Marla Frazee & Toaster

Who is in the photo at right?

The one wearing the green bandana is Toaster. She's almost two years old. I bought her off Craigslist for $300. Best guess regarding her breed is that she's part rabbit, part coyote. Can you tell that Toaster did not want to have her picture taken?

Oh, and I'm Marla Frazee. I write and illustrate children's books.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

It seems like the perfect time because the book of poems I just illustrated by Cynthia Rylant is called God Got a Dog. In the title poem, God decides to adopt a stray dog She finds out by the railroad tracks. She takes him home and names him Ernie. This is the first book I've done that is really for all ages of people – and all ages of dogs. Instead of being primarily for children – and puppies.

What's brewing?

Always a non-fat, extra-hot latte. Preferably straight from the Intelligentsia barista. But barring that, I try to produce a reasonable facsimile at home.

Any treats for you or Toaster on this occasion?

My agent, Steve Malk, just sent some cookies from the Brown Butter Cookie Company in Cayucos, California. I'll have my favorite – brown butter sea salt. Toaster will have pretend bacon.

How did Toaster get her name? Any nicknames?

When we brought her home, she looked, and still looks, like she stuck her nose in the toaster! I call her Toast for short.

How were you and Toaster united?

Our previous dog, Rocket, had just died. I was so sad. I kept popping into the humane society where we'd adopted Rocket, and into pet shops with the way-too-expensive dogs. Then I started combing through dog adoption websites. On April Fool's Day in 2012, I saw a photo on Craigslist of the most worried-looking puppy I had ever seen. I knew she was the dog for me.

Is Toaster the model for any dogs in your books?

Not yet, but Rocket had a starring role in Harriet, You'll Drive Me Wild! and I named the roller coaster after him in the book I did called Roller Coaster.

I also wrote and illustrated a book about two dogs (who I've been told look like cats) called Boot & Shoe. But I know I'll be putting Toaster in a book soon.

Does Toaster do more to help or hinder your writing and illustrating?

In the morning, Toaster and I hike in the hills above Pasadena. I use this time to get my head organized around whatever I am going to be working on in the studio that day. Since she runs ahead and falls behind and then needs to catch up, Toaster's hike is about three times as long as mine. When I get to work, she is completely wiped out. This is the ideal system and I try to make it happen as often as possible.

Who are Toaster's best pet-pals?

Her best friend is our cat, Klondike. They perform antics and are into shenanigans.

Where is Toaster's favorite outdoor destination?

A particular shallow brook – she plops herself in and laps up the water.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

She chomps assorted large sticks into toothpick-sized bits. Did I mention that she has anxiety?

Cat, postman, rabbit...?

Since her best bud is a cat and since she's part rabbit herself, I'd say the postman continues to disturb her universe the most.

If she were in therapy, I'm sure postman issues would take up a lot of the time.

What is Toaster's best quality?

She has absolutely no aggression. None. She is a complete and total pacifist.

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

She would abolish all houses, cars, trucks, streets, and strangers.

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

Lisa Kudrow.

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

What on earth happened to you in your first 8 weeks of life that made you so damn nervous?

Visit Marla Frazee's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Sharron Kahn Luttrell & Bear

Who is in the photo at right?

That’s me, Sharron Kahn Luttrell, with Bear, a golden retriever puppy who is in training to be a service dog through the nonprofit, NEADS/Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans. Bear lives in a medium security prison during the week, where he is being trained by an inmate. I’m a volunteer weekend puppy raiser – I take Bear out Friday-Sunday to expose him to the experiences he’ll encounter as a working service dog.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Every weekend we’re expected to bring our puppies on “field trips” to get them used to different places. Visiting a coffee shop is one of the earliest trips we take, when the puppies are around three months old. That’s why we’re here today. I’m in a chair with Bear’s leash in my hand; Bear’s in a ‘down-stay’ on the floor, practicing how to ignore crumbs.

What's brewing?

There’s no time to consider options when you’re trying to maintain control over a three-month-old puppy, so I just asked for a small coffee – whatever the house blend is – with a splash of 2 percent milk.

Any treats for you or Bear on this occasion?

