Debbie Levy & Toby

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Debbie Levy, author of books for young people, and not-so-young people, too. And that’s Toby—she’s a chocolate Lab, eleven-and-a-half years old.

What's brewing?

Last year, while on vacation, I discovered Illy coffee and brought home a tin of it. Oh, my. That is good. But it’s not at the grocery store, and Starbucks and Peet’s are, so that’s what I drip at home. I drink it black, and I don’t drink much of it, lest I get the coffee shakes. But I do truly savor my morning cup.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

As I write this, we’re having our first snow here in the D.C. area today. Although we’re enjoying it, I can’t help but daydream about summer days spent on the water. I love the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers, and so does Toby. In her dotage, though, she’s become skittish about getting on boats, so she can’t indulge her love of the water as much as she used to. So I’m also daydreaming about the days when she would jump on the boat with me as if there was no other place she’d rather be, and that is what this first photo is about.

But this is not to say that she’s become a sedentary old dog—just look at this much more recent picture [photo left] of her running along a stream in the woods. She’s still got it!

Any treats for you or Toby on this occasion?

We did share some pretzel crisps today.

How were you and Toby united?

Toby is our family’s first and only dog. I was a cat person as a child, but one of our sons really wanted a dog twelve years ago—so here’s Toby, and now I am definitely a dog person as well.

How did Toby get her name? Any aliases?

Toby is short for Toblerone—you know, the chocolate, because she’s a chocolate Lab. She has too many aliases to list here, but my own creation and personal favorite is Tobi-Wan Kenobi. I think she favors that one, too.

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

I have a picture book coming out in the summer of 2014 about a Goldendoodle named Dozer who broke through his fence to join a charity half-marathon, ended up lost and then found, and raised more money for cancer research than any of the human runners in the race. It’s a true story, so while I can’t say that Dozer, a real dog, was inspired by Toby, I can say that my love for my own dog and my sense of her as a sentient being inspired my approach to presenting Dozer’s story in Dozer’s Run. You can read a brief article about the book here.

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

Helps! She hangs out with me when I’m working at my desk. Even if she falls asleep, she is likely to make all kinds of juicy dog-sounds, which is good company. She makes sure I get up and out on a regular basis. She listens, or pretends to, when I read her pages I’ve written. So when advance copies of my books come in, I’ve taken to sharing photos of Toby with the books on my blog and Facebook. Like these pictures of her with an ARC of Imperfect Spiral, my young adult novel that came out this past July, and with We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song, my picture book that came out on December 17.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Fox. Deer. But especially fox. Big drama when a fox comes around.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Squeaky-toy.

Does Toby have a favorite place to go for outings?

She’ll go anywhere. She even likes to ride in the car. She is perfect.

Who is Toby's best pet-pal?

Poor Toby. Her best pet-pal was a chocolate Lab named Monty, but he moved away. Oh, well. Toby tends to pay a lot more attention to the dogs’ people, anyway. She finds humans fascinating.

What is Toby's best quality?

Her sweet friendliness. That, and the way sometimes she smells like corn chips.

If Toby could change one thing about Marylanders, what would it be?

The amount of time we spend in traffic on the Beltway.

Oh, no, wait, that’s me and my husband. Toby’s just happy to be included in the outing, wherever we’re going.

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

“Have you been happy?” Because I think she has been, but what do we really know about the inner lives of dogs?

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

Annette Bening. Just because.

Visit Debbie Levy's website and blog.

My Book, The Movie: Imperfect Spiral.

--Marshal Zeringue

Tammar Stein & Scout

Who is in the photo at right?

The human is my humble self, Tammar Stein. I'm a novelist and my fourth novel, Spoils, which Amazon named a Best Book of the Month, was released on December 10th. The dog is the incomparable Scout. She's a Black Lab mutt, adopted in Germany. Scout is a well-traveled senior citizen, over a hundred years old, in dog years. Scout is so sweet and easy going that nearly every one of our friends who's ever dog-sat for us has offered to adopt her if we couldn't take her with us on our next move. (We move a lot.)

