Cookie with cat - or rather Dog

This is called 'Cookie with cat' because that is the pet name for the girl in the picture apparently. On the slide mount is written (quotes not mine) - "Cookie" with "Companion" on her lap on the living room floor. It's unfortunate that the picture is really under exposed - I wonder if a flash didn't fire?

The picture has an American look to me, but that may not be the case.

Update: John has pointed out (rather obviously) that the cat is in fact a Dog! (Oh dear - senior moment from me!)