds homes. We had no idea how old he was then but guessed at around 10-12. He was missing most of his teeth and part of his jaw due to dental neglect.

Vera was adopted from the same rescue in the fall of 2017. She had been a stray in rural Texas and needed surgery for a minor eye disorder. She was scared of everything and her friendship with Alex George helped bring her some confidence.

How did Alex George, Vera, and Javier get their names? Any aliases?

Alex was his shelter name and my son wanted to name him after Boy George. Somehow he became Alex George. Vera just looked like a Vera. Javier was his rescue name and it fit him.

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

They help. Alex George and Vera are my constant companions and were nearby for almost every word of the novel.

Have your dogs inspired you to create any fictional canines?

Yes. In fact, there wasn't supposed to be a dog in my novel, but one showed up and demanded to be let into the novel. Once I did, I realized how much he was needed.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Postal carrier and UPS driver. Although, Alex George has a weird issue with our tortoise and bothers her every chance he gets.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Nylabone original flavor small chew bones.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Alex George and Vera.
Javier and Vera.
Vera is everyone's friend.

What is each dog's best quality?

Javier is a very comforting dog. He seems to know when people are sad or when one of the animals is sick.
Vera wants to be your best best friend.
Alex George's personality is quirky and demanding and I enjoy that about him.

If Alex George, Vera, and Javier could change one thing about Marylanders, what would it be?

I suspect they would like people to stop setting off fireworks. And maybe learn to use their turn signals.

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

Are you in any pain?

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

Alex George = John Malkovich.
Javier = Ricardo Montalbán.
Vera = Holly Hunter.

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

They would probably tell me to calm down and go sit on the couch.

Visit Davida Breier's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Dandi Daley Mackall & Moxie and Munch

Who is in the photo at right?

I do know that the photo with me in it (and I’m Dandi Daley Mackall, author of more animal books that I can count) is a horse—my horse, Cheyenne. I have no pictures of me with my dogs because I’m always the one taking the pictures. Moxie is the smaller dog, and Munch is the big one, though the gals are from the same litter. They are supposed to be Shih-Tzus, but, come on, do they look fancy to you?

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Every morning I get up while it’s still dark, and the dogs sit on my lap while I read and down a giant mug of French Vanilla coffee, which my daughter prepares the night before.

What's brewing?

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion? No treats, no way. If these two eat anything except their expensive special dogfood (Hmmm…so maybe they are fancy on the inside?), they puke. And puke. (Okay—on occasion, I slip them a cheerio.)

How did Moxie and Munch get their names? Any aliases?

Daughter Katy named both dogs, and we never know where she gets any of her ideas. But I’ve used both Moxie and Munch in books. In My Boyfriends' Dogs, which has recently been turned into a movie by Hallmark, a Shih-Tzu features prominently, though she goes by the name Shirley because the book’s subtitle is: The Tales of Adam and Eve and Shirley, 3 dogs from 3 boyfriends, and Shirley just seemed funnier to me.

How were you and your dogs united?

We had a real Shih-Tzu for 14 years. When she died, it took two dogs to fill the hole.

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

Our dogs do nothing. They used to not even bark, though they finally learned how. All day as I sit at the computer, Moxie and Munch sleep on my rug. I like that . . . until they start snoring. And I mean snoring.

Have any actual dogs inspired fictional dogs in your writing?

Besides the obvious one, My Boyfriends' Dogs, I probably have dogs in over half of my novels. My brand new Knopf/Random House novel, The Secrets of Tree Taylor, brings back my first dog, Midge the mutt. Mad Dog is the title of one my Starlight Animal Rescue novels, and though Winnie the Horse Gentler majors in horses, a secondary character named Barkley has a bunch of dogs and knows all kinds of trivia about our canine buddies.

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

We have a bunch of outdoor and barn cats. I even have an I Can Read series about my kids’ favorite cat: Allyson J. Cat (aka Ali Cat). And the young adult novel Wild Cat is about a pure white cat who is blind.

Squeaky-toy, ball, stick...?

My dogs are afraid of anything that squeaks. Munch is afraid of fires in our fireplace. Moxie fears the dishwasher. They’re also afraid of hair spray (to my hair, not theirs), running water, cooking.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Moxie and Munch are their own best pals, which is a great reason to have two dogs.

What is each dog's best quality?

Moxie is 9, but still bounces and acts like a puppy.

Munch is an old soul and always has been.

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

They would keep me in my reading chair all day so they could sit on my lap as I drink my coffee.

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

Munch would be an old Mae West, and Moxie a young comedic Marilyn Monroe.

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

What’s so scary about the dishwasher and a lovely fire in the fireplace?

Visit Dandi Daley Mackall's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Angelia Sims & Salem, Anna, Brownie, and Fred

Who is in the photo at right?

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

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

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

What's brewing?

