Joanna Slan & Rafferty and Victoria

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Joanna Slan, with my dogs Victoria (on the left in the pink halter top) and Rafferty (on the right in the masculine blue apparel). I'm the tall one wearing the red sweater. I write the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, the most recent being Photo, Snap, Shot. The first book in the series--Paper, Scissors, Death--was nominated for an Agatha Award for Best First Novel.

Victoria is a purebred English Bichon Frise, the daughter of an English Champion, and she's nine years old. Rafferty is part Bichon and part Poodle, and he might be six years old.

This photo was taken by Donna Manz, a reporter for the Vienna Connection. She stopped by the house to interview me, and my canine office assistants had to get in on the act.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

When we first adopted Rafferty, he'd never been through a drive up. We pulled into a McDonald's to get lunch, and poor Rafferty heard the disembodied voice and launched himself at the car window to protect us. This was not good. Not for Rafferty. Not for us. And the fast food workers were definitely freaked. So we discovered that the local Starbucks always gave out dog cookies with human food. Every morning my husband David would take Raffie to Starbucks. This worked well, until we discovered that Raffie wasn't only "digging" the dog biscuits, he was also helping himself to David's coffee. We still love coffee, but we don't share it with Raffie anymore!

What's brewing?

For Christmas a couple of years ago, I bought David an Expobar, and now David makes great lattes. Our favorite bean is from Kaldi's, a coffee company in St. Louis that is my protagonist Kiki Lowenstein's favorite coffee company, too. I like my vanilla lattes cold, no ice. Weird, but true.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

I love those flat Almondina cookies, and Grace's Best, a delicious sunflower
seed cookie they make in Parkville, Missouri.

Any treat for Rafferty on this occasion?

Always! He and Victoria both like "cheese yummies," which are small pieces of 2% American cheese. I also slice treat strips into smaller pieces so I can dole out plenty of them during the day. And carrots. Oh, my gosh, do my dogs love carrots! Cold from the refrigerator is best.

How were you and Rafferty united?

At the calf. Seriously, his original owner left him alone outside in a cage so long that the fur wrapped around his right rear leg, cut off the circulation, and the leg had to be amputated. So Raffie sticks to me like Velcro. He even walks with his nose between my calves as I walk. He's getting a lot more secure as the years go on, but if I've been gone on book tour, he's my Siamese twin for weeks.

Oh! You mean how did we "adopt" Rafferty! Our first Bichon, Kevin, was dying of cancer. I couldn't handle it, hearing Kevin cough and seeing him grow weaker and weaker, so I told my husband I wanted another dog. I felt that giving a rescue dog a home would distract me. We filled out the "emergency needs" paperwork and Small Paws, the rescue group, called us over the holidays. My son thought a three-legged dog would be "pimping." (Ahem. At the time, Michael was 15, and everything was either "pimping" or boring.) My husband wanted a younger dog. We had to have a male because when Kevin died, we'd still have Victoria, and we didn't want to chance any fighting. Small Paws had 119 Bichon/Bichon-mix dogs that needed a home. It broke our hearts. Rafferty was a good match for us.

Does Rafferty have any influence on your writing?

Absolutely. Raffie is a daily reminder that there are too many wonderful, loving animals out there that are homeless. So I had my protagonist, Kiki Lowenstein, adopt a female Harlequin Great Dane that she names Gracie. You see, with all the foreclosures, big dogs are showing up in more and more shelters. You could maybe convince a landlord to let you have a Chihuahua or even a dachshund, but a Great Dane? Uh, no.

Raffie isn't big, but he wasn't adopted because people saw him as "flawed." Phooey on them. He's not flawed. He can do anything a dog with four legs does. He can jump up on furniture and beds, climb stairs, hop into the car, and love us. What more do you need from a dog?

How did Rafferty get his name? Does he have any aliases?

Small Paws named our dog "Rafferty," because they believe a dog deserves a new name for a new life. We call him "Raffery J. Slan." I have no idea why. We just do.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

He's learning to be nice to other animals, thank you. Especially after he caught up with that herd of deer in our yard when we lived in St. Louis. It seemed funny to watch him scamper downhill after them until the herd turned and started running his way. Yeow! Then we realized how dangerous it was! (Call it a dumb pet-owner trick. We're smarter now.)

