coffee with a canine

Who is in the photo at right?

This is Rita June and I! I’m Laura Testino, a life and culture reporting fellow at NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. It is ridiculous that my job exists, because it requires that I write about some of the most interesting and entertaining people and places in New Orleans, coincidentally one of the most interesting and entertaining cities in the world. Rita and I are both from the South; her from Alabama and myself from Georgia, but I adopted her a couple of years ago when I was living in New York City. She’s a spunky and energetic cattle dog mix, but gets along great in the city. The best guess for her age is around 5 (she celebrates her birthday in October), but most people who meet her think she is much younger.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Rita loves walking to this library in our neighborhood. It used to be an old home (once the residence of film star Marguerite Clark!), so it has a large and hilly lawn with several pockets for her to sniff and explore. While we lived in New York, her favorite place to go was the steps of the MET Museum, because she liked to watch the people and the cars travel orderly (read: herd themselves) down 5th Avenue. I think there’s a similar attraction for her, a herding dog, to sit on the steps at this library and watch the streetcar and other cars and people. She thinks she is very fancy, I’m sure.

We walk over to the library a few times each week, and I either bring my own coffee or make a pit stop at French Truck Coffee, which is on the way.

What's brewing?

On this coffee date, it was coffee brewed at home. I like the routine of coffee each day and save the frills for special occasions. I usually brew about 4 cups of Trader Joe’s medium roast for a serving, which probably means I have a very unhealthy addiction. If I’m drinking iced coffee, it gets a splash of almond milk and extra ice.

From French Truck coffee, I like their NOLA Iced Coffee, but order it half sweetened.

Any treats for you or Rita on this occasion?

Yes! My family was in town, and my mom brought me some homemade blueberry muffins. Rita loves blueberries, so she got to have a few pieces herself.

How were you and Rita united?

I chalk that up to a knowingly irresponsible decision that I, truthfully, have been lucky enough to not ever regret, (except maybe on the weekend mornings when I’d rather not be awake before 8).

Rita was on Petfinder a few weeks after I’d moved to New York City from Alabama, where I graduated college, and I had wanted to have another dog for a long time. My first dog, Daisy, was a gift for my kindergarten graduation, but died right when I started high school.

I went to the shelter with the intent of just visiting Rita. Her Petfinder profile pegged her at the perfect apartment size (about 35 pounds), and I liked that she wasn’t a puppy but still a young 3-years-old. Once I got there, I found out she’d been adopted and returned a couple times, and it crushed me. When I found out she was from Alabama and born on a date that was special to me, I knew I had to get her. She came to her new home a week later.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

Rita was Rita in the shelter, and I added her middle name, June. There, they nicknamed her “Ri-Ri,” but from me she gets: Rita, Rita J, Rita June, RJ and Rita bean.

When you're writing, does Rita do more to help or hinder your work?

If Rita is awake, she probably wants attention. She once sat for half an hour in the tiny barstool seat in my kitchen next to mine while I was writing. Her wet nose often pops up under my elbow while I’m typing to remind me that Hello, My name is Rita and you haven’t pet me in, like 5 whole minutes.

Even though it’s not productive to work in the same room as her, having her to keep me on a routine is great. I catch up on reading while we’re out at the park, and taking a couple walks each day is a great work break to look forward to and recharge from.

Your article "New Orleans UPS driver shares photos of the pups on his route" blew up in my social media feeds. Has Rita met the driver?

Ha! I wish she could meet Jay. Unfortunately, we don’t live on his route.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Cats are public enemy number 1. She’s been known to chase a squirrel’s shadow, though, also.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

“Green ball” is her favorite to play with inside, but she has squeaky pig, duck and snake toys that she’ll make music with for attention. Rita loves to find a stick to munch on for a while at the library.

Where is Rita's favorite outdoor destination?

She loves going to any park, or anywhere else where there’s lots to sniff and room to run in circles at a million miles a minute. Specifically, though, any place with springy grass to roll in is Rita Heaven.

Who is Rita's best pet-pal?

Rita June is one intense lady, and playing is no joking matter. She doesn’t have one best pal in particular, but welcomes any other pup who enjoys being chased at lightning speed.

What is Rita's best quality?

She’s spunky and smart! It’s great to have a furry companion that is so observant and attentive.

If Rita could change one thing about New Orleanians, what would it be?

Ha, probably to keep their cats inside unless said cats can be chased!