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

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

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

How did your dogs get their names? Any nicknames?

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

How were you and your dogs united?

I like to call them planned and unplanned.

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

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

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

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

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

Fred loves Petsmart.

Do the dogs have any non-canine pet pals?

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

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Definitely squirrels, but only if you are Anna.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Squeaky toy. So! Many! Squeaky toys!

What is each dog's best quality?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you know how much I love you?

Visit Angelia Sims's blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Andrea Lochen & Maddy

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Andrea Lochen, the author of the novel The Repeat Year. My dog, Maddy, is an 8-year-old Teddy Bear, a mix between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We decided to spend an hour in our backyard soaking up the sun, reading (me), and sniffing out unusual smells and rolling in the grass (Maddy).

OK, no coffee for you and Maddy--but are you sharing any treats on this occasion?

Chilled lemonade for me and water and a rawhide bone for Maddy.

How were you and Maddy united?

Maddy was a wonderful surprise gift from my husband on my golden birthday (when I turned twenty-three on December 23rd). I had wanted a dog for a long time, but it seemed like an impractical undertaking since we were living in an apartment at the time with busy work schedules. So on my birthday, resigned to a few more painfully dog-less years, I was instructed to close my eyes and hold out my hands, and when I did, a wriggling, six-pound puppy with a golden bow tied around her neck was placed in them. I immediately fell in love. My husband and I like to say that she’s the gift he’ll never be able to top and the gift that keeps on giving.

How did Maddy get her name? Any aliases?

Maddy is short for Madison, Wisconsin, a city that I adore (and where The Repeat Year is set). The better question would probably be are there any aliases or pet names I don’t use for her because there are so many of them, but most are too embarrassing (for both me and Maddy) to list here: Maddy Madkins, snuggle bug, bunny bear, cutie bean… You get the picture!

Have any Maddy-inspired dogs appeared in your published work?

In The Repeat Year, Phil’s dog, Cashew, is loosely based on Maddy. Cashew is a tan Shih-Tzu, so he looks different than Maddy, but his energetic, enthusiastic behavior is pretty similar. And one of the lines I wrote about him, “[A dog is] a bundle of pure love, gift-wrapped in fur” was definitely inspired by her.

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

She’s a great writing companion. She has a little doggy bed next to my desk, and if she’s not laying there while I’m writing, it’s because she’s laying across my lap with her chin perched on my hard plastic armrest. Sometimes she gets bored with my writing and demands we play, and it’s usually the much needed break and distraction I need, so I can come back to whatever chapter I’m working on feeling revived.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

One of Maddy’s best friends is our mail carrier because every day she leaves a Milk-bone treat in the mailbox for her, so that Maddy is now conditioned to lick her lips and expect a treat every time we get the mail. She likes our mail carrier so much that once she even tried to get in the postal truck with her (although I suspect it had more to do with the open box of Milk-bones on the floor). In case you can’t tell, my dog is extremely food-motivated.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Plush squeaky toys—she loves to rip the stuffing out of them and dig out the plastic squeaker. We have several deflated, sad-looking squirrels and raccoons she still plays with. For her seventh birthday, we bought her the mother of all plush squeaky toys—a long red dragon with twenty squeakers sewn into it! She was in heaven, and almost a year later, some of the squeakers still function.

Does Maddy have a favorite place to go for outings?

Basically anywhere we go, she’s game. Maddy adores riding in the car (especially through drive-throughs, because she sometimes get a treat), going for walks in our neighborhood and to parks, and visiting my parents and my in-laws.

Who is Maddy's best pet-pal?

My in-laws’ dog, Lacci, who is the same breed as Maddy, but a few years older. They look almost like twins when they’re together!

What is Maddy's best quality?

Her unconditional love. Her joy and enthusiasm for life. The way she makes me laugh.

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

She would mandate that we all carry cheese or other treats in our pockets to give to her at regular intervals.

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

I would ask her to describe her perfect day for me and then I would recreate it for her.

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

It would have to be me or my husband because we do her voice all the time! She sounds high-pitched, cheeky, and occasionally has a Southern drawl.

Visit Andrea Lochen's website and Facebook page.

Writers Read: Andrea Lochen.

The Page 69 Test: The Repeat Year.

My Book, The Movie: The Repeat Year.

--Marshal Zeringue

"Gypsy Boho" & Xi Shi Quan and Cha Bu Khan

Who is in the photo at right?

I am a 65 year old retired Mental Health Counselor. I am enjoying travel and camping in my RV with my pets. I named my RV "The Gypsy Boho Freedom Express" and go by the name Gypsy Boho on social media.

I have 2 female Shih Tzus (Xi Shi Quan and Cha Bu Khan) and 3 female cats that travel with me. The dogs are 4 and 3 years old and the cats are 5 years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I have coffee in bed when traveling in the RV and the pets are right beside me. When I'm at home I have coffee on the back porch while the doggies play in the back yard.