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

None of the above. He loves to pick up his leash and bring it to me. I think it's his way of saying, "Don't ever leave me, please!"

Where is Rafferty's favorite outdoor destination?

We recently moved to the Washington, DC, area, and now we love to walk the W & OD Trail. And of course, right around the block is the cutest little female Bichon named Chessie (short for Franchesca). She's Raffie's idea of one smoking hot babe. I think she knows it, too.

Who is Rafferty's best pet-pal?

His older sister Victoria. She taught him the ropes. Rafferty gets very nervous if he's separated from Vicky.

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

I would quit messing with that stupid computer and pat him more.

What is Rafferty's best quality?

His indomitable courage. My son Michael says that Rafferty teaches us not to feel sorry for ourselves. To pick ourselves up and keep going rather than whine about how unfair life is. My son is right. Rafferty is a daily lesson to count your blessings. And we count him as one of ours.

What is the most amusing thing Rafferty does? The most frustrating?

Rafferty is the most eloquent dog I've ever owned. If he wants something--like his own cushion or a door open or water or a treat--he will definitely let you know by vocalizing. That's also sometimes frustrating when I have other priorities.

What's the most amusing part of owning Rafferty?

A lot of people don't notice he's missing a leg. At least not immediately. Once we were at a soccer match and a little girl stared and stared at Rafferty. Finally she tugged on David's sleeve. "Mister? That dog only has three legs!" she said.

David countered, "You're kidding? He had four when we left the house!"

I mean, how can you beat that? A dog who loves us, inspires us and provides all sorts of entertainment. Rafferty has it all!

Joanna Campbell Slan is the author of Paper, Scissors, Death, an Agatha-nominee for Best First Novel, and Book #1 in the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series. Paper, Scissors, Death is followed by Cut, Crop & Die, Book #2 in the series, and Photo, Snap, Shot, which was published in May 2010.

Learn more about the author and her work at Joanna Slan's website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Julia London & Moose

Who is in the photo at right?

That’s me, Julia London, the bestselling author of One Season of Sunshine (available now) with Moose, a five month-old male Labrador. The picture was taken when he was 8 weeks old.

What’s the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

He won’t let me work, so I might as well have coffee with him. I had forgotten how much attention puppies need! We’ll probably head to the dog park later so he can run out some of his energy.

What’s brewing?

Starbucks skinny caramel latte. Tall. Frozen in summer, hot in winter.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Not unless the goody is calorie-free. If you know of any, Moose and I would be interested to know what it is.

Any treat for your dog on this occasion?

There is always a treat for Moose. He gets a Peanut butter and molasses dog biscuit.

How were you and your dog united?

I went looking for Moose. I had two labs before him, Hugo and Maude, who lived to be fourteen and thirteen respectively. About a year after Hugo died, I decided I was ready for another dog. But as I had a young child in the house, I wanted a puppy, so I went back to the breeder where I got Hugo and Maude and came home with Moose.

How did Moose get his name?

He is the offspring of Molly and Zues, and by the look of things, he will be the size of a Moose. The name seemed to fit all the way around.

Do your dogs have any influence on your writing?

Not really. Occasionally I drop a dog into the book, and use my famously obedient dogs as models for that canine. But mostly, their only influence is to drive me nuts with all the licking they do while I try to concentrate on writing.

Where is Moose’s favorite place for an outing?

Moose loves him some dog park. But I think his favorite place is doggie day care. Our day care has a policy that you choose a day to bring your dog and keep that day each week. That way, the same dogs are there each week. Moose has made some very good friends in other puppies there. The staff tells me that Moose is “enthusiastic” about everything. I take that to mean he attempts to hump everything.

Squirrel, cat, postman?

Squirrel. Cats scare him. We don’t really have a postman, but if we did, Moose would want to ride in his truck.

Tennis ball, stick, squeaky-toy?

