Meredith Mennitt & Watson

Who is in the photo at right?

There's Meredith Mennitt (F/30s/English German mutt) and Watson (M/3/long-haired dachshund). I, Meredith, am a book editor and artist. I especially love painting and printmaking! Watson is my muse and artistic director.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Mid-walk stop at an outdoor cafe. Little dachshund legs need lots of breaks during hot summer walks.

What's brewing?

An iced coffee with milk for me and a bowl of water (sans ice) for Watson. If there's ice in the water bowl he will try to dig the ice out and make a mess.

Any treats for you or Watson on this occasion?

No, but we'll probably hit up Mr. Softee on the way home for a small vanilla cone to share.

How were you and Watson united?

I wanted a dachshund since I was a kid and a couple years ago the combination of my birthday and a breakup (cliche, I know) made me go for it. Fantastic decision!

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

I wanted my dog to be my city sidekick & who's the ultimate sidekick? Dr. Watson of Sherlock Holmes fame! It suits him & I like the literary nod.

His nickname is "The Little Prince" because he constantly demands attention, admiration, and liver snaps. Also "Wats" and "The Doge."

Does Watson do more to help or hinder your art?

Definitely help! He has posed for portraits [left] and often reminds me to step back and take breaks when working.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Postman = pure evil! If it weren't for Watson, Linda, our lovely postwoman, would have murdered me for sure.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Ball, preferably one filled with a liver snap.

Who is Watson's best pet-pal?

Fiona, my cat. He loves her and she (barely) tolerates him.

What is Watson's best quality?

He can always make me laugh! He's very smart and I swear we have the same sense of humor.

If Watson could change one thing about New Yorkers, what would it be?

That they slow down! Everyone is in such a hurry!

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

Oooh tough one! Maybe a silly voice Hank Azaria would dream up.

What advice would Watson give if asked?

"Supreme confidence always!"

Visit Meredith Mennitt's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Brooks Benjamin & LeeLoo

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Brooks Benjamin. I'm an author and a fifth-grade teacher. The adorable ball of fur beside me is LeeLoo. She's a thirteen-year-old German Shepherd mix.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

On the weekends, I always make Cuban Coffee. It's a guilty pleasure of mine and LeeLoo always thinks she's going to get a cup even though she never does.

What's brewing?

That Café Cubano I mentioned. It's Café Bustelo espresso mixed with a healthy heaping of Zulka Morena sugar. There's quite a process that goes into making it, but it's totally worth it.

Any treats for you or LeeLoo on this occasion?

The coffee itself is a treat, really. But I always enjoy some toast and jam with it. For LeeLoo, there's a rawhide strip--her absolute favorite treat.

How were you and LeeLoo united?

My wife and I found LeeLoo at Petco when they were showcasing rescued animals for adoption. We knew we wanted a dog and when she ran (waddled, actually) up to us, she attacked us with licks and cuddles. That was when we knew it was meant to be.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

She's named after Milla Jovovich's character from The Fifth Element. Sometimes we call her Poops. You probably don't need to ask why.

Does LeeLoo do more to help or hinder your writing?

Oh, she's more of a neutral contributor. When I'm writing, she enjoys lounging by my feet. There's the occasional bark, but I'm sure she's chasing off some disgusting monster, so I can't really be too upset.

Has LeeLoo inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

Not yet, but there's always the potential. She's a pretty fun character in real life, so I'm sure she'll eventually make it into one of my books.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

LeeLoo loves cats, hates the postman, and is incredibly intrigued by squirrels.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

LeeLoo's not much of a chaser, but she loves a good game of tug o' war, so I'll have to go with the squeaky toy built for two.

Who is LeeLoo's best pet-pal?

Our next door neighbor's dog, Maverick. I like to pretend they're dating. Although I think she's more into him than he's into her.

What is LeeLoo's best quality?

Her affection. LeeLoo never passes up a chance to show us love and we never pass up the chance to show her some, either.

