Richard Fifield & Frank and Oscar

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Richard Fifield, and I’m an author and a designer, and this is Frank. He’s a male, a basenji, and our best guess is that he’s eleven or twelve. He is an anomaly—he seems to be aging in reverse. More spry, no gray, and the vet was astonished that he had less tartar on his teeth than at his first examination, six years ago.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I’ve taken my two dogs, the aforementioned Frank and my elderly chihuahua/dachshund mix Oscar on a walk to the gas station. Where I live, there are no coffee shops, and the streets are filled with feral rabbits, all black. We enjoy walking to the gas station, Frank and Oscar because of the rabbits, and me because of the gossip I get at the counter. Even though I keep both dogs on a tight leash, they pull in opposite directions, and the leads tangle around my legs so often that I’ve gotten used to stopping to unwind every block. There have been a few occasions where the tangle actually caused me to fall, but thankfully, never any injuries!

What's brewing?

At the gas station, the coffee is cheap and plentiful. I love gas station coffee, and at the tiny store, the owners allow me to bring Frank and Oscar inside with me. I must drink my coffee while I gossip with the cashier—walking two dogs on leashes and a cup of hot coffee is a recipe for disaster. Especially with wild rabbits dashing everywhere.

Any treats for you or the dogs on this occasion?

I always carry dog treats with me—every coat (and I have a lot of coats) has a dog treat, even when I’m without my dogs. I’m like a mailman! Because Oscar is sixteen years old, I carry Milk Bone Pill Pouches, because they are soft and it helps when I need to give Oscar his medications every morning. For years, I tried peanut butter, but it was messy!

How were you and Oscar and Frank united?

Oscar and Frank are both rescue dogs—I adopted them from Animal Control, instead of the Humane Society. Animal Control takes the dogs that nobody wants to adopt. Except for me. I want to adopt the most unlovable, difficult cases. I think this is because I see myself in them.

You also had Blanche with you until very recently. Sixteen years is a good, long life for a dog, I know, but.... Are Oscar and Frank adjusting well enough with Blanche gone?

Last year, my third dog Blanche had to be put down. She was sixteen, and she was the first dog I ever owned. I adopted her as a puppy, and she was a bizarre mix of corgi and border collie, so she had a really long body and tiny legs. She had a personality like a disapproving grandmother, even early on. Border collies like to herd, and Blanche was always barking at her brother and sister for being rambunctious and not following her directions. Putting her down was not an easy decision, but it was the right one. Due to her long body and tiny legs, she had a lot of hip and spine problems, and the last year of her life, she had to be lifted to be brought outside to use the bathroom. It was an honor to take care of her, and an honor to be there with her when she was finally at peace. Oscar took it the worst, as he had spent the most time with her, and when I returned from the vet without Blanche, he was scared of me for an entire month. He was confused, and I completely understand. I was confused, too.

How did the dogs get their names? Any aliases?

I named Blanche after Blanche Dubois in A Streetcar Named Desire. Oscar already had his name when I adopted him. Frank was a street dog, and didn’t have a home, but the people at Animal Control called him Klaus. I did not like that name, and had recently published my first novel, which featured a wild dog named Frank, who serves as the heart of the book. It seemed too much of a coincidence, so his name became Frank, and it suits him. My dogs always have nicknames—many nicknames, but the most used is “The Tank” for Frank, and because Oscar was covered in scars when I adopted him (he had a hard life), I call him “Oh-Scar.”

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

My dogs actually don’t seem to notice when I’m writing or designing. They are very autonomous creatures, and they do what they want all day. They are both burrowers, so you can usually find them at the bottom of a bed. I gave up making my beds a long time ago!

Have any actual dogs ever inspired dogs in your fiction?

In my fiction, I’ve only featured one canine, the aforementioned Frank. When people meet the real Frank, they assume he inspired the fictional dog, but after spending time with him, they quickly realize that my Frank is not cut out for therapy.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

All of my dogs despise anybody with a package of any kind. They are very, very protective of their fenced yard, and mail delivery and I have an understanding. They leave packages outside of the fence. Just in case there is a new delivery person, I have a sign on my gate. Frank, despite years of obedience school and one-on-one training, goes for the ankle of any person he is unfamiliar with that dares enter the yard, carrying a package. Basenjis were the first dog breed, and pharaohs in Egypt trained them to take down lions, and were buried with their favorite hunter. That DNA is still strong in Frank. He also does not share—he likes to take things from the other dogs and bury them in the yard. We don’t have any toys as a result, just sticks. He can’t dig up the yard to bury a giant stick.

Where is your dogs' favorite outdoor destination?

My dogs love the forests around Montana, but they are both terrified of water. They prefer to walk on the streets of our small town, because they are fascinated by other lives and other homes. They are just like their owner.

What is each dog's best quality?

Oscar’s best quality is his devotion—he is the type of dog that follows you around (when he’s not burrowed in blankets) and needs to know where you are at all times. Frank’s best quality is his personality—I’m sure your readers picture a vicious little creature, but he is the most affectionate dog I’ve ever owned—basenjis are very much like cats, and they like to nuzzle your chin. He is unlike any dog on earth—every person that watches my dogs remarks on how strange Frank is. They all love him, and want to take him home, because he is such a mystery.

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

I would ask Oscar and Frank both to tell me about where they came from, and what their lives were like before they came to live with me. I’m sure they have stories. Both are fighters, and indomitable creatures.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which Oscar, Frank and Blanche could speak, who should voice them?

Oscar would be voiced by Patrick Stewart, as he is very self-assured and proper.

Frank would be voiced by Billy Eichner, of Billy On The Street, as he is a comedian and instantly recognizable. 

What advice would Oscar and Frank give if asked?

I think both dogs would give the same answer—accept the love that is given to you, and have faith that you will be taken care of. It’s an honor to be their person.

Visit Richard Fifield's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Patrick Chiles & Frankie and Beanie

Who is in the photo at right?

Frankie is on the right, Beanie is on the left. They are both 10-year-old male dachshunds. Beanie is a purebred, long-haired mini and Frankie is a rescue dog. We thought he might be part Beagle but we’ve seen pictures of Basset / Dachshund mixes that are dead ringers for him. And he has kind of a Basset howl when he wants attention.

(I'm Patrick Chiles, author of Frozen Orbit.)

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Who needs an occasion for coffee and dogs? If I’m awake I’m never far from a cup of coffee, especially when writing. And these two follow me everywhere, Beanie in particular. Frankie can be hard to pull off of his blanket pile on the sofa. We attribute that to him having had a hard life on the streets before we adopted him.

What's brewing?

Starbucks French Roast is my go-to home brew.

