Cynthia Lenz & Chauncy

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Cynthia Lenz. I am a writer. My blog is called Cynthia Lenz’s Naturally Healthy & Happy Blog. My dog’s name is Chauncy. He is an eight-year-old Havanese.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Chauncy is in attendance for most of my beverages. Chauncy, like most Havanese, is very attached to his human, me. Havanese are often referred to as Velcro dogs for that reason. It’s fine by me. I prefer to be around him as much as possible too.

What's brewing?

My daily cuppa is loose-leaf Earl Gray tea with a pinch of organic lavender. I have been getting my Earl Gray in bulk from Nuts.com for a year or so.

Any treats for you or Chauncy on this occasion?

My treat today was an English muffin. Chauncy gets his treats later in the day.

How were you and Chauncy united?

I like to think Chauncy and I manifested each other. I very much wanted to adopt a dog. My landlord at the time finally relented and said I could have one, who was less than 15 pounds. I kept combing local websites for a female dog but the girls were all too big. My boss said, “You should open up your search and consider a male dog.” The very next posting I saw on Craigslist was for Chauncy! He was living with a loving family but they had way too many animals. They were heartbroken to part with him but they knew it was best for him. I am so grateful to them every single day for letting me adopt him!

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Chauncy was four when I got him. So, I didn’t change his name or the unusual spelling omitting the E. I figured if Barbra Streisand could drop an A, then Chauncy didn’t need the E.

He has tons of aliases: Boo Boo, Puppy-pants, Bear, Little Man, Little Bear, Little Friend… (Sensing a theme?) The oddest is “Baby Ducks.” I always thought baby ducks were the cutest things I’ve ever seen and then I saw Chauncy. He was the cutest being I have ever seen. So, therefore, he must be… “Baby Ducks.”

Does Chauncy lend any support to your work as a health consultant?

He definitely lends support to my work as a writer. I have made several references to dogs on my website and Chauncy in particular. Chauncy and my folks’ dog, Lucy, also may or may not be an inspiration in another writing project, I am working on right now, which may or may not be fiction. Got to keep some mystery, right?

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

He will bark at the postman but I have to go with cat. Chauncy patrols the yard at regular intervals to make sure it is a cat-free zone. He will even stare into the neighbor’s yard, daring one of their cats to put a paw on the other side of the fence.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

None of the above. Chauncy is from a toy breed but he has no interest in toys. He gets excited about going on walks, cuddles and making sure the neighbors’ cats respect his authority.

Who is Chauncy's best pet-pal?

That’s easy, me!

What is Chauncy's best quality?

It really is hard to pick just one. Chauncy is a real gentleman. He’s not destructive. He doesn’t beg or jump on people. He will take a treat so gently from your hand; you’d think he had lips and was using them instead of his teeth.

Where is Chauncy's favorite outdoor destination?

Any place he hasn’t marked recently. I guess I would go with Old Westbury Gardens. We love going there when they hold Dog Days.

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

He would want me to work from home and never ever go out without him.

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

Ooooo, good question! I guess I would ask him if he knows how much I love him.

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

I want to say Antonio Banderas but that seems wrong since he has played a cat.

What advice would Chauncy give if asked?

Having a backyard is not a substitute for walking your dog. Walk as often as possible. It’s as good for you as it is your pooch!

Visit Cynthia Lenz’s Naturally Healthy & Happy Blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Amanda Stern & Busy

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Amanda Stern. I’m an author, and the founder/curator and host of the Happy Ending Music and Reading Series in NYC. My dog is Busy Stern, a rescue whose breed and age hasn’t been confirmed, but the best guesses find her to be around two years old (maybe a bit less), and a mix of Poodle, Havanese and possibly Spaniel.

To my right is Jenny, who lives directly across the street from me. She’s holding her dog Rita, who is not just Busy’s best friend, but her girlfriend. Possibly wife.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Every morning I take Busy to the park at around 8am where we see our dog park friends, and then at around 9am, we all head over to Bittersweet, our local coffee shop for coffee and dog treats. This is the only real routine I have.

[photo left: Busy on the way to the park]

What's brewing?

I switch up my drinks, but my mainstay is the Fancy Amanda™, which is an iced red eye with steamed soymilk. Hot and cold together is the secret to happiness. Other times I have an iced soy latte (I’m lactose intolerant, hence all the soy), but they are too delicious and I drink them too fast. Bittersweet uses La Colombe Torrefaction Nizza for my coffee deliciousness.