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

I’d really like to know how much different her life is now from what it was before she was adopted. I don’t know much, other than that she was rescued by one shelter from living in a little concrete, fenced-in patio area with a couple other dogs, and then shipped up to the shelter in New York where I found her.

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

Reese Witherspoon’s Sweet Home Alabama accent would do.

What advice would Rita give if asked?

Rita June would say to go after what you want, and to play as hard as you work as hard as you rest.

Read Laura Testino's reporting at NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Cheryl Reid, a mother of three boys and a fiction writer. This is my dog Django, a seven-year-old male cattle dog probably mixed with a terrier. But who knows? He could be a whippet, beagle, terrier, pit bull mix. Whatever breed he is, he’s hyper and he’s a herder.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I have coffee with Django every morning and most days he’ll stick his nose in my cup at some point. That’s because when I’m home writing, he’s tucked up beside me and he must love the smell of it.

What's brewing?

I love the beans from our local coffee house/ roaster Dancing Goats Coffee, and I’ll take it anyway I can get it, latte, brewed, with cream or black.

Any treats for you or Django on this occasion?

Django gets treats all the time – on his morning walks and during the day, I’m constantly stuffing his bones with smelly dog treats so he’ll chew and keep calm, and let me get some work done.

How were you and Django united?

Django came to us at a year and a half old. He was a pound puppy that was adopted, but that owner couldn’t handle his activity level. She gave him to a local dog training academy, Jabula, and we adopted him through them. It was great. He was totally trained and ready for a loving home.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Django was a rescue with the very regal name of Marcus. We have a friend named Marcus, so it wouldn’t do to have our dog go by the same. I love the French Gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt and I had always wanted to name a child Django, but with each child, I chickened out, knowing that he’d always be spelling it, explaining it, etc. But a dog doesn’t have to spell his name. Django fits him. But I call him all sorts of names… Chicken, Stinker, Noodle, Nugget, Dog.

Does Django do more to help or hinder your writing?

Depends on the day… he’s an active dog and if he hasn’t gotten his walk and a bit of play, he’ll nudge my arm or walk under my chair and bump my legs. He hates going out in the cold or the rain, so on those days, he sits at the window and barks at squirrels moving through the backyard. But most days he’ll find a sunny spot in my writing room and curl up until I head to the kitchen for coffee. Then he follows along.

Has Django inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

Not yet, but Django’s “girlfriend” Baby has inspired a dog in the novel I’m currently working on.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Equal opportunity for Django. He’s fast and he’s caught a few squirrels, but he has yet to nab the postman or the neighbor’s cat. I think he’s actually afraid of the cat.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Ball, especially footballs and soccer balls. He loves to play pick-up soccer and go for interceptions when the family is tossing the football.

Where is Django's favorite outdoor destination?

Django loves mountain trails. He’s happiest off leash hiking with his pack of humans.

Who is Django's best pet-pal?

The aforementioned Baby, my sister’s beautiful black and white, blue-eyed pitbull. She has thirty pounds on him, all muscle, but he’s the confident sort, happy to be around strong females.

What is Django's best quality?

Django never runs away. That’s the best thing about a herding dog – they feel connected to their place.

If Django could change one thing about Georgians, what would it be?

He hates it when a Georgian, or anyone else for that matter, knocks or ring the door bell. He’d like them to stop attacking our house.

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

Do you like dancing with me or do you do it just to make me laugh?

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

Will Ferrell in his full range – hyper, fun-loving, frantic, anxious, wild, with short outbursts of rage.

What advice would Django give if asked?

Django’s advice would be self-serving. He’d tell me, I should let my dog get on the couch or that I should take him on longer walks.

Learn more about As Good as True by Cheryl Reid.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Kris Calvin, a former local elected official and now a political mystery writer—my debut novel, One Murder More, is now out from Inkshares.

With me is the lovely Lily, a two-year-old mixed breed rescue (mostly cattle dog/blue heeler).

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Lily and I like to end our morning walk with a little peaceful time in my front garden.

What's brewing?

Light roast coffee, with a splash of almond milk. Today it's Peet's Columbia Luminosa.

Any treats for you or Lily on this occasion?

Cheddar jalapeno scone for me (from Lester Farms Bakery in Winters, California, unbelievably good) and peanut butter dog treats for Lily.

How were you and Lily united?

