coffee with a canine

Who is in the photo at right?

This is Lola the Bedlington Terrier on the first day I met her, when she was only ten weeks. She’s now nearly nine. Bandit, who is her littermate, came to live with us when he was five, after he retired from his fancy show career. I'm Jehanne Dubrow, poet and author of creative nonfiction. My new book is Taste: A Book of Small Bites.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Our favorite coffee expedition is to a little drive-through place in town called The Mug. I always get a lavender latte with almond milk.

What's brewing?

I make many, many espressos, lattes, and mochas at home. In my early twenties I was a barista and managed a small chain of gourmet coffee shops. I’ll give myself any excuse—I’m tired, it’s the afternoon, we just ate dinner—to drink a cup of caffeine.

Any treats for you or the dogs on this occasion?

Lola and Bandit are fans of the grain-free Pumpkin & Cinnamon Treats from Blue Buffalo, which we call cookies of course.

How were you and the dogs united?

After Argos—our beloved Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier—died when he was only seven, I swore that I would never have another dog. Argos was my first dog, and I hadn’t realized until his death how much the loss would hurt. But, five weeks later, I adopted Lola! The house was just so lonely without a dog. I went to meet Lola at a dog show, telling myself that I wasn’t going to take her home. As you can see from the photograph above, it was love at first sight. We adored one another instantly. For the first week after I adopted her, she wouldn’t leave my lap and just curled there, deep asleep. Holding that little gray seashell of a dog helped me to mourn Argos’s death and to recognize that dogs will always find room in our hearts.

Bandit lived with the breeders until he was five; after that, he stopped showing, came to live with us, and entered a life of leisure.

How did Lola and Bandit get their names? Any aliases?

Lola and Bandit came from what was known as “the Vegas litter.” Their sire was Vegas, a very successful show dog. All the puppies in the litter were given Las Vegas-themed names. Lola is a showgirl, as the song goes. And Bandit, well, I guess there are lots of robbers and outlaws in Vegas?

Lola also goes by Mouse. Sometimes she sits and looks up at me like the little rodent in If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, smart and quizzical and most certainly in need of a treat.

Bandit is also known as Moose and Big Caribou. When he first came to us, he still had his show cut, which included a rather tall top knot and luxurious mane. Bandit is a gangly fellow, and I became convinced that he looked more like a caribou than a show dog. I have a theory about comedy: if I say something enough times, eventually I can persuade others that my jokes are funny! I kept calling Bandit a caribou until eventually my husband gave in and agreed. And that’s how Moose and Big Caribou came into being.

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

Well, they bark a lot. Other than that, they are tremendously helpful writing assistants. They both inspire me and frequently end up in my poems and essays. I also do some of my best writing when I go on walks with them. All that contemplative sniffing is good for brainstorming, for working out a difficult line in a poem or a paragraph that doesn’t want to cohere.

Did Lola and Bandit know Argos?

They didn’t! Occasionally, however, when they do something that reminds us of Argos (a look, a particular behavior), my husband and I will joke that Argos left them “Instructions for Being a Dog” pinned to the underside of the sofa.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Oh, they have a particular hatred for all forms of delivery people. Since they’re terriers, Lola and Bandit also have an incredible prey drive. Lola, in particular, can become a real hunter if she smells a rodent or a toad in the grass. She could track a suspicious scent for hours.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Lola prefers a squeaky-toy because she likes the sound, the feeling of throttling a small animal (yikes). Bandit prefers a ball. He enjoys sitting on the couch with a tennis ball held in his mouth (until his jaw grows tired and he eventually drops it).

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

One another. Lola was attacked by a 150 lb. off-leash dog when she was a tiny puppy. The fact that she has come to love Bandit is a huge accomplishment. For a long time, I thought that she would fear all other dogs.

What is each dog's best quality?

Lola is terrifyingly smart. She’s sensitive and thoughtful. She’s also very independent.

Bandit is a love-bug. He just wants to receive side-belly rubs and hang out with his people. When he’s really happy, he hums a beautiful song. Sometimes I will hum at him, and then he hums back to me; we make a delicate duet.

If Lola and Bandit could change one thing about Texans, what would it be?

I think they would probably ask for an occasional snowfall. Both enjoy romping in the cold.

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

Who is your favorite dog from literature?

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

Bedlington Terriers originated in England. Lola would be voiced by the elegant and brilliant Emma Thompson. And Rowan Atkinson (or maybe John Cleese) would voice Bandit, because he has a gift for comedy.

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

Lola: “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a gray dog in possession of a hungry belly must be in want of a cookie.”

Bandit: “To misquote Glengarry Glen Ross, always be tail-wagging.”

Visit Jehanne Dubrow's website.

Coffee with a Canine: Jehanne Dubrow and Argos.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photo at right?

That’s me, Arlene Gillo. I’m an acupuncturist for people and animals. But I’m also a writer of my Bruce Wayne books. The sweet boy with me is Bruce Wayne, age 9. He is an American Staffordshire or pit bull, and the main character of my book.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I’m here because I enjoy a good cup of coffee after taking these guys on a morning hike. We usually do at least 3 miles and then I get to relax with my coffee while Bruce Wayne and Jean Grey chill out with the treats and water that I bring for them.

What's brewing?

I’m having a cappuccino. I love a good cappuccino on special occasions, and today is a special occasion.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

The dogs will be having their beef jerky. My treat is the cappuccino...yum!

How were you and Bruce Wayne and Jean Grey united?

