Kristen Jackson & Bruno

Who is in the photo at right?

Hello! My name is Kristen Jackson and I am a Stage Manager on the North American tour of Newsies as well as the creator of The Touring Yorkie, a travel website with an emphasis on pet travel. My dog is Bruno, a male Yorkie who we guess is 5 years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I’m in LA with Newsies right now and decided to check out The Pie Hole, a sweet and savory pie shop with a coffee bar. I worked 80 hours last week so Bruno and I are spending the whole day together.

What's brewing?

Nitro Iced Coffee - I usually go for a soy latte but decided to try out this new coffee. It came out of a tap like a beer!

Any treats for you or Bruno on this occasion?

Strawberry lavender hand pie - it’s like a grown up pop tart.

How were you and Bruno united?

I’ve been dreaming of getting a dog for awhile and decided that having a traveling companion would make the road less lonely. My husband’s former roommate had a Yorkie we loved so we decided that would be a good breed for travel due to its size and temperament. We found him on Petfinder in January where he was fostered through the Randolph County Humane Society outside of St. Louis. He’s easy going and loves exploring new areas so it’s the perfect fit.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Bruno’s foster mom actually gave him his name. He had another name but was in a family with an abusive father. The kids were taken away and so was Bruno and the rescue didn't know his real name. We decided to keep Bruno so he wouldn’t get confused with all the new names. Aside from Bruno, we also called him Bug.

Readers can check out your blog, The Touring Yorkie, for travel insights. Care to share one or two of the more important tips?

It’s entirely possible to travel with your pet. I actually find that I see more because of him. We’re constantly going on walks, exploring new areas, and going down side streets to see what we can find. Plus, the pictures of Bruno in different cities is fun too!

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Any kind of bird. It’s funny watching Bruno run after a goose that’s twice his size!

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick…?

Surprisingly, he doesn’t like any toys. But he is treat obsessed!

Who is Bruno's best pet-pal?

Bruno makes friends everywhere he goes. He’s curious about every dog he meets on the street - no matter the size. We also try to take him to daycare on my long days so he makes lots of friends there too.

What is Bruno's best quality?

Bruno’s laid back attitude. We can throw any situation at him and he goes with the flow. This has made traveling him on airplanes and living in new hotel rooms every week extremely easy.

Where is Bruno's favorite outdoor destination?

He might only be 8 pounds, but he loves to hike. We had a great time in Denver going on long hikes in the mountains.

If Bruno could change one thing about your traveling companions, what would it be?

I’m sure Bruno wishes I worked less. This last week has been tough but my husband is on the road with me right now and able to watch him all day. But Bruno is definitely bonded with me and wishes he could be with me all day.

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

I’d want to know about his past. He was extremely shy and fearful in the beginning and has completely blossomed since then. We’ve taught him that he’s safe now and we will always take care of him. I’m just curious what his life was like before.

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

Bruno is such a grumpy old man sometimes. I could see someone like Robert De Niro voicing him.

What advice would Bruno give if asked?

I’d tell him to trust us. He will always be safe, get fed, get taken out and is our #1 priority.

Visit The Touring Yorkie website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Adrienne & Lola

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Adrienne and I am a Director of Social Media and the writer and creator of the blog Jersey Girl Talk.

My dog's name is Lola (aka Lola Beans) and she is a 3 year old Yorkie.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Lola loves to go for a "ride" and usually we will go to a Starbuck's drive through so that she can have a little adventure in the car, some fresh air, and I can get some much needed coffee.

What's brewing?

My go to drink is a skim cappuccino topped with cinnamon.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

I always carry protein bars with me at all times in the event I need a quick, healthy, high protein snack.

How were you and Lola united?

Lola joined our family when she was just 3 months old. We got her and life has never been the same. She brings everyone in our family so much love, laughs and puppy kisses.

Any treats for Lola on this occasion?

I make sure all of her treats are all natural. I like to get some from my local grooming salon; they have a puppy bakery. She also loves cheese so when she is good I give her string cheese and she loves that.

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

We allowed everyone at dinner the night we brought her home the option to pick a name. When we heard Lola we said "that's it!"

She also goes by Lola Beans, Lola Bean.

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

She loves all toys, I have to say. Her puppy bed is filled with them all. Each toy has its own name (I give it to them and repeat it over and over to her) and anytime I call out a name she goes to get that exact toy. She has over 25 memorized by now. She has two favorites currently: her baby lion and her doughnut.

Postman, cat, squirrel...?

