Dan and Debra with their Coton de Tulear, Laila. 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.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.

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.
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.

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”

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.

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?

Source: Glen Close’s Blog