Any treats for you or Busy on this occasion?

My coffee shop (Bittersweet, in Fort Greene) sells homemade dog treats. They’re the size of golf balls and the dogs are insane for them. Some dogs forgo chewing them altogether swallowing them whole in the hopes another one might fly their way.

How did Busy get her name? Any nicknames?

I have a weird name obsession (and have named ten babies) so I had a list of names all ready, and Busy was on the list, but I decided to feel her out a bit before choosing a name for her. On our walk from the shelter to Petco she was very curious about everything and everyone, licking people’s legs as we passed, peering into low-slung purses and as one woman passed us she looked down and said, “Oh, so cute, and so busy!” And that’s when Busy officially became her name.

[photo right: only a few of the dog park friends]

I have an exorbitant amount of nicknames for her. There are the obvious ones like sweetie, peanut, baby and sugar pie, but my specialty nicknames for her include: buggy (& bug/s), loves (and lovey), gugs, peanut, little face, rabbit, funny, the business, little bee, the girl, bell and belly.

How were you and Busy united?

I’d been wanting a dog for a long time, but I wouldn’t let myself get one until I finished a draft of my novel. I knew it’d be a long while, so instead of being rewarded with an actual dog, I went on Petfinder every night and scoured. As I closed in on my draft, I came across a dog I fell totally in love with and applied for him, but he was too big and too much of a puppy for me to truly handle and so I had to keep looking. The night before I finished my novel I was on Petfinder and I refreshed and there was Busy (then, Penny) and I thought she was cute as hell, but maybe too little and I was still sad about not being able to get the other dog I wanted, but I applied for Busy anyway, and it turned out I was the first of 23 applicants and so I got her. It was not love at first sight. I was nervous and thought she was too small and I wasn’t convinced but I took her anyway, and at around the two week mark I fell madly in love with her and not a day passes without me realizing how lucky I am to have her. I adopted her from Social Tees Rescue in the East Village.

Does Busy do more to help or hinder your writing?

I allow her to hinder it because I want to play with her, but she really is quite easy-going and leaves me alone when I’m working. She will however, let me know when she thinks I’m done working. She does this by standing on my laptop, usually while I’m using it.

Who are Busy's best pet-pals?

Busy has a whole community of dog friends and human friends. Her best pal (and wife) is Rita, a Brussels Griffon who lives directly across the street. She also loves Merle, Bajji, Gretl, Woodrow and Lupe, and Baxter who lives on our block. She has a real thing for kids and babies so there’s a group of children on our block she adores and loves to be belly-rubbed by [photo left].

Where is Busy's favorite outdoor destination?

Honestly? The pharmacy. A dog after my own medicated heart. (My heart is not technically medicated). They are so sweet and kind to her there, she just eats it up. She also loves going to other people’s houses and she loves the country. That said, she’s become quite the Brooklyn stoop sitter.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

All of the above in this order: Squeeky toy (she removes the facial features of any animal toy, stitch by careful stitch. Then she disembowels the actual squeaker, and then finally, the stuffing). She loves sticks and will fetch any branchy thing you toss. She’ll also race after balls, but stops halfway to do other important work.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Squirrels and pigeons, but mainly squirrels.

What is Busy's best quality?

Busy is the most patient being on this earth. She entertains herself when she sees I’m not done working, or not nearly as ready to go out as she’d like me to be. When we do go out, I almost always forget things and have to rush back upstairs and into the apartment and she just calmly sits and waits while I go retrieve whatever it is I’ve forgotten. She’s very self-reliant, weirdly grounded and preternaturally calm, which are all qualities I aspire to possess.

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

I can be a little droppy and forgetful and she doesn’t like when things accidentally fall out of my hands and crash to the ground, or when I have to constantly race back into the apartment for something. So she’d change how in my own head I can get.

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

Lili Taylor, without a doubt.

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

Do you understand that I am your forever mama, and this is your forever home?

Visit Amanda Stern's website and follow her on Twitter.

