Tawna Fenske & Bindi

Who is in the photo at right?

I’m Tawna Fenske, and I’m an author with three quirky romantic comedies scheduled for release from Sourcebooks, Inc. starting August 2, 2011. My trusty writing companion is Bindi, a two-year-old female Australian Kelpie.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

This is our morning ritual anytime I’m writing (which, admittedly, is most of the time). I cozy up at my computer with a steamy mug of tea while Bindi supervises from her bed under my desk. Her proofreading skills are excellent, though she does tend to get carried away with the love scenes.

What's brewing?

Most Oregonians are coffee fanatics, but I’ve never developed a taste for it. I love tea, particularly English style with lots of milk and sugar. Right now I’m sipping Earl Grey while Bindi snoozes and I brainstorm my next book.

Any goodies to go with the tea?

Not at the moment, but I usually nibble almonds or frozen peas or anything else that’s easy to snack on without removing both hands from the keyboard. Bindi is diligent about hoovering up anything that hits the floor.

Any treat for Bindi on this occasion?

She just cleaned the cat’s ears with her tongue. You probably didn’t want to know that, did you?

How were you and Bindi united?

Our twelve-year-old Akita/Shepherd cross died suddenly of an undetected bleeding tumor, leaving us completely devastated and our elderly Aussie mix confused and lonely.

Our vet recommended a companion for the elderly dog, so we found Bindi through a local rescue group. Like most Kelpies, she instantly knew what her “job” was. We’d go for hikes with the elderly dog (who was deaf and mostly blind) and Bindi instinctively knew to keep track of him and herd him back when he wandered off.

She’s also one of the most loving dogs I’ve ever known, and takes snuggling duty very seriously. When the elderly dog died last fall, Bindi and I spent a lot of time comforting each other.

How did Bindi get her name? Any aliases?

I had the opportunity to watch real working Kelpies herding sheep in Australia, which is an amazing thing to see. We knew we wanted a name with ties to Australia, but spent a few days mulling ideas. In the meantime, we kept calling her “little girl,” and according to some sources, Bindi is the aboriginal word for that. Most people just assume we named her after Steve Irwin’s daughter though.

You've got three novels coming out August 2011, January 2012, and August 2012. Does your dog have any influence on your writing?

Definitely! Bindi is parked under my desk pretty much anytime I’m writing, and I find myself distracted on the rare occasions she’s not there. Bindi requires a lot of exercise, which pretty much forces me to pry myself away from the computer take her for long hikes. It’s during those excursions that I often end up solving plot problems or coming up with my best ideas for how a story should unfold.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

Bindi lives with three cats, and she’s rather fond of all of them.

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

Bindi will fetch anything, and the fact that she’s ridiculously fast makes her a challenge at the dog park. We’ve never come across a dog who can sprint faster when fetching, so Bindi ends up being the obnoxious ball-hog no matter who’s throwing or what’s being thrown.

Where is Bindi's favorite place for an outing?

Central Oregon is a recreation lover’s paradise, and Bindi is a great hiking companion. In the summertime we explore the trails near the Cascade Lakes Highway and she swims in the lakes and rivers. She also loves frolicking in the snow during the winter months.

Who is Bindi's best pet-pal?

There are three cats to choose from, but Bindi’s favorite is a big beast known as Blue Cat [photo, left]. The neighbors dubbed him “Battle Cat” for his fearless nature and habit of moving like a tank. It’s not uncommon to have both Blue Cat and Bindi curled up together on the dog bed while I write, and he grudgingly lets her clean his ears every day.

What is your dog's best quality?

Bindi lives to please, so she’s super obedient with very little training required. She comes when called, stays close when off-leash, and will run through her entire arsenal of tricks with minimal prompting.

What is Bindi's proudest moment? And her most embarrassing?

Every now and then I let Bindi sleep on the human bed instead of in her kennel. She always seems proud of that.

As for embarrassing…two days after we got Bindi, she was still trying to learn the rules of the house. I was standing in the kitchen when Blue Cat jumped up on the counter. Before I could grab and remove him, Bindi leapt effortlessly onto the kitchen counter to join him. I was almost too stunned to scold, and when I did, she slunk off into the closet and wouldn’t come out. She was mortified.

Visit Tawna Fenske's website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue

Ann Crowder & Sage and Toby

Who is in the photo at right?

Hi, I’m Ann Crowder and these two are Sage and Toby. After years of Federal service as an accountant, I’m enjoying retired life with days full of dogs, volunteering and quilting. After Sage came into our lives almost a year ago, I decided to write a blog about her adventures growing up. Actually, she writes it—I just help with the big words.