What's brewing?

I drink Maxwell House International Café - French Vanilla - sugar free decaffeinated. I have a large mug of coffee every morning. I drink half while on the porch and the rest with my breakfast later.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

My dogs get a treat in the afternoon only. Usually a Dental Stix to chew on for their teeth or a treat for hip and joints.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

I named Xi Shi Quan after the most beautiful woman in ancient China. Cha Bu Khan is named after the Empress of Kublai Khan.

How were you and your dogs united?

I searched online for a local breeder and found a website with photos of the breeding dogs. Xi Shi (aka Sky French) [photo right] was one of them and I asked if the breeder would consider selling her to me. She agreed and I brought her home. Two years later I wanted another dog as a companion for Xi Shi and went back to that same website and saw a photo of Cha Bu (aka Becca) and knew I had to have her. I asked if they would consider selling her to me and they said no. A year later I tried again and this time they said yes. They are not related but do look like sisters. While they were with this breeder - Xi Shi had only one litter of puppies and Cha Bu had two. They are now fixed and live a life of leisure.

Squirrel, postman, cat....alligator?

Xi Shi Quan loves to visit the neighbors who also have dogs but she prefers the humans. When someone comes to our door they have to pet the dogs before they can sit or say a word. My dogs love people, especially small children.

Cha Bu [photo left] loves to chase my 3 cats around the house. She just wants to play with them but they don't know that.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

My Tzus love squeaky toys.

What is each dog's best quality?

Xi Shi Quan's best quality is her ability to understand commands and do what I ask her to do. She learns quickly and is a very disciplined dog.

Cha Bu Khan's best quality is her ability to show love not only by giving little wet kisses but with her eyes. I believe she will remain a perpetual puppy always - young and silly.

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

My dogs would change the rules that do not allow dogs on beaches and lakes at parks. They would probably also want to be able to enter stores and restaurants. After all, they think they are human.

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

Xi Shi Quan reminds me of a ditsy blonde much like Marilyn Monroe, oblivious to what's going on around her and marching to a different drummer.

Ch Bu Khan reminds me of a young Goldie Hawn, innocent, sweet and funny.

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

To Xi Shi Quan I would ask, "Do you love me?"

To Cha Bu Khan I would ask, "Are you happy?"

Visit "The Gypsy Boho Freedom Express" blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Caetlin Benson-Allott & Frisco

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Caetlin Benson-Allott, assistant professor of English and Film and Media Studies at Georgetown University. And that's Frisco, my Shih Tzu. He's three and a half years old. My partner Seth is not pictured because he took the picture, but he's Frisco's second in command (that is, the second person Frisco is in command of).

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

First beautiful summer day of the year, so we shaved Seth's head. Then Frisco insisted we all go out for cocktails.

What's brewing?

I'm having a Hendricks and tonic, Seth is having a Saranac Pale Ale, and Frisco is having water.

Any treats for you or Frisco on this occasion?

Frisco broke into a bag of apple-flavored rice cakes earlier, so no more treats for him today. Seth and I are having mini fish tacos.

How were you and Frisco united?

My friend Irene brought us together. She told her good friend at San Francisco Animal Care and Control that I was looking for a shih tzu. When my little dog Joe died of old age, I desperately wanted another shih tzu to replace him, but I had to wait until the new dog wouldn't just be a replacement before I adopted again. After two years, I was finally ready. Well, less than I week after Irene told her friend to keep an eye out, she sent us a picture of the most terrified little shih tzu I'd ever seen. In twenty-four hours, I got permission from my landlord, lined up daycare with my sister, and called to say I wanted that little puppy. Unfortunately, I had to teach the next day, so it was another twenty-four hours before I could go pick him up. I was terrified Frisco would disappear before I got to the shelter! We met on the sidewalk outside ACC, then went inside to play ball and get to know one another. After about ten minutes, Irene's friend asked, "Well, do you think it's a match?" I was dumbfounded. It had never occurred to me that Frisco wasn't the one for me. I had been worried they'd think I wasn't the one for him.

That was three years ago. We've been "pair bonded" ever since.

How did Frisco get his name? Any aliases?

He came with it! I considered it my duty to get little Frisco out of San Francisco as quickly as possible. So we moved to Washington DC. But now when I tell people his name I have to tell people it's "Frisco, as in San Francisco" (not Crisco). His nicknames are Fritz Co Co, Little Man, and Little Boo.

Does Frisco do more to help or to hinder your scholarship?

Help! He sits on my lap and prevents me from leaving my desk. He also keeps me company while I am watching movies for work (although he tends to fall asleep).

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Squirrel (but I doubt Seth's cat would agree).