I adopted Bruce Wayne from the Linda Blair Worldheart Foundation. I just fell in love with his adoption picture when I saw it on Petfinder. I adopted Jean Grey from the cattle dog rescue site. I wanted Bruce Wayne to have a sister so that the wouldn’t be alone when I went to work.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

When I adopted Bruce Wayne, he was just called Bruce. I told my boyfriend that his name was too ordinary. So, we thought of all the interesting people/characters named Bruce and we came up with Bruce Wayne. When I found out that Jean Grey was a red Merle, my boyfriend and I thought of a superhero who was a red head, thus Jean Grey from the X-Men. My last three dogs were also named after a superhero.

Please tell us about your book, Bruce Wayne Is Insane: Meeting Ninja Kitty.

It’s about Bruce Wayne, a young pit bull who is newly adopted and therefore, new to the neighborhood. He meets a cat in his backyard. They decide to be friends, and the cat ends up teaching him martial arts. It’s about acceptance, friendship and having fun while learning something new.

What is each dog's best quality?

Bruce Wayne is so patient and tolerant. He will let me do anything to him, i.e. brush his teeth, clean his ears, etc. Jean Grey won’t allow me to do those things to her. However, Jean Grey obeys the commands I give her. If I tell her to go outside, she’ll run out. If I tell her to wait, she will. Bruce Wayne won’t do that. He’ll look at me as if to say, “I’ll think about it.”

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

Bruce Wayne isn’t into toys. Jean Grey loves squeaky toys and tennis balls. She can play fetch for a long time.

Postman, cat, squirrel...?

Bruce Wayne is a natural predator. He likes to chase the squirrels and birds. Of course, both he and Jean Grey bark at the postman, UPS guy and any person near the front gate.

If Bruce Wayne and Jean Grey could change one thing about you, what would it be?

They would want me to relax. They know I work a lot. And, possibly, Bruce Wayne would want me to vacuum only once a day.

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

I would ask Jean Grey if shares the food she finds on the kitchen counter with Bruce Wayne when I accidentally forget to put food away when I go to work. She jumps on the kitchen counter and sink when I leave for work to look for food. I’ve seen her do it.

Then I would ask Bruce Wayne to confirm her answer.

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

Seth Rogen would do Bruce Wayne, and Anne Hathaway would do Jean Grey.

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

They would say, “Have fun...stick your head out of the car window some time and feel how good it is.”

Visit Arlene Gillo's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Jacqueline Firkins, a costume designer, theatre prof, lit geek, and author of the YA rom-com, Hearts, Strings, and Other Breakable Things, a modern retelling of Jane Austen's Mansfield Park. With me is Ffiona, my 14-year-old Welsh terrier. She spells it with 2 effs because she's Welsh. And pretentious.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

This photo was taken in my office. Ffiona has come to work with me since I got her as a puppy. She hangs out in costume shops, helps with college recruiting events, and provides stress relief for students who are away from their own pets. I made it an unofficial condition of my hire that my dog would basically be glued to my side everywhere but in the classroom. So far no one's dared to challenge that.

What's brewing?

Tucked just off screen is my usual afternoon cup of Earl Grey. I've never been a coffee drinker but I consume boatloads of tea in all varieties. The smell of bergamot feels right in the afternoon.

Any treats for you or Ffiona on this occasion?

Treats are never far away, and Ffiona knows it. As a very good sport for posing for this photo, she nipped into a salmon square.

How were you and Ffiona united?

I freelanced for many years. When I finally got a fulltime job I knew I could handle taking care of a pet. I grew up with big dogs, but I was living in a building with a 25 lb. size limit on pets. Despite having fostered dogs and fundraised for shelters, I wanted a puppy and I couldn't risk a rescue that grew larger than 25 lbs. I looked for a breed that had a big dog personality in a little dog body. I found a breeder on a wonderful farm, drove out to meet the whole terrier family, and came home with my new life partner.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

Before picking Ffiona up, I scanned a long list of Welsh names. Many I couldn't pronounce. Ffiona seemed recognizable enough that I wouldn't have to explain her name to people, while the double eff gave her a unique twist. Aliases: Little Ffi, Supercute-a-potamus, Wee Ffi Beastie.

Does Ffiona do more to help or hinder your writing?

A little of both. She's a demand on my time, but one I wouldn't change for anything. The walks help clear my head. The quiet company lends me support.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Skateboard. 100%.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

For years she was obsessed with tennis balls. Lately she prefers the ball with the treats in it. Smart dog.

Where is Ffiona's favorite outdoor destination?

I'm lucky to live within a couple of miles of dog friendly ocean beaches and forest preserves. But Ffiona's favourite destination is probably beneath my parents' kitchen table, where she's bound to get handouts.

Who is Ffiona's best pet-pal?

Ffiona had a great group of dog friends when we lived in Chicago. "We're" still in touch with some. She also has 4 coworkers at my university and a walking buddy, so she's in good company.

What is Ffiona's best quality?

Cuteness. And love. And quirkiness. And patience with my inability to stick to parameters.

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

Slower walking speed so she could smell everything.

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

She's getting old, so at this point the thing I'd most want to know is when/if she's in pain or discomfort. Watching a dog age is hard, but I'm going to take advantage of every day I have with her.

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

I don't know many Welsh actresses, but I think the accent would be essential. And plenty of attitude.

What advice would Ffiona give if asked?

The world needs more bacon more than it needs more books.