--Marshal Zeringue

Binnie Klein & Griffin

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Binnie Klein, and I wear a lot of hats, although none pictured here. I’m a psychotherapist, writer, and radio host. Griffin is a 12 year old Male Havanese, a type of Bichon with origins in Havana, Cuba.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Every day explodes with tenderness lavished upon me by this dog. He stands on my chest while I’m still lying in bed, stares into my eyes (supposedly something dogs don’t do or want you to do back), I stare back, and we begin the communion.

What's brewing?

I’m making a dark roast from Starbucks, usually Sumatra, in a Mr. Coffee Machine. Insert 2 packets of “sugar in the raw” (thinking this is more natural than Domino ‘dots’), and soy creamer. Microwave 5-10 times because although Mr. Coffee sports a thermal carafe, the coffee is never hot enough.

Any treats for you or Griffin on this occasion?

Before I can even drink my own first cup of coffee, Griffin has been served his breakfast on a sturdy china plate with sections, straight out of a 1950s cafeteria. One section holds organic white meat chicken, another a high-end mixture of beef stew chunks, and last a goodly portion of Nature’s Choice kibble. All of this is gently warmed with hot tap water, and then stirred, so it’s not too mushy, with excess water drained off the side. As I place the plate on the floor, I say “here you go, my little love.” Griffin then proceeds to eat his food, section by section, beginning with what he considers the tastiest–the chicken.

How were you and Griffin united?

We met Griffin through the breeder of his half-sister (same mother) Sabine. After a year of happiness with Sabine, we contacted the breeder and asked if she had any puppies. It was October 2001. Due to the events of September 11, one male puppy was unexpectedly still available (his prospective adoptive parents lived in New York City, and decided they couldn’t handle a puppy at that time). He was 10 weeks old. We drove to the Roscoe Motel to make the pick-up (breeder lived in Horsehead, NY), Sabine in tow. They met in the motel room and didn’t kill each other, so he came home with us. Sabine passed away in February 2013.

How did Griffin get his name? Any aliases?

Griffin got his name because of Sabine’s name. Author and Illustrator Nick Bantock’s book, Griffin & Sabine: An Extraordinary Correspondence, a mysterious romance about two people who never meet but maintain an elaborate correspondence, inspired Sabine’s naming, and Griffin’s seemed pre-destined after that.

Aliases include “Little Man,” “Pupinsky,” “Griffith,” “The Grifster,” “You’re So Cute I Could Smash You.”

Does Griffin do more to help or hinder your writing?

He helps. Nothing is more grounding when at the computer than to look over at Griffin, in his small fluffy dog bed, near my desk, curled into a ball. Stay with me, Griffin, stay with me while I try again, and make me feel I have something to say.

Does Griffin ever join you for your radio show?

Griffin wouldn’t like the studio in Bridgeport. People walk in and out, mommy would be distracted, and what if he needed to poop? (Although I often wish he was the kind of large, sedate beast who could go with me anywhere.)

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Squirrels create apoplexy in Griffin. He scratches at the window frantically. A stray leaf falling across the street also can activate him. The bobcat and the coyote, however, who occasionally wander by (I live near a farm) leave him indifferent.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

If I’m on the floor doing yoga, Griffin will get on my chest, interfering with my routine. Then he’ll bring over his small stuffed Batman toy. I’ll throw it a few times, and he’ll retrieve it, but pretty soon all he wants is for me to engage thoroughly with him. No toy needed. Just the sound of our hoarse barking.

Does Griffin have a favorite place to go for outings?

Griffin adores Lake Wintergreen, nearby site of tick colonies galore and off-leash pit-bulls.

Who is Griffin's best pet-pal?

We often take care of Elvy, a Jack Russell Terrier [photo left]. She defers to Griffin, doesn’t like the sound of toast popping up, and could take down a caribou. Elvy’s eating style differs from Griffin. She takes small, individual bites and walks around chewing, as if she were savoring a plum from a brown bag while walking in the autumn woods. They’re not overtly in love, but they have some sort of understanding. He lets her hang out in his dog bed, and she lets him lick her bowl when she’s done. There’s a message for the management of long-term relationships there.

What is Griffin's best quality?

He seems very fond of me.

If Griffin could change one thing about Connecticuters, what would it be?

He doesn’t like their formality and scratchy winter coats.

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

Do you really love me, or are you just dependent on me?

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

Eric Stoltz.

Visit Binnie Klein's WPKN webpage, and learn more about her book, Blows to the Head: How Boxing Changed My Mind.