Other animals do not phase Lola. She pays them no mind. I think she has only child syndrome. She does however love children. If she hears kids laughing or giggling she runs right up to them.

Where is Lola's favorite place for an outing?

Lola loves to go in the car. If you say "do you want to go for a ride?" her ears go up and she starts to run around in circles. Anywhere in the car she loves.

Who is Lola's best pet-pal?

Sadly she doesn't have one. She is a bit timid with other dogs, even though I have tried to introduce her to dog parks. She is only 6 pounds, so most dogs overpower her and she gets frightened.

What is Lola's most endearing quality?

She is a sweetheart. She truly loves with all her little body. She will give kisses on command and loves to just sit on your legs and cuddle with you watching TV.

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

She would probably tell them to be in less of a rush and to enjoy the little things in life. We are very high stress, always on the go and always so busy. Lola would tell people to stop and smell the roses more.

What is Lola's proudest moment? Most embarrassing?

Anytime she does something that Mommy or Daddy would tell her "Good Girl" for. She loves to get praise and is always trying to please us. I did bring her to my office once at all my coworkers were so excited to meet her. She was loved by all and just had a great time.

Most embarrassing? I'm not sure if she has one.

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

Lola would likely have a childish, cute girl's voice. I don't know many young actresses right now so I can't say for sure. In my mind Lola would have a cute giggly girly voice, very sweet just like she is.

Visit the Jersey Girl Talk blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Dewi Wihardja & BEI

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Dewi Wihardja - a Communication Specialist and Copywriter; and for now I'm a volunteer and freelancer at Young Ambassadors.

My dog is called Bello E Impossibile (BEI). He's a male Yorkie terrier who is now 2 years and 8 months old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Whenever I'm not busy or working, I always take him out with me whenever I go to cafe by myself or with friends in Milan.

What's brewing?

I love to drink Italian Cappuccino.

Any treats for you or BEI on this occasion?

His treat would be normal 1/4 wheat croissant without sugar or any filler, plain.

How were you and BEI united?

I was searching for a dog and I found this breeder online. I didn't know that she was a famous Yorkie breeder in Italy. She was selling BEI at 11 months old at reimbursement price and I contacted her immediately.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

His name is an abbreviation of Bello E Impossibile, or in English, Impossibly Beautiful. I never changed his name; it's original from his breeder as she was preparing him for dog show but he then grew up outside the normal yorkie size. He's 5 Kgs and his ears don't stand up, and for dog competitions yorkies shouldn't weigh over 3 Kgs and both ears have to stand right up if I'm not mistaken.

His alias is BEI, to make it shorter and simpler.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

I always prefer to keep him inside the house unless I'm also outside.

The housing complex is based on several houses or apartments inside one with intercom; when there are postmen, they just put the mail inside the box or ring the intercom.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

He doesn't play ball. But he likes his chewing snack made of animal skin (usually cow).

Who is BEI's best pet-pal?

It's Euro, my friend's yorkie who got me in love in this breed. But unfortunately it's been a while since they've met because I have been busy.

What is BEI's best quality?

He has this beautiful three colour coat and silver hair like most yorkies.

Also, he doesn't bark a lot like other yorkies and he's easy to teach tricks and he remember some words.

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

It's the presence in the house. It's so amazing feeling only to know that when you come home, there is this little creature always waiting for you, smiling, wagging his tail, and just jumping while trying to lick you to greet, "mommy you're home." Even when I'm tired or sad, only to see his face expression can bring my good mood back.

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

"What do you love to do best with me together and when you're alone at home?"

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

He's a small dog... I'm not quite sure, but it has to be someone that sounds smart with not too low or deep voice.

Visit Dewi Wihardja's website and BEI's Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Raven Patterson & Charlie

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Raven Patterson, a University of Tennessee graduate (Go Vols!). I’m a part-time assistant manager for The Orvis Company and beauty and lifestyle blogger at Heels and Harmony.

Charlie is a male 7-9 year old Yorkie.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Charlie and I have coffee together every morning. It’s a nice routine.

What's brewing?

Starbucks Blonde Roast via the Keurig.

Any treats for you or Charlie on this occasion?

Charlie is enjoying a bacon and cheese biscuit treat from Three Dogs Bakery in Asheville, North Carolina.

How were you and Charlie united?

Charlie was brought into my husband’s office by a co-worker who found him wandering through her neighborhood. He was a stray, and she couldn’t take him in, so we did!