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Ball. In fact, he's kind of a tennis ball miser at the dog park. If there are any balls to be found, he carries them away from the other dogs and refuses to play anymore.

Does Frisco have a favorite place to go for outings?

Ithaca Falls park in Ithaca, NY. He doesn't like to swim, but he's very interested in watching the water from afar. He loves Rock Creek Park in Washington DC for the same reason.

Who is Frisco's best pet-pal?

He thinks it's Seth's cat, Baker, but she's been trying to dump him since day one. His best doggie pal is Derby, who belongs to a colleague of mine at Georgetown. He likes to chase Derby through Rock Creek Park.

What is Frisco's best quality?

It's so easy to make him happy. One used tennis ball or a fifty-cent Greenie, and it's best day ever.

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

I would give him scraps every time he asks and take him to class with me. He believes he's earned both by just being cute.

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

If I take you you to class with me, do you promise to sit still and be quiet until class is over? No flirting with the undergrads?

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

Jack McBrayer, no question!

Learn more about Caetlin Benson-Allott's Killer Tapes and Shattered Screens at the University of California Press website.

The Page 99 Test: Killer Tapes and Shattered Screens.

--Marshal Zeringue

Dana Kaye & Mrs. Dalloway

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Dana Kaye, the owner of Kaye Publicity, a boutique PR company specializing in publishing and entertainment.

Mrs. Dalloway is the greeter and morale booster at Kaye Publicity. She's a 2-year-old shih-tzu/poodle mix.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Mrs. Dalloway and I always share our morning coffee, whether it's at the office or in the living room with a good book.

What's brewing?

Usually Starbucks or Caribou, but always in a French press.

Any treats for you or Mrs. Dalloway on this occasion?

We both enjoy peanut butter, though I usually take mine on a bagel and she prefers hers in a kong.

How did Mrs. Dalloway get her name? Any nicknames?

I named her after the Virginia Woolf novel. My girlfriend named her after Clarissa Vaughn in Michael Cunningham's The Hours. Fortunately, they have the same name. Since Mrs. Dalloway is a long name for such a small dog, we usually call her Dally.

How were you and your dog united?

She was an impulse buy in every sense of the word. We were driving to Costco and passed a pet shop. The sign read "shih-poo puppies" and since my girlfriend had a shih-poo growing up, she pulled over and said we should go in. Dally was the last female dog of the litter and we instantly bonded. But we couldn't get just a dog without thinking it through! Plus, who gets a puppy in the middle of winter? So we went to Costco, did our shopping, but couldn't stop thinking about her. We picked her up on the way home.

Who are Mrs. Dalloway's best pet-pals?

Her other office buddy is Charlie [photo right]. They play well together, though sometimes, they get a bit barky.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

We also have a 16-lb. cat, Nico, who she adores. They wrestle, nap together, even clean each other's ears.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

The ball. Good lord, she can't get enough of a ball. As my assistant says, "I wish I loved something as much as Dally loves that ball."

What is Mrs. Dalloway's best quality?

She's a very loyal, lovable dog. And when playing fetch, she'll give everyone in the room a turn.

If Mrs. Dalloway could change one thing about you, what would it be?

She'd probably want me to be more of a sucker. I never give her treats if she doesn't deserve them and always make her walk to work no matter how much she wishes I would pick her up.

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

That's a tough one. I actually do a Dally voice, so it's really hard to picture her sounding like anyone else.

If Mrs. Dalloway could answer only one question in English, what would you ask her?

Why are you so scared of everything?

Visit the Kaye Publicity website and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Barbara Mariconda & Little Man

Who is in the photo at right?

Every author should have a dog like mine. I'm Barbara Mariconda, and I write children’s books – my most recent an historical fantasy novel for middle grade readers titled The Voyage of Lucy P. Simmons (Harpercollins). My quirky dog, Little Man, has been by my side throughout the entire process. He’s an eleven-year-old male shih tzu mix, who has a good-natured, captivating personality. Writing can be an isolating, solitary pursuit. Little Man provides the companionship, heart, and humor that I need to keep at it. He also forces me off the couch when I’m immersed in a project, gets me out of the house for a breath of fresh air and a little exercise.

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

I get up around 5:45, and begin writing. Get comfy on the couch with a cup of coffee, and Little Man gets right in the act. He’s usually in front of my laptop with me, generally nosing between my cup of Jamaica Me Crazy, Vermont Country Blend, or maybe Gloria Jean’s Hazelnut, brewed up in my Keurig. Later, on the way to the office, Little Man and I stop at the drive-up window at Starbucks for a Nonfat Chocolate Vivanno with a shot of espresso. (Little Man sometimes gets a biscuit that he snubs his nose at.)

Little Man takes his place in the conference room at my company, Empowering Writers. His other favorite office activity (besides checking out our employees’ lunch bags) is napping in a cozy spot he claimed on one of our bookshelves.