I think Bear managed to get a hold of an empty sugar packet while I wasn’t looking. There appears to be something in his mouth. Pardon me while I perform an extraction …

Please tell us about your new book, Weekends With Daisy.

Weekends with Daisy is a memoir about the year I spent co-raising my first NEADS puppy, a yellow Lab, with a prison inmate, Keith. When I volunteered to become a weekend puppy raiser, I was in it for the canine companionship. I ended up with so much more. Over the course of that year, Daisy worked transformative magic on both me and Keith. She helped me come to terms with my changing role as a mother, and for Keith, she became a path toward redemption.

Please tell us about your weekends with Bear.

I spring Bear from prison every Friday afternoon, then we live it up all weekend before I bring him back Sunday evening. We take walks, check out the neighbor’s ducks and chickens. We knock off a few items on the list of required field trips. We’re up to shopping malls and bus stations.

How did Bear get his name? Any aliases?

For a donation of $1,400, you can name a NEADS puppy. A Lions Club in Massachusetts named Bear after the beloved dog of a member who passed away.

As for aliases, sometimes I call him “Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-bear-bear,” sung to the opening beats of Muse’s “Madness.”

Has Bear developed any pet-pals during his weekends with you?

Sometimes he plays with Holly, the dog I puppy-raised after Daisy. Holly lives close by, and in fact, I’m Holly’s “dogmother.” (Get it? Like godmother, only backward.) I try to live up to the honor with lots of visits and, on special occasions, gifts.

What is Bear's best quality?

His attentiveness. That’s critically important because a service dog has to be tuned in to and ready to help his person at all times.

If Bear could answer only one question in English, what would you ask him? Would you have had a different question for Daisy--or imagine how she might have answered it differently?

What’s it like to be a dog in prison? I’d have asked Daisy the same question, but with her I was so unsure of myself that I probably would have snuck in a second question: “Who’s the better trainer, me or Keith?”

What news can you share about the adaptation of Weekends With Daisy?

Not much at this point. It’s still at the screenwriting stage and I haven’t seen anything. Nor do I expect to. As my agent so gently reminded me, “It’s your book, Sharron, but it’s not your movie.”

Visit Sharron Kahn Luttrell's website, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue

May Wong & Miss Darcy

Who is in the photo at right?

May Wong - a blogger, an interior designer, a marketer. Miss Darcy is a cockapoo, now 2 3/4 - turns 3 on February 26.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

After our morning walks and she does her constitution, I like to stop for a coffee at Gail's for my decaff cappuccino - it's my time to start the day. And especially on summer Sunday mornings, I like to read the Sunday papers at Gail's - sharing the morning with Miss Darcy.

What's brewing?

Gail's decaff cappuccino.

Any treats for you or Miss Darcy on this occasion?

She shares my croissant!

How did Miss Darcy get her name? Any nicknames?

My fantasy is to have a "Mr. Darcy" in my life and the most assured way of getting a "Mr. Darcy" is to get a dog - loyal, protective and loving. But when Darcy turned out to be a girl - she became Miss Darcy.

How were you and Miss Darcy united?

I found her on the internet - a breeder's website. She came to me by special delivery from Wales - it would have been a very long drive or a long train ride.

Who are Miss Darcy's best pet-pals?

Zavia and Rocko.

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Her squeaky teddy. When she gets excited, she runs up to it and pushes it with her nose to squeak it. Sometimes she decides to walk with it in her mouth.

What is Miss Darcy's best quality?

Loving every moment of every day - excited about every walk, every meal, every time I return home!

If Miss Darcy could change one thing about Londoners, what would it be?

Let dogs into all restaurants.

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

Renée Zellweger.

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

How much do you love me?

Visit the Miss Darcy's Adventures and May Ping Designs websites.

--Marshal Zeringue

Lorraine Pestell & Jed

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Lorraine Pestell and this handsome old boy is Jed. I am an IT professional living in Melbourne, Australia, and am also a determined author of contemporary fiction. Jed is in his 14th year and we have no idea what he is! Perhaps some Great Dane, some Greyhound and plenty of Black Labrador, given how much hair he loses and that he scavenges after the smelliest thing imaginable!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Today we met our great friends, Maggie and Archie [photo right], for a coffee and a slow amble around the park. When Jed was younger and we also had Amber, his gorgeous German Shepherd companion, Maggie and I belonged to a much larger group of dog-and-coffee lovers. Since most of these dogs are now dearly departed, we met today to reminisce about the wide-ranging conversations we shared and the funny scenes we caused.

