Priscilla Phang & Eva

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Priscilla Phang and the little girl next to me is Eva, a Shetland Sheepdog. I give private tutoring at home since I quit my teaching from a school a few years ago. Eva is turning one year old on 27th Novermber. My husband and I are going to take her to a park in the morning and have our lunch over there.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I enjoy having a cuppa coffee at home and it can be anytime of the day whenever I feel like having one. I grind the beans, brew the coffee and have a sip while Eva is running or lying under the table waiting for her treats. I like making my own coffee as I love the aroma of coffee that fills my house.

What's brewing?

It's Cable Car Brand from San Francisco Coffee. I like latte but due to the consideration of no sugar and low fat, I take black coffee. Lately I'm a bit obsessed with white coffee.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

One or two cookies, cream crackers or biscotti. I'll just get whatever in my cookie jar.

Any treat for Eva on this occasion?

Eva loves and enjoys foods. She isn't picky at all but I'm picky so she gets some really nice yummy salmon flakes and she loves Greenies.

How were you and Eva united?

Eva was unexpectedly born in our house after we adopted her mother, Hana, 3 weeks before.

I think that it makes her more precious to us than ever, especially after Hana passed away 3 months later.

How did Eva get her name? Any aliases?

Eva's first name was Rain because she was born in our garden, after the rain, while we were out. We decided it was too depressing a name, and our daughter decided to call her Eva (from the movie, Wall-E).

Other names for Eva include Eve, or just Puppy!!

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Cat, definitely. She enjoys jumping up and down barking at our poor neighbour's cats. The postman comes on a motorcycle, so yes, she loves any fast moving vehicle to give a good chase to!

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

Her favourite are actually stuffies. She has quite a collection of stuffed toys, donated from my daughter's wardrobe of toys and some from our blogging friends.

She seems to know that the stuffies are precious and she doesn't damage them in any way.

Where is Eva's favorite place for an outing?

Anywhere out of the house. To parks, restaurants, etc.

Who are Eva's best pet-pals?

When she was a puppy, we used to have an old rottweiler. Eva loved her to bits and would always try and get her to play. Unfortunately, our Laura was a bit too old for puppy nonsense and would not bother her. That didn't stop Eva from trying, though!

In puppy class, Eva met a golden retriever called Joey. They both excelled in their puppy obedience and weeks after not seeing each other, we met at a doggie event one day and they still recognized each other. Both pups were over the moon!

What is Eva's best quality?

Eva's temperament is perfect. She is not aggressive, never too stubborn, and just extremely sweet and cuddly.

What is Eva's proudest moment? Her most embarrassing?

I think the proudest moment was when Eva scored high marks in her Obedience Class. She's the star student in her class.

Her most embarrassing moment? Uh... I can't think of any at the moment.

Visit The Life of Eva the Sheltie blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Cheryl Richardson & her dogs

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Cheryl Richardson. I am a Senior Library Assistant at Middle Tennessee State University’s Walker Library.

My dogs are (left to right) Molly (F, 3 yrs.Doxie mix), Shiloh (F, 11 yrs. Jack Russell/Doxie mix), Fergie (F, 8 yrs. Red Heeler/Shepherd mix), Shingo (M, 3 years Doxie/Chihuahua mix), Indiana Bones (M, 3 yrs. Rat Terrier) and Cheryl.

We’ve since added: Trixie, “the spare dog” (F, 10 yrs. Pomeranian mix) whose family moved off and left her, Jack (M, 10 yrs. Rat Terrier), and Daisy (F, 14 yrs., Rat Terrier).

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We just came in from a cool, morning walk! We are snuggling and having coffee to warm up.

What's brewing?

Chock Full O’ Nuts original blend, black.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Cranberry nut muffins.

Any treat for your dogs on this occasion?

They get some left over hot dog pieces to share.

How were you and your dogs united?

I’ve volunteered since high school for the Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association. Shiloh, Molly, and Shingo came from there.