If LeeLoo could change one thing about Tennesseans, what would it be?

She'd definitely tell them to love more. Also to stop throwing trash out their car windows because that's just plain rude.

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

I'd ask her how we could make her life better. LeeLoo's basically our daughter and there's nothing we wouldn't do for her.

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

Alfre Woodard because her voice is the auditory embodiment of warmth and compassion.

What advice would LeeLoo give if asked?

Never come home without a pack of rawhide strips. Even if there are some already in the house. They're that important.

Visit Brooks Benjamin's website.

The Page 69 Test: My Seventh-Grade Life in Tights.

Writers Read: Brooks Benjamin.

--Marshal Zeringue

Ruth Carter & Rosie

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Ruth Carter – lawyer and writer in Phoenix, AZ and the loving dog parent to Rosie, the 8 year-old basset hound. She was diagnosed with glaucoma and lost an eye in 2015. This was our last picture together before her diagnosis. She will eventually go blind. I want to give her the best life possible, including letting her see as much as she can while she still can.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Rosie and I spent a long weekend in Flagstaff, AZ. We rented an Airbnb at a house owned by two artists. It was a great place to get away to relax and recharge. We loved the pellet stove. We started and ended each day in front of the fire.

What's brewing?

Our Airbnb had a kitchenette with a coffeemaker and mini-fridge that was stocked with coffee and cream. I don’t know what brand it was, but it was delightful.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

I made myself oatmeal with brown sugar, chopped almonds, raisins, and almond milk.

How were you and Rosie united?

I adopted Rosie from the Arizona Basset Hound Rescue when she was 4. We just celebrated 4 years together. I knew the moment I saw her at our meet-and-greet that she was my dog.

Any treats for Rosie on this occasion?

She just finished her breakfast kibble and chopped baked chicken. She slept on the couch next to me while I finished my breakfast.

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

Rosie’s original name was “Roxy.” When I saw her sweet face and her big brown eyes, I knew she was really “Rosie.” It took her less than a week to adjust to her new name. Her full name is Rose Louise Carter. Louise was my grandmother’s middle name.

Rosie has a few nicknames – “Baby Girl” and “Waddles” are the main ones, but her godfather also calls her the “Potato Sack,” which shortens to “Tater Sack” and “Sack.”

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

No toys today, though she’s a fan of sticks. Sticks are the only chew toys that stand a chance with her. No “long-lasting” chew toy has last more than 10 minutes with her, but actual sticks stand a chance. She loves to break them into pieces. When she finds a stick during one our walks, she proudly trots home with it in her mouth, her wagging tail waving triumphantly upright.

Postman, cat, squirrel...?

Anything that moves is interesting and everyone is her friend. When we went to the dog beach in southern California last year, she would walk up to strangers and plop down on their blankets as if to say, “You may pet me now.”

Who is Rosie's best pet-pal?

We live in a great neighborhood with lots of dogs. Her best pal is a 12 year-old German shepherd named Zavvy. They enjoy the mellow life of sniffing the ground, relaxing in the grass, and occasionally playing with the whipper snapper dogs.

What is Rosie's most endearing quality?

She is so pure. Her eyes tell an entire story. You never have to question how she feels because it’s emanating from her. Even though she had a rough start before she was rescued, all she wants is to love and be loved.

If Rosie could change one thing about Arizonans, what would it be?

Make more dog-friendly places. She’s too stubborn to be trained to be a therapy dog and she likes to go with me when she can. I negotiated her into my work contract so she can come to the office where my co-workers love on her.

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

Shirley MacLaine! She's so much like Weezer (Ouiser Boudreaux) from Steel Magnolias.

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

I love you and I want you to be happy. Is there anything more I can do to make sure you know you’re loved every day?

What advice would Rosie give if asked?

Do what you love and enjoy the simple pleasures. And don’t be afraid to use your devastatingly charismatic eyes to get what you want. If you believe they can’t resist you, they’ll believe it too.