What's brewing?

Maggie’s coffee is a “hot skinny latte” and mine is a “skinny long macchiato”. Having lived all over the world, I am always entertained by the different coffee descriptors used in each country. “Skinny” refers to no-fat milk, and in eastern Australia the long macchiato is analogous to a double-shot latte (although I don’t dare say this in front of a barista!)

Any treats for you or Jed on this occasion?

We are all partial to a raspberry and white chocolate muffin with our coffee. Much too partial, in fact. The café we frequented for our larger walking group used to bake an extra tray on Saturdays just for us, such was the tradition we created!

How were you and Jed united?

Jed, Amber and I [photo bottom left] were united in 2001 at the Save-A-Dog Scheme, which is a rehoming centre founded by a friend of Maggie’s. I had been in Australia for two years and had bought a house with a yard that was just yearning for paws and noses. Amber took a little longer to settle, since she had been mistreated, but it was love at first sight for Jed and me!

How did Jed get his name? Any aliases?

Jed was the name given to him by the fantastic volunteers at the pound. It suited him well, so I saw no point in changing it.

Aliases vary with how naughty he has been. “Houdini” springs to mind, because I have lost count of the number of times I had to bail him out of jail after he scaled the fence while I was at work, easily spooked by thunder storms or fireworks! No matter how high the fence, his motivation was always higher in times of panic.

Does Jed do more to help or hinder your writing?

Jed is my constant companion while I’m writing. In recent times, his contribution is limited to peaceful snoring in the background. Sometimes he makes me feel guilty for ignoring him, nudging my elbow or giving a disgruntled snort or two. These interruptions have mutual benefit however, because it encourages me to get up and walk around the garden for a few minutes! Otherwise, I would probably not move for hours and end up with really sore shoulders and a headache.

You used to be part of a larger group of coffee-drinking canine-lovers. What was that like?

Jed, Amber and I were part of a group of six humans and eight dogs who met every Saturday morning at Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens for a walk and a long breakfast. It was a great forum to discuss the events of the week and to air our views on changing the world. Our numbers would often swell to as many as 12, depending on who had visitors at the time. This is also where the muffin tradition first began!

We were often the centre of attention, particularly with children, who had never seen such a diverse bunch of dogs in one place before. Because Jed and Amber were so big, we needed lots of space, and other regulars were often kind enough to move so that we could arrange the tables.

There was even one occasion when Jed decided to blaze his own trail towards the muffins. He managed to nonchalantly stroll several metres inside the café before I realised and went scrambling after him, much to most people’s amusement! A few black looks from non-dog-lovers too, of course.

Cat, postman, rabbit...?

Postman, definitely! Ours arrives on a whining motorcycle which is instantly recognisable. In fact, when I used to buy huge bones for Jed and Amber, I always referred to them as “Postman” and “Milkman”…

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Ball, and always someone else’s! No toy ever lasted too long though.

Who is Jed's best pet-pal?

Jed used to be very social and loved Max, Maggie’s previous dog. Nowadays he’s more a solitary fellow, even though he and Archie get on well. Everything’s a bit too much trouble these days, especially young, bouncy puppies. Amber was the dominant one at home, so now that Jed has me all to himself, I think he’s happier!

What is Jed's best quality?

Jed is my best friend, always loving and gentle. I would say his worst quality is his overactive digestive system, which is becoming increasingly unpredictable as he gets older!

If Jed could change one thing about Melburnians, what would it be?

I’d guess that Jed’s greatest wish would be to have more space between tables at cafés, but otherwise I think he’s quite happy. Melburnians are a dog-friendly community, on the whole.

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

I would ask him whether he would recommend a dog’s life.

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

Even though he’s not originally from Australia, I would choose Sam Neill (Jurassic Park, The Dish, The Omen) to be Jed’s voice. Relaxed, sophisticated and sexy!

Visit Lorraine Pestell's website, blog, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue

Dale Kushner & Malibu

Who is in the photo at right?