Indiana was dumped in front of my house at 5 weeks old. Lots of folks know that I do rescue, so that happens a lot.

Trixie’s family were neighbors, and they moved away and left her.

Jack and Daisy were being fostered by a friend. I took them as fosters, and decided because of their age, we’d keep them.

How did the dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Molly, Fergie, and Shiloh were all named by the shelter workers.

Jack , Daisy, and Trixie were named by their former families.

Shingo was named for a contestant on Ultimate Ninja Warrior named Shingo Yamamoto.

Indiana was named after one of my childhood favorites, Indiana Jones.

The have LOTS of aliases:

Molly – Mols, Molly Wolly

Fergie – Fergalina, Ferganatious, Fergaletta, Fergalicious

Shiloh – Shiloh Nubbins

Shingo – Shingo Dingo, Shingaloid Tumor

Indiana – Indy, Indiana Bananna, Slappy, Senor Slappy

Jack – Ratta Jack, Jackson, Jackson Herveaux, monkey

Daisy – The Grumpy Old Lady Dog

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

We all live with 9 cats, so they are much more interested in the squirrels.

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

Fergie loves stuffies and squeaky toys. We call them her woobies.

Indiana is obsessed with tennis balls!

Shingo just likes anything, including what he’s not supposed to have.

Molly and Jack like anything, but especially toys.

Shiloh and Daisy only likes things that include food!

Trixie loves tennis balls and squeaky toys.

Where are your dogs' favorite places for an outing?

To the neighborhood park or to a dog centric event.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Definitely me, my husband, the other dogs in the house, and Grandma, who lives next door (she’s the treat lady).

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

That I could be a stay-at-home dog mom with an unending supply of treats.

Learn more about the dogs at the Feisty Three blog and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Kathleen Coy & Cloud

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Kathleen Coy and I'm an artist. Although dogs aren't the only thing I paint, they are probably my favorite subjects to paint. Dogs embody our finest characteristics (loyalty, honesty, unconditional love) and when I can convey these qualities in a painting, it's like a celebration of all that's right in the world. Cloud is a nine-year-old male Rat Terrier, and is my muse, joy, and best bud. Words cannot describe how much I adore him.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We're enjoying a beautiful, unseasonably warm November day, and having coffee after playing tag outside in the leaves.

What's brewing?

I buy Fair Trade, organic, freshly roasted African coffee beans from Whole Foods (todays is from Ethiopia.) Brewed in distilled water (our water is very hard) in a French Press, and served with organic half and half and Rapadura (organic dark brown cane sugar. It's amazing!) This combination beats any coffee I've ever had, hands down!

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Usually not. This coffee is so good I like to savor it by itself, but today for a treat we're having sliced apples sauteed in butter with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, served warm with a spoonful of Greek yogurt on top.

Any treat for Cloud on this occasion?

His very favorite treat is little pieces of dehydrated lamb lung by Solid Gold.

How were you and Cloud united?Nine years ago my husband and I bought a house. We had been talking about getting a Rat Terrier, and one day I went in our little neighborhood pet store for something, and they had a litter of the most adorable Rat Terrier puppies you can imagine. There was something very special to me about these pups, and when I came back with my family 20 minutes later, it seemed that a lot of people thought so - there were only two left! I'm a huge fan of dog rescue, but I believe things happen for a reason, and Cloud was meant to come live with us. I have no doubt about that.

How did Cloud get his name? Any aliases?

He got his name from the Final Fantasy video game character. No reason other than it's a great name. He has more nicknames than anyone should, upwards of twenty, and responds to all of them. A few are - Sprout, Trotter, Barker, Bud, and Ears.

What's the greatest challenge in creating your dog portraits?

I know that each portrait I paint is special. Every client who commissions a portrait loves their dog just as much as I love Cloud, and I want that bond to be reflected in their dogs portrait. I want them to feel that a part of their dog will be with them forever every time they look at their painting.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Cloud is obsessed with squirrels, and we have plenty. Keeping squirrels out of the yard seems to be his main goal in life, and he takes it very seriously. He's never caught one, but that doesn't stop him from trying every day!