Any treats for you or the dogs on this occasion?

The coffee is the treat!

How were you and Frankie and Beanie united?

We got Beanie from a couple we knew who bred Dachshunds. He was about six weeks old, which we found out later was probably too young for us to take in. It’s made him extremely attached to us and he probably has some separation anxiety. We found Frankie a few years later at the Franklin County (OH) animal shelter. He’d been a stray for most of the winter and was half-starved. When we brought him home, he immediately got settled in on a pile of sofa pillows and decided he was going to relax for the rest of his life. He’s pretty much the opposite of half-starved now.

How did the dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Beanie got his name because he was literally the size of a Beanie Baby. Frankie’s was a friend’s suggestion: “Franks and Beans, the Weiner Dogs.”

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

Beanie thinks he helps. I can’t sit at the keyboard without him wanting to be in my lap or by my side. He’s been there for every book I’ve written. I should probably give him co-author credit at some point.

Have any actual dogs ever inspired dogs in your fiction?

Audrey, a character from Farside, has a dachshund named Wernher (for Von Braun, and she’s a rocket scientist. Original, I know).

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

We have a Maine Coon kitty named BeeBee (for Big Butt). She’s affectionate towards Beanie but doesn’t like Frankie. It’s quite sad.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Frankie doesn’t much care about toys as long as he’s got his blanket pile on the sofa. Beanie is obsessive about playing fetch with a Kong first thing in the morning. I toss it around until the first cup of coffee is done, then give him some peanut butter. That’s his signal that Dad needs a break for the second cup of coffee. He also has this ceramic chew bone he won in a Halloween pet costume contest something like nine years ago (dressed as a banana). He’s worn it down to the nub but is obsessively protective of it, like Gollum with The Precious. We just call it the Crack Bone.

Where is your dogs' favorite outdoor destination?

Anywhere we can take them for walks is pretty much their favorite thing.

What is each dog's best quality?

Both are very affectionate, sometimes too much so. Dachshunds like being close to their humans. And as a breed they’re hilarious by nature.

If Frankie and Beanie could change one thing about Ohioans, what would it be?

If we were still in Columbus I’d say obsessive Buckeye fandom. We live in Tennessee now so I guess that’s kind of a moot point.

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

Why do you like digging through the bathroom garbage? Never mind, I probably don’t want to know.

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

Mel Blanc. He could do anything.

What advice would Frankie and Beanie give if asked?

Belly rubs are the key to inner peace and contentment.

Visit Patrick Chiles's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Laura Pohl & Vina

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Laura Pohl, here with Vina! Vina’s a two-year-old dachshund who loves to chew toys and sleep. She’s a good company always.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I have coffee every morning sitting next to her. Or in this case, sometimes I get coffee while working and she’s still sleeping in bed.

What's brewing?

I love cappuccinos, but usually have a healthy dose of café au lait in the mornings. Brazilian brands only.

Any treats for you or Vina on this occasion?

I’m eating brownies my friend baked. Vina’s eyeing them in the hopes of getting some, but she’s already had her morning biscuit.

How were you and Vina united?

Vina’s a rescue dog. Me and my roommate rescued her from people who were abusing her and did not want dogs. She was real quiet and scared at first, but she warmed up to us quickly and is very affectionate.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

Vina is slang for “sausage” in Curitiba, Brazil — the city where I grew up. I thought it’d be amusing to name her that. She always answers when I call her “baby” though.

Does Vina do more to help or hinder your writing?

She does both. Sometimes she really wants attention and I need to stop writing and walk with her or play, but usually she stays asleep while I work and is there when I need a break.

Has Vina inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

Yes! My debut book, The Last 8, has a dog in it – Sputnik is a Bernese Mountain Dog, but she has much of the same personality as Vina. Very chaotic but very cute.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

We live in an apartment building, so it ends up being just the doorman or the neighbor next door (who she deeply despises).

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Her favorite toy is a ball that’s shaped as a meteor.

Where is Vina's favorite outdoor destination?

The dog park a couple of blocks away.

Who is Vina's best pet-pal?

My parents’ dog, Fadinha. She’s also a dachshund, and they get along pretty well.

What is Vina's best quality?

I think she’s very loving toward everyone she encounters. Once she meets them, she’s very protective of people, and likes cuddling and just being affectionate.

If Vina could answer only one question in English or Portuguese, what would you ask her?

Why do you keep throwing your own ball in places you can’t reach only so I have to get it for you?

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

Huuh, that’s a hard one! I feel like Vina would have to be someone a little bit sarcastic as well, maybe like Chelsea Peretti.

What advice would Vina give if asked?

Vina is a firm believer in taking naps and taking breaks. Don’t overwork yourself—you have all the time in the world.

Visit Laura Pohl's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Jody Dean & Roxie

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Jody Dean, a California native, started my career as a PhD psychologist in Orange County, California and moved around in the field doing both clinical practice and healthcare strategy for large organizations. Roxie is a smooth coat dachshund, the AKC calls her coloring “black and tan with dapple markings”. She's 6 years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

It's critical that I be fully caffeinated early because Roxie is a high energy dog who demands that we engage in what is called “dachshund cross fit”; running in the woods chasing squirrels or deer or whatever we might find. So, coffee with Roxie is a daily must do.

What's brewing?

Today Peet's Sumatra with cream and sugar. I self grind, because I like it strong and I get a bizarre satisfaction out of hearing the coffee beans ground to a fine consistency.

Any treats for you or Roxie on this occasion?

Roxie and her sisters get their breakfast early, they demand a 5 am feeding time. Even on Sunday, lord help the person who does not feed a dachshund when they are hungry.

How were you and Roxie united?

I have adopted dachshunds in the past from Southern California Dachshund Relief. One of mine had passed, so I needed another to be a pal to the other dog. Since dachshunds are like Lays potato chips, you cannot just have one. SCDR called me and told me they had a female 2 years old who needed “a home with dachshund experience”. This should have been my warning and a smarter person might have run like the wind but I fell for this trick.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

Roxie was “Roxie” when she came to me. It really fits her. I also call her Momo, Dork, Spaz and at times, Satan’s Little Helper.

Please tell us about your new book, Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home.

While it might just appear to be a fun kids book, Roxie the Doxie follows Roxie from foster care to her “forever” home. The book is intended to allow kids to navigate adoption or other family changes by talking about Roxie’s journey, because kids find it less threatening to speak of their own feelings when they can talk about a toy, a character or an imaginary friend having the feelings (that are actually theirs).

Does Roxie do more to help or hinder your writing?

Roxie is very helpful because each day she experiences an adventure which gives me inspiration and ideas.

Cat, postman, rabbit…?