Visit Ruth Carter's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Helaina Hovitz & Wiley

Who is in the photo at right?

Helaina Hovitz, social good journalist and editor, animal lover, nonprofit enthusiast, co-founder of the new site Headlines for the Hopeful, and author of the forthcoming memoir After 9/11, One Girl’s Journey Through Darkness to a New Beginning.

Wiley is about four years old, we think, a male Chihuahua Mix and a rescue—some people think he’s mixed with Corgi, but I think Jack Russell Terrier, and mama always knows best!

Did Wiley play a role in bringing your upcoming memoir to readers?

Wiley is a publicity machine. He has been working around the clock to try and help me get it out there!

In all seriousness, I believe Wiley and I understand each other in a special way because we both had it pretty rough during our early, formative years, and we are both very resilient. We came together at a time where we both finally feel safe in the world. He knows we’re a family and that I’m not going anywhere. Writing about him helped me realize just how similar rescue dogs and rescued humans really are.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Wiley just finished his first behavioral therapy session for the curious bouts of aggression that he sometimes experiences while on his walks, and for the doorbell anxiety/barking. I wish he could explain his history to me so I could understand what happens in those moments. I was there as a teenager, too—I wanted to connect with others, but had a hard time interacting socially and tended to become defensive very quickly. Sarah, our trainer at BarkBusters explained that he experiences the fight or flight response while on the leash, and since flight isn't an option...there you go. She also explained that he feels anxiety that causes him to feel the need to protect me and exert control, and that his adrenaline response is automatic and will take a while to unlearn. Turns out he just needs mommy to be more of a leader. I may or may not have cried during the training when his tail went between his legs, but it’s for the greater good of helping him feel safe in the long run! It's like watching myself do CBT therapy all over again.

What's brewing?

Flavored coffee from our trusty Keurig. Wiley brought it to me at my desk today with flavored Almond Joy creamer and Stevia, the way I take it every morning.

Any treats for you or Wiley on this occasion?

So many treats, all day, every day. Wiley’s “likes” include turkey based treats, human food, 4-5 walks a day, more treats, snuggles, sitting on mommy’s lap, more human food, and pooping on cobblestones. While we’re at it, his “dislikes” include apparel of any kind and when mommy and daddy try to have “alone time.” He also despises any form of transportation, and when anyone besides grandma and grandpa come to the door.

How were you and Wiley united?

Wiley is a special case, because we are his fourth home. He was found as a stray by Friends with Four Paws Rescue in Oklahoma, was fostered there until he was sent to Brooklyn where he was fostered again, then was adopted out to a family in Yonkers, who, after a year, had to give him up because of “allergies.” We had filled in applications for other pooches, and a Chi Mix was not one of the breeds I was falling in love with through their photos. After I met with one of the rescue’s other adoptable pets and wrote an email about how I didn’t feel the connection but would love to keep trying, the animal rescue's president, Leah, gave me a call and we struck up an instant bond.

The next day, she texted me and told me they had an emergency situation, and a rare one: they had a “return.” She sent me Wiley’s picture, and I just had that feeling. I took it as a sign. So, we went to pick him up from his old home and bring him to ours without meeting him first. He was nervous in the car and left a little present outside the building after the car ride, but he adjusted phenomenally and almost immediately, like he was still a puppy and we were his first set of parents. It was like he instantly imprinted on me. We signed the adoption papers two days later.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

We actually aren’t sure, the people who had him before us named him and we decided not to change his name and further confuse him. But we’re guessing it’s because he thinks he’s a tough guy, like Wiley coyote. I’ve been known to call him Cookie, Tough Guy, and my fiancé calls him Wikey, derived from my mother’s autocorrected texts referring to him as such.

Does Wiley do more to help or hinder your writing?