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

Squeaky stuffed animal toy all the way. They usually last all of five minutes before he has them torn apart, de-stuffed, turned inside out, and the squeaker destroyed. Maybe he pretends it's a squirrel...

Where is Cloud's favorite place for an outing?

He loves to play in the back yard, but he really loves it when we go for a walk on the bike trail near our house.

Who are Cloud's best pet-pals?

He would say it's our 17-year-old cat, Boomer. He loves and fears her at the same time. Her favorite pastime includes bopping Cloud on the head when he gets too close.

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

Probably to stop getting up so early in the mornings. He would prefer we stay snuggled under the covers until at least mid-morning.

What is Cloud's proudest moment? Most embarrassing?

His proudest moment is every time he saves the human race from the evil squirrel empire by chasing them out of the yard, which he does many, many times a day. Needless to say, he's proud a lot. The word embarrassed means nothing to Cloud. He has a huge ego and it would never occur to him to feel embarrassed about anything.

Visit Kathleen Coy's website, blog, and Facebook page. Check out a portrait of Cloud.

--Marshal Zeringue

Jenn Waters & Corbin

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Jenn Waters and I work for a local college. My pooch is Corbin, he's 16 months now and we call him the American Mutt - mostly we think he's some mix of American Staffordshire, Great Dane, Lab & Boxer... but who knows! Someday we might do a DNA test for him, but for now... he's just a Corbin!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

A friend of mine was in town and we had planned on meeting in Saratoga Springs for some coffee... since it was a beautiful fall day, I decided to bring Corbin along.

What's brewing?

Starbucks skinny Vanilla Latte... YUM!

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

The latte was enough to satisfy me! I only treat myself every once in a while.

Any treat for Corbin on this occasion?

I actually forgot to bring treats for Corbin (I usually like to have them when we're walking. People always want to give him one!), so we stopped at a local dog shoppe called Sloppy Kisses. I planned on just getting Corbin a half pound of their home made treats, but we ended up leaving with a new t-shirt for him as well!

How were you and Corbin united?

My boyfriend, Adam, and I had just moved into our house and my family dogs stayed with my parents. Adam had never had pets before so I figured fostering would be a great way to get a dog in the house and test it out to see if it would work. I contacted a local rescue group who assured me they didn't have dogs coming in until January, but told me to stop in to discuss things with them. December 19th of last year, I got ready and headed out to their adoption clinic, assuring Adam I wasn't coming home with a dog this time. As I was talking with one of the volunteers, this crazy brown goofy dog ran up to me. His foster mom over heard us talking about how I was interested in fostering and explained to me that Corbin needed a new foster home. She had two young foster dogs, both were on limited activity since they each had leg issues, and boy did they love to play together! They were a handful for her to keep calm. So, shortly after talking with Corbin's foster mom, I was making a phone call to Adam to tell him Corbin was coming to meet him. He wasn't happy, as I told him I didn't want a young dog, and I didn't want a pit bull... Corbin was both of these. When Corbin arrived in our home, he ran around like a mad man, and then curled up on the couch and he was out like a light. Although we didn't know it then, Corbin did. He knew this was his home and that he was never leaving. Two months later, we realized it too. Corbin had ran, jumped, spun and licked his way into our hearts, and we just couldn't let him go.

How did Corbin get his name?

Corbin was given the name by his first "family" who dropped him off at the humane society where he was scheduled to be euthanized due to his pit bull look. After he came into our home, we thought about changing his name, but he was just such a Corbin... so it stuck.

Any aliases?

We call him Monkey most of the time -he jumps, crawls and climbs like a monkey! My mom calls him Corbie and my dad calls him "door knob" -I guess Corbin is the name of a door knob company. Adam's dad calls him Scooby because at times he looks and acts like Scooby Doo!

