Amanda Labadie & Wicca, Vito, Boone, Pixel, and Brit

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Amanda Labadie, pictured with Wicca when she earned her ATCHC title (Agility Trial Champion). I am a dog trainer, and work at a dog daycare. I am also involved in dog rescue. We live in Lethbridge Alberta and pretty much every day is all about the dogs. The dogs and I play and compete in a variety of activities- agility, obedience, rally, scenthurdle racing, and herding!

I have five dogs!

Wicca- tri colored cardigan corgi, 8 years old, female. She's super bossy, and very intense in everything she does. She was my main competition dog until last year when she had to retire early due to injury. She is my heart.

Vito- black and white border collie/corgi cross. 5 years old, male. Vito has a bad attitude, and is lazy but very cute! My first failed foster dog. He plays aglity once in a while just for fun (when I can convince him to leave the couch...)

Boone- Pyrenean Shepherd (the shaggy one in the photo!), 8 years old, male. Boone was a rescue that I love despite his weirdness. He has the best sense of humour. Full of quirks, but scary smart Boone has been a challenge! He is retired now, but did have some success in agility and rally.

Pixel- Cardigan Corgi. 4 years old, female. Pixel is the princess. Full of sass and thinks very highly of herself. She is my main dog now and competes in Agility, Obedience, Rally and Scenthurdle Racing.

Brit- Border Collie. 3 years old, female. Brit [photo left] is all sweetness and smarts. Another rescue that stole my heart. She started my new obsession with sheepherding. She is very keen to work and we've been learning together!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Sitting in the backyard watching the crew run around in circles...

What's brewing?

Tim Hortons always. I don't even own my own coffee pot. They do a much better job than I could!

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

The Corgis live for food. So always treats. Any kind will do!

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

I like unique names so lots of reading, internet searching and thought went into each of their names!

Wicca was a naughty puppy so needed a naughty name. Her grandmother's name was Druid so I wanted a name that kind of went along with that. In my search I stumbled upon a Wiccan site. And I knew that was the name for her!

Vito [photo right] needed a bad-boy name, and he is very much a gangster. His name suits him to a T!

Pixel's name in her litter was Pixie- which was a little too girly for my tastes. With her Merle pattern Pixel was an easy stretch.

Boone needed a name that exuded confidence. He was such a timid little guy when I got him. I named him after an explorer.

Brit is very much a typical Border Collie so I wanted a typical Border Collie name. I've always loved Border Collies with lots of freckling, and although she only has a few spots on her legs the name Brit means freckled one.

How were you and your dogs united?

Wicca and Pixel were bought from reputable breeders. And the other three were rescues. I am a sucker for a sad face apparently!

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Vito's only friend is a cute little dog named Lacey. He is a bit of a grump so the fact that he even has a friend is amazing!

Pixel loves everyone but really loves Kort, the rough collie (who was interviewed already!)

Brit's best friend is another Border Collie named Neena. She adores her.

Boonie doesn't really have any friends. Dogs don't understand him.

Wicca is too good for dog friends. She thinks she is a person.

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

Gophers! (or groundhogs, or ground squirrels depending on where you live..) Wicca is all about the hunt for critters but Gophers are definitely her favorite!

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Anything will do for Pixel! If it can be thrown it can be retrieved.

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

Less computer time for sure! They are all sitting at my feet staring at me as I type this!

What is each dog's best quality?

Wicca- her smarts. she is a genius.
Pixel- her looks. Well, okay let's say her temperament.
Boone- his sense of humour.
Vito- he's so snuggly!
Brit- her eagerness to do whatever I ask.

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

Wicca- Sigourney Weaver. One tough chick.
Pixel- Jennifer Aniston for sure! She's cute, but a little ditzy sometimes. And I think would talk really fast.
Vito- Robert DeNiro of course.
Boone- Jim Parsons (think Sheldon Cooper). Odd and Quirky, and not a practical thinker.
Brit- Drew Barrymore. Just a nice, nice girl with addictive tendencies.

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

What smells so great about dead stuff that you need to roll in it?

Learn more about Amanda and her dogs at the manymuddypaws blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Gigi Amateau & Biscuit and Cola

Who is in the photo at right?