Toby is our old guy. He’s 11-years old and is an Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) mix. He’s been with us since he was rescued at 15-months old. Sage came to us as a puppy from a local shelter when she was 10-weeks old and will have her first birthday on November 27. She’s an Australian Kelpie/Border Collie mix (our best guess), and, as you may have surmised from her breed, keeps us busy!

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Coffee at home is a must, but there’s always something brewing at our favorite indoor dog park-Fido’s. The raining season is here in the Pacific Northwest and taking Sage for a walk is like an appetizer. We don’t know what we’d do without Fido’s! There’s even a coffee bar there.

Sage at 10 weeks

What's brewing?

My favorite coffee is Stumptown, a local roaster. It’s the best! I like my coffee black, but occasionally, I’ll succumb to a latte or maybe a mocha.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Generally, not. Even when I go out to coffee with my yoga friends, I keep it to black coffee.

Any treats for Sage and Toby on this occasion?

They get their treats either before we go to the dog park or when we get home. I try to keep their treats high-value—like a carrot chew or a pumpkin & apple cookie.

How were you and Toby and Sage united?

Toby came from the Dumb Friends League in Denver, Co. He was 20 pounds underweight, had a big hematoma on his head and had been dumped several times. But he had a big smile on his face and we fell in love with him at once. He had no social skills and didn’t know how to play, but with a lot of training and love, he’s become a great dog. He never lets me out of his sight to this day!

We didn’t plan on getting another dog after Maggie (a Border-Aussie) succumbed to cancer in January, but I saw this little ball of fluff on Petfinder.com. She was originally in a shelter south of here and was transferred to our local shelter through the second chance program. Along with Toby, we went in to see what we thought. How could you resist her, we decided. Toby also put his stamp of approval on the deal--he was tired of being lonely.

How did Toby and Sage get their names? Any aliases?

We kept Toby’s name that was given him at the shelter. He had so much to learn that he didn’t need to learn a new name. Sometimes we call him “The Tobster” though!

Mystic & Sage in the cat tree

The name Sage was an inspiration of my husband’s. She can be called Sager-Wager-Pager, or SWP, or sometimes “The Brat,” depending on her latest puppy antics.

Cat, squirrel, postman...?

We have two cats that grew up with Toby and are around 8-years old. He’s very tolerant of them and I’d often find them sleeping together. However, Sage is another story. They currently co-exist and one cat, Mystic, will even tolerate her to some extent. One of Sage’s favorite spots is the lower level of the cat tree and often she will be there with Mystic in the upper level (the penthouse). As Sage gets older, we are sure their relationships will continue to improve.

Now, squirrels are a different matter. Both Sage and Toby are on constant guard against invaders into our yard. The squirrels love to taunt them by either running along the top of the fence or chattering at them from the trees. Fortunately, the squirrels always seem to outrun them!

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

Sage has a knack for chewing up most toys, so what she gets now is limited. I think her destruction record is 5 minutes! So we only have certain rubber balls and deer/elk antlers lying around. Sage does love to play ball though—so much so, that I think she’s a bit ball-obsessed! We generally play ball for at least two hours a day and sometimes more. Usually this is at Fido’s where we have room to let her run.

Sage at the river

Toby used to carry around a plush toy and would go to sleep with it in his mouth. That was a “game” he played with Maggie, who thought every toy was hers. It was a type of keep-away, I think.

Where is Sage and Toby's favorite place for an outing?

There is a very large park near here that is the delta between the Sandy and Columbia Rivers and is around 1400 acres full of trees, meadows and, best of all, the river. This is where Sage discovered water, and, during the summer, spent as much time as she could in it. We never had a dog that likes water as much as she does, so it gives us endless hours of enjoyment. She can find water even if it’s a mud hole! Toby loves long hikes and, as long as he’s with us, he’s happy.

Who are Sage and Toby's best pet-pals?

Sage met my friend’s Great Pyrenees mix when she was about 4-months old and it was love at first sight. The size didn’t matter to her—she doesn’t seem to be afraid of much. Every time they are together, they love to have a good romp.

Toby's proudest moment

When Toby was younger, his best friend was Maggie. About a month after Sage came to live with us, he decided this little pest was going to stick around and he became her teacher. Now that he is older, he is selective in who his friends are and occasionally will find a dog at the dog park that he likes.

If Sage or Toby could change one thing about you, what would it be?

I bet they’d like me to quit rationing their treats and find some juicy bones for them!

What are Sage and Toby's proudest moments? Most embarrassing?

Sage was very proud of herself for digging out under our fence and rolling in something very stinky and dead. Her most embarrassing moment was the bath she had afterward. That stink was all washed off and she couldn't even let her friends get a whiff!

When Toby was young, he loved to sit up tall and proud with a pink octopus in his mouth. I don't think he's ever gotten embarrassed.