Visit Jacqueline Firkins's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photo at right?

The sweet pup to the right is Daisy. She is a three-year-old West Highland Terrier who is as friendly as she is cute. My name is Lisa M. Miller, and I write books that make you want to sleep with the lights on. I help readers face the unknown from the comfort of their reading spaces.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

The morning routine consists of French press coffee with Daisy by my side. It's not the smell of fresh ground beans that motivates Daisy, but the sound of the toaster.

What's brewing?

Peet's Coffee Major Dickason's Blend Dark Roast in the French press.

Any treats for you or Daisy on this occasion?

Daisy is enjoying a pumpkin treat from her favorite gourmet shop, Three Dog Bakery. We splurged on some fancy snacks, it is her birthday month after all!

How were you and Daisy united?

A few years ago, we surprised our sons with a huge Christmas present. As they opened a box for an Xbox gaming system, out jumped a ten week-old Westie.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

She is named after Daisy Buchanan, without all of the Gatsby drama.

Does Daisy do more to help or hinder your writing?

Before I settle in to write or edit, she needs to go for a walk or play with her basket of toys. If not, I will find a pile of stuffed animals at my feet or barking directed towards her leash.

Please tell us about your new novel.

My new YA Thriller, My Skull Possession, released on October 15th, the same day as Daisy's birthday.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

She gets along with cats, greets the postman, but she loathes squirrels. She has a daily race along the fence, hoping her nemesis loses his balance as he scurries along the top of the posts.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

She loves her nesting toys. A small plush stump with, what else, little squirrels inside.

Where is Daisy's favorite outdoor destination?

Daisy has visited the beach a few times. She is not a fan of the water but loves hanging out with her family.

Who is Daisy's best pet-pal?

Daisy has a doppelganger who lives down the street from us. She and Mia are good pals.

What is Daisy's best quality?

She is a delightful little dog with a great disposition. But if she senses something is wrong, look out. She'll protect her family with a big dog attitude.

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

Less screen time. More fresh air and green time.

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

Do you know how unbelievably cute and loved you are?

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

Michelle Williams. Her response when told she gets to go for more walks, “Oh, how gorgeous!”

What advice would Daisy give if asked?

Life is short. Take the trip. Eat the cake. If you don't, I will.

Watch a trailer for My Skull Possession.

Visit Lisa M. Miller's website, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photo at right?

The human one is me, Evan Ramzipoor. I write novels like The Ventriloquists, but also essays, blogs about cybercrime, and short stories. The photogenic one with the angsty bangs is Lada, a Portuguese Podengo*/terrier hybrid of some sort. I swear “Portuguese Podengo” is a real breed and not a style of dance.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Every morning after my wife takes Lada on a run, Lada and I sit down for coffee. Well, Lada sits down for breakfast crumbs. The coffee is just a bonus.

What’s brewing?

I’m from the San Francisco Bay Area, so I’m huffy about my coffee in a way that my East Coast friends find both unreasonable and endearing (I hope). I brew Philz coffee in my AeroPress, I take my coffee with oat milk, and I’m perfectly fine being a stereotype. My Philz blend of choice is Silken Splendor. Also, I aerate my coffee—which sounds complicated, but it really means I pour the coffee back and forth between two cups to introduce air. It creates smooth coffee and makes me feel like a mad scientist.

Any treats for you or Lada on this occasion?

Lada lived on the street for a year, so as far as she’s concerned, anything is a treat if you put your mind to it.

How were you and Lada united?

A few years ago, we learned there was going to be a massive adoption fair in Marin: goats, pigs, chickens, sheep, horses, cats, and dogs. After my wife vetoed goats and chickens, we made a list of pups we wanted to meet. They were mostly large, sturdy dogs we could take running and hiking. I was especially interested in a stately specimen named Charlie.

We got to the fair twenty minutes before it officially opened. While walking to meet the first dog on our list, my wife stumbled across a little scruff-ball in a crate. I drifted away to try and woo an aloof spaniel. When I returned, my wife was holding this a strange, fuzzy alien with a long body and curly tail. I knelt down, and the pup snuggled into my arms. Ten minutes before the fair opened, we left with Lada.

I hope Charlie found a good home with appropriately stately owners.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

We adopted our pup while I was working on my first novel, which features a mischievous smuggler named Lada. After a failed naming brainstorm session, my wife suggested we use “Lada” as a placeholder until we figured out something less…self-serving.

Three years later, I’m starting to believe it’s no longer a placeholder.

Does Lada do more to help or hinder your writing?

I like to refer to Lada as my muse. She has a knack for picking up her squeakiest, slobberiest toy and bashing it into my knee when I’m in the middle of a great writing session. But something about breaking that flow ultimately helps my writing.

Yes, Lada did answer this question for me. No, she’s not taking any further questions at this time.

Has Lada inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

Dogs are so wonderful; I’m not sure my writing could do them justice.

Cat, postman, squirrel…?

Oh yes. And bus. And skateboard. I’m actually not sure whether she adores skateboards or despises them. For Lada, these emotions manifest in the same way.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick…?

All of the above. She fetches tennis balls inside the house, but she won’t fetch outdoors. At the dog park, she will try to fetch other dogs who are fetching.

Where is Lada's favorite outdoor destination?

Lada loves going anywhere with people or food, preferably both. She thinks eye contact is an invitation to be best friends, so she’s constantly interrupting our walks to abscond with a new human.

Who is Lada's best pet-pal?

Who isn’t?