What some people don’t know about dachshunds is that they have a naturally very high prey drive. Given the chance to develop this drive, which Roxie has done in various scent and hunting competitions, she is happy to bark or chase anyone and anything. That said, I don’t allow her to actually chase people nor does she really have a chance to catch a rabbit or cat! It's all in good fun.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick…?

Anything not tied down is a toy for Roxie. She can dismantle a squeaky toy in about 2 minutes, at which point she will stare at me with a look of such horrible disappointment as if to say “geez, that one was too easy”.

Who is Roxie's best pet-pal?

Daisy, who is also a dachshund and a rescue from SCDR.

What is Roxie's best quality?

Optimism. Roxie gets up each day assuming wonderful, fun and exciting things will happen. And for her, they usually do.

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

That I would never leave the house without her.

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

I would ask Roxie if she was happy.

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

Without a doubt, Lady Gaga. Because Lady Gaga has the ability to have a variety of speaking voices, and Roxie’s bark changes depending on her mood, it’s a perfect fit.

What advice would Roxie give if asked?

Roxie would tell everyone to lean toward the positive in life, to try new things even if you are scared, and when in doubt, go for dessert.

Learn more about Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home.

--Marshal Zeringue

Lisa Fleetwood & Charlie, Rosie, and Barney

Who is in the photo at right?

I am Lisa Fleetwood and I’m an author and blogger from Sydney, Australia. I have three dachshunds. The black one is a male called Charlie and he is 6. His sister, Coco, died a few years ago and he was so lonely that we soon welcomed Rosie, the smaller dachshund on the left, and Barney, the bigger dachshund with the longer nose on the right. Mayhem then occurred! Charlie did not know what hit him with two puppies running around. They are both 2-1/2 now.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Today is a beautiful winters day in Australia today. Bright, sunny and ridiculously warm for winter at 26 degrees Celsius (78 in fahrentheit) so it is just too nice to be inside. We have a large yard and the dogs love being outside and sniffing around. Unfortunately while my son was taking pictures of me with the dogs I sat in dog poo, so that was fun...

What's brewing?

White chocolate latte!

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

A rawhide chew for each. As you’ll see from the pictures they are actually sitting still for a change. It is very hard to get a nice picture of all three of them!

How were you and your dogs united?

Charlie (and Coco, his sister) came to us in 2010 after our two previous dachshunds died in their old age. We fell in love with them straight away. Even though both my husband and I had owned dachshunds our whole lives, I now realise that it was then that our true obsession with dachshunds began.

In my book Destination Dachshund, I discuss the tragic loss of Coco, and how hard it was to come to terms with her death. Made even more difficult that it happened just days before a long planned 3-month overseas holiday. We were devastated and instead of excitement about the holiday there was a lot a tears. In the end we left Charlie with our very good friends and departed on our holiday, still grieving.

On our return we welcomed Rosie and Barney into our lives – it was so hard to lose Coco, but these beautiful puppies certainly helped us come to terms with it.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

We just loved the name Charlie, although in truth I wanted to go with Pancho, as there had been 3 dachshunds named Pancho already in our extended family and I thought we were due for a Pancho IV. But the rest of the family did not agree, haha! So we went with Charlie. And we chose Coco because we loved the name too!

Again with Rosie we liked the name, but with Barney – one of our favourite characters on TV is Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother, and from the looks of this little cheeky dog we thought Barney would suit him and it does. He is a rascal! But so loveable!

What is each dog's best quality?

Charlie is such a good ‘big brother’ to the puppies it is so cute to watch. But also he is the most well behaved dog we have ever owned. He is calm and happy and loves cuddles.

Rosie is a ‘Mummy’s girl’ and follows me everywhere – she is so cute and she has such a tiny face! So lovely to hear her excited whine every time we return from an outing.

Barney is the funniest dog I have ever met. We literally laugh at his crazy antics so many times every day. He has the biggest personality, the loudest bark, but is so vulnerable and a little anxious as well. We can’t help but love him, and Rosie and Charlie so much.

Your travel memoir is titled Destination Dachshund: Three Months, Three Generations & Sixty Dachshunds. "Sixty?!" Please tell us about your book.

Destination Dachshund was inspired by a travel blog I wrote during the “trip-of-a-lifetime” my family was lucky enough to share with three grandparents a few years ago. As a writer, blogger, dog lover and keen traveler, writing a memoir combining all of these elements seemed like a natural thing to do.

It offers a unique twist on the travel memoir with an often hilarious global dachshund-spotting competition at the heart of my family’s journey – accompanied by my quite well-behaved in-laws – through Turkey, Russia, the Baltics, Europe and the USA. Just days before we left, Coco was bitten by a red belly black snake and died. It was so heartbreaking.

We are all crazy about dachshunds yet little did we know that our competitive search of the loveable sausage dog in each of the 15 countries we visited would leave such an indelible mark on all seven of us. We spotted sixty on the trip and it really helped with our grief over Coco.

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

All of the above! Barney is the only one who can play fetch successfully, and loves to play fetch with a tennis ball. All three love toys and it is so hilarious to watch the play by play between them when they all want the same toy. This is when the true hierarchy of the three dogs is revealed. Charlie is the King and if he has a toy he guards it and it is so funny funny trying to watch Rosie and Barney attempt to get it off him!

Postman, cat, rabbit...?

Cat, postman, gardener, any visitor, snakes, lizards, birds, possums, turtles…. The list goes on.

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

They would bring them more food.

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

For Barney and Rosie: why do you bark at people constantly, people that we have welcomed into our home many, many, many times before?

For Charlie: Why do you roll in bird poo?

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

Well, I think Barney should be voiced by Neil Patrick Harris since we named him after one of his characters. He has the cheeky demeanor for Barney. He would nail it.

Charlie should be voiced by Tom Hanks because he is just my favourite actor, and would play Charlie so well. Rosie by Ginnifer Goodwin as she is just so cute, like Rosie.

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

Feed me every time I bark, it’s not that hard, Mum!

And the ball, when it goes under the lounge, don’t leave me hanging – get it out straight away - please for the love of dachshunds, get it out straight away!

Now, we need to have a discussion about the doorbell. When someone presses it, please allow craziness and barking to consume all three of us for a full five minutes with no interruption.

I love you, all the time, don’t ever leave.

Visit Lisa Fleetwood's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Meredith Mennitt & Watson

Who is in the photo at right?

There's Meredith Mennitt (F/30s/English German mutt) and Watson (M/3/long-haired dachshund). I, Meredith, am a book editor and artist. I especially love painting and printmaking! Watson is my muse and artistic director.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Mid-walk stop at an outdoor cafe. Little dachshund legs need lots of breaks during hot summer walks.