Check out Sage’s latest antics at The (mis)Adventures of Sage.

--Marshal Zeringue

Anne Gracie & Chloe

Who is in the photo at right?

I'm Anne Gracie and I write historical romances (Regency era) for Berkley Books. My dog's name is Chloe. She's an 8 year old tri-colored Australian Kelpie with a little Blue Heeler in the mix. They're both working breeds — sheep and cattle herding — and she's fast, loyal and intelligent.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Writing my morning pages. I usually write them first thing in the morning, sitting in bed with the sun streaming in my window, a pillow behind my back, a fresh hot coffee at my elbow and the dog either wedged beside me or teetering on the end of the bed as she hurls abuse out the window at a dog who's had the cheek to pass the house. But otherwise she waits patiently, knowing we'll have a walk when I've finished.

What's brewing?

Home brewed Colombian fair trade coffee, strong double espresso with a little milk, no sugar. It kick starts my day.

Any goodies to go with the coffee?

Breakfast — usually a piece of toast with avocado or sliced tomato.

Any treat for Chloe on this occasion?

No, she's already had her morning bone. Doesn't stop her doing the imitation of the dog-who's-never-been-fed, though.

How were you and Chloe united?

It was several years since my beloved old Bessie-dog had died (aged 20) and for a long time I couldn't imagine any other dog taking her place. Then I dog-sat a friend's dog for a few weeks, and realized I didn't just have a Bessie-shaped hole in my life, there was also a dog-shaped one that needed to be filled. I planned to get a dog from the shelter in a few weeks, after a conference I needed to attend.

Then I made the mistake of walking past a pet shop and paused beside a snaggle of six puppies in a big cage. One woke up, saw me, and came straight over. I'm a bit superstitious about being picked by a dog, but I was going to a conference in two weeks, and in any case, I hadn't planned to buy a puppy from a shop, so I went home and tried to be sensible for a few hours... then went back, telling myself that if she picked me again, it was Meant to Be.

When I walked into the shop, there were a couple of kids playing with the puppies on the far side of the cage. No way any puppy would leave fun like that, I thought. But Chloe turned around, saw me and ran straight over, wagging her whole little body. So that was that. I'd been picked.

Does Chloe have any influence on your writing?

Definitely. I even have a page on my website called "If you want to be a writer get a dog."

I often include a dog in my books, but only if the story warrants it.

How did your dog get her name? Does she have any aliases?

I'd thought of calling her Mixi, but she just gave me a look and I realized she was a Chloe. My friends who looked after her that first time when I went to the conference called her LittleDog, and still do.

Squirrel, cat, postman...?

We're in Australia, so no squirrels. Cats definitely. Postman fine. Birds on the ground in her back yard? Outraggggeous! Each time she leaves the house she bursts from the back door and explodes into the yard like a woofing, bucking bronco, sending birds flying in all directions. Gives me a laugh every time.

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

Squeaky toys at home, tennis-ball-sized rubber/foam ball at dog-park. Actual tennis balls? For peasants. Frisbee? What is the point of catching a plate with no food on it? Really!

Who is Chloe's best pet-pal?

Toby-dog, a golden Lab who lives with the people who call her LittleDog. Chloe is smaller than Toby, but she bosses him shamelessly. The ecstasy and wild excitement when they meet is hilarious.

What is Chloe's most endearing quality?

She has lots. I love the way she curls up in the car, in the passenger seat with her muzzle planted firmly on my thigh. It's also very cute the way she shamelessly makes up to strangers at dog-park, sitting on their feet so they can't move away, and gazing meltingly up at them, offering a disgusting, drool-ridden ball as a (temporary) gift.

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

That I would learn to fling balls and walk as I write. And then I could write/walk/fling for 18 hours a day.

What’s the most amusing thing Chloe does? The most frustrating?

The funniest thing she does happens whenever I'm about to do a load of washing. The moment I open the lid of the washing machine or pick up the washing basket she flees the house and lurks in the farthest reaches of the back yard, watching suspiciously. Because naturally I'm going to shove her in the washing machine, aren't I?

The most frustrating?

There's not really anything, she's amazingly easy to live with, but if I had to pick something, it's her ongoing war with the monster in the hose. She doesn't touch the hose itself. It's the water that spurts out of it that needs attacking. Usually I just crack up laughing. But sometimes I think she's over it, then when I least expect it she will come flying out of nowhere, leaping through the air as her jaws snap on the evil jet of water. The water escapes, but I get drenched.

But really, she's a blessing.

Read an excerpt from Anne Gracie's new novel, The Accidental Wedding.

Visit Anne Gracie's website and blog, follow her on Twitter, and join her on Facebook.

Chloe stars in Gracie's featured post, "If you want to be a writer get a dog."

--Marshal Zeringue