Oh boy. Sometimes he makes little crying noises when I’m really on a roll, impatient to go out, so that is definitely a hindrance. But he’s also kept me glued to my desk at times that I want to break away because he’s a very heavy lap-sitter, which has resulted in me powering through at times when I may not have, so that’s a big help.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Squirrel!

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Fingers. Only fingers. He doesn’t bite hard, so he doesn’t understand why we keep gently tossing toys in his direction.

Who is Wiley's best pet-pal?

He would like it to be Gucci, my first dog who is now 14 and lives with my dad, who was always his favorite. But Gucci makes a break for it as soon as Wiley heads into the apartment. He’s like, “I’m way too old for this, get him away from me.”

What is Wiley's best quality?

His ability to love and trust despite everything he’s been through. He is a total mama’s boy and makes a great shadow.

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

That I have to leave the house. Ever. For any reason.

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

Why are you such a sweet bundle of puppy with some dogs, and what makes you get so mad at other dogs who behave the exact same way?

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

Definitely someone with a low, gruff voice, maybe even with an accent. He is a lot tougher and more worldly than he looks. I have a voice I do for him on the daily (working from home doesn’t make you crazy, right?), but it can’t be replicated by any other human. So, let’s go with Clint Eastwood.

What advice would Wiley give if asked?

Get yourself a family like mine if you can. They give me first dibs on bed space at night, let me sit at the dining room table sometimes, and spend hours fussing over me like I’m an infant, even though we’ve been together for over a year and I’m, like, 30 years old in dog years. I did well for myself with these guys.

So, if you’re a dog still waiting to be adopted, hang in there. Lots of good people are out there waiting to give you a good life.

Visit Helaina Hovitz's website, and learn more about After 9/11, One Girl’s Journey Through Darkness to a New Beginning.

--Marshal Zeringue

Lucy Keating & Ernie

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Lucy Keating, author of Dreamology, and Ernie Francis Keating, age 4. The DNA test I did said he is 1/4 poodle, 1/4 dachshund and 1/2 staffordshire terrier, which is basically a kind of pitbull. Nobody believes that part because all they see is the scraggly fur, and old man beard, but it's in his shoulders.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Ernie makes sure I get out of the house. We like to do an afternoon walk around my neighborhood in Venice, then occasionally stop for a coffee on the way home, and do a little people watching.

What's brewing?

I usually drink home brewed beans in the morning (that I always grind myself) so in the afternoon I sometimes grab a caffe mocha. I really wish I wasn't a coffee snob, but I am. It doesn't have to be expensive, but I am just particular about how it tastes.

Any treats for you or Ernie on this occasion?

Occasionally we will grab a pretzel Croissant from a bakery called Three Square and share it as we walk. Okay I eat most of it, to Ernie's great frustration.

How were you and Ernie united?

I had been thinking about getting a dog for a while. First I wanted a boxer or a pitbull, but I moved to Los Angeles and kept seeing all these crazy kinds of mixes that people had adopted. They weren't any breed, they were just dog. I loved them, and a friend sent me a photo of Ernie, who was being fostered by a woman in San Francisco. I went to meet him and that was it. A friend called and said "How did the meet and greet go?" And I said "Pretty well...he is in the car with me now."

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Ernie actually came with his name. By the time I adopted him he was 7 months old. His adoption papers, however, say Timmy. But the person who fostered him changed it. It suits him very well! If I'd gotten him younger I might have named him Henry. Ernie has a lot of nicknames. Erns, Ernie Berns, Oonie, Bear, Mouse, Tiny One.

Does Ernie do more to help or hinder your writing?

Hinder, unfortunately. He has this thing where he makes direct eye contact all the time, like he's trying to communicate telepathically. I think it's the poodle part of him. I read somewhere that when dogs do that they are just trying to read our body language and figure us out. But it's distracting. I can't even tell you how many times a day I turn and say out loud to him, "What?"