What is Lada's best quality?

Lada is the friendliest, most open-minded creature I have ever met. In her eyes, every human, dog, cat, turtle, and squirrel is a potential friend. There’s no adventure too small for this pup.

If Lada could change one thing about Californians, what would it be?

Every person who gets on public transit with us has gathered specifically to pet Lada, right? No? Then that’s what she would change.

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

Lada was a stray for about a year before I met her. I’m dying to know what kind of mischief she got up to during that lost year. It sounds strange, but people often say she’s the most charismatic dog they’ve ever met. I want to know where this charisma comes from and what kind of misadventures led her into my life.

Or I’d ask her why she’s so deathly afraid of plastic bags.

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

I know we’re a few decades late, but definitely Lucille Ball.

What advice would Lada give if asked?

The vacuum cleaner is extremely dangerous and should only be approached by trained professionals.

Visit E.R. Ramzipoor's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photo at right?

Featured in this photo is myself, Robert Fieseler, and Chompers, my thirteen-year-old male Cairn Terrier. My husband Ryan calls us Chompers 1 and Chompers 2 – with me, of course, being Chompers 2. I’m a nonfiction book author who recently published a work of queer history entitled Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation, and Chompers is my familiar, in the spiritual sense, and my writing companion.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I write in a secret nook of the Boston Athenaeum, a private membership library hid near the State House, on a hilltop overlooking Boston Common. As the Athenaeum is an historic institution still frequented by elite Brahmin families, the library has several unique rules that are important only to weird people like writers and rich old ladies: 1. Coffee is always permitted in a closed container and 2. One well-behaved dog is permitted with each library member. Thus, Chompers comes with me virtually every day that I spend at the Athenaeum, which I utilize as my office and place of work. I wrote all of Tinderbox in this magical setting—mostly with Chompers dog-napping underneath the oak table that I think of as my desk.

What's brewing?

Generally, an espresso or Americano prepared at Café Marliave by an exceptional barista named Andrew, who can and should win awards for his coffee artistry. I am lucky in that Marliave is within walking distance of the Athenaeum and, like my library, is dog friendly. Chompers is always pleased to see Andrew, who gives him one or two treats.

How were you and Chompers united?

It’s a long story that involves a sad breakup, but I’ll condense the drama and just say that Chompers became my sole responsibility in 2006 at the end of an acrimonious yet unofficial gay divorce. My ex, a good person who spearheaded our getting a puppy from an online breeder somewhere in Arkansas, was unable to care for the animal when we separated.

Thus, I got Chompers in the divvying up of emotional belongings. I still feel bad when I look back on that time, but the reality of most gay breakups is that one person gets the dog or that packs of dogs get separated. Visitation, or co-ownership, doesn’t really work, as it’s best for everyone to take the breakup seriously and make a clean start.

So, at age 24, I became another one of those overgrown Peter Pans with an untrained dog counting on me for everything. Like the movie Three Men and a Baby but instead called One Man and a Poochie. Predictably, this small, stubborn little creature somehow trained me in adulthood—teaching me responsibility, forcing me to set a schedule for walks and feedings, compelling me to plan for his daily happiness and my future. He became my world.

I shudder to think who I’d be without him. My mother reminded me, much later, how my favorite childhood film was The Wizard of Oz and how I’d always begged her for a little dog like Toto, who it turns out was also a Cairn Terrier. I have vague, blurry memories of crying my five-year-old eyes out just wishing for that dog. Life is so weird, not just in that a spate of almost unbearable acrimony can sometimes be one’s destiny but also in that blessings can manifest out of the utmost difficulty.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

My ex and I had the name Chompers picked out for about a year prior to us acquiring the real Chompers – the puppy who somehow magically and instantly embodied the title. I just loved the idea of a tiny dog being associated with a ferocious name. Come to think of it, I think it’s an homage to the teacup dog that Karen had in the show Will & Grace!

Of course, Chompers has acquired an evolving set of nicknames over the years: Lomps, Lumps, Lompeers, Peers, Lomping, Baby Lomping and Plumpers. These nicknames reached a crescendo around 2012 and finally resolved into Ping or Mr. Ping, which is what it’s been ever since. Don’t ask me why. He responds by any of these nicknames on call.

Does Chompers do more to help or hinder your writing?

It’s a privilege and a joy to write with him. He’s an indelible part of my creative process, in the sense that I plan my day to engage creatively at certain stages and in certain places, usually at the Athenaeum. As Chompers is now a thirteen-year-old senior, he usually finds a patch of sun and falls asleep at my feet. Much like a cat at a bookshop.

When I get listless or I get too stuck in my head after hours of donning the mental armor to do battle on the page, I look up at him…and he’ll look up at me in that instant. And I’ll read, by his body language, if it’s time for a snuggle session on the floor or time for our usual stroll in the park. There’s not a lot of pulling on the leash anymore, but I’ll walk him, and he’ll walk me simultaneously. We guide each other through Boston Common and explore the various smells and sights.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

As Cairns were originally bred to be mousers, the common squirrel is Chompers’ menace—his instinctual and natural nemesis. I wish I had a relationship so clear and pure. Even at thirteen, with arthritis, he chases them at top speed. The rustle of a squirrel tail across grass is enough to make him sprint. Thankfully, he doesn’t catch them anymore and bring them back to me deceased.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Ball, of course. Ball, always. Except when he’s napping, when he’s not to be disturbed, there is not a time of day that couldn’t be improved by one or three tennis balls bouncing in a hallway or open space.

