ALWAYS ON MY MIND — HOUND DOG

Hello Everyone,

I am a first-time author who lives in a South London suburb with my husband of nearly fifty years—Den.

It is a small village consisting of a pond, cricket green, a few shops and restaurants as well as a lovely old village church which is mentioned in the Domesday Book.

I retired sixteen years ago from what I think was the best and most privileged job in the world, namely, being a teacher and headteacher in a variety of secondary schools. I have many fond memories of students and colleagues and I am still in close contact with many of them.

After retiring I was able to spend up to three months every year in Perth, Western Australia where we have family, friends and guaranteed sunshine.

Why the Dog Who Arrived In A Box?

I have always enjoyed writing and remember two occasions in Primary school when I was entered into essay writing competitions. One was for the RSPCA and was about “Kindness To Animals” for which I received a certificate which I still have. The other was for the local Library and the title was “ The Adventures Of A Penny”. In those days pennies were huge! For that prize I selected an illustrated book, Lorna Doone by R.D. Blackmore which still sits proudly on my shelves. I was 9  years old. I loved nothing more than burying my head in a book, and that love of reading has stayed with me and been a great comfort in some challenging times.

My book is for children aged 3—8 years and Adults reading to children.

Why a Short Story About A Very Special Dog?

I first met Kai in 2012. He moved next door with his owners. He was a loveable, funny, mischievous, cheeky beagle—and very soon I grew to adore him, I started walking Kai every day when his owner became unwell and gradually we spent more and more time with him. Looking after him for extended periods of time and missing him more and more when we were in OZ.

Kai had a remarkable nature and was a great comfort and joy, especially in times of sadness. He was a catalyst for smiles, laughter and happiness. Kai was a bird or hound dog which meant he could run very fast.  He also loved food, beagles are used for detecting food at airports in Perth.

So it was a terrible shock when very suddenly, and unexpectedly, six days after returning from Perth, he became very sick and we lost him. This happened one week before the first lockdown in March 2020. The loss of his unconditional love, loyalty and companionship was overwhelming. He was always on my mind and I I thought that if I wrote a short, true story about him it would help to ease the undiluted pain.

I also thought that other people may be in the same situation and could identify with it.

What are the messages/themes in the book?

I would like to encourage children to have a  love of reading, and also to love and respect all living things. Many people added dogs to their families during the pandemic and inevitably one day they will lose them, so in some small way reading the book may help children and adults to explore their feelings around losing a much-loved pet. Other themes to explore include: being special, love, loyalty, relationships, sadness, humour, loneliness, memories, loss and grief.

I was thrilled when Austin Macauley agreed to publish and illustrate my book. The book is full of lovely, colourful illustrations. The illustrators were brilliant—completely capturing Kai’s mischievousness and his personality.

Thank you AM Teams.

 

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