--Marshal Zeringue

Laurie Gaetano & Oliver

Who is in the photo at right?

Hello! My name is Laurie Gaetano (better known as "Oliver's Mom") and this is my best friend for the past 4 years, Oliver. He is a five year old Havanese I rescued from our local (high) kill shelter in May 2009. I have a fun greeting card (real cards - not ecards!) and gifting business that I work from home or anywhere, with my laptop and phone.

I am also on the Board of newly formed non-profit, Pima Paws For Life. We just launched our website and Facebook page in June. We are working to establish Southern Arizona's largest Adoption Guarantee Shelter, so that we can save thousands of our homeless pets that needlessly die every year at our local animal control.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Oliver goes everywhere with me, so of course, coffee on the patio is no exception! Today, we are here meeting a local business owner interested in learning more about how he can add appreciation marketing to his successful business practice. I will take him to my website, www.BelieveInCards.com and have him click the "Send a free card" button so he can experience for himself how easy it is to send out appreciation to others. He sees the vision right away and becomes a "Preferred Customer" within 15 mins of our meeting. I've taken a picture of him and Oliver (who he has spent a lot of time admiring) and later I will send him a card with that picture on the front to thank him for his time and business. I invite all of your readers to be my guest, and send a free card to someone they care about today!

What's brewing?

When it's summer in the desert I will usually enjoy whatever it is brewing - iced! Today, it's a delicious iced Chai Latte. Oliver sticks with his usual, water.

Any treats for you or Oliver on this occasion?

Oliver has much more self control than I do when it comes to treats, believe it or not.

How were you and Oliver united?

Please follow this link to Oliver's Adoption Story.

How did Oliver get his name? Any aliases?

Pima County Animal Control gave him the name "Toby" since he had no tag or microchip when he was plucked off of a busy intersection in town. He looked like an Oliver to me. I think he reminded me of the sweet orphaned boy from my favorite childhood movie, Oliver. One of the first things everybody says after meeting him is, "he looks like an Oliver!" (I bet your readers are saying the same thing now!)

That's a handsome photo of Oliver on Pima County's new dog licensing campaign poster. Was it difficult getting Oliver to strike that pose, or is he a natural?

Oliver is definitely a natural in front of the camera, but doesn't understand what all the fuss is about. Just to be clear, the campaign photo was shot by a talented local photographer, Ann-Eve Cunningham. I can only take credit for the look of adoring love in his eyes, as he always makes sure not to lose sight of me. We are pretty much inseparable!

Has Oliver done much other media work?

I learned very early on how photogenic he is, and the emotions his photographs evoke in people when theshelterpetproject.com contacted me via Facebook after seeing a picture I posted of him on their wall. They chose him out of thousands to appear on the home page of their website and national media marketing materials [image right]. He's also appeared on the homepage of AOL a handful of times, representing them. I just recently got word that he will be featured in Brown Trout Publishers 2014 Havanese Calendar.

Would you tell us about the work you and Oliver do as a pet therapy team?

We have been a Certified Pet Therapy team through the Humane Society of Southern AZ's (Pet VIP Program) for the last 2 years and actively participate in offsite events and regular visits to a couple of Senior Care Homes and Tucson Medical Center. You can learn more about the program and the work we do on my blog. It's something we both always very much look forward to!

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Definitely squeaky-toy or most any furry toy that makes noise. Oddly enough, he also enjoys playing with cat toys and has been known to pick out and carry a toy mouse around the store as we shop at PetSmart.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Oliver loves cats. We regularly foster kittens/cats, and Oliver [with foster kitty Clementine, photo right] is the most loving, nurturing caregiver.

Does Oliver have a favorite place to go for outings?

Oliver loves anywhere we go where he can run on some grass. I just took him (in May) for the first time to Ocean Beach, CA to celebrate our 4 year "Oliversary" (a friend coined the term and it stuck). I put together a little video to document our time in San Diego. I know if we lived closer to the water we would both enjoy spending a lot of time there. I grew up on Long Island, so I miss being so close to the ocean.

Who are Oliver's best pet-pals?

Oliver has many 2 and 4-legged friends in our community -- many more than I do! We have been meeting with a group every other month or so (weather permitting) for the past three years. There are a few couples that take turns hosting a group of us in their back yards. The group has grown over the years, and is made up primarily of Havanese, Bichons and Maltese. Because these breeds are in the same family, it's so much fun to see them all interact together and all the similarities they share.