Where is Chompers's favorite outdoor destination?

We live near a sprawling green meadow in an arboretum with many flowers, and Chompers loves to run about this place, unleashed, around dusk. Considering that scent is his most powerful sense, I think he finds aroma of the wildflowers to be invigorating. It’s hard to face this reality, but I think that when Chompers eventually does leave my side, if there is a reward to be had in an afterlife or even an afterlife at all, he will return there or a place like there in his imagination.

Who is Chompers's best pet-pal?

Chompers, like his daddy, tends to be choosy when it comes to deeper friendships. He only has a few. But I will share that Chompers nurtures a special love-hate bond with Jade, my parents’ miniature dachshund (his dog-cousin), that verges on profound. He and Jade were both puppies at the same time, so they are birds of a feather generationally—pooches of an era. They’ve seen equivalent sights and both grown slightly crabby, yet wise, and I think they’ve earned each other’s mutual respect.

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

This will sound so egotistical, but Chompers and I are so connected that it would be strange for me to hear anything but my own voice. The only other voice I could accept would be the voice of his stepdad and pack-mate (a.k.a. my husband Ryan).

What is Chompers's best quality?

His devotion to his family. He’s incredibly loving and diligent in seeking moments when it gets to be just you and him in the universe. It’s therapeutic, the way he forces you to disconnect from tasks that seem so important in the moment but, in the great scope of things, are complete bullshit.

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

In the next life, if there is a next one, can we change places? Can I be your dog this time?

Visit Robert W. Fieseler's website.

The Page 99 Test: Tinderbox.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photos in this entry?

I’m Janna King and I’m an author, screenwriter and playwright who, on rare occasions, directs. I’m with my dogs, Melvin, a 4-year-old Husky/Staffordshire Terrier/Shepherd mix and Olive, an 8-year-old English/American Bulldog mix.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

They are my writing partners. In our photos together, I’m chatting with them at home where I work. We’re discussing my debut novel, The Seasonaires, and I’m letting them in on some upcoming projects. Mel is never impressed. Olive has no idea what I’m saying, but she’s a good listener.

What's brewing?

I’m indulging my two-a-day almond milk latte habit, brewed and frothed by my beloved Nespresso machine in mugs made with my kids (now 19 and 21) at Color Me Mine. I plunk in two heaping teaspoons of sugar. I affectionately blame my coffee sweet tooth on my Grandma Honey who used to make me “coffee milk” when I was a kid: a teeny bit of coffee, the rest milk and a whole lot of sugar.

Any treats for you or Mel and Olive on this occasion?

Mel is also not impressed by treats, but he does like carrots. Olive’s mouth doesn’t allow her to chew carrots. She covets Greenies, but they don’t really help with her pungent dog breath.

How were you and your dogs united?

My daughter volunteered at a Los Angeles pet rescue and she fell in love with siblings Olive and Sully. The rescue didn’t want them separated, so my ex-husband adopted Sully and I took Olive. That way my kids could be with both dogs. I dogsit Sully on occasion so brother and sister can hang out together.

I was looking for another rescue pup and leaning towards German Shepherds because I had one I adored, Teddy. When we saw Mel, we thought he would grow to be Shepherd size, but he stopped about halfway there. He’s a handsome fella in his own right and knows it.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

I can’t remember their original names when we adopted them. The kids are in charge of naming pets and tend towards very human names for pups. We call Melvin “Mel,” unless he’s in trouble, and then I use his full name. My daughter also calls him “Mooey," so we’ve all taken to that.

Olive is “Lady” because she’s such a pretty lady!

Do Mel and Olive do more to help or hinder your writing?

Writing can be very solitary, so they keep me company. They are usually pretty chill unless the doorbell rings or dogs pass by the house or the mail carrier comes or Amazon delivery or... Mel gets very antsy when I’m on the phone, but that’s probably because I’m antsy when I’m on the phone.

They distract me sometimes because I love to take their photos, often for their Instagram account 2bulliesandaroo, which they have with Olive’s brother Sully. The “roo” refers to Mel, who we think looks like a kangaroo and can jump about as high. When Mel made the Boop My Nose Instagram feed, I was more excited about that than pretty much any accomplishment.

Have any actual dogs ever inspired dogs in your fiction?

I have a bulldog in the book I’m currently writing. But I imagine this one being more like my first bulldog (over two decades ago), Stella, who was so fat that she looked like a plump seal lolling on the beach. This novel takes place in Malibu, so that seemed appropriate.

Cat, postman, squirrel…?

Mel goes after the squirrels and crows. Olive barks at anything that moves.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick…?

Mel is pretty good at catch. We take him to the park and he’s fast, but in short bursts. Then he plops down in the dirt and lets the other dogs take over.

Olive likes rope toys. The two play tug-of-war, which is an entertaining distraction.

Who is each dog's best pet-pal?

They love each other. Sometimes they bicker over food we accidentally drop during dinner. I’m not crazy about that. They also get along great with Sully, who is The Man!

What is each dog's best quality?

Mel is the sweetest dog ever! He just wants everyone to love him. But he also has some ‘tude and often looks at us like he thinks we’re dolts.

Olive is just plain goofy. She is the best "Saturday morning snuggies" for my daughter Izzy, when Izzy visits.

If Mel and Olive could change one thing about Angelenos, what would it be?

Mel would like Angelenos to stop looking at their cellphones on our hikes and say “hello” to him instead.