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Scout and I like our quiet mornings. I usually start the day off with tea and switch to coffee on particularly hectic afternoons.

What's brewing?

I'm a peasant when it comes to coffee. I'm not particular, as long as there's lot of milk involved. (My husband is in charge of the fancy espresso maker and when he's brewing only Illy will do.)

Any treats for you or Scout on this occasion?

If I'm feeling fancy and there are nibbles to go along with the drink, Scout expects me to be friendly and share. I usually do.

How were you and your dog united?

My husband and I were stationed in Germany when we adopted Scout. The Germans have a dog-loving culture. Scout went everywhere with me. Restaurants, department stores, the bank, other than grocery stores where the food is out on the shelves, dogs are welcome everywhere. Strangers would stop to give her treats. Stores would offer her a bowl of water if she looked thirsty. It was a small shock when we returned after three years and couldn't even sit on a cafe patio with her (dog laws in Texas are strict!).

How did Scout get her name? Any aliases?

When we adopted her, her name was Hera. But when I called her by her given name, she never responded. I think my American accent was so different from her previous German owners that she didn't recognize her name when I called it. Since she had to get used to a new name anyway, I figured I might as well give her one that I choose.

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

Scout is very respectful of the writing process! I wouldn't let anyone else hang out with me as I mutter at the screen, pace in frustration, and crow with triumph. Scout doesn't judge. Sometimes she raises an eyebrow, sometimes she suggests a walk might clear my thoughts, and usually, she's right.

I understand Scout is bi-lingual; what's up with that?

She was already trained in German commands when we adopted her. It was funny actually, since I don't speak German, I needed my landlady to teach me the basic German commands (for example, instead of "heel" Germans say "Fuß" which means foot.) After a couple of months, my landlady said, "do you think she knows, 'platz'?" As soon as she said it, Scout laid down! Who knows what else she learned in German. Scout has picked up on the English commands over time, but when I really want her to listen, I speak to her in German.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Postman! I don't know what it is about them. Is it the uniform? The smell of mail? I've had male and female mail carriers and it doesn't make a difference. My sweet girl turns into a raving maniac, barking like mad and throwing herself at the door. Every mailman I've had since Scout has given my front door a wide berth.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Rubber chicken.

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

More meat at dinner.

If your dog could answer only one question in English--or German, what would you ask her?

Scout, want to go out?

Visit Tammar Stein's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Tj O’Connor & Toby, Mosby, and Maggie Mae

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Tj O’Connor, author of Dying to Know, the Gumshoe Ghost mystery series, and four other novels. I’m the one with the goatee—err, the one in the inset photo. Left to right are my companions, Toby, age five; Mosby, age thirteen; and Maggie Mae, age eight. They’re all purebred Labs and proud of it.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

My morning ritual (although the photo above is my pals’ evening ritual waiting for my wife and I to go up to bed). When I work from home, and after their breakfast and some initial work, I take them outside to my back yard and play ball while I have coffee. Yesterday morning it was below 30 degrees. They loved it. Me, not so much.

What's brewing?

Regular old decaf coffee—straight and black. I’m not big on the sweet, dessert blends or anything I need spell checker for.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

The morning ritual—ball playing—follows an hour after their breakfast. As they are Labs, extra treats are low fat or they’d be on the treadmill with me every day. Sometimes they get a nibble of my bagel and cream cheese, but mamma would be mad.

[photo left: Mosby]

Do your dogs help or hinder your writing? Have they inspired any dogs on your fiction?

My dogs help my writing and inspire me in more ways than one. First, I work from home quite often and would be strapped to this computer 18 hours a day if not interrupted. My writing takes place before the normal work day, often at lunch, and after work and dinner. The only interruptions I get are the phone, a wayward door-to-door marketer, and my Labs. Hourly, we play ball or keep-away. If I miss my hourly break, Maggie will climb in my lap and demand attention. Toby, the 115-pound black Lab, will even get under my desk and push my chair away from it. Many times, he’s gone paws up on the desk, stolen my wireless keyboard, and made a getaway for a game of chase. Luckily, he has a soft mouth.