What is Oliver's best quality?

Hard to choose just one! I'd have to say his ability to connect with people and speak to their heart. People are literally drawn to him everywhere we go. I can't even begin to count all of the people that Oliver has drawn into my life, and all of the lives he has touched over the past four years. He definitely changes peoples' perception of shelter pets in such a real way, and has even been credited (on more than a few occasions) for inspiring someone to adopt, who may not have otherwise.

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

I would ask him if there is anything else I can do to make him feel like the most loved dog in the world.

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

I've always imagined him with a British accent, just like Oliver Twist.

If Oliver could talk, what advice would he give to people?

Of course, he would ask them all to make adoption their first option. He would also encourage people to get involved in their animal rescue community. Be a voice for the voiceless. Spay/Neuter. (OK, maybe he wouldn't say that, but I highly encourage it!) Adopt, Foster, Transport, Sponsor, Donate, Volunteer, Educate, Network. We can all do something to help save a life!

Visit the Pima Paws For Life website and Facebook page, and Laurie Gaetano's blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

CJ Jackson & Jasmine

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is CJ Jackson, and this is my dog Jasmine. (Or if you’ve seen her on YouTube… “My Favorite Pup Jasmine”.) Jaz is a female 7 year old Havanese.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I wanted to stop by and chat with my friends.

What's brewing?

I don’t actually drink coffee. But on cold days, I like hot chocolate, and on warm days, I like strawberry lemonade.

Any treats for you or Jasmine on this occasion?

I picked out a cinnamon roll, and Jaz has her favorite liver treats.

How did Jasmine get her name? Any nicknames?

Once I knew I was getting a dog, I went through all the movies I owned, and wrote down all the girl names. Then I went through the list, and crossed them off one by one. Jasmine eventually got named after Princess Jasmine from Aladdin. Her nicknames include: Sweetie, Jaz, Jazzy, Jazmataz.

How were you and Jasmine united?

When I decided to finally get my first dog (as an adult), I researched the breeds thoroughly to find one that suited my needs. A patient at work actually told me about the Havanese breed. (Because they are hypoallergenic and good w/ kids and other animals.) That fit me perfectly because I have bad allergies! (Plus I knew my dog would always be around kids and other dogs.) So that patient gave me a referral to someone who had a Havanese that needed a home. And that’s how I got Jasmine.

Jasmine is quite the TV and YouTube--and print media--star. What gave you the idea to make her first video?

Jaz is my first dog, and I had never trained a dog before. So I read books, and took a class on how to do it using positive reinforcement. We just learned together. My only goal was just teach her how to sit/stay and go potty outside. But she picked it up so fast, I had to come up with new things to teach her. I made my first YouTube video as a way to show her tricks off to friends and family who live out of state.

People always want to know how Jasmine got famous. In 2008, a friend sent me a link to a contest she found online. Mighty Dog dog food company wanted to know if your dog was a “Mighty Dog”, and encouraged people to submit a video. I sent in Jasmine’s trick video, people voted, and she was one of the winners. Because of that, she got to be in a commercial, web video, and photo shoot for Mighty Dog. We had so much fun filming that I decided to look into getting Jasmine an animal talent agent. We auditioned, and they accepted her. So that’s how Jasmine started modeling for print media. (Which in her mind is pretty much the easiest gig ever. She just has to sit/ stay/ look, and she earns treats.)

Jaz has been on TV over 29 times now! (Which is mind-boggling to me) Not just in the USA, but also in Japan, England, and Denmark as well. Here’s a list of all her TV appearances.

She gets on TV a lot because either I find them or they find me. For example, Jasmine’s trick videos are getting really popular on YouTube. So I get contacted through YouTube a lot asking for permission for different show to use Jasmine’s videos.

I also hear about different “Top Dog” trick contests and will submit Jasmine’s videos. This is how she got to perform live on Good Morning America last year. They had a “Dog verses Dog” contest, where they asked viewers to submit trick videos. Jaz was a finalist and they flew us out to NYC to perform live at Times Square. Animal Planet also had a show last year called Who Let The Dogs Out-- which was a nationwide search for America’s most talented dog. I sent in a video, and she was a finalist there too. And they flew us out to Hollywood, CA to perform live at Universal Studios. Jasmine got 2nd place on that show. For the record, I would rather not be on TV. I would rather the camera just focus on Jasmine. But sometimes she needs a chauffeur and assistant to carry all her props. (That’s why I tag along.)