What's brewing?

An iced coffee with milk for me and a bowl of water (sans ice) for Watson. If there's ice in the water bowl he will try to dig the ice out and make a mess.

Any treats for you or Watson on this occasion?

No, but we'll probably hit up Mr. Softee on the way home for a small vanilla cone to share.

How were you and Watson united?

I wanted a dachshund since I was a kid and a couple years ago the combination of my birthday and a breakup (cliche, I know) made me go for it. Fantastic decision!

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

I wanted my dog to be my city sidekick & who's the ultimate sidekick? Dr. Watson of Sherlock Holmes fame! It suits him & I like the literary nod.

His nickname is "The Little Prince" because he constantly demands attention, admiration, and liver snaps. Also "Wats" and "The Doge."

Does Watson do more to help or hinder your art?

Definitely help! He has posed for portraits [left] and often reminds me to step back and take breaks when working.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Postman = pure evil! If it weren't for Watson, Linda, our lovely postwoman, would have murdered me for sure.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Ball, preferably one filled with a liver snap.

Who is Watson's best pet-pal?

Fiona, my cat. He loves her and she (barely) tolerates him.

What is Watson's best quality?

He can always make me laugh! He's very smart and I swear we have the same sense of humor.

If Watson could change one thing about New Yorkers, what would it be?

That they slow down! Everyone is in such a hurry!

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

Oooh tough one! Maybe a silly voice Hank Azaria would dream up.

What advice would Watson give if asked?

"Supreme confidence always!"

Visit Meredith Mennitt's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Lucy Keating & Ernie

Who is in the photo at right?

That's me, Lucy Keating, author of Dreamology, and Ernie Francis Keating, age 4. The DNA test I did said he is 1/4 poodle, 1/4 dachshund and 1/2 staffordshire terrier, which is basically a kind of pitbull. Nobody believes that part because all they see is the scraggly fur, and old man beard, but it's in his shoulders.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Ernie makes sure I get out of the house. We like to do an afternoon walk around my neighborhood in Venice, then occasionally stop for a coffee on the way home, and do a little people watching.

What's brewing?

I usually drink home brewed beans in the morning (that I always grind myself) so in the afternoon I sometimes grab a caffe mocha. I really wish I wasn't a coffee snob, but I am. It doesn't have to be expensive, but I am just particular about how it tastes.

Any treats for you or Ernie on this occasion?

Occasionally we will grab a pretzel Croissant from a bakery called Three Square and share it as we walk. Okay I eat most of it, to Ernie's great frustration.

How were you and Ernie united?

I had been thinking about getting a dog for a while. First I wanted a boxer or a pitbull, but I moved to Los Angeles and kept seeing all these crazy kinds of mixes that people had adopted. They weren't any breed, they were just dog. I loved them, and a friend sent me a photo of Ernie, who was being fostered by a woman in San Francisco. I went to meet him and that was it. A friend called and said "How did the meet and greet go?" And I said "Pretty well...he is in the car with me now."

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Ernie actually came with his name. By the time I adopted him he was 7 months old. His adoption papers, however, say Timmy. But the person who fostered him changed it. It suits him very well! If I'd gotten him younger I might have named him Henry. Ernie has a lot of nicknames. Erns, Ernie Berns, Oonie, Bear, Mouse, Tiny One.

Does Ernie do more to help or hinder your writing?

Hinder, unfortunately. He has this thing where he makes direct eye contact all the time, like he's trying to communicate telepathically. I think it's the poodle part of him. I read somewhere that when dogs do that they are just trying to read our body language and figure us out. But it's distracting. I can't even tell you how many times a day I turn and say out loud to him, "What?"

Has Ernie inspired the creation of any fictional dogs?

I hope that every book I ever write will have a creature of some kind, and there will be parts of Ernie in all. Ernie is not as calm as Jerry in Dreamology, but Jerry does the staring, and like Jerry, Ernie constantly loses his tennis ball under the couch, barks until I get it out, then promptly bounces it once and loses it again.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

All of them. "Death to squirrels! Save the village!" Is what I imagine him yelling every time he sees one. Sometimes they cause him to have legitimate temper tantrums on the street. It can get embarrassing.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

All of them. He's partial to deer antlers, and I only get him stuffed animals on special occasions because he will murder one in under 3 minutes.

Who is Ernie's best pet-pal?

Ernie's best pal is a basset hound named Bogart. One day we ran into Bogart's parents at a coffee shop near our house. The dogs sat together while we talked, and as Ernie and I walked away, I heard this completely heartbreaking howl erupt from the table behind us. Like, "Come back!"

What is Ernie's best quality?

He is an incredibly loving goofball. He can make shy dogs play, he can make people who are unsure about dogs smile. But he can be a bit over eager, so not everyone is into that.

If Ernie could change one thing about Angelenos, what would it be?

No more cars. He is terrified of them, and buses, trucks...I think it has something to do with his days as a dog on the street. Poor Ernie!

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

"Why do you act like you are going to eat our very nice mail man, yet do absolutely nothing when a creepy guy on the street tries to hit on me?"

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

This is Ernie's greatest mystery. Probably Sean Connery.

What advice would Ernie give if asked?

He would say don't forget to stop and pee on the roses once in a while.

Visit Lucy Keating's website.

Dreamology is among Eric Smith's top five YA reads that explore dreams.

--Marshal Zeringue

Laura McNeal & Link

Who is in the photo at right?

This is Link, our 5-year-old mini dachshund, running on the grass the day we brought him home.

I'm Laura McNeal, the human in the photos below and author of the recently released The Incident on the Bridge and other novels.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Link hates to eat out, which involves sitting on concrete for hours while people consume tantalizing things he can’t have. So I’m drinking my coffee at home while he enjoys his usual place in the sun.

What's brewing?

Starbucks French Roast through a paper cone. Then sugar and cream.

Any treats for you or Link on this occasion?

Crust from the French toast.

How were you and Link united?

I fell in love with a pair of dachshund puppies who lived around the corner from us, and although my husband Tom is a serial Doberman rescuer, he liked those puppies, too, and one day he said maybe we should get one. He was still just mulling the idea, but I found Link at a rescue place within 15 minutes and applied to adopt him immediately so Tom couldn’t possibly change his mind.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

Tom said if I got to pick the dog, he had naming rights. Besides being named after a sausage, Link has a lot of completely humiliating nicknames such as Noodle, Doodle, and Linky.

Does Link do more to help or hinder your writing?