Has Ernie inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

I hope that every book I ever write will have a creature of some kind, and there will be parts of Ernie in all. Ernie is not as calm as Jerry in Dreamology, but Jerry does the staring, and like Jerry, Ernie constantly loses his tennis ball under the couch, barks until I get it out, then promptly bounces it once and loses it again.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

All of them. "Death to squirrels! Save the village!" Is what I imagine him yelling every time he sees one. Sometimes they cause him to have legitimate temper tantrums on the street. It can get embarrassing.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

All of them. He's partial to deer antlers, and I only get him stuffed animals on special occasions because he will murder one in under 3 minutes.

Who is Ernie's best pet-pal?

Ernie's best pal is a basset hound named Bogart. One day we ran into Bogart's parents at a coffee shop near our house. The dogs sat together while we talked, and as Ernie and I walked away, I heard this completely heartbreaking howl erupt from the table behind us. Like, "Come back!"

What is Ernie's best quality?

He is an incredibly loving goofball. He can make shy dogs play, he can make people who are unsure about dogs smile. But he can be a bit over eager, so not everyone is into that.

If Ernie could change one thing about Angelenos, what would it be?

No more cars. He is terrified of them, and buses, trucks...I think it has something to do with his days as a dog on the street. Poor Ernie!

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

"Why do you act like you are going to eat our very nice mail man, yet do absolutely nothing when a creepy guy on the street tries to hit on me?"

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

This is Ernie's greatest mystery. Probably Sean Connery.

What advice would Ernie give if asked?

He would say don't forget to stop and pee on the roses once in a while.

Visit Lucy Keating's website.

Dreamology is among Eric Smith's top five YA reads that explore dreams.

--Marshal Zeringue

Deirdre Mahon & Deeva and Lily

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Deirdre Mahon, owner of DeeVa Beauty, a North/Central NJ mobile Makeup and Hair Service. I leave you feeling empowered and Gorgeous!!... Glowing!!... Glamorous!!

I have a deep affection for all things ‘glamorous’, and a passion for helping animals-in-need and a portion of every makeup I do goes towards helping abused and abandoned animals.

With me here are my two daughters, Deeva and Lily. Full names …. Deeva Darling, a 10-year-old mini poodle, and Lily Love, an 8-year-old toy poodle.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Just stopping by to say hello to everyone and show you how cute the girls are while the coffee is brewing.

What's brewing?

Trader Joe's .... strong and black!

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Not before breakfast for them. But after their afternoon walk they get their afternoon snack of something yummy and will follow me around until I give it to them. Dare I forget, they will stare at me till I remember.

They also get a cookie after their last walk of the evening before bedtime. Everyone sleeps better with cookies in their tummy don’t they?

How were you and your dogs united?

Deeva is a rescue. I got her around 6 months old and in March so we celebrate our birthdays together on my day of March 30th.

I never had a poodle before but fell madly in love and after 2 years thought about getting her a playmate so she would have company when she was home alone. A neighbor whose little girl also fell in love with Deeva begged her mom for a dog like Deeva. This mother apparently wasn’t educated in Adopt!! Don’t shop!! and went to a puppy store and purchased a little white poodle puppy and after bringing her home realized that the dog was too small and fragile for her daughter, who was still too young to handle the puppy properly, so she was going to return the dog back to the store even though she wasn’t going to receive her full refund back. Well, that wasn’t going to happen after I found out about it. So I gave her the money for the puppy that she would have received and bought the dog off of her so it wouldn’t go back to the store. (I was so afraid as to what would happen to the puppy after it was returned…like they would take her out back or ship her to an animal laboratory or something horrible). Anyway, the mother was happy she got her money, I was happy the puppy didn’t go back to a horrible pet store, Deeva was happy she got a baby sister to keep her company…and little Lily Love was happy because she found her perfect home with lots of love and endless treats.

Were you always active in animal rescue, and is there a connection between your activism and the beauty business?

