The Dogs Behind The Story
Whilst these dogs did not specifically inspire the books directly, these are the dogs that have had the greatest impact on my life.
I have been a massive fan of dogs ever since I can remember. My Grandfather was a breeder and trainer of working Labradors for over 50 years, he was a Gamekeeper at both the Invercauld Estate in Scotland and the Balmoral Estate.
I grew up learning how to respect dogs, they were entitled to their own feelings and I was to respect their space and their needs. Growling meant I had pushed boundaries and needed to listen.
Mark, a huge yellow lab, was my first friend and favourite companion. Ben, a black lab that was a puppy from my mum’s own lab Jet, was also a watchful and loyal friend.
Then came Max, a Springer Spaniel who unfortunately had “Rage Syndrome” – he taught me a lot about reading body language and boundaries. He was an amazing dog as long as his condition was managed and we avoided his triggers. He protected me from an aggressive dog and saved all our lives from a house fire when he was 14!
Poppy, another labrador, was oh so sweet, and my first experience in rehab. She was deeply traumatised and ever so sweet, she was also diabetic and with a myriad of health issues.
Biggles was another Springer Spaniel and my first Assistance Dog. He saved my life after I became disabled. Training him and his companionship pulled me out of the depression that threatened to drown me after losing my previous career, my health and my dreams. He was the sweetest natured boy and just so loving.
Charlie, technically my Mum’s Springer Spaniel, another rescue with so many issues but so much heart. He was reactive and so overwhelmed by the world but he wanted to please so badly.
And finally we have the two dogs currently in my life.
Bambi, a 9.5 year old black labrador, is my mostly retired girl though retirement isn’t her cup of tea! She was my Assitance Dog for a number of years and truly gave me my freedom for he first time since becoming disabled. Bambi was a “Free to Good Home” dog that learned so much from Biggles in the short month they had together. She has been by my side since 2018 and given me so much! Her love, her trust and her joy have made the world so much more accessible and bright.
Bywyd (Bo-whid for pronunciation) is my baby boy at 3.5 years old and almost finished with his Assistance Dog training. His name is the Welsh word for “life” and comes from a phrase my Granny would embroider on things back when it was illegal to speak Welsh. Sadly I never met Granny Mary but I did see one of her table cloths growing up, embroidered with “Bendithion Bach Bywyd” or “Life’s Little Blessings”.
I may hate much of my disabilities and health issues but my little blessing is having Bywyd by my side.