My first published novel, Dying to Know, is the story of Oliver Tucker, a dead detective who returns to help solve his murder. It’s not a ghost story, mind you, but a mystery with a paranormal twist. Hercule, a black Lab, helps Tuck’s wife, Angela, realize that Tuck is still around. Hercule also protects her in dark times and helps decide who is good and evil. I wrote this part a year before we got Toby but he truly is Hercule to the bone.

How did your dogs get their names? Any nicknames?

I’m a history lover and the Civil War in Virginia is a significant part of our history. John S. Mosby, the famed raider, is a particular hero of mine and is our Yellow Lab’s namesake.

Maggie Mae is a sweet chocolate Lab and we wanted a southern-sounding name that would resonate with Mosby.

We rescued Toby [photo right] three years ago. He was in the pound because he was just too big for a couple—eight months old and already 85 pounds and growing. Tobias seemed to fit—a great old-fashioned name.

How were you and your dogs united?

We sought out Mosby and Maggie from reputable breeders. We decided to try a rescue when we looked for Toby. Several years ago after my daughter took her dog when she moved out, Mosby was about 4-5 years old. We worried he’d be lonely so we got Maggie. It worked. Years later, age started slowing Mosby down and Maggie was still young and wanted to play. So off we went to find Toby. He keeps Mags young and looks after Mosby in his old age, too.

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

Lakes, streams, or fast food restaurants. (We do try to keep them from the drive through.)

Do the dogs have any non-canine pet pals?

Yes, our cat, Penny, and our grandchildren. The grandkids are ages 6 months through 8 years. The older children chase and play ball for hours with them. The younger two, 2 ½ years and six months, just sit and cuddle with them. Mosby and Maggie [photo left] will sit with them and allow the kids to roll and climb on them. Toby is my youngest granddaughter’s favorite. She sees him and lights up. He rolls his ball to her on the floor while she plays on a play mat. He barks when she won’t roll it back—which is never, of course.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

We live in a country suburb and squirrels are more plentiful than people. They are also a source of constant games with my Labs. The squirrels will sit on our back deck and look in the glass door windows and taunt my Labs. When the dogs get out, they scurry away. But it seems a game as if one of the Labs catches up, they stop and let the squirrels escape. Many times they were literally on top of the squirrels but never laid a tooth on them. Fun and games.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Toby is a ball freak. Maggie loves her stuffed hedgehog. Mosby is all about nylon bones and sleep.

What is each dog's best quality?

Mosby is loyal to me to the core. He is constantly by my side. He is also a rules boy so he barks and tells on the other two when they’re into mischief—there’s a lot of barking. Maggie thinks she’s my girlfriend—sits on my lap a lot (yes, an 85-pound dog) and loves to snuggle up in bed. Toby is the protector and chief-play machine. But he also looks after Mosby in his old age. Mos has trouble with stairs and when he needs to go upstairs to bed or outside down our deck stairs, Toby walks alongside him and leans against him to steady his old body. Humans take note.

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

Require people to act more like dogs.

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

None. Hollywood is too self-absorbed and weird to capture the kind nature and heart of Labs.

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

Where’s Toby’s ball? (He loses it 50 times a day)!

Visit Tj O’Connor's website, blog, and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

John Burley & Sterling

Who is in the photo to the right?

That’s me, John Burley. I’m an emergency department physician and an author of psychological suspense thrillers. I’m pictured here with my eight-year-old male Great Dane, Sterling.

What’s the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Coffee is essential on Monday mornings. Sterling and I like to frequent our local establishment, The Ugly Mug. This picture was taken on a Monday, which means it was a Double-Down Monday at The Ugly Mug. With every cup of coffee purchased, customers get to roll the store’s dice. If you roll doubles, you receive a free cup of coffee on your next visit. I did not roll doubles, unfortunately, but the excitement really got my heart racing. (Or maybe it was the caffeine.)

Sterling never pays for the coffee, so he doesn’t care if we roll doubles or not.

What’s brewing?

Sterling and I are drinking a Peruvian blend. He takes his with a shot of espresso. It gives him extra speed when he’s chasing deer through the woods of our property. One of these days, he hopes, he might actually catch one.