I grew up the little sister of an animal lover and activist, so I was exposed to many of the horrors animals suffer on a daily basis all around the world in many ways…the fur industry, factory farming, puppy mills, dog fighting, zoos, the circus, etc. After many dark years of depression and isolation I overcame my own personal obstacles and turned my life around to become a makeup artist and an animal advocate who donates a portion of proceeds to animal rescue organizations and charities.

Not only am I one of the few affordable bridal makeup artists in my area, but to my knowledge, I am the only one who also donates from every paid makeup I do to 'give back' to help animals in need.

It was through my darkest hours that I connected so deeply with the abandoned and abused animals of the world and I am committed and very passionate about helping them. My mission now is to help enlighten people everywhere about issues surrounding animal abuse and rescue while also empowering women through helping them look and feel fabulous. And I hope that for my own part, I can make a difference in both women’s and animals' lives.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Growing up my family always called me Dee or Dee Dee. When I started my makeup business I took a spin on the word ‘diva’ and spelled it DeeVa as in I’m the Dee in DeeVa. I named Deeva after the business name though she spells it with a small v. I tell her all the time…I named you Deeva but that doesn’t mean I wanted you to actually act like one. Sometimes she goes by ‘baby girl’.

I brought Lily home on May 1st. I didn’t know her real birthdate so May 1st has always been her day. My favorite flower is the Calla Lily…Lily Love was named. I didn’t realize till much later that the May flower is the ‘Lily’. Sometimes she goes by ‘fat stuff’…my father’s term of endearment for her as she is a tad overweight.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Deeva is squeaky toy all the way. Loves to play tug of war with her favorite.

Lily’s favorite thing in the universe is to play ball. As many times as you throw it she will fetch her little ball and bring it back to you for another throw.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Deeva’s favorite thing to do on the planet is sit on the window sill and bark at every dog that walks by. She thinks she is so tough and protecting her mother and sister but don’t be fooled: she is terrified of anything that flies in the house…fly, gnat, flea…turns into a quivering shaking mess of scardy cat.

But Deeva will chase any squirrel, anywhere, any time.

Lily only wants to chase her ball.

What is each dog's best quality?

Both dogs are extremely sweet and good natured.

Deeva is the more ‘sensitive one. When my husband passed over 4 years ago she was constantly by my side and comforting me. I went to a medium about a year after he passed and she said “the dog sees him”. I knew immediately she meant Deeva…who often looks up into space as if she is looking at something on the ceiling or something.

Lily is full of love and snuggling. I made her a certified ‘therapy’ dog because she loves to sit on anyone’s lap and she adores little children.

Where is your dogs' favorite outdoor destination?

When my husband was alive we would always go for rides in the car. Rides out to the country, the beach, the park, walking around NYC…always stopping for Dairy Queen or Rita’s Ice cream. Now that it’s just me and the girls we don’t go out much for ‘fun’ things like that anymore but we do love our daily walks in the park…. And I give them ice cream at home.

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

That I would never leave the house ever without taking them with me!!

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

I would definitely ask Deeva if she sees my Michael.

I would ask Lily if she is as happy sitting on my lap as she was on her daddy’s. She adored her daddy!!

Actually, I would love to hear my puppies say to me in English just once..."Mommy, I love you"!!

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

Hmmm, let’s just say Natalie Wood for Deeva because I grew up adoring her and in my next life I am going to come back looking like her.

And Doris Day for Lily…because I mean who is sweeter and more good natured than Doris Day…another favorite of mine.

And I think I just gave away how old I am by my answers.

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

Adopt!! Don’t shop!! All animals matter!!

Every problem in the Universe can be solved with a cookie and a belly rub!!

Be nice to everyone!!...especially those with cookies!!

Visit the DeeVa Beauty website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Lori Pelikan Strobel & Louie

Who is in the photo at right?