How did Little Man get his name? Any aliases?

People chuckle at the name “Little Man” – it wasn’t the name I gave him when I acquired him as a tiny, adorable handful of fur, no bigger than a guinea pig. I’d named him “Cucciolo” which means “puppy” in Italian. The problem was, no one could remember it. So, affectionately, I’d referred to him as “Little Man”, and honestly, he has such an expressive little old face, that the name stuck.

How were you and Little Man united?

Little Man came to me after a period of grieving over the loss of my eighteen-year-old standard poodle, Baxter. I knew I’d want a new dog, but couldn’t bear to have another poodle – it would be too painful to be reminded of my beloved Baxter. So, I set out to get a pug, went to a wonderful woman who worked with a variety of breeders. When I got there to meet the potential pugs I spotted this itty-bitty buff-colored puppy, cute as a button. He was calm and loveable - one look and he stole my heart.

Does Little Man make any contribution to your writing?

My writing is sometimes interrupted by the sound of the big, old wooden Chinese water bucket that houses Little Man’s collection of chewed and ravaged stuffed toys. He paws the side until it tips, and his collection of toys spills out. These include De-Beaked Hen, One Armed Bush-Baby, Wingless Goose, and Gutted Bunny.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Little Man's favorite toy is Chittering Squirrel, won by a friend’s mom at the nursing home Bingo tournament. When squeezed, the squirrel chatters. Little Man throws it in the air, places it on the rug and rolls over it for a satisfying massage.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

My house borders the woods, and squirrels, chipmunks, deer, fox, coyotes, and ground hogs are common. Little Man is aloof, mostly ignoring all of these. He has, on occasion, sniffed out and frightened toads into paralysis alongside the driveway and chased some slow-moving wild turkeys across the backyard.

What is Little Man's best quality?

My dog’s best quality is the pure joy he takes in sharing my space and my life – he is the perfect companion. When I arrive home he greets me at the door, presenting me with one of his ragged toys, wagging his tail in large circles.

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

He would have me willingly participate in a game he enjoys - sitting on the couch, repeatedly throwing his mushy, smelly bully stick on the floor, and barking at me to retrieve it. “Fetch!” he seems to say. “Come on, fetch!”

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

If Hollywood made a movie about “Little Man” actor Bill Murray would provide the voice-overs.

If Little Man could answer only one question in English what would you ask him?

I’d ask him to tell me the one thing I could do that would bring him the greatest happiness. And, then I’d do it.

Barbara Mariconda is the author of over thirty books for children and teachers, her latest, The Voyage of Lucy P. Simmons, a middle grade historical fantasy novel, the first in a trilogy published by Harpercollins. She is co-founder of Empowering Writers.

Visit Barbara Mariconda's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Courtney Rundell & Machu Picchu and Malife

Who is in the photo at right?

The girl wearing the headband is me - Courtney Rundell. I write, advocate and speak about thriving with alcoholism, bipolar and PTSD for WebMD, International Bipolar Foundation and the North Hollywood Patch and on my personal site.

The girl in the pink sweater is Machu Picchu, my amazing Boston Terrier. Yes, she’s wearing both boots and a sweater, because that’s how she rolls when she visits her grandma in Tahoe City.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Just another lazy Saturday afternoon chillin’ at the park with the husband, baby and two doggies.

What's brewing?

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s Sugar Free Mocha Ice Blended – yummm!

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Trader Joe’s Beefy Sticks are the bomb, I mean, if you’re a dog. My treat is spending an afternoon at the park with my beasts!

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Machu Picchu was named after the ancient mystical mountaintop city in Peru. Machu Picchu is a vortex of energy and a World Wonder and if you spend 10 minutes with her, you’ll agree.

Generally, she’s referred to as Mach, but there are several variations on that theme, such as: Le Mach, Mathee, Mathu and Mathu Pithee. Then there’s always Little Dawgs and Little Person in a Fur Coat and Cow Dog (is she a cow or is she a dog? She’s a cow dog!).

Malife (mah-leaf-ay) was named after a malapropism. My husband and I were watching Scarface for the 400th time and just after Al Pacino pulled out his machine gun and delivered the quintessential line “say hello to my little friend,” the hubs asked me the most awesome question of all time.

“Say hello to Malife. What does that even mean?”

“You mean, my little friend?”

“Rewind it. He says Malife.”

“Shut up. You can’t be serious right now. How many times have you seen this film?”

“I swear he’s saying Malife. It’s never made sense to me.”

“So, let me get this straight. Scarface is a total badass, kills like zillions of people, but he nicknames his machine gun?”

(Laughter ensues - for years. I’m actually laughing right now.)

Machu needed a little friend. She was lonely and depressed. Thus came Malfe. His nicknames are Leafays, Leafay, Leafs and Mats-leaf-ars.