Any treats for you or Sterling on this occasion?

A peanut butter bone for both of us. It keeps our teeth strong and shiny.

How were you and your dog united?

Sterling was about six months old when we adopted him from a rescue organization. I don’t know what happened to him during the first few months of his life, but I do know that it wasn’t good. When I first met him, he cringed when I tried to pet him. He refused to get into our truck. Even to this day, he’s leery of strangers—particularly, men in hats. We’re working on that, but if you decide to join us for a cup of coffee it’s best to leave your hat at home.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Sterling already had his name when we adopted him. He was confused and freaked out enough, we thought, and so we left the name as it was. He had a small dusting of silver on his muzzle at the time, so the name suited him. In his old age, that silver has turned gray and has become much more pronounced. He’s self-conscious about it, but I tell him it makes him look wise and distinguished.

As for aliases, my wife and I sometimes call him ‘Big Ster.’ When my daughter was a toddler and first learning to talk, she called him ‘Steesels,’ and that’s also stuck.

So much for not confusing him.

Has Sterling inspired any dogs in your published work?

Oh, yes. The dog from my debut novel, The Absence of Mercy, is a 180-pound harlequin Great Dane named Alexander the Great. His character was inspired not only by Sterling, but also by a female harlequin Great Dane that was part of my family when I was growing up. I think anyone who brings a Great Dane into their family has a good chance of getting hooked.

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

Sterling has a real talent for character development—particular when writing chapters about bad guys. He incorporates his own fears into the writing. You’ll notice, for example, that many of the bad guys in my books are wearing hats.

Cat, postman, squirrel . . . ?

Deer. We live back in the woods, and there’s a family of deer who’ve chosen to basically reside on the property. They consider the garden in front of our house to be their own private salad bowl. Sterling stands out on the front porch and barks at them while they munch. If we forget to close the porch’s gate, he tears off into the garden, and then deer and dog embark on a frantic chase through the woods. Sterling comes back twenty minutes later, breathless and covered with poison ivy.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick . . . ?

Again, deer. They run faster and farther than you can ever throw a stick.

Does Sterling have a favorite place to go for outings?

There’s a state park not too far from where we live. Dirt trails twist through a forest of towering redwoods. It’s a great place to go walking—one of Sterling’s favorites, and one of mine, as well. If I’m having trouble figuring out where the plot of a story I’m working on needs to go next, the answer usually lies somewhere in those woods.

Who are your dog’s best pet-pals?

In addition to Sterling, we have an English Bulldog named Zoe. She has a pretty sedentary lifestyle. Sometimes she doesn’t move for days. She bosses Sterling around, though, which is odd because she’s only a quarter of his size. I don’t know if they’re exactly pals—more like an old married couple who’ve grown so accustomed to each other that they can’t live apart—but Zoe is the only other animal Sterling can tolerate.

What is your dog’s best quality?

Sterling is extremely loyal and affectionate with my family. He’s ferociously protective of us, as well—something that can be embarrassing when we encounter other people or animals in public. Strangers often approach us, wanting to pet him.

“It’s better if you don’t,” I warn them. “He can be aggressive.”

“Oh, I’m really good with animals,” they say, thinking they can win him over.

It goes the same way every time: Sterling lunges. I have to restrain him with the leash. The person appears shocked and more than a little rattled by the experience. And I always feel the need to apologize.

“I’m sorry,” I say. “We rescued him from a bad situation when he was six months old. Whatever happened to him left its mark. The breed isn’t usually like this.”

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

As the companion of an ER physician, Sterling is worried about infant deaths related to accidental smothering that can occur when babies sleep in the same bed as their parents. Such cases present to the ER on almost a monthly basis. Infants either die or sustain severe anoxic brain injury when one of their parents rolls on top of them during sleep. It’s incredibly tragic, but 100% preventable. Children less than two should never sleep in the same bed as their parents. It’s just too risky.

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

If you get to heaven before I do, will you save me a spot?

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

Steve Buscemi. He’s edgy and nervous—a guy you don’t want to turn your back on. If he doesn’t like you, he’ll let you know. I think that suits Sterling’s personality pretty well.