All of the above.

What is Moose’s best quality?

He really is an affable dog and easy to train.

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

He would definitely want me to pay more attention to him. But I don’t have six hours a day to entertain crazy, energetic puppies who want to chew me.

What is Moose’s most amusing characteristic? The most frustrating?

He’s a puppy, so he’s all legs and no grace. He’s constantly sliding or slamming into things, and I have to say, that makes me laugh. The most frustrating characteristic is the jumping. But we are working on that. He is going to be a great dog!

Julia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than a twenty romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular Desperate Debutante and Scandalous historical romance series, as well as several contemporary romances, including American Diva, the very popular tie-in novel to the daytime drama, Guiding Light: Jonathan’s Story, and Summer of Two Wishes.

She is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a four-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction.

London's latest novel is One Season of Sunshine.

She lives in Round Rock, Texas, with her husband.

Visit Julia London's website and follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

--Marshal Zeringue

Wendy Whittingham & Winnie Favaro

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Wendy Whittingham. I am an artist, writer, animal lover, mom, sister, daughter, friend, who much like the Wendy in the Peter Pan tale, has no intention of growing up!

My dog's name is Winnie Favaro. She is a female Cairn terrier, 2-years-old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Not coffee this time. We stopped for a cold drink after a long uphill hike.

What's brewing?

Tim Horton's iced cappuccino.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Not usually.

Any treat for Winnie on this occasion?

A plain Timbit as always, and a drink of water. After all, we use the drive thru!

How were you and Winnie united?

I came home one day and there she was - a cute fluff ball surprise!

Does Winnie have any influence on your art and writing?

Yes! Without Winnie under my feet I'd be lacking a foot rest and writing would be a tad uncomfortable. She is also a pretty good listener as long as I ma rubbing her belly. When her ears go back, it means she really likes what I've written! It's nice to have such a keen fan base. Winnie also has her own Facebook profile and lots of four-footed friends that she keeps in touch with regularly.

How did Winnie get her name?

I didn't name her, but apparently Winnie is sort of named after me and that round tubby bear-like character. Um, I really don't see the connection....

Where is Winnie's favorite place for an outing?

The beach.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

She will chase anything that moves quickly, from a leaf or dustball, to a skateboarder or city bus.

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

A stuffed hedgehog is her favorite squeaky toy, but she also loves playing catch with a tennis ball.

Who is Winnie's best pet-pal?

Pangu, her Korean step-brother. When they dog-wrestle it sounds like a major showdown but it's all good fun and no one gets hurt.

What is Winnie's best quality?

Her dynamic personality. I know people often say this about their dogs but I swear she is part human. Winnie just sparkles with life, at the same time she's very sweet and affectionate.

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

Winnie would make me have super powers so I could keep up with her as she explores the world.

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

Proudest moment: hiked up to Rattlesnake Point, a cliff which is one of the highest spots along the Niagara escarpment.

Most embarrassing: rolled around on a fish carcass at the beach. I don't know what came over her bus she had a good scrubbing once back home!

Visit Wendy Whittingham's website and Winnie Favaro's Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Caryn Casey & Legacy and Impulse

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Caryn Casey. I am co-owner of a company called Much More Than Me and a writer specializing the past several years in dog rescue issues and stories. My book, UNDERDOGS: Valuable Information and Stories of Transformation is a culmination of this work; part storytelling, part resource. This photo represents what I refer to as a “mommy sandwich;” both dogs on either side: Legacy our Border Collie mix, 12, to my left and Impulse, our toy Poodle (just shy of 11) to the right.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I rise early in the morning to feed both Legacy and Impulse their breakfast. Organic coffee from charming local café, San Marco, is brewed in the kitchen, and my girls follow me back to my bedroom where we cuddle on the bed and I begin work on the computer. Some days we disperse and it is just me with a cup of vanilla infused coffee and my work, but I love it when they are near me.

What's brewing?

It can sometimes be Green Tea but usually a mild organic decaf blend prepared by Nahir at San Marco Café in Burbank, CA. and brewed at home.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Since I drink it in the morning, there are no treats. Those would need to come later!