And Olive feels like drivers should chill out with the road rage.

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

I would ask Mel, “What’s the secret to life?” because he’s so confident and content.

To Olive I would ask, "What are you thinking about right now?” because I always want to know that when I’m looking at her face.

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

Christian Slater = Mel
Aubrey Plaza = Olive

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

Mel would say, “You be you."

Olive would tell me that I need to take naps and drink more water.

Visit Janna King's website.

Check out Mel and Olive on Instagram.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photos at right and below?

That's me, Caryn Lix, author of Sanctuary and teacher of children. The dogs are Archer (the Boston terrier, who is five) and Aleiah (mostly lab, who is nine).

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

If I leave them home alone, I never know what they will do, so here we are!

What's brewing?

Chai latte. But it's summer right now, so I'll take it iced!

Any treats for you or Aleiah and Archer on this occasion?

I eat all the treats and so do my dogs. Actually while no one was looking there's a good chance Aleiah stole all the cookies out of the cabinet.

How were you and your dogs united?

I saw Aleiah at a dog adoption event. They were trying to introduce me to another dog and all I could focus on was the baby girl dragging one of her legs around and looking like everyone was out to get her. Six months later, the leg had been amputated, and she was living in my house. Archer came to me when his family couldn't take care of him anymore.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Aleiah came pre-named, and we liked her name so we kept it. Archer is named after the television show, and he lives up to the name. He also looks like he's wearing a suit. They have many names. Aleiah's middle name is Freeman because my husband wanted to be able to shout "Hey everybody, let's follow Freeman!" when she took off at the dog park. And Archer's middle name is Fremulon, just because we like the way it sounds.

Do Aleiah and Archer do more to help or hinder your writing?

Oh, they are a constant hindrance. I'll be deep in the middle of a scene and suddenly I'll hear a whimper and Archer will be up on his hind legs, pawing at my arm. It's fantastic.

Have any actual dogs ever inspired dogs in your fiction?

They actually haven't. I rarely put dogs in my writing. Whenever I see a dog on TV, I'm convinced it's going to die.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Bird. There's a magpie who lives in our backyard who takes great joy in dropping sticks on their heads. Then they go berserk chasing the magpie around the yard.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Anything they can rip to pieces.

Who is each dog's best pet-pal?

Archer loves Aleiah. She is his best friend and he will do anything to protect her. Aleiah is pretty fixated on me. She was scared and nervous when I first got her, and she doesn't like for me to be too far out of her sight.

What is each dog's best quality?

Aleiah is literally the best dog in the world. She is sweet, gentle, kind, cheerful, you name it. I can't name one best quality. Archer is a handful, but he is also completely hilarious and constantly doing weird things like getting on his hind legs and bicycling his front paws for no apparent reason, so we love that about him.

If Aleiah and Archer could change one thing about Albertans, what would it be?

Aleiah would like them to stop trying to pet her. Archer would like them to get rid of all the other dogs and just pay attention to him.

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

I would ask Aleiah what she's scared of, so I can try to protect her from it. I would ask Archer how I can get him to calm down for thirty five seconds.

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

Well, clearly Archer would have to be voiced by H. Jon Benjamin! Aleiah is so gentle and kind, I feel like Inoue Marina, who does the voice of Armin in Attack on Titan, would be great.

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

Aleiah: Just... keep quiet. Watch from the sidelines until you're sure things are safe. Also, licking people is a great way to get their attention.

Archer: Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me. Wait. Advice? What? Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me!

Visit Caryn Lix's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m E.M. Powell and I’m the writer of the Fifth Knight medieval thriller series as well as The King's Justice, the first in my new Stanton & Barling medieval mystery series. On my lap (even though he barely fits and he’s really heavy!) is our man, Marshall. He’s a Staffie cross and we think he’s about five. We don’t know for sure because he’s a rescue.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

If there are writers who don’t run on caffeine, I haven’t met many! When I have my first cup at breakfast, somebody likes to sit up next to me. We had a chat this morning about the upcoming World Cup. Marshall’s not sure about England’s chances.

What's brewing?

Cafedirect Fairtrade Intense Roast Ground Coffee. Best coffee around.

Any treats for you or Marshall on this occasion?

After morning walk, I have to produce a Dentastick. If I don’t, the universe is not aligned, and I will be pawed without cease.

How were you and Marshall united?

We had to put Poppy, our sweet, bonkers girl of 14 years, to sleep last summer. We were utterly heartbroken. But we only lasted three weeks without a doggo. We weren’t in any way trying to replace her. But she was a rescue and we thought, ‘Why hang around and leave a dog in a shelter when they could be home with us?’ So we found Marshall at a wonderful shelter called Homeless Hounds here in the northwest of England. He’d been abandoned and would’ve been put down if the shelter hadn’t taken him in. We fell in love with his photo. They also have a great system at the shelter where the dogs spend time in a foster home and the fosterer does a detailed write-up. We knew he was the man for us!

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Homeless Hounds named him and we kept it because it suits him so well. I call him Mr Bear because of his gorgeous big face and heavy snout.

Does Marshall do more to help or hinder your writing?

He helps loads because he’s a calm, settled boy and he’s so patient in letting me get on with work. He tells me when it’s time to break, though! Having a dog is a gift to my health as well. I spend most of my working hours sat on my behind in front of a computer. Having a dog means I have to get out in the fresh air and take some exercise. Without him, I’d be good as a stunt double for Jabba the Hutt.