That’s me, Gigi Amateau, and my three-year old redbone coonhound, Biscuit, when she was a puppy! I write middle grade and young adult fiction. Biscuit takes me for long walks by the river, hunts in her own private game preserve [known also as the backyard], and sleeps. Not pictured, my daughter’s pit bull, Cola. She’s sacked out on the sofa.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Every day I have coffee or tea with Biscuit and Cola, and this morning we’re celebrating the release of my new young adult novel, Come August, Come Freedom from Candlewick Press!

What's brewing?

My daughter brought my favorite coffee treat to me this morning: Starbucks’ grande no foam latte!

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Why, yes, because the general rule of the house is: a treat for me, a treat for the dogs. Of course, the world is one gigantic treat for Biscuit and Cola! I just let Biscuit outside. Such a gorgeous morning here in Richmond, Virginia. Sunny, pale blue sky, low humidity, and a hint of fall. I expect Biscuit will stay out most of the morning, but she’ll get a tasty breakfast of Organix crunchy food with a splash of chicken broth when she comes back in the house.

How were you and your dogs united?

We fell in love with the redbone breed years ago when we met a dog named Gus at our favorite mountain retreat in Rockbridge County, Virginia. We keep horses about half an hour outside of town. At the horse farm they also raise redbones and black and tans. Four summers ago, my daughter had a job of socializing the hound puppies and that’s when we met Biscuit, on the day she was born!

Cola is a rescue-girl. My daughter found her at Animal Control and pretty much fell in love on site. Both dogs are sweet and good and loyal.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

You know, the redbone breed is such a southern breed, so we wanted our redbone to have a name reflective of our region. We thought of naming her Grits, Shug, Sookie, but settled on Biscuit because of the many nickname possibilities: Butter Biscuit, Ham Biscuit, Chicken Biscuit, Baby Biscuit.

Honestly, I have no idea why my daughter selected the name Cola but it suits that little gal perfectly!

Do your dogs have a favorite place to go for an outing?

They both love to walk at Pony Pasture Park on the James River not too far from our house. We live in a small forested enclave in the city on a tributary of the James called Rattlesnake Creek. So, even just walking around on our home turf we’re likely to encounter deer, foxes, raccoons, opossums, rabbits, owls, and all sorts of forest-creatures.

Rabbit, postman, cat...?

Let’s just say I’ve moved all the bird feeders to the front yard.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

We try to keep things pretty even-steven with Biscuit and Cola. They each like bully sticks. Biscuit enjoys hers upstairs; Cola goes downstairs with hers.

What is each dog's best quality?

Both dogs have a deep desire to make our family happy. Biscuit’s best quality is that she’s as loyal and devoted as the day is long. And also, Biscuit is just so pretty and soft. Oh those ears! She will walk with me anywhere for as far as I want to walk.

And Cola is a smiler. I have never met a dog who smiles as much as Cola. There is such a sweetness about her spirit that even when she’s in trouble [like jumping in the frog pond again, Cola, really?] she’s not in trouble.

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

Well, because our dogs are so loyal, I’m certain that they would both say, “Change what Mama wants to change.” I would change our Virginia legislature.

What is each dog's proudest moment?

They both seem to think everything they do is worthy of a bone or a biscuit or a chewy.

If your dogs could speak in the movie about your life, who should do their voices?

Andie McDowell should do Biscuit’s voice and Drew Barrymore Cola’s.

Visit Gigi Amateau's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Dan Macon & the Flying Mule Farm dogs

What's the story of the Flying Mule Farm dogs?

At Flying Mule Farm, our dogs are more than just pets – they are our everyday partners! As commercial sheep producers, we rely on our border collies [photo right--Mo, who’s 4; Taff, who’s 9; and Ernie, who’s 2; with Dan Macon] to help us manage our 400 sheep efficiently and humanely. We rely on our livestock guardian dogs (Buck – 8; Reno – 3; and Rosie – 1) to protect our sheep from predators!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Most days, I make my first check of the sheep with Ernie, Mo and Taff early in the morning. Around mid-morning, we usually head into town (Auburn) for an iced coffee at Java Detour – a drive-thru coffee spot. We all like Java Detour because the ladies always have treats for the dogs, and they always have my coffee ready for me when I get to the window! All three dogs sit up in the back seat when we get to the window – they want to make sure the ladies know they’re with me!

What are your dogs' tasks on the farm?