Any treat for Impulse and Legacy on this occasion?

Their bellies are usually full from their breakfast, so they are content.

How were you and your dogs united?

Fate brought us to both dogs in opposing ways and distinct ways. After deeply mourning the loss of our first beloved dog, Rafferty, I felt if there was to be another dog in my life, it would need to be one with special needs. We adopted Legacy through Homeward Bound Dog Rescue in Minnesota; she has deformed front paws and a background that included mistreatment. I have often said, Impulse came to us in a way that would never happen again. Ten years ago, we purchased her from a pet store after I felt an almost indescribable and immediate attachment to her. I had never purchased a dog before that in any other way than through a rescue. I didn’t know then what I have come to learn about puppy mills and what I was supporting at the time by buying her, but she has had some health issues, including becoming blind and I feel in my heart she was destined to be ours.

How did Impulse and Legacy get their names? Do they have any aliases?

Legacy’s name was predetermined even before we saw her. I knew that in order to honor Rafferty for all that she had meant in our lives and for that desire to keep on loving future dogs, our next pup would be named Legacy. And so it was. Impulse, well, as I described, we did want a play mate for Legacy, but the circumstances of her coming home to us were rather impulsive (another thing I do not advocate!)and she was so tiny and imp-like. Legs, Legaloo, and Leggy, which has nothing to do with her paws, are the usually nicknames for Legacy and Impulse has too many to mention, most of them ridiculous and random and often contain some kind of vegetable or soft cuddly animal. (Sweet-pea, pumpkin, lambkin just to name a few.) I do refer to both of them as “Bups,” which is embarrassingly short for “Bunny Pups.” It’s a kind of sickness, I think.

Do your dogs have any influence on your writing?

My dogs have everything to do with my writing. As I have specialized the last several years in writing about issues related to dog rescue as well as the celebration of life-altering stories when adoption is done well, my dogs fuel my passion to not only want to help others make better choices for dogs, but my gratitude for them helps keep me emotionally anchored when I am faced with so many sad scenarios or seemingly hopeless situations in my work and writing.

Where is their favorite place for an outing?

They love our lake home in Minnesota; riding on the boat with their fur blowing back in the wind is always memorable, but generally they still get visibly excited daily when it is time to go for a walk; at the park or in the neighborhood are equally wonderful.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Impulse would ask them in for a cookie, Legacy would scare them away with her bark alone.

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

Marrow bones are heaven, Kongs filled with peanut butter are crowd pleasers but neither chase anything, and if they did, they might run to it but we would have to go and get it and throw it again.

Who is each dog's best pet-pal?

I’m going to have to say in all honesty, our dogs are very bonded with my husband Jim, and love our daughters, Siera and Carlie, however, I am their best pal; we have loving, excitable reunions when I just come in from getting the mail.

What is each dog's best quality?

Legacy’s best quality has been in showing us that when trust is earned, positive, fulfilling change can come. When she first came home with us, she hid frequently and did not welcome a lot of attention, and now she relishes it. She shows us what she can do before we offer her help; she is beautiful, and watching her walls come down has been profound. Impulse is love. She embodies it with every cell of her body and gives it to everyone she meets; she has a body you just need to hold and a face you want to kiss during times of joy, but particularly in times of stress and sadness. My dog’s are my Achilles Heels.

If Impulse and Legacy could change one things about you, what would it be?

Live in the moment, life is good, all will be okay, and treats should be welcomed and encouraged.

What is each dog's proudest moment?

Truthfully, both dogs inspire pride often particularly due to their individual needs. Legacy has had a few surgeries on her paws/leg over the years designed to improve the quality of her life- nothing too invasive. She has never developed hard pads on the bottom of her paws so we have created special socks for her to wear sometimes. Watching her maneuver; her overall attitude of “can” not “can’t” makes us very proud. Legacy making her way down twenty somewhat crooked concrete steps to our dock, and her then jumping into a waiting boat is nothing less than amazing every time. (Of course we are right there to help if necessary, and both dogs wear life jackets.) When Impulse’s blindness first snuck up on her, she navigated her world in a way that defied her diagnosis of Progressive Retinal Atrophy. When she got cataracts on top of that in very short order, the veil sort of went down and we could see her learning to adapt. At first it wrenched my heart to see her bump into things, but then I realized she was still as happy as ever. Her ability to be the same joyful spirit despite daily challenges makes us very proud.