That’s me, Dale Kushner, with Malibu, our newly adopted Golden Retriever. In this photo, Malibu, aka Mali, and I are embarking on a training adventure. (Note the disarray behind us. Mali’s name should be “Velcro.” She likes to attach herself to me. I’d been trying to drink my coffee on the couch but slid off to work with her.)

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Mali, a champion of the dog show world, was raised by and has lived with her breeder for seven years. As a show dog, she’s traveled in planes and trains and can do an exquisite prance around the ring, but alas has never been socialized to live with a family. On the occasion of this photo, I’m trying to teach her manners. She’d rather cuddle! Since I’m a bit of a push-over, I have to train myself not to comply. My task here is to drink a cup of coffee without Mali climbing into my lap. You can see I’m not entirely successful.

What's brewing?

I’ve just dripped a cup of Bike Fuel from Just Coffee Cooperative.

Any treats for you or Malibu on this occasion?

No treats for me while training Mali, though later I might consider a cranberry scone. Mali, however, gets bison and sweet potato crinkles and peanut butter stars. These days the variety in doggie snacks sounds like a menu from the TV show Portlandia.

How were you and Malibu united?

Our vet called us to let us know that the breeder was selling an older dog. Were we interested? We’d been planning on getting a puppy this summer. Wisconsin winters can be brutal and our thought was we should wait until we could do more training outdoors, but when the call came, we couldn’t resist. Our last Golden Retriever, Carmelita [in photo, below left], died a year and a half ago, and we’ve been bereft without fur!

How did Malibu get her name? Any aliases?

Mali’s breeder was driving into Malibu, California, and presto magico! Mali got named for the city. (Or was it her blonde California good looks that synched the name?)

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

Now I’m wondering why I haven't written about a dog. I’m gaga in love with dogs, like, kiss them on the lips kind of gaga! There’s a parakeet named Mr. Puccini in The Conditions of Love and a turtle named Eunice Turtle but no dog. Stay-tuned! I’m at work on novel #2, and there just may be a canine in the story.

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

Mali is a muse wannabe, that is, if the only job of a muse is to offer a fetching smile and endless affection. Actually, Mali’s more of a trickster than a muse. But then again, as a writer, I never know what will end up in the writing stew. Because of Mali, I am learning a lot about dog behavior. At the moment, I’m interested in what behaviorists call “prey drive,” that almost unstoppable instinct that provokes dogs to chase squirrels or cats to pounce on mice. I haven’t yet discovered if humans too have a prey drive. Hmmm. Will a creature who boasts a strong prey drive be part of something I write?

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Squirrel, Possum, shrew, chipmunk, squirrel, squirrel, squirrel.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Retrievers love balls but have no idea how silly they look padding around with a yellow Wilson tennis ball in their mouths.

Who is Malibu's best pet-pal?

Her fav play pal—c’est moi. Me, me, and me, probably until she’s spayed.

What is Malibu's best quality?

Mali’s best quality is her sweet temperament. You meet people like this too, who simply have a sweet and affectionate soul. It’s something you can feel. Even when I have to coerce Mali into her crate at night, she never snarls or snaps.

If Malibu could change one thing about you--or you change one thing about her, what would it be?

If I could change one thing about Mali, I’d transform her anxiety about being in a new home. Until now she’s lived with her breeder and among her littermates. As a middle-aged dog, it’s tough for her to adjust to a completely new lifestyle.

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

I would ask Mali what would help her feel part of the Kushner family pack.

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

After we brought Mali home, we learned a sad fact: she’d been de-barked. (The breeder had been less than forthcoming with us!) I’d never heard of this surgery (tissue from the animal’s vocal chords is removed) and was truly horrified the first time I heard Mali’s non-voice—a cross between a rasp and a whisper. She stood at the window trying to bark, but the noise that came out was a ghost voice. However, in honor of the spirit that shines through, I would choose the silent film star Lillian Gish to portray Mali.

Visit Dale Kushner's website, blog, and Facebook page.

Writers Read: Dale M. Kushner.

The Page 69 Test: The Conditions of Love.

My Book, The Movie: The Conditions of Love.

--Marshal Zeringue

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