How were you and your dogs united?

We had to use a breeder surrogate for Machu, as my husband and I only make humans. We knew when Machu’s “mom” was trying to get preggers, when she got preggers and when she was in labor. We tried to make her stop drinking wine, but she just wasn’t willing to give up her one glass a night.

Machu was born on December 20, 2004. She was 3-hours-old in this photo [at right].

She practically came out of my womb.

Malife was rescued by Boston Buddies (a wonderful organization in Orange County, CA). He was on death row in doggy jail and his back right leg had been broken in three places and reset itself backwards. Boston Buddies made the loving decision to try and save his leg rather than amputate it – which was much more expensive and wasn’t guaranteed to work.

His leg was rebroken and reset. The surgery was successful – he was a champ, but then he sat at the kennel for 3 months. No one would adopt him because he didn’t look like a Boston, probably because he totally wasn’t a Boston.

We took one look at him and knew he was the one – Machu’s little friend.

Ends up he’s mostly Miniature Pincher and Shitzu. This makes perfect sense when you meet him. His frame is Min-Pin and his tongue and personality are totally Shitzu, but he still thinks he needs to pretend to be a Boston. He burrows in the bed and makes hilarious noises, just like Machu.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Lulu, the French Bulldog, and Cat Dog, the cat who thinks he’s actually a dog. And if you met him, you’d agree. Any cat that can chill with a Boston as hyper as Machu is a very special pussnickers.

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

Sometimes there’s a possum in our dog run and much barking and hair raising ensues. Malife loves chasing the bunnies when we vacation in Ojai. Machu is completely obsessed with tennis balls.

Balls and bunnies aside, the other thing they love to chase is, well, me. I always wanted to be a celebrity so the universe gave me my very own personal “puparazzi.” Sometimes I put on sunglasses and run around the house pretending like I’m Britney Spears.

Yeah, I just admitted that on the web.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

“Throw the ball, throw the ball, throw the ball.” – Machu Picchu

“Chase Machu, chase Machu, chase Machu after you throw the ball so I can chew on her back legs and steal the ball although I could truly care less about the ball in the first place.” – Malife

What is each dog's best quality?

Machu really is a little person in a fur coat. She’s scary smart. She understands everything.

Yoda, she basically is.

She makes ridiculous noises. She snores as loud as an old man and cries like a baby.

She’s stubborn, moody, hyperactive and is the light of my life.

Malife, on the other hand, is not the brightest bulb in the box. He’s clumsy and codependent. His ears and tongue are comically large for his body. He’s also super jealous, which is weird since he came into the family after Machu.

And he’s everyone’s favorite.

Malife is the sweetest, snuggliest doggy of all time. The love that comes out of his brown eyes is so intense that it’s actually palpable. It’s physical. His energy can only be described as healing.

He’s trusting and compassionate and is the light of my life.

They’ve both been a huge part of my healing process and have each saved my life at different times. When I’m in the throws of my brain disorder, most humans feel unsafe to me. When I have a hard time trusting people, my pups have always been safe.

I often join them on their dog beds and we pray and meditate together. They’re the most tangible evidence I have of a God in this world. They are my strongest connection to the Divine.

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

Only one thing? They’d take away my laptop and never, ever give it back.

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

If “the most interesting man in the world” could be a woman from Boston that would be Machu – or Gisele Bündchen. Malife? Jeff Goldblum or Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees.

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

Malife, what were the first 7 months of your life like?

Machu, who built Stonehenge?

Visit Courtney Rundell's website, BeaPea.com.

--Marshal Zeringue

Charlene Straw & Storm

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Charlene Straw and I live and work in Nottinghamshire, Great Britain as an administration assistant.

My furry friend is Storm and he is now 10 months old and he’s a blue merle collie cross or I like to call him a Colzu. His Granny was a shih tzu and his grandad a border collie so his mum looked a bit like a big grey shih tzu and his dad was a border collie so most people just think he is a proper border collie but he’s really dainty and cute.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

My husband gets up with Storm each morning at 6am to let him out for a wee and give him his breakfast of puppy biscuits, rice and a blob of yoghurt. Then he makes us both a cup of tea and brings it back up so we can all lay in bed and listen to the radio for a while before I have a shower and Dar takes Stormy for a little morning stroll.

What's brewing?

Sorry, it's not coffee -- me and my husband are tea mad. We have at least 4 or 5 a day in big mugs. I like it with half water half milk and 1 sugar. Dar just has it like a normal person.

Any treats for you or Storm on this occasion?

Sometimes if Storm’s yoghurt pot is nearly empty Dar lets him have it after breakfast and he carries it round making sure he gets every single bit of flavour out of it.

How were you and your dogs united?