The most embarrassing?

I’ve probably embarrassed them far more than they have ever embarrassed me.

The dogs couldn’t be more different physically, but daily wear matching colorful bandanas to show their sisterly connection. Legacy’s gait is somewhat like Charlie Chaplin when she really gets moving, but a limp is also present depending on how she switches her weight. While on their walks, Impulse has always waited for Legacy if she gets ahead of her and that hasn’t changed one bit even with her blindness. She just stops, and turns back to look for her sister and to wait. People often come out of their houses to greet the dogs if they are walking in the neighborhood; newcomers are concerned Legacy has something caught in her foot, not realizing she is just fine, and those who know them smile and share a bit of wonderment at our “furs,” and how they navigate the world around them.

Visit the Much More Than Me website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Jeffrey Marks & Scooter and Penny

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Jeffrey Marks, and I’m the author of a number of literary biographies of some of the mystery writers of the 1940s and 1950s (Who Was That Lady?, Atomic Renaissance, and Anthony Boucher). I’m currently working on a biography of Erle Stanley Gardner, the man who wrote the Perry Mason series.

I have two dogs, Scooter the West Highland terrier (white) and Tuppence (aka Penny), the Scottish terrier. Scooter is a 2 year old male, and Penny is a 5 month old female.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Saturdays tend to be pet days around here. Penny is taking an obedience class at the local petstore and so we sometimes stop and shop when we can. This week we’re working on the “leave it” command. Penny has very good taste in literature. She ripped off the covers of two of my Josephine Tey paperbacks. So today’s command is a very welcome one.

What's brewing?

Dunkin Donuts coffee, black and steaming hot. I won’t go as far as to say that we bought a house near there on purpose, but it is definitely one of the perks of our house. It’s also what’s in our cupboard at home.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

On a good day, no. I try to watch what I eat. On a bad day, it’s a marble-frosted donut. They are my Achilles’ Heel of healthy eating.

Any treat for Scooter and Penny on this occasion?

Another nice thing about the neighborhood is that the local petstore is in the same mall as the Dunkin Donuts. No treats today because Penny will be getting treats as rewards for her training, but normally they don’t want for much in the way of treats.

How were you and your dogs united?

We got Scooter after our first Scottie passed away. We were very sad about it, and suddenly I won the NCAA basketball pool and more than enough money to buy a new pet.

Both of the dogs came from reputable breeders near my family’s hometown in eastern Ohio. When I went to pick up Scooter, he jumped from the breeder’s arms right inside my coat and stayed there all the way home. He’s always been a cuddler. We picked up Penny in the midst of a nasty thunderstorm; she’s one who likes to make an entrance.

How did Scooter and Penny get their names? Do they have any aliases?

Scooter was named Scooter when we got him, and the name has stuck. It definitely fits. He is always on the go and scooting from place to place. I only wish I had a fraction of his energy.

Penny is short for Tuppence. My Scotties are named for famous mystery detectives. My first was Ellery (for Ellery Queen) and currently for Tuppence Beresford, an Agatha Christie character.

I like the unusual names. Any reason for them?

Well, my grandmother had 6 rat terriers and named every one of them Buster. It was very easy to remember their names, but I didn’t think that they were very original. So I like picking a name that tells you something about the dog and about the owner. For me, it’s my love of mystery. My friends made a game of coming up with mystery names for Penny.

Do your dogs have any influence on your writing?

Not the actual writing, but the process of writing and my love of mystery are tied to my love of dogs.