Buck [photo left], a Great Pyrenees/Anatolian mix, is in charge of our security division. As the senior livestock guardian dog, he’s responsible for protecting the ewes while they are lambing. Since he’s nearing retirement age (which means he’ll get to move home and spend his days on the back porch), he’s training Reno (an Anatolian shepherd) as his replacement. Rosie (an Anatolian/Akbash cross), our newest addition, is still a pup, but she’s already responsible for protecting 200 ewes from coyotes, mountain lions and stray dogs. Our guardian dogs do an amazing job – we’ve not lost any sheep to predators in seven years! These dogs live with the sheep around the clock – they view themselves as the alpha dog in a pack of sheep!

Taff is definitely the alpha dog in our border collie pack, although he’s by far the most benevolent ruler I’ve ever been around – he’s so mellow we call him the “Buddha collie.”

Mo [photo right] is Mr. Happy-Go-Lucky – if there’s no sheep work to be done, he loves chasing bird shadows and butterflies. Ernie is the joker of the bunch – his favorite hobby is chewing on garden hoses (he’s usually the only one who laughs at his “jokes”).

Taff came to us through our friend and fellow shepherd Ellen Skillings. We purchased him as a trained 4-year-old. Ernie and Mo are half brothers out of Ellen’s dog Emer – we got them both as puppies. Our oldest daughter, Lara, started Mo’s herding training. Our youngest daughter, Emma, shares Ernie with me. All three dogs live to work – they absolutely love to herd sheep. Because we rely on our dogs to accomplish our work, our relationship with each of them is far more rewarding than any “pet” relationship we’ve ever had – they are our partners in the truest sense of the word.

Of the three, Mo is easily the most talented. When I need to do something complicated (like load sheep into the trailer without the benefit of a pen), I always turn to Mo.

Taff has the biggest heart – he may not have Mo’s talent, but he never quits. Ernie is just beginning his working career, but I think he’ll combine Mo’s athleticism with Taff’s stamina.

[Reno, photo left]

What have you learned from your dogs?

If you asked my dogs, they’d tell you that they are trying to teach me to be patient and observant. They see and sense things when we’re working sheep that I sometimes miss.

I’m learning to pay attention to what they’re trying to tell me when we’re working – they speak human better than I speak dog at this point!

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

If a movie were made about Flying Mule Farm (maybe a reality show instead – Extreme Sheepherding!), I think Sean Connery would be perfect for Taff’s voice!

Hugh Grant would do Mo’s voice, while Ernie would definitely be played by Jim Carrey!

[Rosie, photo right]

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

Finally, I’d love to be able to ask my dogs where they prefer to ride – in the cab or in the back of the truck!

Visit the Flying Mule Farm website, blog, and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Courtney Rundell & Machu Picchu and Malife

Who is in the photo at right?

The girl wearing the headband is me - Courtney Rundell. I write, advocate and speak about thriving with alcoholism, bipolar and PTSD for WebMD, International Bipolar Foundation and the North Hollywood Patch and on my personal site.

The girl in the pink sweater is Machu Picchu, my amazing Boston Terrier. Yes, she’s wearing both boots and a sweater, because that’s how she rolls when she visits her grandma in Tahoe City.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Just another lazy Saturday afternoon chillin’ at the park with the husband, baby and two doggies.

What's brewing?

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s Sugar Free Mocha Ice Blended – yummm!

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Trader Joe’s Beefy Sticks are the bomb, I mean, if you’re a dog. My treat is spending an afternoon at the park with my beasts!

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Machu Picchu was named after the ancient mystical mountaintop city in Peru. Machu Picchu is a vortex of energy and a World Wonder and if you spend 10 minutes with her, you’ll agree.

Generally, she’s referred to as Mach, but there are several variations on that theme, such as: Le Mach, Mathee, Mathu and Mathu Pithee. Then there’s always Little Dawgs and Little Person in a Fur Coat and Cow Dog (is she a cow or is she a dog? She’s a cow dog!).

Malife (mah-leaf-ay) was named after a malapropism. My husband and I were watching Scarface for the 400th time and just after Al Pacino pulled out his machine gun and delivered the quintessential line “say hello to my little friend,” the hubs asked me the most awesome question of all time.

“Say hello to Malife. What does that even mean?”

“You mean, my little friend?”

“Rewind it. He says Malife.”