We’ve had 2 dogs so far. Deefa has been gone 8 months now but it still feels so fresh. He was a very happy accident when two of my friend’s dogs were left alone in the kitchen for too long. Me and Dar had just got our first house together so I leapt at the chance to have our first dog. I chose the blackest dog of the litter and as he grew up his eyes turned gold and black speckles appeared on his 2 white front legs. It was hard work to begin with but he grew to be the reason me and my husband had for living. Life was perfect with him for 6 years and 11 months.

I got Stormy the day after we had to put Deefa to sleep when he got meningitis. The vets tried for a week to save him but nothing worked and we had to let him go. It broke our hearts as we loved Deefa like he was our little furry son. We took him wherever we went. If we weren’t at work we were with him. We took him on special weekend adventure walks and we even took him on holiday to Cornwall with us twice a year. He loved to swim, even without us throwing a toy in first. He was a dream dog and did whatever we asked of him. He didn’t even need a lead on most of the time, he was so good it was like he read our minds. He was such a loving dog, most nights he would sit on my husband’s knee as we watched TV.

That week when Deefa was in the pet hospital was horrific. At first we had hope, then as the days went on it started to dawn on us that we were actually going to lose the one person that meant most to us in the world.

That’s when I started looking on websites at puppies, because I knew if the worst happened I couldn’t have a home with no dog to greet me when I got back.

The very next morning after Deefa was put to sleep me and my mum went to pick up the first available collie puppy I’d found on a pet website. I still wanted another collie boy but not a black one like Deefa. He had to be a bit different and I’d found a blue merle with blue eyes. I knew he was the one.

How did Storm and Deefa get their names? Any aliases?

Deefa’s name was easy, I’d always known that was going to be the name of my first dog ever since I was a kid when I first met a springer spaniel with the same name; I thought it was a brilliant name really clever but really simple.

His cute names were Special Deef or Baby Deef because he was such a special loving cuddle bum. He was so happy to see me whenever I got home at night he would weave through my legs in a figure of eight like a cat while I stroked him as we waited for the kettle to boil so I could make his dinner.

Storm’s name was because I really loved all the names you hear for sheepdogs like fern and mist and Rain so I wanted a cool nature name for him too so I ended up choosing Storm. They say a dog grows into his name and wow he really did. He is wild like a hurricane.

We sometimes call him Stormy-Pie or Stormy-Sausage, no idea why that popped in my head -- I think its just cos hes so cute I want to eat him up.

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

Stormy seems to like wide open spaces to run like a nutter.

Deefa was happy wherever we took him, he would run on the beach or sniff through all the paths in the woods we live near. Storm is totally different. Maybe as he gets older he will be the same as Deefa but right now we don’t take him in the woods or anywhere that’s not just a great big open space or he just gets a bit crazy and shoots off out of sight and scares the life out of me. So for now he seems to love being either on the beach or in a big field and he has to take his frizbee along too.

Storm’s not done bad with his life so far: he’s 10 months old now and we are soon to go on our third trip to Cornwall with him for a week of playing frizbee on the beach and paddling in the sea all day long. It’s a dog’s life alright!

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Cat. Storm sits in the window seat in our front bedroom watching the world go by and if he sees a cat walk up the street he goes nuts. Starts to whine and runs down the stairs hoping to find them down there and then runs back up again to watch them some more. I’m pretty sure he’ll calm down with time and realise that the cats are not in the house and running down the stairs gains him nothing.

He also hates blackbirds when they make that chirping noise to each other to say this is their territory. He watches them in the back garden and as soon as I open the back door he goes running out and barking if he knows they are out there to tell them this is his garden not theirs.

Deefa was quite similar, but he liked to chase squirrels in the woods and starlings in the garden because they made too much noise when they all came at once to eat on the bird table.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

All the above. He has a big plastic dog bed full of toys. He loves his soft squeaky toys to carry round and shake about. He has several tennis balls that squeak and we play fetch with while I get to stay sat on the sofa, and he has a few different frizbees that we take out on the field or to the beach and my husband can throw really far which Storm loves and goes racing after them. He also has a big pile of sticks in the house just to make sure he doesn’t eat the furniture while I’m at work which he loves to sit and chew on. My house is like a flower bed, covered in wood chips.

Deefa just loved his frizbees. He would come up to you all the time begging you to throw it with it hanging off just one of his big front teeth. He also had three toy ducks that quacked when you squeezed them and he would carry them round too. Two of them were a bit beaten up and didn’t quack anymore but he still loved them all the same.

But his favourite toy was my husband who would roll round the floor with him and they would bite each other and play fight like a complete pair of idiots. Dar was definitely Deefa’s favourite.

What is Storm's best quality?

His smile. No matter how gloomy or down your feeling. I’ll be there on the sofa watching TV and he’ll come up to me with that great big crazy grin on his face and you just can't help yourself -- you have to smile back. It really is amazing. When we’re out walking people just can’t resist him, they have to come up and say hi to him because he’s just so adorable.