Has Marshall inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

Not a named one. But in my next Stanton & Barling mystery, which is called The Monastery Murders, I have a bear-baiting scene. Bear-baiting, where a chained-up bear was forced to fight with multiple dogs, was very popular in medieval times. As with everything in historical fiction, I had to research it in depth which I found very challenging. It was horrific for bear and dogs. Marshall is of a similar powerful build to the type of dogs that were used. He’s not in the least aggressive and would have been utterly terrified, as would the poor bears. Sadly, bear-baiting still goes on in some parts of the world and illegal dog fighting is also sickeningly common. One would have thought that the human race had moved on from such senseless cruelty, but it seems it’s timeless.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Cat = i-can-see-you-and-if-you-don’t-back-off-I’ll-woof. Postman = zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Squirrel = I can see you, I can see you, I can see you, I can see you up that flaming tree and I’m coming up there after you!!!!!

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Kong is King. Anything else gets power-jawed to pieces in about thirty seconds.

Where is Marshall's favorite outdoor destination?

Garden games are Very Good Indeed. We also have lots of great local parks and woods. Marshall is far happier there. He’s not a huge fan of pavements and traffic. He gets quite tense in those situations, maybe because of his history as a stray.

Who is Marshall's best pet-pal?

He likes Daisy, a female border terrier who’s his neighbour. He also has a Park Friend, a daft poodle called Milo.

What is Marshall's best quality?

He’s a stoic, through and through. He takes anything and everything that’s thrown at him without complaint or fuss. We’ll never know his past, but he has part of an ear missing and certain noises make him worried. But he never gets aggressive or snappy when he’s not sure about something. He just sits or leans really hard on you to get comforted. He also likes his bed. Our bed. Any bed.

If Marshall could change one thing about the English, what would it be?

To make them more like the Irish. (I’m guessing here, but he may be influenced by my Irishness.)

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

How are you doing, pal?

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

Sean Bean. (Note: this answer is going to cause trouble. Bean is from Yorkshire, while Marshall is a Lancashire lad. The Yorkists and Lancastrians first had at it in the 15th century Wars of the Roses. Things have been simmering since.)

What advice would Marshall give if asked?

Be kinder to each other. Hate diminishes us all, my friends.

Visit E.M. Powell's website, blog, Twitter perch and Facebook page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the top two photos here?

I’m Demetra Brodsky, the author of Dive Smack and this is L.B. (my 9-year-old female terrier mix) and Ponyboy Curtis (my 2-year-old Doxiepin).

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I go to the gym at 6:00 a.m. every morning and then come home and sip my coffee on a small deck outside of our kitchen and hang out with my dogs for a while before I get to work. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I take them for a walk (we have the family on rotation) and those are actually my favorite days because sometimes I pick up a take out coffee along the stroll.

What's brewing?

This depends on my mood so much. At home, if I’m on a deadline, I use the Keurig and whatever coffee I pick up by the truckload at Costco. But I prefer my Keurig. If I’m feeling extra fancy and want to get in touch with my roots, I’ll make Greek Coffee. It’s something I grew up with and is made on the stovetop in a small copper pot. It’s similar to espresso or Turkish coffee. If I’m feeling regular fancy, I’ll get a soy latte, sometimes with lavender.

Any treats for you or L.B. and Ponyboy on this occasion?

I always have peanut butter filled Kongs in the freezer and the cookie jar filled. They’re spoiled. But if I’m having a treat, they should have one, too. Cookies for everyone all the time.

How were you and your dogs united?

I lost my job during the recession in 2009 and my dog Luke, a gorgeous 8-year Viszla, died two weeks later of undetected stomach cancer. It was a nightmare. About a month after that, I told my husband I wanted to get another dog and he was going to be the luckiest bastard every adopted and that I was going to name him L.B. I started looking at the kill shelters in Los Angeles and saw L.B.’s picture and knew she was the one. I didn’t know she was a she because she just had a number, but I called on a Thursday and they told me that Saturday was her last day. My daughter and I asked them to hold her. They wouldn’t, so we raced up there and got her the next day. She’s still L.B. for Lucky B-word. I got Ponyboy for my daughter because she was at a time in her life where she needed a good friend, a loyal friend, and I couldn’t think of anyone more loyal than a dog. We got Ponyboy local from Thrive Rescue because I knew introducing another dog might be tricky. Thrive also rescues from kill shelters and puts the dogs in foster homes to get a feel for their personalities before adopting them out. I saw him (His name was Snoopy) on their website and fell in love with that 7-month old cutie.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Oh geez, well, I answered this question about L.B. above so I’ll tell you how Ponyboy got his name. The Outsiders is the book that made me want to be a writer as a teen. Ponybody Curtis was my first celebrity crush and when we went to meet “Snoopy” he was so sweet and sensitive, like his namesake, the homage just popped out of my mouth.

Do L.B. and Ponyboy do more to help or hinder your writing?

That depends on the day. They’re both pretty mellow while I’m working and will lie down in the office near me…if they’ve been walked. Otherwise, they want to go outside every time I move.

Have any actual dogs ever inspired dogs in your fiction?

Yes, I have a book out on submission with editors right now and there’s a husky in that book named Skyla that’s named after my friend Aly’s dog that passed away.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Hate, hate, hate.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Ball for L.B., any day, any time. Ponyboy is a stone cold squeaky toy killer. He uses his small, razor-sharp teeth to puncture and destroy every squeaker in every toy I bring in the house. I swear he’s very docile otherwise.