My first two mystery anthologies involved dogs. Canine Crimes and Canine Christmas came out about 12 years ago. I bought my first Scottie with the royalties from the first book. As I mentioned, he was named Ellery, after Ellery Queen who had written a book called The Black Dog Mystery, which was about Scotties. I also have a copy of The Kennel Murder Case, which is a S.S. Van Dine book that also involves Scotties. So he was a very literary dog, and he actually did some television interviews with me, which was great fun.

In terms of my actual writing, I get up early to write. In the very early hours, the dogs are still asleep and the house is quiet. So I get a lot more done than if I try to write later in the day. Then one of them always wants to go out or play. I’m finding that Erle Stanley Gardner was a dog lover, so it’s been fun to research and write about another author’s love of my favorite animal.

Where is their favorite place for an outing?

Currently it’s our backyard. We just moved into a house with over half an acre from a condo, and they can’t get enough of their own space. They just got a nice little wading pool for the sunny days, and they just chill out in the pool and have fun. Penny with her all black coat gets hot fast and so she’s always the first one in the pool.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Birds. Scooter is fascinated by birds and always wants to run up into the middle of any flock he sees. It frustrates him when they don’t want to stick around and play with him.

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

Scooter is obsessed with squeaky toys. He gets into the coat closet and tries to find one buried in a pocket. Penny has figured this out and torments him with squeaky sounds whenever she can. Last night, she decided to find a squeaky toy after we’d all gone to bed. So there was a bit of chaos last night.

Penny is enamored of sticks. Nothing suits her more than to proudly carry a stick around in her mouth in the backyard.

Who is each dog's best pet-pal?

Scooter and Penny are like an old married couple. They bicker, but they can’t stand to be away from each other for very long. They love to play together and chase each other around the house. Carrying a cup of coffee can be a challenge if they’re at top speed down the hall.

What is each dog's best quality?

Scooter is the loyal one. He’s always at your side, checking things out and being your best friend. He’s the one who curls up at the foot of the bed at night and you know he’ll be there in the morning. He’s a great cuddler and likes to curl up and watch TV with you.

Penny is the comedian. When we play, she gets this cute little smile on her face. It’s so funny to see her try to be a big dog, even though she’s not at all. Penny will never want for self-confidence.

If Scooter and Penny could change one thing about you, what would it be?

Probably that I get rid of this pesky little thing called a job and stay home to entertain them all day. I am going to Austin in two weeks on a research fellowship, and I’m going to miss them terribly. I’ve been known to stop strangers on the street and pet their dogs when I’m touring for a book, so I do miss them when I have to go away.

What is each dog's proudest moment? The most embarrassing?

Well, right now, Penny is being potty-trained, so every day that we go without an accident is a proud moment at our house. It’s rather like the old 12-step mantra, “One day at a time.” I’ve been told that female Scotties are among the hardest dogs to housebreak, and I can believe it.

Scooter definitely holds the record for most embarrassing moment. We lived in a condo building prior to this house with four units meeting in a common area. One day when Scooter went out in the common area, he ducked into one of the neighbor’s homes without warning. There’s nothing more embarrassing than to knock on a door and say “Hello. I believe my dog just came in here.” Fortunately, the neighbors were very kind about it. Over the two years we were there, he managed to do that to all 3 other condos in the building.

Visit Jeffrey Marks' website and check out his posts on the Little Blog of Murder.

--Marshal Zeringue

Stefanie Pintoff & Ginger

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Stefanie Pintoff and I write crime fiction – usually in the company of Ginger, my six-year-old goldendoodle.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

It’s morning. I actually like mornings – but before we face the day ahead, I require coffee, and she requires a walk. Today, that means Central Park, which is our favorite place to go together. I think about what I’m going to write that day. She thinks about the interesting smells, whether she’ll find a stray tennis ball, and all the people she’ll meet!

What's brewing?

Now that the weather’s warm: iced coffee with sugar and milk.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Not today, though sometimes there’s a muffin or part of a bagel. And yes, I always share with Ginger. I can’t resist the look in her big brown eyes!

Any treat for Ginger on this occasion?

Ginger gets two or three peanut-butter/oatmeal flavored dog biscuits.

How were you and Ginger united?