Hi, I’m Lori Pelikan Strobel. My work experience has ranged from writer, sales representative, Pilates instructor, community college teacher, and real estate agent. My favorite job has been, and will always be, mom. Currently I’m writing waggleviews™ and some personal essays on womanhood, motherhood, and being an empty nester over on my blog. You can usually find me at my favorite coffee shop with my sweet and handsome four-year old dog, Louie. Louie is an apricot colored standard poodle with deep caramel eyes.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We are usually at Cheshire Coffee three times a week…if not more. We love to visit with the great staff and customers that come by. Louie loves to greet everyone as they enter and he especially loves all the attention. When Louie is not greeting everyone, he either sits by me or in the chair next to me as I try to write.

What's brewing?

I’m a tea person; so today it’s an iced green tea with honey. Sometimes, I will venture into coffee land and get an iced latte with almond milk.

Any treats for you or Louie on this occasion?

I will occasionally treat myself to the homemade granola bars at Cheshire Coffee. There is a secret stash of dog treats for Louie behind the counter. He waits patiently until he is given one.

How were you and Louie united?

My two grown up daughters surprised me with him for my 50th birthday! They always wanted a dog growing up but I just couldn’t get one with our busy schedules. My oldest daughter had just graduated from college and my youngest had just finished her first year of college. I guess I was feeling the empty nest of loneliness and wanted a baby again…so I mentioned that I wanted a dog.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Both my husband and I attended Providence College and we use to go to a bar named Louie’s. We had many fun times there with friends, so when we had to name our dog we thought Louie would be a good fit. He’s fun!

We also call him Lou, Booboo, Pumpkin Poodle, and Louie Stroobie.

Louie & Rosie

What role does Louie play in your writing?

Louie is my muse. Getting a dog was so out of character for me; however, when I got him I realized how he changed my way of thinking. He was a catalyst for me to do things that I always wanted to do- write! Now, however, he distracts me all the time when I’m trying to write because he is so cute. I just want to stop what I’m doing and pet him or walk him or get coffee with him.

Who is Louie's best pet-pal?

His best gal pet-pal is Rosie, a beautiful Labrodoodle down the street. He goes absolutely bonkers when she walks by the house. Rosie and Louie actually have play dates together. After 15 minutes of him trying to chase her, he is so tired he will sleep for hours.

He also has a coffee pet-pal by the name of Charlie. They love just standing next to each other at the coffee shop. His other buddy is Murphy. Murphy is older and very distinguished. He taught Louie how to be a dog.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

He is determined to catch a squirrel someday!

[photo left: Louie & Charlie]

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

He loves to pick up sticks in our yard and run around. He likes squeaky-toys in the house and wants to play fetch. He has no idea what to do with a ball. I’ve never seen a dog that fails so miserably at fetch with a ball. The wind or a butterfly distracts him.

What is Louie's best quality?

Louie is very charismatic and friendly. He has a wonderful disposition. He is gentle, funny, happy and very human like at times.

Where is Louie's favorite outdoor destination?

Louie loves to walk the beach in the off-season. He finds new smells, dogs and people at the beach. His other favorite outdoor place is in Otis Massachusetts. He likes to ride in the boat because he likes the wind in his face!

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

Louie would like me to stop everything in my life and devote every moment to him! I think he realizes that I need to stop, breath and be in the moment. So, he would want to change my need from always doing to become a need to just being. He’s doing a good job in helping me change and realize the importance of being mindful of the moment.

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

I would ask Louie what do you want me to know about you that makes you happy and that makes you upset. I think we would have a great discussion on this topic.

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

I have thought long and hard about the answer to this question. My first response would be Tom Hanks because of how he played his character in the movie Big. Louie is distinguished and dignified, however, there is a childlike quality to him that makes him endearing. I could also see Will Ferrell as his voice too because of his character in Elf.

What advice would Louie give if asked?

Enjoy now, stop worrying, be the moment, and take time to look at the squirrels and birds. However, most importantly, always ask for treats and don’t be afraid to give yourself a treat now and then!

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--Marshal Zeringue