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Charlie got his name via a Facebook poll from our friends and family, although he rarely gets called Charlie. He is also fondly known as Baby Charlie (my favorite), Chuck Sandwich, Chuck Taylor, Chuck Berry, and Charlie Brown Boots.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Charlie likes to play with our cat, Rosie. Although, for her, it’s more of a toleration.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Charlie is missing his front teeth from not being taken care of for so long, so he prefers soft plush toys that feel good on his gums.

Where is Charlie's favorite outdoor destination?

Charlie’s new favorite outdoor destination is downtown Asheville. It’s very dog friendly. He especially enjoys watching the street performers.

Who is Charlie's best pet-pal?

Charlie is very friendly with everyone he meets, especially the ladies.

He’s a real sweetheart, but he follows me like a shadow everywhere.

What is Charlie's best quality?

Charlie is very loyal and protective. Like I said, he literally follows me everywhere. If I leave the room just to grab something, he’s right there with me.

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

Since Charlie was a stray, I’d ask him about his past and where he came from.

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

I love this question! I imagine Charlie having a quirky little voice since he’s so tiny. I think Billy Crystal would be a great candidate to voice Charlie.

Visit the Heels and Harmony blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Eileen Cook & Cairo

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Eileen Cook, the one being licked to death on the left; my unable-to-hold-his-licker companion is Cairo. I'm a novelist who writes mostly young adult novels because I'm a sucker for a happy ending. Cairo is our "dorky." The vet's best guess is that he's a mix of a dachshund and yorkie. He's five and proof that while you may get older, you don't necessarily mature.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Cairo and I are celebrating that my new book, Year of Mistaken Discoveries, is out on February 25th. You can tell we're celebrating because normally we kick back with a cup of tea, but I rarely am dressed up, One of the benefits of being a writer is that your work clothes are mostly yoga pants and pyjama tops.

What's brewing?

I am a huge tea nut. I must be secretly British. I am addicted to a Canadian company called Davids Teas. Today's was their coco-chai, a nice spicy chai with a touch of coconut.

Any treats for you or Cairo on this occasion?

It's possible that some roast beef was placed in our favorite NYC Public Library mug in order to get Cairo interested in participating in the photo shoot.

How were you and Cairo united?

I've always had dogs. When my Scottish terrier, Kahlua, passed away at first I didn't think I could love another dog, but then I discovered there might be room in my heart for another. There was an advertisement that there were some dogs in need of loving forever homes. Cairo was the product of some type of illicit love affair, his mother wasn't talking about who the possible father might be. He needed a home and it turned out we needed him too. When we went to see him the first time I kept insisting that I wasn't there to pick out a dog. I was simply looking. I'm including a puppy photo so you can see how irresistible he was. I didn't stand a chance when I saw those brown eyes.

How did Cairo get his name? Any aliases?

My husband and I are both fans of old movies. Our local theatre does classic films on the big screen. The week we found Mr. Cairo, we'd seen The Maltese Falcon. There is a character in that movie, Joel Cairo, who is this tiny guy who thinks he is tough enough to beat up Bogart. That big guy in a little guy body seemed to fit him, so he was quickly named Cairo. He also occasionally goes by Mr. Cairo or Monsieur Fuzzypants.

Does Cairo do more to help or hinder your writing?

Cairo is my constant writing companion. He sleeps through most of the work, but at times will wake up long enough to listen to me talk to myself about what is happening in the book. It's also good that I need to go take him for a walk on a regular schedule as I get a lot of great ideas then.

Have any actual dogs inspired fictional dogs in your published work?

There have always been a touch of every dog I've owned in every dog character that shows up in my work. For such small creatures they can take up huge amount of space in our lives.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Cairo loathes our mailman. It is not clear why, as the mailman is actually quite nice and on occasion has put dog treats through the mail slot in the door. Normally, Cairo's love can easily be bought with a treat, but he still refuses to forgive the mailman for his flagrant walking up to our house without being invited. I suspect if I opened the door Cairo would then hide behind me, because he is actually a big coward.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Cairo is a big fan of all his toys, but it is safe to say there are few things he loves more than disemboweling a fuzzy toy and removing the squeaker.

Who is Cairo's best pet-pal?

Cairo has a dog buddy named Ted. Ted is the furry equivalent of a frat boy. A bit wild, crazy and almost always a bad influence.

What is Cairo's best quality?

Cairo is a snuggler. If I ever sit down on the sofa or my favourite reading chair I can count on him to come and jump in my lap. He's also very quirky. For example, he hates when his kibble is mounded in his bowl. He will use his nose to smooth it all out until it is level. He can be very fussy.