John Burley worked as a paramedic and firefighter before attending medical school in Chicago and completing an emergency medicine residency at University of Maryland Medical Center and Shock Trauma in Baltimore. His debut novel, The Absence of Mercy, received the National Black Ribbon Award, which recognizes a novelist who brings a fresh voice to suspense writing.

Visit John Burley's website, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue

M. K. Zeppa & Tater Water and Hawk

Who is in the photo at right?

That’s me, M. K. (Melissa Kaye) Zeppa, artist, and the Lab Assistants, Tater Water, Yellow Labrador & Hawk, Black Labrador of Zeppa Studios, LLC…an animal themed giftware company.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Tea with the boys is a morning ritual. They wake me up before dawn (hence the odd light in the photo). I put the kettle on and prepare their food. We go for a walk. They have breakfast and I sit down with a giant “bubba mug” of tea and survey the news and work on our website or whatever else needs working on.

What's brewing? Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

I usually drink Twinings Irish Breakfast tea …simply bags steeped in boiling water with a dollop of half and half. The boys have just breakfasted, so they are usually enjoying a postprandial nap…treats later. I enjoy my tea…which lasts well after we relocate from the house to the studio across the yard. Once there, the boys get a treat and settle in their studio kips. We often have to move their beds so they can be in whichever section I am working…office, painting or production.

How were you and your dogs united?

Tater and Hawk are not our first assistants. Gator Bait was the first, and we were united because my husband decided to give me a dog as a surprise gift…the last thing you should ever do according to every expert I’ve ever read …the house wasn’t dog proofed, there was no crate, food or anything doggy at home. We picked up the pup and stopped at some friends to visit…whoa! Another “don’t”. It worked out for us…I took my new dog parent responsibilities seriously. About five years after our not so textbook version of bringing Gator into the family, a nice guy with two really cool kids came into our studio and asked about breeding his wonderful Lab, Olive, to Gator. We weren’t sure…all those bad feelings about “backyard breeders”… but when he said that he felt like he was pimping his daughter, we knew it would work out. The breeding happens and the puppies are born and my pesky husband surprises me with agreeing to take a puppy! At least we had a couple months to prepare for the arrival of our second assistant, Snake Plisken. It doesn’t stop there. Another four or five years go by and Snake’s sister has a litter and we get Hawk…Gator’s grandson, Snake’s nephew… Hey, our story is not typical (you know--do not try this at home)…why did it work out? Because the people involved were seriously committed to the dogs…our dogs.

How did Tater Water and Hawk get their names? Any aliases?

The best “how did you name him that” story belongs to Tater Water. We knew we were going to get a new pup after the great Gator passed away. We were (only slightly) tired of getting alligator and snake and even at that point hawk gift items however cool…so we thought the next dog’s name should be “Cash”. Then we went down to the Farm Coop to buy some fish to stock the pond and the gentleman from Farley’s Arkansas Pond Stockers noticed we were wearing Black Lab Vodka caps…”so,” he says “how much of that tater water did ya’ll hafta drink to get one of them hats?” Well, it took a minute, but we finally figured out “tater water” was Arkansan for vodka…so we gave the guy an extra black lab vodka cap that we had and “tater water” replaced “cash” on our “next dog’s names” list.

Please tell us about Zeepa Studios and your dogs' role there.

Zeppa Studios is an animal themed gift ware manufacturer...for lack of a better description. We make custom painted ceramic pieces and a collection we call “Fur Children” which includes note cards, coasters, cutting boards, etc. All the items are designed and/or hand painted by me. We sell to stores across the country and to retail customers who can’t find a reseller near them. Our current studio is not open to the public on any regular basis, but in the past it has been and the Lab Assistants have always been totally awesome greeters. At the moment, they mostly act as inspiration, security and foot warmers.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Cats, when indoors, are ignored or are playmates. Cats and anything else that runs outdoors are fair game. The boys have all been serious “varmint hunters”. We went on a walk with a friend and her Jack Russells…the Russells were fixated on tennis balls and our Labs were digging for mice (or moles) in the hay field…we all wondered what’s wrong with this picture?