We brought Ginger into our home when our previous dog, a west highland terrier named Bailey, was well into her golden years. We’d always loved golden retrievers, and we hoped that the “poodle” combo would alleviate shedding as well as allergy concerns.

Some people can’t imagine life without a dog, and I’m one of them. When Bailey inevitably left us, Ginger was a tremendous comfort. She allowed our family to grieve for Bailey specifically, not for the loss of everything associated with having a dog.

Does Ginger have any influence on your writing?

Ginger is my faithful writing companion. When I work everyday, she curls up under my desk and naps until it’s time for our next break.

I understand Ginger's first book came out before yours. What's the story of her book?

Ginger’s breeder, Kathryn Lee of Rhode Island’s Make Way for Doodles, was writing (what I believe) was the first book published about Goldendoodles. Her editor hoped one of her dogs would be the “cover dog” – and something about one of Ginger’s pictures caught her eye.

Professional animal photographer Mary Bloom came to take some shots of Ginger – it was actually the first time anyone in our family had been professionally photographed! A couple months later, we got the official word: Ginger had been chosen for the cover.

We were thrilled when the book came out – family and friends bought copies, watched the Amazon numbers, and recommended it to everyone we knew.

Not unlike when a certain mystery novel came out a few years later…

How did Ginger get her name? Does she have any aliases?

Ginger is named for the color of her fur – which especially as a puppy, resembled the spice.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Occasionally a squirrel … but Ginger’s pretty exclusively focused on tennis balls.

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

Ginger is a retriever through-and-through, so it’s always about the tennis ball.

Who is Ginger's best pet-pal?

Ginger’s first best pal was her big sister Bailey the westie. Now, Ginger loves any westie she meets; recent neighboring westie Chloe was a particular favorite!

What's Ginger's best quality?

Ginger is 52 lbs of love, devotion, and happiness; she never seems to have a mean thought or a bad mood.

What’s the most amusing thing Ginger does? The most frustrating?

The most amusing: her slavish devotion to her tennis ball.

The most frustrating: the same dog who doesn’t budge from the foot of the bed on weekday mornings is an early riser on weekends, pushing a tennis ball in our faces til we wake up!

What is Ginger’s proudest moment? Her most embarrassing?

Ginger’s proudest moment came when she had to be interviewed with us before we bought our NYC coop apartment. Much to our relief, she was on her best behavior and passed with flying colors!

Ginger’s most embarrassing moment comes around every winter. She is terrified of snowmen – meaning ordinary snowmen, just like kids build every snowfall. She balks at the idea of coming within ten feet of one.

Stefanie Pintoff's debut novel, In the Shadow of Gotham, won the Edgar® Award for Best First Novel and the St. Martin’s Press / Mystery Writers of America Best First Crime Novel Award, while also earning nominations for the Agatha and RT Reviewer’s Choice Awards. Her second novel in the series, A Curtain Falls, released in May 2010.

The Page 69 Test: In the Shadow of Gotham.

The Page 69 Test: A Curtain Falls.

Learn more about her books at Stefanie Pintoff's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Linda M. Faulkner & Delaney and Charlotte

Who is in the photo at right?

The human is me, Linda M. Faulkner, and the dogs are Delaney (pound-puppy lab mix, green collar, cute butt), the late Tyson (handsome Rottie on the right), and Patience (headless Rottie on the left). When I’m not hugging my puppies on Christmas morning, I work in the insurance business, write insurance classes for myself and a number of clients, or write mystery/suspense novels.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

To express my request for you to rename your blog: Coffee or Tea with a Canine. Some of us do not drink coffee—we drink tea. (Although we do absolutely ADORE coffee ice cream and coffee icing on donuts.)

What's brewing?

My preferred brew is Irish Breakfast tea, which I do literally brew in either a teapot or in a Mr. Coffee coffeepot. We have two different Mr. Coffees both at home and at the office – and God help the person who mistakenly brews coffee in the tea-maker.

Any goodies to go with the tea?

That depends. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth but enjoy a good shortbread cookie or piece of butter pound cake.

Any treat for your dogs on this occasion?