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

He would first make sure I never mounded his kibble as he's made it clear he doesn't like that. Cairo would also call me wimpy as when it is raining out I tend to be a fan of a short walk. He sees no reason we can't go for longer.

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

I would ask Cairo, out of all the things in our home, why as a puppy he had to chew my absolutely favourite pair of shoes. It took me awhile to forgive him for that one.

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

The best person to voice Cairo would be Sean Connery. A tough guy, but with style. Also, for some reason, I have always imagined him with an accent. It suits him.

Visit Eileen Cook's website, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

The Page 69 Test: Year of Mistaken Discoveries.

--Marshal Zeringue

Claribel Ortega & Pancho Villa

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Claribel Ortega, and I am the social media manager for The Combined Book Exhibit as well as being a YA author. My little buddy’s name is Pancho Villa, and he’s a six year old male Yorkshire Terrier.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We are having a hot cup of coffee at my sister’s house in Connecticut, me and Pancho spent our holiday there and it was very cold outside. Coffee is a part of my family’s dessert regimen, we take it very seriously (and we love it!).

What's brewing?

Nescafe coffee, with some milk, cinnamon, evaporated milk and sugar. To be honest though, my brother in law Lorenzo is really the coffee guru of our family, he always makes it for all of us.

Any treats for you or Pancho Villa on this occasion?

I try not to give him an human food all the time, but my mother always sneaks a piece of cheese to him when I’m not looking. He’s just like me, he loves cheese.

How were you and Pancho Villa united?

I found him from a breeder in Florida, and I took a flight out there to see my family and pick him up. He’s been following me around the house ever since.

How did Pancho Villa get his name? Any aliases?

It was my boyfriend David's idea to name him Pancho, I originally wanted to name him Turtle since I have a thing for naming animals as other animals. I didn’t like the name Pancho at first, but it grew on me and I decided it would be a good name for him. We have many nicknames for him, including Chito, Son, Luchador (which means fighter in Spanish) and ping pong.

Does Pancho Villa do more to help or hinder your writing?

Hinders, absolutely haha. He loves to lay in whatever sliver of space is left between my lap and my computer, and usually ends up with his head on the keyboard or walking across it. He’s only four pounds so he’s very little, but it's hard to type with a ball of fur on my computer.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Pancho thinks everyone is his friend, he’s chased animals before only to try and lick them or bring them his toys when he gets close. He has a mutually loving relationship with our mailman, he just says hi to him and gets petted which is his favorite thing ever.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

All of the above, Pancho is all about his toys. He needs to have all of them with him at all times, so he will take them all out of his crate and bring them into whatever room we’re in. His current favorite is a noisy doughnut toy I got for him at Walgreens.

Who is Pancho Villa's best pet-pal?

He has two! Genevieve and Yupi, both Yorkies.

What is Pancho Villa's best quality?

He makes me laugh every day, but I’d have to say his best quality is being there for me during tough times.Whenever I feel down, he sits next to me and it's such a comfort, he also loves to lick my face whenever I cry which makes me laugh too. He just makes my life better.

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

I would do whatever he wanted me to do at all times, even more that I do now.

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

Are you happy with your life?

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

The comedian Gabriel Iglesias.

Visit Claribel Ortega's website and Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue

Marsha & Pocket and Foley

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Marsha, and these are my two girls. We have Pocket Dog, who is a four year old female Yorkshire Terrier, and the famous Foley Monster, an eleven year old Yorkie. My husband Ted is half cut off to my right. In the foreground is our friends Laura Lunn's dog Pokey.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We were going to get the mail in the office of the community where we live. We have to pass by the community club house and someone always has a pot of Joe on. Just regular coffee, some extra cream, extra sugar.

What's brewing?

Just regular coffee, some extra cream, extra sugar. Since we moved here in April Foley and Pocket have become famous here. Everyone wants to pet them or play with them.

Any treats for you or the Yorkies on this occasion?

Our friend Hobo Hudson and his Dad Walt from Florida recently sent us some salmon treats. They don’t smell the greatest but the girls do love them.

How were you and the dogs united?

Both girls found us through sadness. They just reached across the galaxy and plucked us up. Foley Monster [photo left] came from a farm in the north central part of Massachusetts. We got her when we found out our first dog, Blake Bear, had a tumor on her brain. We knew we could never be dogless, so we purchased Foley from a woman, who it turned out was a deaf mute. When we picked up Foley said hello she was shocked humans made noise and peed on my husband Ted. She did pick us.

