Debra Messing is the Lucille Ball of her generation. Her great beauty, wit and impeccable comic timing were instrumental in making WILL & GRACE a pop culture masterpiece. Dan Zelman, Debra's husband, is a great writer. Every week on DAMAGES, the series Dan executive produces and co-writes for F/X, we are handed scripts that, simply put, blow us away. Debra and Dan, both extraordinarily gifted, have been well trained by Laila, their beloved Coton de Tulear; a rare breed known as the official Royal Dog of Madagascar; former companions of pirates, merchants and noblemen. Jake, Billy and I are thrilled to have them as our guests on LIVELY LICKS.
Laila, a Coton de Tulear, is the pride and joy of Debra Messing and Dan Zelman.
GC: When and how did you become a dog lover? Daniel: I never had dogs growing up. I had cats. Tons of cats. And birds, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, turtles... We were animal lovers, but, for some reason I never understood, we were dogless. Apparently, when I was a boy, I told my mother I wanted a dachshund. I never got one. Then when Debra and I moved in together, she said she wanted a dog. She grew up with dogs, and proudly calls herself a "dogperson." I resisted, not wanting the responsibility, but she said she would take care of it. Of course, I instantly fell deeply in love with Laila, and, despite Debra's promise, the dog care responsibilities fell mostly to me. And I happily accepted them.
GC: How have you balanced work with your dogs? Debra: As an actress, I have the advantage of being able to take Laila with me to work. She has grown up on sets and is happiest there. Daniel: As a writer, I've been able to work a lot at home over the years. So Laila has spent many hours sitting in my office, listening to me try out dialogue as I struggle over scenes. She thinks I am an insane man who talks to myself in different voices.
GC: Have you ever rescued a dog? D&D: No, but we would like to. Our next dog will be a rescue.
GC: How did your present dog come into your life? D&D: Through a breeder in Ojai, California. The breeder was very religious and constantly listened to religious music. To this day, Laila loves inspirational, Christian rock.
Debra and Laila.
GC: What kind of car would your dog drive? D&D: Some kind of white convertible.
GC: What would be the title of your dog's autobiography? D&D: "They Suck: the Story of a Neglected Princess"
GC: Is there a secret about you that only your dog knows? D&D: Our dog is the only one who knows how truly lazy we are.
Making your purchases count for charity is easy. Just start shopping from the list of products Debra and Dan have chosen in their Favorites Widget below. Or if you want to shop the entire FetchDog store, just start by clicking here. We'll track ALL your purchases—whether from their recommendations or not—and will donate a percentage of those proceeds to Animal Rescue New Orleans. There is no added cost to you—just do your routine shopping and FetchDog donates a portion of the sale, on behalf of Debra and Dan, to animal rescue efforts in New Orleans.
Animal Rescue New Orleans - www.animalrescueneworleans.org - dedicated to the rescue and aid of abandoned and homeless animals in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi, including responding to the immediate needs of those animals in need of medical care, or who have been neglected, abused and deprived of love. ARNO promotes foster, adoption, and reunion of pets with caretakers, as well as spaying/neutering of all companion animals.
GC: What is your dog's pet peeve about you? D&D: Not enough tug of war. Not enough treats.
GC: What is your pet peeve about your dog? D&D: Her penchant for rolling around in dead worms.
GC: What musical instrument would your dog play? D&D: Flugelhorn.
Dan with Laila.
GC: What does your dog think about cats? D&D: It is difficult to describe the depth of contempt Laila has for cats. The mere mention of the words "kitty cat" sends her into a mad, growling fit of rage. Seriously.
GC: What does your dog think about politicians? D&D: As long as they'll play tug of war with her, she's all for them.
GC: What excites your dog the most? D&D: Seeing people she knows after a long absence. She gets deeply attached to certain people and never lets go.
GC: What is your favorite thing to do with your dog? D&D: I like to give her a shiatsu head massage.
GC: If your dog were human, what would be her favorite movie? D&D: "Babette's Feast"
Laila fights for her favorite frisbee.
GC: What is it about you that makes your dog most proud? Debra: That I'm allergic to cats.
GC: What is it that makes you most proud about your dog? D&D: That she's bilingual. She understands commands in English and Spanish.
GC: Who does your dog sleep with? D&D: Us. Every night.
GC: Where is your dog's favorite spot at home? D&D: Atop the back of the couch near the door. She likes to be high up and at the ready when new people come in. She's a dedicated watchdog.
GC: Does your dog like to dress up? D&D: No. Hates it. Put a garment on her, and she freezes, paralyzed, refusing to move. Every article of clothing is a straightjacket to her.
Laila.
GC: Does your dog have a special talent? D&D: Not really. But for some reason people always think she's going to talk. It's the way she looks at people. There's something human about her gaze. So far, however, she has yet to speak.
GC: If your dog were a famous person, who would it be? D&D: Some tragic beauty like Edie Sedgwick.
GC: Is there a question you would like to ask your dog or vice versa? D&D: Laila's an "only dog." I'd like to ask her if she'd be happier with a brother or sister, or if she likes the undivided attention.
GC: What is your dog's idea of perfect happiness? D&D: Grass, meat, violent play.
GC: What is your idea of perfect happiness? D&D: Are you kidding?
* At their request, a percentage of all sales from clicks within Debra and Dan's recommendations will be donated to Animal Rescue New Orleans.
Animal Rescue New Orleans - www.animalrescueneworleans.org - dedicated to the rescue and aid of abandoned and homeless animals in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi, including responding to the immediate needs of those animals in need of medical care, or who have been neglected, abused and deprived of love. ARNO promotes foster, adoption, and reunion of pets with caretakers, as well as spaying/neutering of all companion animals.
I have two cotons; my first was purchased from a wonderful breeder and the other was a rescue. From the moment they met, they were soul mates, which surprised me because Rippley has all of the traits you described in Laila...including the attachment and the snarling. My rescue, on the other hand, is more 'go with the flow' and a wonderful addition to the family.
My take: if you get a companion for Laila, go the rescue route. Consider fostering a puppy first...we did and fell deeply in love with our Lucy!
Posted By Laurie on Jan 6, 2008
I love the title of Laila's autobiography! Hysterical!
Posted By Ashley on Jan 24, 2008
Yeah! More Coton parents! We love ours...we have two and just ADORE them to pieces...
Posted By Erin on Feb 12, 2008
I don't know if you will read these comments, Debra and Dan, but if you want to adopt a rescue dog, please check out our websites:
www.englishtoyspanielrescue.org and
www.goforthedogs.com
thanks for caring about animals so much!
Posted By Carter on May 15, 2008
And there you have it, folks ! Only doggie people would ever have as vibrant a Q&A on their brilliant, furry family member such as this one. And their insight into Laila's mind is also unique to the dog lover. Love it to pieces !!
Posted By Kyle on May 16, 2008
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Hello and welcome to LIVELY LICKS: Profiles of Dogs and their People.
I have been known for many years as an actress and, as you probably know, have played some characters who have not always treated animals – especially dogs – kindly. The truth is that I have been surrounded by dogs my entire life and am a better human being because of it. Our dogs love us and keep us laughing through good times and bad. This blog is a tribute to all the fabulous dogs who trot and wag their way through our lives and to the people who they have so successfully trained.
GC: How have you balanced work with your dogs? 
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