“Shut up. You can’t be serious right now. How many times have you seen this film?”

“I swear he’s saying Malife. It’s never made sense to me.”

“So, let me get this straight. Scarface is a total badass, kills like zillions of people, but he nicknames his machine gun?”

(Laughter ensues - for years. I’m actually laughing right now.)

Machu needed a little friend. She was lonely and depressed. Thus came Malfe. His nicknames are Leafays, Leafay, Leafs and Mats-leaf-ars.

How were you and your dogs united?

We had to use a breeder surrogate for Machu, as my husband and I only make humans. We knew when Machu’s “mom” was trying to get preggers, when she got preggers and when she was in labor. We tried to make her stop drinking wine, but she just wasn’t willing to give up her one glass a night.

Machu was born on December 20, 2004. She was 3-hours-old in this photo [at right].

She practically came out of my womb.

Malife was rescued by Boston Buddies (a wonderful organization in Orange County, CA). He was on death row in doggy jail and his back right leg had been broken in three places and reset itself backwards. Boston Buddies made the loving decision to try and save his leg rather than amputate it – which was much more expensive and wasn’t guaranteed to work.

His leg was rebroken and reset. The surgery was successful – he was a champ, but then he sat at the kennel for 3 months. No one would adopt him because he didn’t look like a Boston, probably because he totally wasn’t a Boston.

We took one look at him and knew he was the one – Machu’s little friend.

Ends up he’s mostly Miniature Pincher and Shitzu. This makes perfect sense when you meet him. His frame is Min-Pin and his tongue and personality are totally Shitzu, but he still thinks he needs to pretend to be a Boston. He burrows in the bed and makes hilarious noises, just like Machu.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Lulu, the French Bulldog, and Cat Dog, the cat who thinks he’s actually a dog. And if you met him, you’d agree. Any cat that can chill with a Boston as hyper as Machu is a very special pussnickers.

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

Sometimes there’s a possum in our dog run and much barking and hair raising ensues. Malife loves chasing the bunnies when we vacation in Ojai. Machu is completely obsessed with tennis balls.

Balls and bunnies aside, the other thing they love to chase is, well, me. I always wanted to be a celebrity so the universe gave me my very own personal “puparazzi.” Sometimes I put on sunglasses and run around the house pretending like I’m Britney Spears.

Yeah, I just admitted that on the web.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

“Throw the ball, throw the ball, throw the ball.” – Machu Picchu

“Chase Machu, chase Machu, chase Machu after you throw the ball so I can chew on her back legs and steal the ball although I could truly care less about the ball in the first place.” – Malife

What is each dog's best quality?

Machu really is a little person in a fur coat. She’s scary smart. She understands everything.

Yoda, she basically is.

She makes ridiculous noises. She snores as loud as an old man and cries like a baby.

She’s stubborn, moody, hyperactive and is the light of my life.

Malife, on the other hand, is not the brightest bulb in the box. He’s clumsy and codependent. His ears and tongue are comically large for his body. He’s also super jealous, which is weird since he came into the family after Machu.

And he’s everyone’s favorite.

Malife is the sweetest, snuggliest doggy of all time. The love that comes out of his brown eyes is so intense that it’s actually palpable. It’s physical. His energy can only be described as healing.

He’s trusting and compassionate and is the light of my life.

They’ve both been a huge part of my healing process and have each saved my life at different times. When I’m in the throws of my brain disorder, most humans feel unsafe to me. When I have a hard time trusting people, my pups have always been safe.

I often join them on their dog beds and we pray and meditate together. They’re the most tangible evidence I have of a God in this world. They are my strongest connection to the Divine.

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

Only one thing? They’d take away my laptop and never, ever give it back.

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

If “the most interesting man in the world” could be a woman from Boston that would be Machu – or Gisele Bündchen. Malife? Jeff Goldblum or Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees.

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

Malife, what were the first 7 months of your life like?

Machu, who built Stonehenge?

Visit Courtney Rundell's website, BeaPea.com.

--Marshal Zeringue

Johnny Ortez-Tibbels & Rufus and Emily Sue

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Johnny Ortez-Tibbels: Dachshund photographer, writer, breed advocate and champion.

My two dogs are Rufus, my regal red smooth male miniature dachshund, 8 years old.