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Squirrels, bunnies and birds! He thinks he's a hound dog. If he's inside and there's a squirrel outside, he'll run from our front window to the sliding glass doors to the back yard whining and yelping and throwing a huge fit to make sure we're aware there is a squirrel outside. And if we acknowledge the animal, he looks at us with the funniest face like he want to say "See it? Why are we not doing anything about it!? LET ME OUT!"

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

How about D: all of the above? Corbin loves anything that means playtime! Sometimes he gets so excited when Adam gets home and if there isn't a toy in site, he'll grab the nearest shoe, food dish or anything he can find that will fit in his mouth. Not to destroy, but just to prance around with.

Where is Corbin's favorite place for an outing?

He loves going anywhere and everywhere, even the vet! He gets excited every Sunday because he knows Adam is taking him to the "mancave" for football where he gets showered with attention. He also enjoys taking rides in the firebird up to Lake George - he loves boating and swimming!

We've just enjoyed Halloween: did Corbin do anything special to celebrate?

Corbin was dressed up as a frog prince! A week before Halloween, he came with me to a fundraiser at a harvest fest for the rescue he came from. He wore his costume and encouraged people to come see what the rescue is all about! Everyone loved him and he got lots of kisses so that he'd turn into the prince he is. He also wore his costume on Halloween and helped us hand out candy. He only got scared once when a werewolf came to the door!

Who are Corbin's best pet-pals?

Corbin's best pal is Emmett, we say Emmett is his brotha from anotha motha. Emmett was the other foster Corbin was with for a week before coming to us. They look very similar and they go absolutely crazy when they see each other. He also loves our neighbors Piper and Radar and we walk with them just about every night. He also meets his blogging friends Maggie Mae and Levi for walks at least once a month and his pal Floyd, too! We also decided to continue fostering after we adopted Corbin, so he gets a new foster sister every once in a while!

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

Without a doubt, Corbin would change the fact that Adam and I have to leave for work every weekday morning. He would much prefer to stay in bed and be lazy with us all morning and play with us all afternoon.

What is Corbin's proudest moment?

It's hard to pick just one... Corbin is proud with just about everything he does. He is one of the happiest dogs I've ever been around. He is most proud when he's wearing something, whether it's a jacket, costume or one of his cool “muscle” shirts. He doesn’t just walk, he struts!

Most embarrassing?

Quite a funny story, actually. It was the first time we took Corbin out on the boat. He had his life jacket on while the boat was in motion, but we took it off of him while we were anchored because he had started getting hot in it. Adam was goofing around and jumped in the water and out of the corner of my eye; I see this brown blob in the air. Corbin had jumped in after him. This was Corbin’s first experience in the water and his face said it all. Of course, I was having a minor heart attack because he didn't have his life jacket on, but he was paddling away, completely unaware of what happened and scared to death! His eyes were bugging out of his head. He clearly had no idea what he was in for when he took that leap! It took us a while to get him back in the water (with his life jacket!) after that. But now he loves it!

Visit Corbin's blog and befriend him on Facebook.

--Marshal Zeringue

Bruce DeSilva & Brady

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Bruce DeSilva. I was a journalist for 40 years before I retired last year to write crime novels full time. The first, Rogue Island, was just published; and I recently finished writing the second. My best friend is a 14-month-old male Bernese Mountain Dog named Brady.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I go out early nearly every morning for take-out breakfast and coffee and then settle down with them in front of the computer in my home office to start the day’s writing. Brady likes to sit on my feet with his head in my lap while I write.

What's brewing?

Nothing fancy—just old reliable Dunkin Donuts regular to wash away the cobwebs.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

An egg-and-cheese sandwich for me--and, if my wife’s not looking, I sneak a couple of glazed donuts.

Any treat for Brady on this occasion?

Nope. Brady gets fed first in the morning, so he’s already had his fill. He’s one of those rare dogs who stop eating when he’s had just the right amount.