Link could also have been named Muse or Prozac or Eternal Calm. I sometimes write on the sofa in the morning to be in the patch of sunlight that falls there. Link sleeps on top of the back cushion [photo right] until he gets too hot, and then he drops down like a piece of ripe fruit and goes on sleeping in the space between me and the couch. His complete happiness with doing that all day, every day, makes it easier to feel hopeful about my work. Plus, if he has crept into my lap, I don’t like to stand up and wake him, so I work longer.

Have you ever created a fictional dog inspired by an actual canine?

The first book Tom and I wrote together was a picture book called The Dog Who Lost His Bob, and it was the life story of a bowlegged Doberman Tom found in a park. The illustrator was having trouble making a Doberman look friendly, so the publisher called to ask us to change the dog’s breed. Tom was on the phone with them, and I kept shouting, “Tell them we’ll send the money back!” but Tom, who is a practical person, said of course we could change it. The dog in the story became a light-colored, curly-haired mutt and he was perfectly adorable.

Cat, postman, squirrel…?

Nemo, the cat next door. Nemo spends all his time, night and day, sneaking into our backyard and lying on the patio furniture waiting for Link to notice him.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick…?

Link used to chew on and throttle a stuffed Angry Bird but he has achieved Transcendence now and ignores all his old toys.

Who is Link's best pet-pal?

Link does not see the point of animal friendship. Other dogs have no access to the refrigerator.

What is Link's best quality?

The way he runs flat out for everything. Never a stroll. Always a sprint.

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

Their obsession with portion control.

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

Link’s best quality is his silence. We don’t ever have to think of what to say to each other, we just know.

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

Maria Bamford. She understands humans and dogs perfectly.

What advice would Link give if asked?

Stop making salad.

Visit Laura McNeal's website.

The Page 69 Test: The Incident on the Bridge.

Writers Read: Laura McNeal.

--Marshal Zeringue

Sarah Messina & Stella

Who is in the photo at right?

Hi! My name is Sarah Messina. I am a freelance artist and designer. My dog’s name is Stella; she is a 10-year-old mini dapple Dachshund.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I work from home a lot and Stella and I start a lot of our mornings with some freshly brewed coffee, she totally loves the smell.

What's brewing?

Freshly ground, New England Coffee, Blueberry Cobbler Medium Roasted. I usually take my coffee black, if made at home, or if it’s a wonderful flavored blend from a cafe. But today I added a splash of Baileys Irish Crème. It’s a rare once in awhile treat.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

I love making a toasted English muffin with peanut butter on it and letting the peanut butter melt a little before I dig in.

How were you and Stella united?

Every since my childhood dog Hasbro, a Cockapoo, passed away, I begged my parents for a Dachshund. I just love the breed; I think they are so adorable. So in 2005 my parents caved, said yes, and I began my search for a Doxie on the Internet. I came across a breeder in Texas. I first picked out one of Stella's brothers, an all black and tan Doxie. But then the breeder sent me a photo of Stella and I was immediately in love. We paid the breeder, drove to the Philadelphia International Airport (I am from South Jersey and was living at home at the time), and picked her up. She was so tiny I could not even see her in the crate at first. I fell in love even more (if that was even possible) then I did when I saw her photo for the first time. She has been a constant in my life ever since.

Any treats for Stella on this occasion?

Since I am having peanut butter Stella is have a tablespoon of it as well.

How did Stella get her name? Does she have any nicknames?

I was so excited about getting Stella that I got a baby name book out of the library, and I also searched baby names on the Internet. I kept coming back to the name Stella. It means star. I asked my father, who at the time was in his last few months of life battling brain cancer, if he liked the name and he said that he did, and told me go for it. So, I did. And yes, she has many, many, nicknames... Bean, Beanie, Nu Nu, Noosh, Chi Chi, Nee Nee, Bim, Bimie, Binki... She is so amazingly cute these names just come out of my mouth when I talk to her. Also one of my best friends, Devin and I have a special dog language for our fur babies, and they totally understand it.

Does Stella help or hinder your art and design?

She truly helps. No matter where I am working she is either nestled behind me in my chair, or next to me in her bed. It is a true comfort having her with me; it relaxes me and makes me feel happy. I will admit though, she can get a little needy with my attention sometimes and that does distract me, but honestly I would not want it any other way.

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

Oh, squeaky toy for sure!

Postman, cat, squirrel...?

Definitely squirrel first. Her body goes straight, her tail sticks out and she lifts her one paw off the ground as if in full hunter mode. Stella is a protector, so she will bark at a passer-by here and there.

Where is Stella's favorite place for an outing?

Honestly anywhere with me. All I have to say is ‘Want to go bye-byes with Mom?’ and she can’t wait to leave.

What is Stella's most endearing quality?

She knows when I am crying, comes over and licks my tears.

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

That I would be home 24/7 with her curled up on the couch, and never leave.

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

I love this question! I will admit though I asked my brother, Jason Messina, for his thoughts, and he said Judi Dench. And I 100% completely agree.

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

Have you loved your life so far?

What advice would Stella give if asked?

Be grateful for all you have, life is good. Oh, and if you have a long back like me, be careful of your leaps off the couch.

Visit Sarah Messina's website and Instagram page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Valerie A. Cody & Sundae

Who is in the photo at right?

Hello! I’m Valerie Cody, the founder, content creator and photographer over at Perfect Timing Photography. I also enjoy my time in front of the camera as a freelance model/brand ambassador. Find me on Instagram! I also work part-time teaching yoga to elementary school children. This little blonde “mini-me” is Sundae. She is a long haired, miniature, English cream dachshund. Sundae is a Libra who turned 2 on October 20th.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

I haven’t had a cup of coffee in a while, so I decided it was time to enjoy one. Also, beautiful weather and lovely company! What more could I ask for?

What's brewing?

Black coffee from The Gourmet Shop in Columbia, SC.

Any treats for you or Sundae on this occasion?

Sundae just devoured a Bark Bar in the gingerbread flavor. We feed her these because they are made with vegan ingredients.

How were you and Sundae united?

Sundae is a Carolina girl, she hails from Wilmington, NC. We picked up our little girl a few weeks before Christmas of 2014.

How did your dog get her name? Any aliases?

The thought process went like this: English Cream = Ice Cream = Ice Cream Sundae. The Cody household is absolutely overrun with nicknames, to the point where it is embarrassing. We try to limit our nickname usage when guests are present, but just know that we basically have our own language. Not even household appliances are exempt from the nicknames. So, naturally, Sundae has so many aliases that it feels unnatural even calling her ‘Sundae’ for the purpose of this interview. To name a few: Goose, Boppins, Sundance, Spook, Pookah, and Spookensyboppinschbeetle. No, that last one was not a typo.

You've got some great photos of pets and people on your website. Who are the more challenging subjects, pets or people?