Emily Sue, my black and tan smooth female miniature dachshund, 10 months.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We’re big advocates of getting out with your dog; therefore, we forewent the coffee date and instead went for a hike at Fryman Canyon in Studio City, CA: a favorite of ours. We try to hike 3-5 times a week for the last 3 years. Keeping dachshunds trim is important for their backs.

What's brewing?

Nice refreshing, clean and cool water: perfect for pre and post-hike hydration.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Rufus was named in honor of my favorite vocalist / poet lyricist at the time: Rufus Wainwright. Rufus also means “red-hair” so it was very fitting for our red doxie.

Emily Sue, often called Emmy, was named after one of our favorite actress: Emily Blunt. Sue is a family name.

How were you and your dogs united?

Rufus was carefully selected from a breeder in California and is my first dog as an adult. I got him at 10 weeks old.

Emily Sue is a rescue. Her litter was surrendered one day after she was born, and I got her at 8 weeks old.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

My dachshunds are extremely fortunate to have many friends. As a moderator of a local meetup group, LA Doxies, play dates are plentiful. However, their favorite pal is probably Milo – a red dapple smooth doxie.

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

Rufus is not a fan of squirrels, the postman or cats; he is a very stereotypical dog in that respect. With many mature trees in our backyard families of squirrels seemingly taunt Rufus and his mates daily. Nonetheless, Rufus continues to be vigilant and loyally guards our yard from any potential invasion.

Emily remains indifferent at this point to the squirrels, but loves surveying the yard for sticks despite my protest.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Both Rufus and Emily love their squeaky stuffed toys. Rufus is skilled at disemboweling his toys in record time whereas Emily is a little gentler with hers.

What is each dog's best quality?

Rufus’ best quality is his versatility; ability to adapt to an array of environments. Rufus has traveled the country and is comfortable almost anywhere: an outdoor café, the beach, the lake, the desert, on an airplane, in a car or just on my lap at home.

Emily's best quality is her sweet and feisty personality.

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

If Rufus could change one thing about me, he would probably want me to be less worrisome about his back. Back problems are prevalent in the dachshund community and is a constant in my mind.

Emily would probably ask that I give her a little more kibble and treats, which would probably be a common request among our chow hounds.

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

Rufus would have a standard American dialect and probably be played by an actor like Bradley Cooper or John Hamm.

Emily would be played by Anna Faris or Tina Fey.

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

If Rufus could only answer one question in English, I would ask if he has enjoyed his life. I’ve worked very hard since day one to ensure he has had a very full and comfortable life offering regular mental and physical stimulation and lots of four-legged companionship. Early training established a bond and gave us a vocabulary to communicate. Although I’m confident of what his answer would be, it would be extremely validating to hear it from his lips.

I would ask the same from Emily. Is she happy?; I just want my dogs to be healthy and happy.

To see more of Rufus, Emily and their friends please visit Rufus on the Web or follow the Dachshund Outreach Giving & Socialization (D.O.G.S) Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Jolene & Tate and Kort

Who is in the photo at right?

Hi! my name is Jolene , I live in Lethbridge AB, Canada, I am a retired dog groomer of 30 years & I now work at a Dog Day Care.

These are my 2 rough collies with me. Tate is 10 & a half; he is the tricolour kissing me, & Kort is the sable, he is 4. They are both males -- I have never owned a female dog...love the boys!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I have coffee every morning after walking the boys; I brew a fresh cup and bring it to my computer where I catch up on my emails.

Kort and Tate (left) curl up beside me for a nap; they are with me right now.

What's brewing?

I'm not too fussy: if I go out for coffee I love McDonalds coffee. If I buy it's usually just the grocery store brand, but as a rule Folgers, medium roast.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

No, no treats for me. The boys did get a couple of milk bones after their walk though.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Tate got his name from a movie I was watching, it was not Little Man Tate; it was a cowboy movie and I can't remember the name of it.

I have always had my dogs' names picked out years in advance; if I like a name I write it down.

Kort (right) got his name from my favourite Stephen King series, The Gunslinger, one of the characters in the book was named Cort. I changed my boys spelling to a *K*.

How were you and your dogs united?

I got Tate from a breeder in Northfied Mass. Mariner Kennels. Tate was my second collie from her. He had a 5 hr flight to reach me.

Kort came from a breeder here in Alberta, Davenloch Kennels . Both dogs were picked out for me by their breeders. I love them to death!!