How were you and Brady united?

I’d had dogs all my life until our family moved into a no-dogs-allowed apartment in Tarrytown, NY, about ten years ago. When we finally bought a house in a suburban New Jersey town in the summer of 2009, the very next thing we went shopping for was a Bernese Mountain Dog. Many years ago, in another life, I raised Border Collies; but my wife, the poet Patricia Smith, had fallen in love with Berners after watching them at dog shows. We bought Brady from a fine breeder in Arkansas. From the moment we laid eyes on him, he had our hearts.

Have your dogs had any influence on your writing?

You can learn a lot about people by how they treat dogs. The same thing is true of fictional characters, so I sometimes use dogs to help with characterization. Two dogs play major roles in Rogue Island; and in the sequel, tentatively titled Cliff Walk, one character owns a Bernese Mountain Dog named (surprise!) Brady.

How did Brady get his name? Any aliases?

I grew up in New England, which means I’m a Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics fan by birth. Brady is named after Tom Brady, the Patriots’ quarterback. Patricia sometimes calls him Bear in tribute to his size.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Brady can be scary at first because he is so enormous, but he loves every living thing. Occasionally he’ll chase a cat or squirrel, not because he wants to hurt it but because he hopes it will play with him. This summer he found a box turtle waddling through our yard and was enthralled. He followed it around, occasionally nudging it gently with his nose when it stopped to rest.

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

We’ve bought Brady a bunch of toys, but his favorite thing is to play tug of war with bath towels. He much prefers them to rubber pull toys, but he’s so strong that he tears them to shreds in a couple of days. We’ve gone through a lot of bath towels.

Where is Brady's favorite place for an outing?

He loves to take us on walks around the woodland path that encircles a nearby reservoir. Most days, the path is teeming with other dogs to play with and people eager to pet him.

Who are Brady's best pet-pals?

Brady’s best pal is Mikaila, our 15-year old. I know, I know, she's not a pet-pal; but Brady doesn't seem to know that. He loves to roughhouse with her on the lawn or the floor of our family room. Brady thinks Mikaila is his litter mate.

What is Brady's best quality?

He is incredibly affectionate, craving human touch. If no one is petting him, he’ll find someone to rub against, or he’ll sit down on someone’s feet.

What is Brady's proudest moment? His most embarrassing?

He seemed awfully proud of finding that turtle. When he first sniffed its presence in the yard, he bounded to the door to alert us to his great discovery. I don't know if he was embarrassed when when our teenager put reindeer antlers on him at Christmastime, but I was embarrassed for him.

Read an excerpt from Rogue Island, and learn more about the book and author at Bruce DeSilva's website and blog.

The Page 69 Test: Rogue Island.

--Marshal Zeringue

Patrick Shannahan & Riggs

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Patrick Shannahan, and Red Top Riggs, my champion sheepdog.

My home is on a small sheep ranch in Caldwell, Idaho, where I run a commercial flock of Katahdin hair sheep and work with individuals to train and work livestock dogs at Red Top Kennel.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I usually look forward to coffee every morning. My day doesn’t start without coffee.

What's brewing?

Drinking Peets coffee. Just drip brewed, as I do every morning.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Well, this morning I am eating plum crisp that I made for some guests last night. It's great with coffee.

Any treat for Riggs on this occasion?

Riggs is a good eater, and would love a treat of most anything. I usually don’t give treats, as I save all the good stuff for his regular meals.

Congratulations to you and Riggs for winning the recent 2010 National Finals Sheepdog Trials as well as collecting three secondary awards for best in gather, best in drive, and best in shed. How did you celebrate?

That happened over a week ago, and I am still really just starting to feel the impact. We celebrated that night with a dinner with friends at an Irish Pub, but have a couple more celebrations planned. Hope to have an Open house here for all the local people who have helped me these past few years.

I understand you and Riggs' great-great-grandmother Hannah were also crowned national sheepdog champions in 1994. How far back do Riggs' ancestors go with you?