For more than a month, Lilly was reported by nearby residents as running loose in a field outside Sacramento. She was extremely skittish, and each time Animal Control showed up she would take off at breakneck speed—no one could catch her. They finally succeeded by using a self-closing trap left overnight, with bacon as bait.

My son and I met Lily a few weeks later at an adoption fair. At under 20 pounds and timid she wouldn't have been my first choice—I've always thought of myself as a "big dog", "happy-to-see-you dog" person. But within minutes of their meeting my son was certain Lily was the dog for us. He's not prone to snap judgments, so I had to believe there was something special happening.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

Lily was so frightened of everything when she first came home with us that we figured her true personality had yet to show itself, and we were hesitant to select a name when we didn't really know her. So for a week we referred to her only as "Dog". In the end, a friend suggested "Violet" or "Lily", and Lily was the name that stuck. Now I couldn't imagine calling her anything else, it's always " Lily", never "Lil'".

Does Lily do more to help or hinder your writing?

Lily has a need for structure and a set schedule. If I don't feed her first thing in the morning and then take her for a long walk, she paces nervously and her anxiety makes it difficult for me to even think about writing. So there are definitely days when I get out of bed with an idea and a desire to go right to my desk, but Lily has to come first. That can be frustrating. But I almost always find that once I'm outside and walking with her, my good idea gets better.

Have any actual dogs inspired fictional dogs in your writing?

Camper [photo right], our family's beloved lab-pit bull, was alive when I started writing One Murder More. Two years ago, at age 16 she passed peacefully in her sleep, while the novel was in process. I had initially given her a bit part in the book, but I think because it was so difficult to lose her and she was on my mind so much, Camper ultimately became a star member of the cast.

The one thing I had to do, though, was change Camper's gender for her expanded role. The lead human character, Maren Kane, a lobbyist who becomes an amateur sleuth, is a woman. I found it difficult to write scenes for the two of them, using the pronoun "she" and then having to do something with the phrasing to make it clear whether I was talking about Camper or Maren. In the end, it was easier to change Camper's gender in the book. (Changing Maren's gender would've been far more challenging at the point that I was at in the story.) Camper always struck me as practical and in touch with both her masculine and feminine sides, so I think she would have understood.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Lily doesn't chase anything.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Plastic yellow squeaky toy shaped like a bone.

Who is Lily's best pet-pal?

Lily was terrified of our cat, Nigel [with Lily, left], for the first month, during which time I renamed Nigel "Dr. Doom" because just Nigel's "menacing" appearance in a room would send Lily under the bed or into a corner. But as my more animal-savvy friends predicted, the two are now best buddies, and are rarely more than a few feet apart from one another, awake or asleep.

What is Lily's best quality?

Courage. Whatever it was that she endured that made her so frightened, Lily had the strength to survive it. And she continues to overcome her fears a little more each day. That speaks to me of an extraordinary reservoir of bravery.

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

I am moderately allergic to both cats and dogs, but canine and feline companions are so important to my children that I've found myself always part of a pet household. So long as I don't pet them (which I gather releases their dander) I do pretty well. Lily would love to change that about me so that I could pet her. But my kids and friends see that she gets tactile love, and I talk to her a lot, walk with her and try to show her in every other way how important she is to me.

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

"What happened to make you so frightened?" I guess it doesn't matter, she's here with us now and safe, but it's hard not knowing.

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

Lucy Loken, age 16, is a wonderfully talented young actress. Lily should be voiced by someone with depth, who can present her quiet courage. Ms. Loken could do that.

What advice would Lily give if asked?

"Take nothing for granted, a good life is a gift."

Visit Kris Calvin's website and follow her on Twitter.

Photo credits: Eileen Rendahl.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is featured in the first two photos?

My name is Linda Jones, and I’m a new author of the children’s book, Alphabet Anatomy: Meet the Capital Letters, which is the first in a planned series. I’m a mom to four amazing sons and I also work part-time as a Legal Assistant. Alphabet Anatomy helps children learn letter and writing concepts by exploring what the letters do behind the scenes when they’re not busy making words.

We have 2 dogs, Zorro and Rocco, both males.

[photo right: camera-shy Zorro and Linda; photo below left: not-so-camera-shy Rocco and Linda]

Zorro is a mix of golden retriever, Australian shepherd, and cattle dog. He is 11 years old, but still very agile and young at heart. Rocco is 2 years old and a mix of Catahoula and, we think, pit bull.