Deefa was far more aloof. He was quite a nervous dog and wouldn’t make friends with just anyone. I think that was the bit I loved about him best. He wasn’t interested in other people or dogs he just wanted to be with me and my husband and walk for miles on the beach or in the woods. It was just us, no one else mattered. To Deefa it was like they were invisible.

It's quite a shock to the system having Stormy, he’s making me be more sociable again because he wants to go up to people and say hi so I have to go too. I’m starting to get used to it now and find it quite fun. My husband might take a bit more working on though; he and Deefa were the two grumpy old men.

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

Probably just that me and Dar wouldn’t have to go to work so we could be together and have fun all day long.

What is Storm’s proudest moment?

Deefa would of said bringing his orange shark toy back to us after we threw it in the water for him to swim and fetch time and time again. He never wanted to stop, even when he got so tired he started to sink and I had to say that’s enough. Then he would drop it on the sand and wriggle all over it and get himself covered in the stuff and end up looking like what we called a sand pig.

Storm’s only 10 months old and hasn’t had very long to make many moments yet, but probably his proudest moment so far was when he leapt into what he thought was a big puddle to fetch his floating kong only to realise it was deeper than he thought. His head went totally under and then he just bobbed up and started swimming for the first time ever like he had been doing it all his life. He brought his toy over to us and expected us to just throw it again like nothing out of the ordinary had happened. He was only 6 months old at the time and my heart was in my mouth, I’d been about ready to rip off my boots and dive in after him but he didn’t have a care in the world.

He also has crazy-o-clock about 8pm each night where he runs round the house with a toy for about 5 minutes like a maniac bouncing off everything in sight. His speciality is kicking off from the sofa like he’s pushing off from the side of a swimming pool. It’s like something you would see in a matrix slow motion film.

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

My husband would have to do that, he’s always done our dogs' voices.

Deefa’s was a slightly snobby looking-down-on-you low voice most of the time except when we went round to visit Dar’s mum and stepdad and then he would shout excitedly NANNY!!!!!!! GRANDAAAAD!!!!!!!!! And go running at them and nearly knock over Dar’s mum and jump all over Grandad cos he was normally laid out on the sofa watching TV.

Storm’s voice is a more high pitched whiney crazy voice, he’s not finished growing yet though so that might still change as he ages. I think the best way to describe his voice would be something like Scrappy Doo “Ta dadada ta daaa! PUPPY POWER! LEMME AT EM!!!”

Visit the official Charlene and Storm blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Liz Bradley & Paddington, Corduroy, and Wellington

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Liz Bradley and am a self-proclaimed nerd who loves to laugh.

My best friend is my amazing husband and love, Thomas and I adore our dogs, Paddington, Corduroy and Wellington (and dogs in general).

I’m addicted to TV & DVDs, Prada & Burberry glasses, Coach purses & shoes, candy, grocery shopping, and organization.

I am a pet and wedding photographer in Ottawa, Canada. I also run a blog called the Ottawa Dog Blog.

What's brewing?

Goji Pop tea from David's Tea.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Carrot cake for me, carrots for the dogs.

How were you and your dogs united?

We brought Paddington and Corduroy home as puppies.

Wellie came into our lives in March 2011 from a rescue in Quebec. I documented our journey with Wellie on my blog.

How did your dogs get their names? Any nicknames?

Our dogs are all named after bears. Paddington and Corduroy bear are from storybooks and Wellington is the Hallmark bear in the UK. They have several nicknames.

Paddington: Paddy, Paddycakes, P-Diddy
Corduroy: Cordy, C-Dubs, Dubsy, Cuteface, Cuteroy
Wellington: Wellie, dubs, dub-dub, Welliebellie, Welly-nelly-jelly-bean

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

Dogs are definitely more challenging to photograph, but in the best way possible. I love photographing both dogs and weddings!

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

We have several trails around our home and we go to a dog park that is close to us as well.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Paddington: Squirrel
Corduoy: vaccuum
Wellie: Tin Foil

What is each dog's best quality?

Paddington: independence and mothering - she is so great at entertaining herself and making sure her dog siblings are well.

Corduroy: all around loving - she loves everyone she meets!

Wellie: her ears! They are huge and make everyone smile.

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

Have me feed them all the time! more treats mom!

What is each dog's proudest moment so far?

Paddington: learning to go up and down the stairs (she has bad knees)

Corduroy: each morning she brings us a toy/present

Wellington: finally mastering housetraining

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

Paddington: Why do you think squirrels are such a threat?

Corduroy: Why is the vacuum so scary?

Wellington: What was your life like before you came into our family?

Visit the Elizabeth & Jane Photography website and blog, and check out the Ottawa Dog Blog.

--Marshal Zeringue