In 2007 we had a dog we rescued, Jordan. She was a special needs dog. She had to have her food chopped up because she had no teeth, she was blind and deaf, she freaked out of she was on the floor, she couldn’t be left alone for long or she would rip her paws open trying to get out the door. I got diagnosed with cancer that summer and we made the hard decision that with my cancer we couldn’t care for Jordan the way she needed and we returned her to the rescue. We still wonder if we did the right thing. After my surgeries and my treatments Ted wanted to reward me with a new puppy. A woman the next town over had a husband who had passed from cancer at his house. While she was taking care of her husband two of her Yorkies who she didn’t have fixed produced a litter. She was selling them to raise some money after her husband died but mostly wanted the pups out of her house. We visited her and picked one of four identical puppies. When we went to get her the next day Pocket came over to us. We’re not sure if she is the dog we picked out, but she’s the dog who picked us out.

How did the dogs get their names? Any aliases?

My husband liked watching wrestling at the time we got Foley and, after determining on the ride home that she was a tough little dog, named her Foley after the wrestler Mick Foley, known for taking a terrible beating but always getting back up. When she was a puppy she was all ears, and before she got groomed an unruly mess, so she became the Foley Monster. When we got Pocket she was so tiny she could fit in your Pocket, and there were characters on television trying to adopt a baby they referred to as Pocket. The name seemed to fit.

Aliases: Oh my gosh. OK: Foley Monster: Foley, Monster, Mini Monster, Mini, Baby Baby, The General, Queenie.Foley Monster Attorney at Paws. Pocket: Pocket Dog, Pocket Rocket, Rocket Dog, Pokey, P Diddy, Baby Baby Baby Baby. Pocket Dog Private Dog, Pissy, Pissy Pants, and I’m sure there are other I can’t recall.

Do the the Yorkies have a favorite place to go for walk?

We moved here in April. Before that the favorite place to walk was at the State Mental Hospital across the street from where we lived. The first day we got Foley she walked there along with Blake as proud as could be. She was very popular with the patients there. Now we walk in our village. The other people who walk here just think Foley and Pocket are the cutest little things. They strut around like the own the place.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

No postman. The dogs never see them. They are big squirrel hunters, and do not like cats at all. We we were in the condo a cat used to sit on our deck and look in our unit which would drive Foley crazy. Now there is only one cat here. When the cat is seen the girls do give chase.

Squeaky-toy, ball, stick...?

Foley does not like toys, except occasionally she will attack a plush toy with great ferocity. Pocket loves to play ball. Ted sits on the floor and throws the ball from the living room into the kitchen and Pocket chases it. Sometimes she noses the ball under something, or on a grate, where she then barks until Ted has to get it for her. She can play balls for hours.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

The girls don’t have too many dog friends. There are dogs here they sniff a bit. We are blessed with too many good on line friends to mention. We have only met one, Pokey, but we hope to meet more soon.

What is each dog's best quality?

Foley knows me better than any creature on Earth. She has been with me through so many operations. My loyal nurse, keeping me company, protecting me. Sometimes her touch was the only comfort I had. She is also my clown. No matter how sad I am she can make me smile. She is my heart dog. I treasure her. Pocket [photo right] is the most loyal dog in the world. She is so sweet. She just wants to be loved, to be held, scratched. She actually seems grateful to be with us, like she counts her blessings. She is a wonderful snuggle bug.

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

They would never have us leave the house. Also Foley would make us understand that sometimes a dog just needs to chew her foot until she can’t walk on it and we should leave her alone when she does it.

What's each dog's proudest moment?

Foley’s proudest accomplishment is being an inspiration. She is such a wonderful dog she inspired us to join Doggyspace. Foley has such a sense of right and wrong that, when the former owner of DS began treating our friends unfairly or banning them from the site she inspired my husband and I to fight for our friends, which got us thrown off of DS, which was the best thing for us. We started our blog, and it led to the creation of the Ning Site The Tanner Brigade where we have about 100 great dog friends. We are administers of the site and can run it the way dog owners who love their dogs would want a site to be done. We recently rejoined DS after it was bought by new owners and connected with some many great dog owners again. Pocket too inspires us to write a lot of blogs but her proudest moment is after four years, she seems to finally getting house trained. She now only needs to wear a diaper when she plays ball and leaks excitably.

If your dogs could speak in the movie about your life, who should do their voices?

Foley would be Meryl Streep, able to make you laugh when you need to laugh, cry when you need to cry, and is still beautiful after all these years. Pocket would be Zooey Deschanel. Funny, cute, sweet and unique.

Visit Foley Monster and Pocket's 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