Zorro is an excellent role model for Rocco as he evolves from a tumultuous puppy and tries to emulate Zorro’s good behavior.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Zorro and Rocco accompany me into the kitchen each morning and watch my every move as I brew the coffee, knowing they will soon be receiving their puppy biscuit breakfast snacks. Today we’re having coffee on the front patio because it’s a beautiful Arizona morning and the warm January sun was beckoning us outside.

What's brewing?

This morning we’re brewing Gourmet Caramel Drizzle from good old Folgers. I drink my coffee black, no sweeteners, but I like just a hint of flavor, and I love how it smells.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Oh, yes, this is a special occasion to share our morning at “Coffee With A Canine,” so Zorro and Rocco have their favorite peanut butter biscuits and I’m splurging on a sesame bagel with cream cheese, a nice diversion from the usual oatmeal.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Zorro got his name because he had a mask when he was a puppy, but his coat and markings have actually changed a lot as he’s gotten older. He used to have much more defined spots, but they have kind of blended all together over the years. My son, Eric, is the one who named Rocco, and says he just thought it was a pretty cool name and fit him well. Both Zorro and Rocco have several endearing nicknames. Zorro is also known as Z-man, Z, and Zippity. He’s also been deemed a super hero by Branson, who created and illustrated an original Z-Man comic book. Rocco also answers to Rocco/taco, Rockus, and Rockford.

How were you and your dogs united?

I brought Branson to pick out Zorro from a litter by our home after seeing a sign in the neighborhood. Branson says that Zorro got his attention because he was the only puppy that looked up at him amid his 8 brothers and sisters, with those irresistible puppy eyes of course. It wasn’t long before Zorro dutifully commenced his role as the ever watchful kid protector, often scaling the 8-foot high backyard wall or jumping through the front window screens to practice his herding skills and ensure the boys’ safekeeping.

[photo left: Rocco as a puppy, with Zorro]

A few years ago, Zorro must have sensed the boys were big enough to look after themselves and since redirected his energy to guarding and escorting me from room to room. He is also a great snuggler. As for Rocco, Eric bought him from a private owner after falling in love with his on-line photo; however, he got sick about a week later. Rocco is proud to say that he’s a Parvo survivor, having victoriously survived the dreaded killer with the help of daily doses of Pedialyte and a thousand tons of TLC from his newly-adoring family, in addition to the fact that he undoubtedly sensed he had a good thing going and wanted to stay with us for a very long time.

In your book Alphabet Anatomy--Meet the Capital Letters, I notice 'C' is for Cat; is 'D' for Dog?

No, I’m afraid letter D is for “Dive,” but letter D does have a pet Dalmatian, who is very dear to him and always accompanies him to daily diving practice. They have dinner together every night and especially love to share delectable desserts, their favorite being deep-dish apple pie.

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

Anything and everything! Zorro and Rocco are both vigilant watchdogs who never fail to faithfully engage in very shrill and high-pitched unison barking at the slightest detection of a visitor/invader coming anywhere close to our premises. As for animal invaders, we sometimes see jackrabbits running through the backyard, but luckily they can run faster than Zorro and Rocco. Between the two of them, I do wish they would devise a plan to circumvent and exterminate the pesky gophers that lurk underground. Zorro and Rocco also love to go to the park and jump in the lake, where they sometimes engage in a swim competition with the ducks.

Squeaky toy, ball, stick...?

Oh, they love to play and are not picky about toys, and other items which in their eyes qualify as “toys,” especially socks! They will fetch, chew, and quickly demolish any form of squeaky toys, balls, Frisbees, and stuffed animals. The only item that can sustain their unbridled chomping seems to be those really thick rope toys. Fortunately for Rocco, he has outgrown his shoe fetish (after eating 20+ of mine, which earned him the additional not so endearing nickname, “rat-boy”); he now realizes that shoes are unequivocally not toys.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Really their only pet playmate is Eric’s dog, Ryder, who usually visits once a week and instigates plenty of fun and games for both Zorro and Rocco. They especially love to play chase and I think they have an ongoing contest to see who can run the fastest. I would say Rocco looks forward to Ryder’s visits much more than Zorro, who is happy to join in at first but then seems to just tolerate the constant ruckus. I imagine Zorro just dismisses them as crazy youngsters.

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

I think it would be a tie between allowing them to sit at the table with us for every meal or taking them everywhere we go. On second thought, I think the food would win out, hands down, even though their complete devotion to us is undeniable.