Any delivery person or other visitor to the studio is greeted warmly…if over enthusiastically…by the boys.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Balls, plush toys, sticks…it’s all good. Tater is more toy oriented at this point…

Do Tater Water and Hawk have a favorite place to go for outings?

The boys love anywhere they go…as long as it’s with us…I couldn’t fathom their favorite…some spots have more smells, some more opportunities to play. Tough call.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Our friends’ dogs become our dogs’ friends and vice versa. There are Labs, Gordon Setters, Pit Bulls and mutts currently on the list. Walking dogs in the woods and fields with friends has always been a favorite activity.

What is each dog's best quality?

Hawk’s best quality is steadfastness… Tater’s is his smile.

If your Tater Water and Hawk could change one thing about Virginians, what would it be?

To our fellow Southwestern Virginians “Hey you live in a beautiful country, show some respect and stop littering!” It’s truly frightening the amount of trash we pick up daily off the road frontage.

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

“Boys, what is it really like to smell the world?”

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which Tater Water and Hawk could speak, who should voice them?

Oh this is a toughie… our black dogs have been really serious souls and our yellow guys totally goofy…at least on the surface. Hawk would sound like Diego in Ice Age…that was Denis Leary…Tater I think would sound like Donkey in Shrek…”pick me pick me”…that was Eddie Murphy. If the movie includes our passed away boys, Gator … Clint Eastwood, Snake…Launchpad McQuack (not sure who voiced him).

Visit the Zeppa Studios website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Dawn Celapino & Jack

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Dawn Celapino and this is my buddy, Jack. Jack is a 8 year old Cairn Terrier. Because I am a Personal Trainer & I love being with Jack and we love anything fitness related and outdoors, we started a company called Leash Your Fitness in San Diego where your dog is your workout partner!! We have weekly fitness classes and we also do different outdoor activities with our dogs that include: surfing, kayaking, hiking, camping, yoga, and running!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We just needed to catch up on our "down time" and thought a nice cup of coffee on a beautiful fall day in San Diego would help us to relax!

What's brewing?

Iced Pumpkin Latte's of course!

Any treats for you or Jack on this occasion?

Jack likes anything that has meat in it! No vegetables for this canine!

How were you and Jack united?

I got Jack because I was tired of doing my outings by myself. His breed was described as a big dog in a small body and that was exactly what I was looking for!

How did Jack get his name?

Jack is named after his grandfather who passed away the same month and year Jack was born.

I read on the Leash Your Fitness site that your programs incorporate "hiking, surfing, kayaking, camping, yoga, trail running, upper & lower body classes [and] boot camp classes ALL WITH YOUR DOG!" Which of those activities is Jack's favorite? And his least favorite?

Jack loves anything that has to do with water! He loves to swim and jump into the water. His least favorite is probably yoga because he doesn't get to run around!

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

He loves chasing bunnies and squirrels!

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

He loves his "alien" squeaky toy.

I see that Jack's the winner of numerous medals dock diving & surfing. What's his proudest achievement??

He is most proud of the fact that he has been in 26 states and has swam in all of them!! He loves to swim!

Who is Jack's best pet-pal?

He likes Luna. She is a one year old in one of our classes and she is the only pup that he will play with!

What is Jack's best quality?

He is so active and fun! He just loves being out and about.

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

Why does he wake me up sometimes at 5 a.m. by putting his paws up on the bed? I think he is having a bad dream as he wants to come and cuddle in bed with me (which he never wants to do) I just never know what is wrong because he can't talk!

Visit the Leash Your Fitness website and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Faith McCune & Dayle and Alva

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Faith McCune, the author of a book titled Duffy’s World, Seeing the World through a Dog’s Eyes. Duffy opened my eyes to a whole new world of canine agility and, though he was too old to participate in this sport, his baby sister, Corrie, did. It was through this activity that I met Dayle and Alva, her Shetland Sheepdog, commonly called a Sheltie. Alva is a male, 9 years old, who happens to be deaf.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Corrie passed away suddenly in May, but I’ve kept in touch with all our dear friends in the agility world. Dayle and I decided to meet to celebrate the release of my book. Dayle and Alva achieved their big milestone, too. A championship for Alva! This is a very special feat for any of our dogs, but especially sweet for them. Most dog owners take for granted being able to speak our commands to our dogs. It takes a lot of know-how and patience to do it only with hand signals. Competing in canine agility with a deaf dog is remarkable. They are amazing to watch!