The dogs in my house don’t get fed people food. Dog biscuits (and kitty biscuits) are distributed each evening about 8pm. One of my dogs, Charlotte, suffers from allergies and we have “special” treats for her. Sometimes it’s a juggling act keeping her from scooping up the other critters’ snacks.

How did you and your dogs come together?

I adopted Delaney (lab/pointer mix) from the pound when he was 8 weeks old. He’s 10 years old now, and you’ll see that his chin has whitened considerably from the time he was a puppy. The two Rotties were my husband’s dogs before we were married and, when we blended our families, Tyson, Patience, and Delaney got along famously. (Tyson was also a pound puppy, Patience was obtained from a breeder in PA.) After we moved from Massachusetts to Montana, Charlotte (the German Shepherd/Golden Retriever mix) was adopted from the local shelter and joined the pack. We lost Tyson and Patience within a year of each other between 2008 and 2009; Delaney and Charlotte are the only puppies left in the household. (They get along famously with the kitties, Grace and Max.)

Do your dogs have any influence on your writing?

Absolutely. In fact, Tyson and Delaney were assigned aliases and actually appeared in my first mystery novel, Second Time Around. (Charlotte appeared as herself.) Unlike humans, the puppies absolutely adore the attention and don’t mind the world knowing their secrets. They also share some pretty good plot ideas, as well.

How did your dogs get their names?

Tyson came with his name; my husband figured that he’d need lots of Patience when he obtained her as a 10-week old; Delaney is a Celtic name that means “black;” and Charlotte just seemed to fit.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Try bears, deer, and turkeys. None of the dogs ever barked at the wildlife until we adopted Charlotte. Her protective streak is highly developed and she barks like crazy at the wildlife—especially the wild turkeys. It’s funny…we can tell what kind of critter is outside by her bark. Since we see the deer more often, she only gets marginally distressed when they appear. She really hates the turkeys and goes ballistic when the occasional bear strolls by the sliding door in the dining room.

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

Delaney used to love those stuffed toys with the squeaky things inside. They’d last for days. Until my husband and the Rotties moved in. End of stuffed toys, beginning of Nylabones.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

All the dogs get along terrific with the cats. Right now, however, the funniest dog/cat relationship is between Charlotte and Max, our black cat. Max will walk up to Charlotte and rub against her legs, just like he does to my husband and me. Then she leans down and licks him all over the face and head—and he lets her! During the winter, when the woodstove is going, Max, Delaney, and Charlotte lie in front of the stove, lined up like sardines. Unfortunately, they’re camera-shy and we’ve been unable to record that on film.

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

That I go to work every day. They LOVE weekends and says off and constantly beg me to stay home. They especially love when my husband works on the occasional Saturday morning. No sooner does Stephen leave than they all jump up on the bed with me. I usually wind up with a sore back because I become surrounded by animals and can’t move – but I sure do get warm.

What is each dog's most endearing quality?

Delaney tilts his head to the side when I talk to him. Charlotte can be extremely irritating but she’s so needy and affectionate I can never stay irritated for long. She also has those really great German Shepherd ears and face.

What’s the most amusing thing your dogs do? The most frustrating?

The funniest thing they do is sit in front of my husband every night at 9pm. That’s pee-time and, no matter how long ago he took them out—whether it was three hours or three minutes—they still do the sit down and ask-to-go-out-thing at 9pm. Charlotte’s existence can be frustrating sometimes. She’s demanding and aggressive, poking her nose into everything. She thinks she’s the Alpha and has to be reminded, constantly, that she’s NOT the pack leader.

Why do you think so many writers have dogs?

Writers tend to be solitary people, spending a lot of time alone. Humans have a difficult time accepting that someone they love wants to bury her nose in a computer screen for hours at a time or enjoys living with (and talking to ) imaginary people on a regular basis. Dogs don’t find this type of behavior intolerable or weird. They don’t mind sitting beneath a writer’s feet and occasionally receiving an absent rub; neither do they mind when the lights are blazing at 2am. Dogs rock and writers know this.

Visit Linda M. Faulkner's website.

--Marshal Zeringue