Thank you! Overall, people are more challenging. Yes, pets have the shorter attention span, but that’s nothing which can’t be fixed by a dangling treat. However, it can be difficult to please people based on the bias they have of themselves. I may think he/she looks stunning in a photo, but the subject may be self-critical. It’s important to take a little time with clients before a shoot to help them feel confident and comfortable. This is the secret to capturing natural looking expressions and body language during a photoshoot.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Postman! Or pizza delivery man. Or passer-by. Generally, any human who isn’t my husband or me.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Definitely not a stick. But she loves a squeaky-ball!

Who is Sundae's best pet-pal?

Sundae’s best friend is Kona, a chihuahua-beagle mix. Kona lives in Florida now, but just the mention of Kona’s name will send Sundae into a frenzy. We attempted an ill-fated relationship with Royce, a pitbull mix. However, to no fault of Royce, Sundae is only comfortable around him when she is being held by a human.

What is Sundae's best quality?

She has extremely soft fur, which makes her extra cuddly. Oh, and her fantail. I can’t think of one dog owner who doesn’t love coming home to a wagging tail. It’s heartwarming.

If Sundae could change one thing about South Carolinians, what would it be?

I don’t think she would change a thing!

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

Do you think Leonardo DiCaprio will win an Oscar for The Revenant?

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

Definitely Robin Williams, circa Mrs. Doubtfire. (RIP)

What advice would Sundae give if asked?

She would tell us to keep calm and cuddle. To Sundae, everything can be solved with a warm blanket and a nap.

Visit the Perfect Timing Photography website and Facebook page, and find Valerie Cody on Instagram.

--Marshal Zeringue

Lacey Johnson & Lucy

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Lacey Johnson, and I am a writer living in Nashville, Tennessee. I am the content creator and founder of the online beauty, wellness & personal growth magazine TheDailyDoll.com. I am also a regular contributor on The Huffington Post.

My silly bundle of joy is a 3-year-old dachshund named Lucy. Most people swear she is my twin. I find it to be the ultimate of compliments, though I could never compare to her level of irresistible beauty and cuteness.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Lucy is always welcome to participate in my coffee indulgences. She is the most obliging of sidekicks.

What's brewing?

Today was not typical for us, though it was delicious. My brew of choice was the vanilla nut blend at Einstein Bagels.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Always. Sometimes it is something of sustenance, however it is most often some type of indulgent confection. It is now fall, therefore various types of pumpkin deliciousness have been enjoyed in between coffee sips as of late. There is such an “aaahh” factor where the sweet meets the bitter.

How were you and Lucy united?

We are approaching the anniversary of our first beloved encounter, actually. It was a typical Saturday in October 2012. My husband and I had just returned from our honeymoon, and I had been promised a dachshund as soon as we were married. He spontaneously found her on the internet, and we immediately made the hour-long drive to see her.

She was one of three puppies remaining from her litter, and we had never seen a creature so effortlessly beautiful and clown-like at the same time. Her delicate markings appeared to have been hand-painted. She rested her tiny 10 week-old head against my neck, and we just “knew”. Also, on the way home, she vomited in my hair. It’s par for the course, I suppose…

Any treat for Lucy on this occasion?

Most of Lucy’s treats are of the healthier variety. Yes, I am one of “those” dog owners. Also, we have to monitor her weight. However, I’m okay with an occasional moment of rebellion. I allow her to indulge in the “pup cup” during our random trips to Starbucks. Her entire body is involved in begging for it each time we approach the drive-thru window. Her eyes greet mine intensely as if to say, “Momma, this...is...the... place with the fluffy stuff that ends up all over my snout.” If we depart Starbucks without being offered a “pup cup”, she whimpers and shakes to such a torturous degree that I typically return to the store and shamefully plead for it.

Does Lucy have any special role at The Daily Doll?

I often refer to her as my “assistant”. She generally prefers to be fur-to-skin with me, so when I’m stuck in a writing rut or dealing with a technical issue, the comfort of her fluffy goodness is a reminder that life is just a celebration. It’s a reminder that the point of my writing and creating something at all is for exactly that - for the mere creation and enjoyment of something. It’s a reminder to not take it all so seriously, and to now allow doubt or negativity to contaminate the process.

How did Lucy get her name?

She just looks like a “Lucy”. Also, my family has long compared my personality to that of Lucille Ball’s. This dog is every bit as entertaining as Lucille Ball in all of her glory. So, her name was an obvious choice.

Does she have any nicknames?

Since I was a child, I have loved to experiment with sounds and “play” with the names of the people and animals I adore. If I have a special fondness for someone, their name is guaranteed to be altered in some way. Lucy’s first nickname was “Lucci”, spoken with a very exaggerated (and likely dreadfully Americanized) Italian accent. “Lucci” became “Doochie”, which eventually evolved into the current “Yooji”. Don’t ask, for I have no adequate explanation for such ridiculousness...

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

Bunnies are her “friends”. She isn’t a typical canine in that regard, though. She has no desire to hurt them, but only to run like the wind with them.

Who is Lucy's best pet-pal?

Probably her Uncle Buddy. She appreciates that he allows her to dominate him despite the fact that he is eight or more times her size. Also, he obliges when she feels like making him her personal pillow. She also gets excited each time she sees her Aunt Sadie (who she secretly refers to as “a crabby old lady”) as well as her cousin Hank, a pit bull who oozes with love and goofiness.

[photo left: Lucy and Hank]

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

Squeaky toys are abundant in our home. Lucy loves tennis balls, but her dainty mouth and paws prevent her from gaining control of them. They always end up under something - a couch, a bed, an end table, a toilet - therefore, it creates little more than repeated episodes of whimpering and hopeless digging. We had to hide all of the tennis balls in our house. I hope she has forgotten about them by now.

What is Lucy's most endearing quality?

Lucy is 12 pounds of spunk, sweetness and manipulation. She considers herself to be the family bodyguard, for she is always eager to defend the safety of our home when threatened by the sound of “intruders”. The problem is, the minute anyone enters the door and pets her, she melts into a puddle of syrupy flirtation, gazing upward and beckoning for belly rubs with her eyes.

Where is Lucy's favorite place for an outing?

Lucy loves to ride. Each time she sees me reach for my car keys, she stands at attention and nervously shifts from paw to paw. Riding is Lucy’s idea of a day at the beach. She doesn’t need the window down, she doesn’t need the wind in her fur, nor the sun on her face. She needs nothing more than a view on the move.