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

I had to get some help from my sons for this question. According to the boys, Ryan Reynolds would be able to capture Rocco’s [photo right] fun-loving and free-spirited personality. Zorro’s wise and level-headed narrations would resonate well through Clint Eastwood.

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

I would ask them what dogs think about all day long, especially about us humans. What do they really think of us? I have no doubt they could share some very insightful observations.

Visit the Alphabet Anatomy website and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photo at right?

Well, the human person there is me -- Joanne Anderton. I'm an award-winning author of science fiction, fantasy and horror. I've had short stories published all over the place, and my debut novel Debris was published by Angry Robot Books in 2011, followed by Suited in 2012.

And this is Gully! He's a mutt -- he's got some cattle dog in there, and definitely staffy, and we reckon labrador, and the vet even said greyhound. His body is six years old, but his mind lives in perpetual puppyhood.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

It's time for our Saturday morning coffee. I go to personal training every Saturday morning, and stop by the local café for a takeaway coffee on my way home. Then I sit out on the patio with Gully, and he tries to convince me with his eyes that he can, in fact, drink coffee and I should definitely give him some. Lucky for him, it never works.

What's brewing?

Large flat white. A nice strong one.

Any treats for you or Gully on this occasion?

I have a slice of rather delicious banana bread. Gully has at least three bones on the go at one time -- in various stages of disgusting.

How were you and Gully united?

Gully was actually a gift for my husband. Hubby's always wanted a dog, so one year, just before his birthday, I travelled out to the RSPCA and found Gully. I knew as soon as I saw him that he was the dog for us. When we collected him, he spent the whole car ride home in my husband's lap, happy and calm. Definitely love at first sight (or maybe smell) for all of us.

How did he get his name? Any aliases?

He's named after Gully Foyle from The Stars My Destination which is kind of ridiculous, because Foyle is a horrible character, and Gully's the sweetest, sookiest creature ever. He's "Gulliver" if he's done something naughty. But mostly he's just "Gully". Or "doglet".

What role has Gully played in your writing?

I think he helps keep me sane. He's always up for a run, or a walk, or a cuddle -- all of which are necessary for a healthy writing brain. Or I'll talk to him about plot points that are bugging me, because he's always happy to listen.

Does Gully have a favorite place to go for an outing?

His favourite place is definitely the golf course at the back of our house. He gets to play with other dogs there, and chase rabbits, or run in sprinklers, or swim in ponds. Best place ever.

Squeaky-toy, ball, stick...?

Pinecone. Because they're crunchy and we can play puppy soccer with them. Gully's a great goalie.

What is Gully's best quality?

He's such a loving dog. He looks tough to people who don't know him (particularly when he's running a million miles an hour right at them) but he's the biggest sook. He'd rather have a cuddle than eat his breakfast. He'll let little kids and young puppies crawl all over him without protest, even the ones who insist on grabbing his ears.

On his first holiday away from home he was too scared to sleep outside, and stayed at my husband's side the whole night, periodically licking his elbow just to make sure he was there. He's a giant sweetheart, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

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

I'd spend less time inside on the computer, and more time outside with him.

What is Gully's proudest moment?

I think that depends on who you ask. I'm sure Gully would say something like finding the dead thing (it might have been a fox) on the golf course and rolling in it until he stank. He's always very proud of himself when he reeks.

I'd say it was when his beagle friend Hunter went missing. Gully and Hunter used to love to play together, but sadly Hunter's family have moved away. Hunter's owner was a young girl and she lost him late one evening on the golf course. We met her on our walk and she was distraught -- but she couldn't stay out in the dark to look for him. So we put Gully on the case: "Where's Hunter? Find Hunter!" And he did! In the middle of the scrub. We were happy to reunite them, although I think Gully wanted Hunter to stay over for longer -- they were having a great time wrestling in the backyard.

If Gully could speak in the movie about your life, who should do his voice?

You know that dog in Up? The one with the goofy mechanised voice box? That's Gully all over. Including the random "Point!" at nothing.

Writers Read: Jo Anderton.