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Tate is quite the loner, he sticks to himself a lot. Kort is a funny guy, he likes to play with puppies. We dog sit a mini daschund by the name of Perkins. Kort and Perkins are good friends.

Squirrel, postman, cat....

Kort is nuts about rabbits!!!!!!!! He screams and whines when he sees them; there are tons of rabbits around my place.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Tate has a toy that he got as a puppy -- it was a spider with 10 furry legs. He pulled off all the legs, just leaving the body, so I named it Clam. He still plays with his clammy 10 yrs later!

Kort is more of a food hound but he does love the fluffy type tug toys.

What is each dog's proudest moment?

Oh we have so many! Both my dogs are Canadian show champions. I have put a Tracking title on Tate. Both dogs have numerous Obedience, Rally Obedience, Agility, and Herding titles. Kort is a Scenthurdle Dog Champion as well.

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

I think that I would walk them more.

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

Tate has always had the voice of Eyore from Winnie The Pooh. He does everything in slow motion at his own time.

Kort really never got a voice.

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

Are you happy with your life with me?

Learn more about Jolene, Tate, and Kort at the One Collie blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Bev Kaye & Roxy

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Bev Kaye, the founder and Co-CEO of a Talent Management consulting organization called Career Systems International. I lead a group of 40 professionals in delivering learning solutions and consulting to Fortune 1000 companies on the subject of engagement, retention and career development. I live in Sherman Oaks with my husband Barry, Roxy, and our sometimes visitor, my daughter Lindsey.

I've just finished co-authoring my latest book titled Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go: Career Conversations Employees Want. Any manager of talent reading this blog should get the book and read it to your dog!

Next to me in the picture is my good friend, Roxy! As you can see she has an unusual look! (And that's what attracted me to her in the first place!) Roxy is 13 and is a Dalmatian/Terrier mix. I love black and white...may favorite colors in what I wear and in my home! Roxy always matches!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Roxy and I have coffee together every morning that I am home. (Keurig Coffee Maker...any bold dark blend!) Alas, I travel a great deal, so it's not a regular thing. Roxy knows what it means when I put my suitcase on the bed, she's been known to go into a depression and refuse to eat after I leave.

Any treats for you or Roxy on this occasion?

My dog loves Nestle Purina anything! Since they are a client of ours, I make sure that we always have their products on our shelves! (I was there recently to meet with the client and brought pictures of all the dogs in our organization.) Over coffee, Roxy prefers Beggin’ Strips or Dental Chewz!

How did Roxy get her name? Any aliases?

My daughter named Roxy after her favorite clothing store (at the time!). It was Lindsey (now a professional dog walker!) who insisted we get a dog. (For expert dog-walking in the LA area...contact me and I'll pass your name to Lindsey!)

As the (ever-creative) mom...I told Lindsey she had to get 500 "attitude" points in order to get a dog. (She could get up to five points a day....and I could not deduct points...but I could stop the clock! What could have taken 100 days....took a full year....and at 490...I knew I was going to become a dog "grandma"...since Lindsey is the mom!) I owe Lindsey a big thank you because Roxy has become a wonderful granddaughter and member of our household!

How were you and Roxy united?

We adopted Roxy from the Lange Center in West LA. Roxy was the first dog any of us had ever had. She was about one year old, and we were told that she would not shed and that she would stay about 25 pounds. Today....you will find Roxy hair all over our house and us....and she is 60 lbs!

Does Roxy make any contribution to your work?

She reminds me when it is time to stop and take her for a walk. She comes into my office every day at 4:30 and stares at me until I relent! She must wear a watch because she knows our schedule and precisely who to "lick” up to, to get what she wants.

What is Roxy's best quality?

Her eyes....all knowing....all seeing....right into our hearts. Knows when any of us are unhappy....does all she can to cheer us up. Very protective! (In fact, overly so. Neighbors hide behind trees when they see me walking her because she will lunge after every dog that walks nearby. We have never been able to change this habit.)

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

She would not allow us to ever go on trips without her. She would eat my suitcases...and keep us from ever being out of sight!

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

I can't decide between: What makes you happiest? Which of the many meetings we have in our home is your favorite? Did Lindsey really walk you all those years when she lived at home?

Learn more about Beverly Kaye and her new book, Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go.

--Marshal Zeringue