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

Lucy would request that I stop moving her from my pillow in the middle of the night because, seriously, who cares if there is no place for me to lay my head? Who cares if I awaken with a stiff neck at 3 a.m. after several hours of having only being granted an inch of pillow space next her “highness” (or, more accurately, “wiener-ness”). I mean, I’m disrupting her sleep.

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

It would likely be Rachel McAdams for her effortless use of her feminine wiles, but with an occasional splash of Kristin Chenoweth.

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

I’d ask, “Lucy, why are you so adamant in your refusal to ‘go potty’ outside when the ground is wet? Why is it such a miserable task?” of which she would likely reply with something in the realm of, “I don’t ask you to ‘go potty’ outside when it rains, do I?”

Visit The Daily Doll website and read Lacey Johnson's contributions on The Huffington Post, including "Dear Coffee, I Will Forever Be Your Biggest 'Feen'."

--Marshal Zeringue

Fiona Reid & Harris

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Fiona Reid and I’m a journalist and blogger living in Edinburgh in Scotland. I write about interior design and architecture and my blog is called Copperline. I’m owned by Harris, a 4-year-old miniature wirehaired dachshund, who hangs out on Instagram.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Usually Harris and I spend our days at home while I’m working, so we have tea together every day, but we’ve just been on holiday – a staycation, visiting places for day trips – and these photos were taken on a trip down the east coast to the beach at Seacliff.

What's brewing?

Black tea, no sugar. Always. I gave up coffee many years ago as it didn’t agree with me. Here, I had a flask of Twining’s Afternoon Tea, which is my go-to cuppa.

Any treats for you or Harris on this occasion?

We actually packed a picnic for this trip. I’m vegan, so there were hummus and salad gluten-free rolls, and Montezuma’s Sea Dog chocolate is my addiction. Harris had some milky chicken bones, which are his addiction.

How were you and Harris united?

My partner Richard and I had been talking about welcoming a dog into our home for a while, but then my Mum got a wirehaired dachshund called Bracken – more on him below! Richard has always been a ‘big dog guy’, but then we spent time with Bracken and realized that dachshunds are not small dogs. In fact they’re not really dogs. They’re little gruff and hairy humans who basically come into your life and take it over.

So from that point on we knew we would be getting a pal for Bracken. Bracken’s breeder recommended that we go and see Harris’s breeder, as we wanted a pup and we wanted a boy. There were two pups, one of whom the breeder was thinking of keeping. Only I laid eyes on him and knew he was coming home.

How did your dog get his name? Any aliases?

We wanted something Scottish and also kind of gruff, as by this stage we knew something of the dachshund character. Baxter was in the mix. Richard is from Northern Ireland so we also thought about an Irish name – Murphy. But then we brought Harris home and thought, no… Harris suits… Harris. It’s the name of an island in the Outer Hebrides that’s known for its beautiful beaches, and while we live in the city Harris is very much a beach pup. And it’s a gutsy Scottish name.

Aliases? Toodle. My Mum called me Toodles as a kid (when I was very young) and the shortened name has passed to Harris. And ‘wee man’, of course.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

We live in a top floor flat in the city. Harris is alerted to the postman when he swings closed the gate on the neighbouring property. If he misses this moment, there’s the buzzer as the postman requests entry to our communal stair. Harris goes nuts. Not just a little bits nuts. Full on crazy hound nuts.

Cat: we don’t see many, but I do feed a neighbour’s cat when they’re away and she teases Harris mercilessly, so he doesn’t understand cats. Neither do I for that matter, although I respect their independence.

Squirrels: we have squirrels in the giant tree in our communal back garden. They dig in the garden, and Harris smells them. He’d like to get his paws on a squirrel, I sense.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Harris got sent a squeaky Kong ball as part of his monthly DukeBox from Ruby & Duke, and he drove us insane for a few weeks until the squeak died. It was the only time he’s ever shown interest in a ball. Now, anything that appears with a squeak is used to taunt us, usually at about 9pm when we’re settling down to watch some TV or a movie. Every month, there’d something squeaky in the DukeBox…

No sticks though. Harris doesn’t fetch. You throw something and he looks at you as if to say, “That’s interesting. Are you going to get that?”

Who is Harris's best pet-pal?

His Uncle Bracken. Harris was introduced to Bracken (not his actual Uncle; we discovered recently that Harris is actually Bracken’s Uncle but this revelation was too confusing for anyone to deal with) on his second day home with us. For Harris, it was love at first sight. He came home with us, thought, “Who are these weird humans?” and the very next day, he met another him, only 18 months older and about 100 years wiser.

Uncle Bracken remembers this encounter differently. He wasn’t exactly delighted. Indeed that’s an understatement. Harris spent weeks, in fact, months, hanging from his Uncle’s beard at all opportunities. Bracken didn’t appreciate this. He liked his solo hound status. We thought he’d appreciate a friend, but he didn’t. It took time. Now, thankfully, they’re best buds.

What is Harris's best quality?

This is not a good question to ask a crazydogmama! Not unless you want a 1000 word reply! Okay, his affection and loyalty are profound. Harris is like my shadow. Wherever I am, he is. He’s such a devoted young man.

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

Harris wishes I didn’t spend so much of my day with technology, shifting from MacBook to iPad to iPhone. This is an addiction he could do without. Harris would want me to leave aside the tech and be a more outdoorsy person. Or someone who wanted to snuggle with him for 8 hours at a stretch.

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

Difficult question. Harris is an anxious little guy. He suffers from really bad anxiety when we’re in the city, when he’s out on his own with me. When we got Harris as a pup, Richard was unemployed – Harris was a “this recession sucks” pup – and he grew up with two of us around. That became his norm. Then Richard started working again and can spend long days away, and this change seemed to affect Harris’s confidence. So he struggles going out in the city, and I struggle knowing what to do to really help and to change the way he feels and acts.

So I guess my question would be: what do I need to do to make you feel secure and less stressed, and to believe that you’re always safe when you’re with me?

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

My first thought was James McAvoy, but Harris consulted some of his friends in the #SausageArmy (yes, this exists on Twitter) and the consensus is Ewan McGregor. Uncle Bracken would need to be in this movie too, so he would be either Patrick Stewart or Bill Paterson: the gruff and grounded voice of maturity.

What advice would Harris give if asked?

So I asked Harris this, of course, and he said: find yourself some good humans, and then give yourself six months or so to figure them out, understand their quirks, and work out how to go about their training. Humans can be resistant to change so you need to be patient with them. And if you’re doing to do a whole lot of bad stuff – peeing, pooping, barking, squeaking - develop a killer-cute look that will render your humans incapable of being annoyed for more than 5 seconds.

Good advice I think.

Visit Fiona Reid's Copperline blog and Harris's Instagram page.