And last but not least, Jasmine is popular on YouTube because for the last 5 years, we’ve just built up a network of friends. It hasn’t come all at once. It’s come from years of building relationships with people, and networking. And being kind, friendly, and encouraging to all other trick dog trainers. To me, it’s not a competition who has the “best trick dog”. This is just a fun hobby for me. So we have lots of friends who share our videos, and follow our adventures on Jasmine’s blog.

How did Jasmine get involved with dog therapy work at the hospital?

I’ve always been taught to find a way to make a difference in the world. I got the idea because when my grandma was in the hospital, she had a therapy dog come to visit her. And it made such a difference. Just having that little dog in her room brought her such joy and happiness, and provided comfort and a much needed escape from the hospital environment. I thought about it a lot. Jasmine knows a ton of tricks, and she is so good with people. I just felt like she could be such a good therapy dog. And she has.

Her tricks bring laughter and smiles amid the children’s hospital. (I always go to the pediatric floors- because they seem to get the most out of Jasmine’s visits.) The kids absolutely adore her. They love her tricks and visits. And she loves the treats and attention, so it’s a win-win.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Jaz loves her squeaky bone. (It’s a ragged orange bone that I got her when she was a puppy.) She has other toys, but she always comes back to her squeaky bone. It even comes with us when we travel. (It’s like her teddy bear.)

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

None of the above. Jaz is really good with cats and people. We live in Arizona, so she hasn’t really seen many squirrels.

What is Jasmine's best quality?

She just loves everybody. She’s a total sweetheart. Even if people don’t like her, she still loves them. (She has taught me unconditional love.)

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

I think we have a pretty good relationship. If Jaz could talk, she would probably tell you that I should quit my job and spent more time with her. (She doesn’t quite grasp the fact that my paycheck buys her treats each month.)

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

I had to ask Jasmine’s Facebook friends this question, because I had no idea. The majority of the people said Reese Witherspoon. And I like that answer too. I think that fits.

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

I want to know how much she understands of what I say. Because I’ve read that some dogs can understand up to 2,000 words. (about the equivalent of a toddler.) However, I don’t really believe that about Jasmine. I think she understands a lot more. She’s almost too smart for her own good!

Visit Jasmine's blog, watch her on YouTube, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

--Marshal Zeringue

Susan Bordo & Sean and Dakota

Who is in the photo at right?

The three creatures fighting over the coffee cup are (in order of self-importance): Sean, my four year old male Havanese; Susan Bordo (that would be me, author and teacher); and Dakota, our one-year-old female Great Pyrenees/Border Collie mix.

What's brewing?

First cup: French Roast or Espresso, made on my Keurig (an invention I bless every morning.) That’s the wake-up cup, and I drink it watching either Morning Joe or (if Joe Scarborough gets me too angry) one of the DVRs of Bravo shows from the night before. My doggies on either side of me. The rest of the morning it’s usually half-caf.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Sean and I have a regular early morning ritual, organized around the first cup of coffee I make (the blast-my-eyes open cup). As soon as I head for the Keurig, he jumps off the couch, toddles over to me, puts his paws up on my legs and looks beseechingly/adoringly. That’s my signal to pick him up and put him on my shoulder, the way I used to carry him around when he was a baby. As soon as the coffee is ready, I put him down, ruffle his fur a little, add my seasonings, and we head for the couch together, where Dakota is waiting. (By the way, the cup you see in the Keurig has an image of the cover of my most recent book; I have availed myself of zazzle to get my whole life decorated in this shamelessly self-promoting way.)

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Doggies get their treats after they have done their stuff in the backyard or on a walk. Right now, it’s walks because we have a nest of bunnies in the backyard who Dakota thinks are doggy-toys. They get Milk-bones. I get another cup of coffee.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Sean is a purebred and was named that by his breeder; we liked it, and just kept it. Dakota is a rescue, and my daughter Cassie named her. For perverse reasons of her own, she sometimes calls her “Puff”—which is the last thing she looks like. Sean is my baby, and I sometimes call him “Seannie” or “Sean Baby”.