Visit Joanne Anderton's website, Twitter perch, and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Laura and my dogs are Team Small Dog. I'm a former artist who is working on being a super champ of dog agility. The rest of the time I'm a horse trainer and riding instructor and write my blog, coincidentally also named Team Small Dog. Those two that look alike are Ruby, an 11ish year old terrier based ex-feral dog, and Otterpop, who is one pain in the hiney 7ish year old cattle dog chihuahua hybrid sort of maybe. Gustavo is 5ish and all I can say about him is he's the sweetest dog I've ever met and of completely unknown breeds. Literally. He got DNA tested and has an official certificate that says "Untested Breed." No DNA.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Every day is a nice day for drinking coffee and hanging out with the dogs.

What's brewing?

Fair Trade coffee. If I'm a gonna drink it those poverty stricken coffee farmers need to get a bigger cut of the coffee money pie.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Oh yeah. Now everybody knows the secret of my photo shoots. Trader Joe's string cheese.

How were you and your dogs united?

Ruby was sprung from our local shelter where I used to volunteer. Otterpop came from the side of the road out here in Watsonville and Gustavo got picked up by some vets down in Juarez doing a spay/neuter clinic and drove back across the border in their van. Luck and fabulous timing brought us all together.

How did your dogs get their names? Any nicknames?

Otterpop. Like the popsicles? Pop for short. Ruby just seemed to fit, sort of hard and small and sparkly. We call her Mrs. Wu, after the guy in Deadwood that fed corpses to his pigs. Gustavo is a very distinguished name in the Spanish language. He's Gooey most of the time, though.

Do your dogs have a favorite place to go for walk?

We walk a lot. In the redwood forests, on the beach, open meadows, the railroad tracks, around the neighborhood. This is what we do.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Otterpop would agree all of those things must die. Ruby and Gustavo are plagued by the plethora of squirrels that taunt them on our block.

What is each dog's best quality?

Ruby is a shrewd and crafty Mother Teresa amongst dogs. She has been through a lot in her 11 years, and is why we started agility. She taught me a lot about dog training. Otterpop is my agility super champ and taught me even more about dog training. She yells a lot, but is damn funny. Gustavo's unusual brain taught me even more about dog training, more than I ever knew existed. His shining personality reminds me to be a better person.

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

My dogs all wish that they could actually walk legally in all the beautiful redwood forests, open meadows and beaches in Santa Cruz.

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

I am so glad you asked this, because this is a question I think about a lot in my spare time. Otterpop should probably be played by Courtney Love or Sgt. R. Lee Ermey. I think Robert Downey, Jr. after huffing helium would do a great job as Gustavo. If that's not cool with Bob's 12 step program, then maybe the lady that does Bart Simpson's voice. Ruby would need subtitles or animated thought bubbles, because she is too zen to speak through words.

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

I'd try to get Ruby to tell me where it hurts.
I'd ask Gustavo what it is he sees in his brain.
I would just ask Otterpop why can't she shut up?

Visit the Team Small Dog blog and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Bruce Littlefield, a best-selling author, lifestyle expert, and seeker of all things fun. My pal Westminster is a 6-year-old male “medley.” (There are prominent notes of Border Collie and cattle dog, with undertones of terrier.)

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

There’s this “only in New York” routine called “alternate side parking,” which means twice a week the car has to be double parked for an hour so the street cleaner can come through and do its thing. Westminster and I move the car together. He loves to sit in the front seat and people watch while I sip my coffee and catch up on phone calls.

What's brewing?

I buy Dunkin Donuts beans and grind them in my Cuisinart coffee maker. I love my monkey coffee mug designed by my book illustrator Paul Heath.

Any goodies for your or Westminster to go with the coffee?

Occasionally, I’ll sneak a piece of dark chocolate with my coffee. Rather than coffee, Westminster likes to bring along his rubber chicken and gets one of his favorite beef jerky treats when we finish the task of moving the car.

How were you and Westminster united?

Westminster was in a very strategically placed rescue van outside the Westminster Dog Show. From the moment we met, it was love at first sight.

How did Westminster get his name? Any aliases?

I loved the irony of a mutt being named “Westminster.” That’ll show ‘em! He also goes by “Wes.” His cousins call him “Westie” and the doormen in our building like to playfully call him “Wesley.”

What role if any does Westminster play in your writing?

He’s my sidekick, my muse, and is the inspiration for The Bedtime Book for Dogs. One day I was working away at my computer on a book project, and he obviously wanted my attention. When I looked down at him, I asked, “What? You want me to write you a book?” He wagged his tail and this tale was born. It was a real “aha!” moment. He’s retained an attorney to claim any and all royalties.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

One of Wes’s favorite activities is stalking and then startling squirrels. He seems to find great humor in their sudden panic. He also loves when the UPS truck comes down the driveway at the country house. The woman driver is a dog person and always brings him a treat. If we’re not home, she leaves a package with a treat on top.