--Marshal Zeringue

Susanna Zachary & Ripley

Who is in the photo at right?

My name’s Susanna Zachary and I am the owner-designer of SysterLi. I make handcrafted bohemian clothing for dogs. My mini doxie’s name is Ripley and she’s 3 years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

We just picked up some more fabric for ponchos and decided it would be nice to answer these questions on my laptop in the sun and away from the house and distractions.

What's brewing?

Today is a Chai Tea Latte kind of day. I found a new print for the Azalea & Oliver line we’re developing for SysterLi, all with repetitive animal prints, and it reminded me of something out of a Parisian child’s closet. For some reason I always drink chai tea lattes and Sangrias when I’m in Paris.

Any treats for you or Ripley on this occasion?

We share a banana.

How were you and Ripley united?

My husband Justin and I got her right before we got married, 3 ½ years ago. She wore a bow tie in our wedding.

Your Doxie Pool Pawty is getting famous. Is it going to be an annual event?

Is that what people want? Haha, yes, we’ve been getting a lot of requests to bring the event back as soon as possible. We were the first to throw a dachshund only pool party in the Hollywood Hills, so this thing is an entirely new species that we’re exploring and learning from. The response so far has been nothing but wonderful – so, yes, it would be heartbreaking not to bring the event back next year. Even as early as Spring.

Does Ripley have any corporate duties at SysterLi, your handcrafted dogwear company?

Ripley has demanded that she’d be the face of SysterLi. And we of course couldn’t say no. She is the most pleasant model I’ve ever worked with! I try to take her with me as often as I can, to restaurants and cafes, and grab a few stills of her in her ponchos and bandanas. There are so many inspiring places in Los Angeles. I’m drawn to the native, bohemian spots that serve eclectic food and drinks. I’m a sucker for hot sauces so naturally you’ll find me at places like Gracias Madre in WeHo who have one of the most beautiful outdoor seating plus they love canines.

Cat, postman, squirrel...?

Squirrels all the way. We have a couple of avocado trees in our garden and Ripley goes absolutely nuts when she hears the little creatures nibbling away.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Mini tennis balls with a squeaky-toy inside; right hand on the sewing machine; left hand tossing tennis balls all day.

Who is Ripley's best pet-pal?

Her best friend is a large grey cat named Kubrick, who we sometimes babysit.

What is Ripley's best quality?

She’s a loving cuddle buddy.

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

To slow down and enjoy the better things in life such as giving kisses, eating, playing and taking loooooong naps. To enjoy each moment. Oh, and less traffic. “I get so twaumatized when there are so many cars on the stweeets” – she says.

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

I love you, do you love me? Imagine hearing her say the words, “I love you.”

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

My husband is an actor and he has developed his own unique puppy language with her. Hence her speech impediment. “Who is a fuzzy whittle wazzzy little pooo pooo> youzeee izzzzz.”

What advice would Ripley give if asked?

When in doubt, hide under a blanket and reappear when you’re ready or when there’s food around.

Visit the SysterLi website, Facebook page, and Twitter perch, and check out photos from the Doxie Pool Pawty.

--Marshal Zeringue

Madison Weaver & Riley and Molly

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Madison, from the blog Color Me Madison and I am a student at the University of Texas. The two cuties with me are my dogs Riley (with brown fur) and Molly (with black and white fur). Both are female, longhaired, dapple dachshunds. Riley is about 5 and a half years old while Molly is 4 years old.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Since I’m leaving for my second year of college soon, I’m trying to spend as much time with my pups as I can! So if that means having a coffee date with them, then I’m game.

What's brewing?

Iced coffee from Starbucks with cream and sweetener. Since summer in Texas is miserably hot, the only way to drink coffee is with ice.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Sprinkles Cupcakes in Highland Park, Texas make adorable little doggie cupcakes. It also gives me an excuse to snag a few cupcakes of my own…

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

I named Riley and my older sister named Molly. We got Riley first, and for some reason, the name Riley just stuck out to me… so not too much of a story there. My sister got to name Molly since I named Riley. It was only fair, right?

How were you and your dogs united?

Since I was a little girl, my family and I always went to a Pet Land near our house. We would go almost every weekend and hold way too many puppies. One night, my parents and I went and got dinner and made our way to Pet Land after, like we usually did. We walked in just to look at dogs for fun, but my dad immediately locked eyes with Riley and fell in love. Seriously, it was love at first sight, like you see slow motion in the movies. A couple of minutes later, we’re holding her and decide to take her home – no question. At the time, we were unaware of the horror of puppy mills and the part that Pet Land had in it. Now that we have Riley, we are so happy that we saved her from potentially going back to a puppy mill. After doing more research on puppy mills, from now on we decided that rescuing dogs is the best option. With Molly, my dad was set on getting another dachshund. He found her online and brought her home as just a baby. We have two perfect dogs, but we are more informed now and know that in the future we should rescue and give dogs a second chance at a home.

Squeaky-toy, ball, stick...?

All of the above. Give our dogs anything, and trust me, they’ll destroy it. We have yet to find anything that can survive over 24 hours under their care.

Squirrel, postman, cat....?

Definitely squirrel. Just saying the word squirrel gets them barking.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

Each other! Having two dogs is so great because they have a buddy who is with them all the time.

What is each dog's best quality?

Riley is such a lover. She is our little cuddle buddy! She is always there to give kisses and love. With Molly, well, she’s just crazy. She’s fun to mess and play with. She loves to be active, play outside, and go on walks, so she always gets me moving.

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

Like I said earlier, Texas is hot. So in the summer, Texans tend to stay inside with this awesome thing called air conditioning. So I guess they would change our tendency to stay inside since they love to be out in the fresh air running around and chasing squirrels, even though they get visibly hot as well. In the Texas summer, it’s important to be extra careful as to not let your dogs get overheated.

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

It’s funny you ask this, because my dad loves coming up with voices for my dogs. But, since my dad isn’t a Hollywood actor, his voices won’t do. For Molly, I think of someone like Meryl Streep because I think Molly can sometimes be a bit pretentious. For Riley, I imagine Ellen DeGeneres because she is sweet and fun.

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

I would ask them what makes them happy. The most important thing to me is that they are happy and loving the life they have. So if that means more treats and more walks make them happy, then I’ll do it! They bring us so much joy and they deserve just as much. I remember reading a quote that said, “To you, dogs are just a part of your life. To them, you are their whole life”. I think that is so true and really puts into perspective how important it is to make them happy.

What advice would your dogs give if asked?

When the family is eating dinner, always sit by Madison or Dad because they are pushovers and will always slip you something to eat (and always whine for bacon, because bacon is awesome).

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--Marshal Zeringue