What's brewing?

Dayle’s beverage of choice is Starbuck’s skinny peppermint mocha while mine is their black tea brew.

Any treats for you and Dayle and Alva on this occasion?

Dayle had an artisan veggie Panini, which she shared with Alva. I also brought some buffalo and blueberry treats for him.

How were Dayle and Alva united?

Dayle already had a deaf dog at home when a breeder called to see if Dayle wanted Alva. She was reluctant to take him at first, but when the breeder was unsuccessful trying to find him a home, she decided to take him.

How did Alva get his name? Any aliases?

Dayle and her husband like naming their dogs after scientists and inventors. Alva was named after Thomas Alva Edison, who also was partially deaf.

Did Dayle know your dogs?

I first met Dayle about five years ago at her very first agility trial. She never met Duffy. Since then, Alva and Corrie competed in many agility events together. Most of the time, we ended up at the same venues, then started sharing space together. We and a few others became quite a circle. We shared stories, laughter, snacks, and course strategies together. We made long-lasting friendships and looked forward to seeing each other from event to event. As the years passed, we shared victories and championships together as well.

Did Corrie do more to help or hinder your writing when you were working on Duffy's World'?

Corrie [photo right] was in constant attendance while I wrote my book. She and I enjoyed daily walks where ideas flowed in the fresh morning air. She’d drop toys or balls at my feet periodically to remind me to take breaks. She was never far from me though she enjoyed time with my husband as well. I could never resist her beautiful eyes and face that urged me to come out and play. This usually meant four or five breaks a day regardless of what I was doing.

Does Alva have a favorite place to go for outings?

Dayle and I are both agility junkies! Alva and Corrie just loved going places and having fun. All I’d have to say is, “wanna go?” and Corrie would turn herself inside out, yipping and whining in anticipation. She got so she’d know the difference between just me leaving and us going somewhere together by the sound of the cap on the tubes of skin lotion vs sunscreen. Seeing her friends was an added plus. More friends meant more treats! Alva also likes his chiropractor because he knows how good he feels after a session. He goes crazy when Dayle approaches the doctor’s driveway. Corrie enjoyed her sessions, too. When dogs compete, they’re actually athletes and we make sure they have treatments they need to keep them sound. Most of all, they both loved butt rubs—and they didn’t have to go anywhere for that!

What is Alva's best quality?

Alva is highly attentive to Dayle. She’s not quite sure if it’s his personality or because he’s deaf. He also aims to please and does his best to focus on her. When his mom is happy, he’s happy.

If Alva could change one thing about you and Dayle, what would it be?

Dayle said he’d probably say she’s too stingy with her treats. He also looks at me like a giant treat machine, hoping I have something to give him because his “mom” isn’t forthcoming with anything at the moment. He wishes we weren’t so wise to his begging ways.

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

Dayle would be interested in knowing what he really thought about his siblings. He has a Sheltie brother and a Papillon sister. Dayle feels he’d be happier just being a laid-back only dog. His brother, Hutch, has fear issues so he’s always on the alert, whereas Tesla, his sister is a 10-month old hell-on-wheels girl, primed for the agility ring.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which Alva could speak, who should voice him? How about Corrie and Duffy--who would voice them?

I’ve actually thought about an animated movie starring Duffy and Corrie. Dayle thought Tom Hanks would be a good voice for Alva. He can be smart alecky, wise-cracking, and still serious. Duffy’s wild vocal swings would be suited to someone like Will Smith or, as Dayle suggested, Mike Myers. Corrie would probably do well with a younger voice like Dakota Fanning, sweet yet impish in the blink of an eye.

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--Marshal Zeringue