How were you and your dogs united?

Sean: After our precious Jack Russell Vinnie died, we eventually stopped crying and started looking for another dog. At that time, Jenny our beloved border collie (who lived to be 18!!) was still with us, and her vote counted a lot. We took her around to the local shelters, and she growled at every doggie we put her with. But we knew she would get along with a Havanese, as my sister had two that Jenny had spent some time with. So we sprang for the big bucks, found a great breeder, and waited patiently for Sean’s mom to give birth.

Dakota: Cassie (now fourteen) loves Sean, but wanted a big dog—the bigger the better—of her own. She is of the “If I can’t wrestle with it or ride it, what use is it?” school of pets. I wasn’t so certain. Then, one day, Cassie and I were riding home from the mall and saw a dog right in the middle of traffic, seemingly about to get hit. We careened into a nearby driveway (bashing the side of my car on a trash can en route) and she ran out to the road to rescue the dog. He had a collar and tag, so we called the owner, who promptly came to get him. Having been raised by a very superstitious father who saw omens in the most pedestrian events, I felt this incident was telling me something, so next morning I started looking online at local shelters. As soon as I saw Dakota’s picture (I think she was called Rosie at that point) I knew she was the one. And she is, she is!

Do your dogs do more to help or to hinder your writing?

I’ve learned to ignore the barking at whatever/whomever passes by the front of our house, but the mommy in me is torn when I know that they’ve been inside for too long. If I’m on a writing roll, and my daughter or husband isn’t around, it’s a toss up as to whether the paragraph or the doggies come first.

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

Sean believes the mail carrier is a terrible threat to our safety—unless he/she actually is let in the door, at which point all is well. Dakota loves everything and everyone, and wants to jump up/knock down/put her mouth on/fondle anything that comes into view. They are both, shall we say…interactive doggies?

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Dakota likes to run after things and sometimes will bring them back, but especially enjoys anything with stuffing that can be “killed” and scattered all over the house. Sean is fairly indifferent to anything that isn’t actually edible. He is embarrassed by Dakota’s lack of discrimination.

What is each dog's best quality?

Sean: Unique mixture of cuddliness and refinement.

Dakota: Sweet beyond belief. You’ve seen the movie Marley and Me? That’s Dakota.

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

They think I’m perfect—which is of course, a major reason why I love them.

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

Sean: Jesse Eisenberg.

Dakota: Sandra Bullock.

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

What are you thinking?

Visit Susan Bordo's official The Creation of Anne Boleyn website.

My Book, The Movie: The Creation of Anne Boleyn.

--Marshal Zeringue

Sally Koslow & Percy

Who is in the photo at right?

This is Percy, a three-year-old male Havanese/King Charles Spaniel mix. I, Sally Koslow, am his neighbor and along with my husband, we are Percy’s surrogate “parents” when his terrific family vacations.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Percy keeps me company while I write, which is a lot, because I am a novelist and contributor or articles and essays to magazines and websites.

What's brewing?

Chock full ‘o Nuts with a dash of cinnamon that my husband brews every morning.

Any treats for you or Percy on this occasion?

Anything. Percy is an equal opportunity eater.

How often do you dogsit?

About once every six weeks for about four days at a time.

How did Percy get his name?

I believe he was named by Daniel and Lela, the darling kids in his real family.

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

I adore dogs. My husband and I had a very smart Puli, Muzzy, who lived to be 15, and Maggie, a Cocker Spaniel with long, beautiful blonde ears. We hope to get another dog in a few years, but love dog-sitting, especially for Percy. When I write, he is a cozy companion, and I also enjoy the breaks to take him for walks.

Are there any dogs in your new novel?

My new novel, The Widow Waltz, not only features a Corgi named Sadie but she is on the book’s cover.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

We sometimes take care of Sparkie, our friends’ cat. Percy and the kitty peacefully co-exist.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Percy loves his Kong Wubba blue thingy.

Does Percy have a favorite place to go for outings?

New York City’s Riverside Park, which is nearby.

What is Percy's best quality?

I’m going for two qualities: he’s affectionate and very, very cute.

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

Nothing.

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

“When do you need to go out?”

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

Jack Black.

Visit Sally Koslow's website and Facebook page.

My Book, The Movie: The Widow Waltz.

--Marshal Zeringue