Who is each dog's best pet-pal?

Me. I’m both of their favorites. Probably because I’m home the most.

What is each dog's best quality?

L.B. is so empathetic and loyal. If you’re having a bad day, or upset, L.B. knows and will come to you right away.

Ponyboy is a lover. That’s the first thing the vet said about him, too. “This dog is all love.” And it’s true. He’s ready for cuddles and kisses 24/7.

If L.B. and Ponyboy could change one thing about Californians, what would it be?

I think both dogs would ask Californians to walk more. The traffic is atrocious.

If L.B. and Ponyboy could answer only one question in English, what would you ask them?

I’d ask L.B. “Why do you bark at me like a lunatic every time I come home?”

And I’d ask Ponyboy, “What were you doing on the street in Compton when they picked you up?”

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

C. Thomas Howell, of course, for Ponyboy. And Jane Lynch from Glee for L.B.

What advice would L.B. and Ponyboy give if asked?

It’s okay to play more. There will always be work to do but we won’t be here forever. Step away from the computer. Aww, that answer made me sad.

Visit Demetra Brodsky's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Who is in the photo at right?

This is Ziggy, a Jack Russell mix, age seven. (But when she switches into her devil-dog mode, tearing around the place in circles, you’d swear she was still a pup.) I am Leslie Karst, author of the Sally Solari culinary mystery series. I’m a Western-European mix, age sixty-one. (But after several cocktails, if you can get me dancing to “Burning Down the House,” you might swear I was still a teenager.)

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Ziggy and I are waiting for the Merrie Monarch (a world-renowned hula competition) parade to pass through downtown Hilo, Hawai’i, where we live half the year. But right before this photo was snapped, we were at home out on our lanai, me sipping a cuppa joe, she stalking geckos scurrying around the ti and ginger plants.

What's brewing?

Kirkland label House Blend, medium roast, by Starbucks. (It’s the Costco brand, and not at all bad for the money.) Brewed strong, with milk—or half-and-half, if there’s any in the fridge.

Any treats for you or Ziggy on this occasion?

Some of the folks on the parade floats tossed wrapped candy our way, and I let Ziggy have several licks.

How were you and Ziggy united?

Ziggy was in the local paper as one of a litter of puppies born in Puna, the district south of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai‘i (Puna is also home to the active volcano and a whole lot of hippies). Since my wife and I wanted a dog that would be small enough when full-grown to ride in the airplane cabin with us when we travel between Hawai‘i and Santa Cruz, California, we needed to meet both parents, to see how big they were. Ziggy’s mom and dad were not only the requisite size, but her dad (a JRT-Corgi mix, we think) was one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever encountered. (Her mom, a JRT-Chihuahua mix, not so much).

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

Ziggy’s full name is Sieglinde (but we spell it with a Z so folks will pronounce it correctly). She’s named after the heroine in Wagner’s opera, Die Walküre, and has the majesty and spunk to match her namesake—the demi-goddess who fell in love with her brother and bore Siegfried, who himself went on to marry his aunt, Brünhilde. (And you think your family is dysfunctional.) We mostly call her Zig, Ziggy, or Sieglinde, but on occasion refer to her as “the Zigster,” or “the princess.”

Does Ziggy do more to help or hinder your writing?

In general she does neither, spending her day lazing about the house while I write. But when she’s ready for her walk or wants to play, there’s no ignoring her piercing barks as she sits at my feet with that look in her eye: Get up from the computer right this instant and pay attention to me!

Has Ziggy inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

Sally’s dog, Buster, is certainly inspired in part by Ziggy, but also by every other dog I’ve known in my life. And Ziggy and Buster do share an infatuation with critters who scurry and who live in holes.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

All of the above, and also geckos and mongoose, when we are in Hawai‘i. But squirrels—especially the ground variety that burrow by the levee in Santa Cruz—are without doubt her favorite. We don’t even say the letters S-Q around Ziggy, lest she go berserk.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Those will all do in a pinch, but she mostly loves to chew the eyes off stuffed animals we buy for a quarter at garage sales, then pull the stuffing out of their eye sockets, imagining herself (or so I imagine) one of those vicious hyenas feasting on zebra from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.

Where is Ziggy's favorite outdoor destination?

Anywhere that has (shhhhh!)...s-qs. And she loved tearing through the snowbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska, where we once spent five months.

Who is Ziggy's best pet-pal?

Her biggest crush was an Alaskan husky mix named Makai. She met him when we were in Fairbanks, and fell head-over-paws in love with that handsome dog. Makai taught her to lift her leg when she pees—which she still does when she’s marking—and they would run off together for adventures in the woods until we put a stop to it (we were worried the little Zigster could be carried off by an eagle; this was Alaska, after all). But her best long-term pal is Daisy, whom Ziggy met as a pup in Santa Cruz.

What is Ziggy's best quality?

Her curiosity. She’s fascinated by the world and is constantly checking everything out: looking around, listening, cocking her head, wondering, “wait, what’s that?”

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

She would make it so I never left the house without taking her with me.

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

What goes through your brain when you lie there in the sun gazing out at the world?

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

Rachel Maddow. She’s smart and curious like Ziggy, but also has a bit of the devil dog in her.

What advice would Ziggy give if asked?

Make sure you’re adopted by humans who are retired or who write for a living. They don’t leave home nearly as much as those other kinds.

Visit Leslie Karst’s author website.

--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