Hannah was the first Border Collie that I owned. Most every one of my dogs go back to her. I have kept her lines in all of my breeding animals.

Several years ago you and Riggs were named the reserve national nursery champions, which recognizes the best sheepdog in the nation under the age of 3. Riggs is now 8-years-old: is that a typical age for a national champion? Do they need that many years for training and maturity?

No, I think that I had other opportunities to win earlier in his career. In 2009, we had a very good run going before he had a ewe break at the pen and ruined some of his chances. Most of the time, a dogs best years are from 4-7. When they are younger, they can be great some weekends. When they get older, their experience helps them be better on more weekends.

How did Riggs get his name?

It is from the movie.

What's an ordinary day like for Riggs?

We usually work sheep in the morning. He doesn’t need much training, so he helps me sort and prepare the sheep for the other dogs. He usually hangs out the rest of the day, sometimes in the dog yard, sometimes in the house. Occasionally he goes running with me.

Who is Riggs's best pet-pal?

All of my dogs love Riggs. They understand his role here at the house, and give him respect. I would say that Andi is his best pal, as she goes on most trips with him. And as his daughter: she looks up to him, and wants his respect.

What is Riggs's best quality?

His temperament is the best quality. He wants to be a team player, and to please me all the time.

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

That I could stay home more with him. Since I give so many training clinics, I have to be away from home more than he (or I) would like.

Learn more about Patrick Shannahan and Riggs at the Red Top Kennel website and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Heather Gudenkauf & Maxine

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Heather Gudenkauf and I'm the author of The Weight of Silence. Maxine is a five-year-old, female German Shorthaired Pointer.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

A beautiful Sunday morning on our deck.

What's brewing?

No coffee for me. Diet Coke.

Any goodies to go with the Diet Coke?

A cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting!

Any treat for Maxine on this occasion?

We try to avoid giving Maxine any "people" food, but she gets dog treats everyday when we get home from work. She also enjoys crunching on ice cubes.

How were you and Maxine united?

My husband is a pheasant hunter and the kids and I wanted a family dog. We did our research and found out that German Shorthaired Pointers are perfect for families and for hunters. We found Maxine at the home of a man who raises GSPs. We were playing with a litter of new puppies and my husband noticed a beautiful dog that was about three months old. We took her home that day.

How did Maxine get her name? Any aliases?

My husband named Maxine because he thought it would be a good name for a hunting dog. We call her Max or Maxie for short.

Does Maxine have any influence on your writing?

Max loves to sit on the chair with me as I write, no easy feat because she takes up most of the room. Max also helps me in my writing because I get so many of the ideas for my stories as I'm hiking through the woods or going on walks with her. Each of my books features a dog and in the book I'm currently working on, there is a beautiful, wonderfully loyal German Shorthaired Pointer.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Definitely squirrels... and anything with feathers.

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

All three, plus all of the stuffed animals in our house. Maxine enjoys gathering up all of my daughter's toys and and placing them in a pile next to her dog bed. She is especially fond a particular stuffed monkey.

Where is Maxine's favorite place for an outing?

Maxine's favorite places to go are into the fields to hunt, trekking through the woods, playing in the snow and creek stomping.

Who is Maxine's best pet-pal?

Maxine's best buddy is Dexter, a fellow GSP. They often get to go on hunting trips together.

What is Maxine's best quality?

Maxine is the most loving dog - she snuggles right up next to us.

What is Maxine's proudest moment? Her most embarrassing?

I think that Maxine is most proud when she is out hunting with my husband She gets a lot of satisfaction out of pointing and retrieving pheasants. Maxine's most embarrassing moment was when she had to wear a cone to keep her from chewing at her stitches. She looked mortified when we took her outside.

Heather Gudenkauf is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Weight of Silence. Her new novel, These Things Hidden will be released on February 1, 2011.

Visit Heather Gudenkauf's website and journal.

--Marshal Zeringue