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

He loves all things that squeak, but his two most cherished toys are his Frisbee and his rubber chicken [photo left]. He’s an amazing Frisbee catcher and the rubber chicken is his favorite thing to take on walks in the city. It’s a real vaudeville act. The old ladies love it.

Where is Westminster's favorite places for outings?

He loves running with me along the Hudson River in Riverside Park and on the tractor trails near our country house. He also loves New York City’s sidewalk cafes and any car trip, particularly when it involves a cow drive-by.

Who are Westminster's best pet-pals?

He loves Bella the Beagle. They like to play hide and seek. And he also loves Sophie the GoldenDoodle. They often take romantic beach walks together.

What is Westminster's best quality?

He’s kind, a truly good dog.

What is Westminster's proudest moment? Most embarrassing?

He loves appearing on stage or TV with me. He seems to relish the attention of the audience and the act of performing. Most embarrassing? Well, he’ll be very upset I told you this, but when he was a puppy, he was caught eating his poop. He’s never lived that one down!

Bruce Littlefield is a best-selling author, lifestyle expert, and an arbiter of American fun. He shares his passionate curiosity (and occasional mischievousness) with millions of people through his books and appearances on NBC’s Today Show and CBS’s Early Show. His new book is The Bedtime Book for Dogs.

Visit Bruce Littlefield's website and Facebook page.

Writers Read: Bruce Littlefield.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Cassi and I maintain a blog named 'get yourself a virgo.' It is my creative outlet, and a stepping stone for becoming a published [read: paid] writer someday. Currently, I work in the industrial sector for a stevedoring company, and my husband, Gabriel, is a musician. In this photo, I am with our two furry children, Ziggy and Bowie. Ziggy is a two-year old Basenji / Cattledog mix. Bowie is a three-and-a half-year old Siberian Husky / German Shepherd hybrid.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Gabriel and I always have coffee with our dogs, at any time of day, but this particular day was special. We were celebrating 10 (that's right, ten!) years together. We started dating on August 4, 2000, we were married October 3, 2009, and this photo was taken August 4, 2010.

What's brewing?

"Cowboy coffee," which my husband made in a percolator on our outdoor barbecue. It's Folgers.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

For us, we had homemade peach cobbler, warmed in a cast iron skillet on the barbecue.

Any treat for Ziggy and Bowie on this occasion?

Our dogs, believe it or not, don't like treats, so they gnawed on sticks--much to their enjoyment.

How were you and your dogs united?

Ziggy: Friends of ours rescued her when she was about four months old, and when they brought her to our home, she adopted us.

Bowie: We found him listed for adoption on Craigslist when he was seven weeks old. Even before meeting him, we knew he was ours.

How did your dogs get their names? Any nicknames?

We are big David Bowie fans, and when we met Ziggy and saw her split eyes, it was too perfect. Plus, her personality is just so "Ziggy." Both our dogs have only about a thousand nicknames.

To name a few, Ziggy = "bee sting munchkin; weasel; the verm; subject misses; yittle..."

And Bowie = "mister; bowie-son; buddy bear; the wolf; handsome; oh dis man..."

Where are your dogs' favorite places for outings?

Our dogs are much more well-behaved off-leash, so whether we're at Stinson Beach, CA at the off-leash beach, or out in a local field, they prefer to run free.

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

They would probably want me home all day with them. I work full-time, but when I'm home, I'm all about them.

What's each dog's best quality?

Bowie is very intuitive. When I am not feeling like 'myself', he is right there beside me to lend support and comfort.

Ziggy is very inspiring and motivating. Being a basenji, she has an endless supply of energy, and she loves to spread it.

What's each dog's proudest moment?

When we first got Ziggy, she was wild/untrained. In our old home, we had a doggy door that led out to the back yard. She was quite skittish and didn't feel comfortable going through the doggy door, until one day Bowie ran through it, turned and stuck his head through the flap and barked at her to follow him. She did, and she never hesitated again. She also never had any accidents in the house, thanks to Bowie. I am so very proud of both of them...especially of big brother for teaching her the ins and outs of being a domestic dog and member of our family.

Visit Cassi Olson's blog, get yourself a virgo.

--Marshal Zeringue