In a change from the norm, we interview dreamer and star of a new book, Dora, a four-legged friend who dreams of being a Guide Dog.
How would you describe yourself?
Like a dog with two tails. OK, I only have one tail. But we Labradors are famed for our exuberant, sunny personalities, and being a puppy, I’ve plenty to wag about. I should also mention, while many of my breed are black or yellow, I’m what’s called a ‘Fox Red.’ With my long legs and coat the colours of autumn, I could be described as the Lily Cole of Labradors.
Where is home?
Mostly in London with Beverley, my MTL (Mother-Two-Legs), and Lily, my yellow stepsister (pictured at the very top). We live near a cool park where I roustabout with loads of four-legs chums. Lily doesn’t run around much as she’s quite old. Sometimes MTL takes us to stay in Devon. Weirdly there are fewer places to run free in the countryside so I meet most four-legs in the local pub.
And work?
I’m an influencer responsible for providing MTL with ideas and social media opportunities. She’s a writer and I inspired her story about a puppy who grows up to be a Guide Dog. She named the main character after me and the story’s called The Dog Gets It!. It’s also the title of her recently published short story anthology. All sale proceeds go to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association – so the dog gets it. Get it!
What did you want to be when you were younger?
A guide dog.
What do you love most about the industry you are in?
The perks. I’m chauffeur-driven everywhere, meet loads of interesting people and pooches and get juicy chicken when I’ve performed especially well. Other than looking adorable, I don’t have to lift a paw.
Name a few of your favourite places to be …
Deal. This lovely Kent town is so four-legs friendly. Between October and May, we can play on the pebbly beach and splosh in the sea. It’s where I had my first swim. MTL likes the shops she calls ‘independent’ and she’s always popping off to restaurants without us. We all love walking along the coast for lunch at The Zetland Arms. It’s right on the beach and best of all, Lily and I are welcome inside.
What / who inspires you?
Lily is my role model. She’s constantly praised for her loyalty, devotion, and obedience. MTL says Lily’s the perfect companion, so I have big paws to fill.
What was the last gift you gave someone?
Artist Edwina Hannam considered me so pretty, she painted my portrait. I didn’t actually give it to MTL but without me, she wouldn’t have the painting, would she?
Tell us a secret/fun fact.
My portrait graces the cover of MTL’s book. Although for some inexplicable reason not all her tales feature dogs! But I can reveal each story is illustrated by artistic photographs. I bet a box of Bonios you’ll love the sweet one of me nuzzling Lily.
Who or what would you put into room 101?
The vet.
What’s been your biggest life lesson?
It took me ages to understand outside (not the kitchen floor) was the place to perform, how shall we put it, personal hygiene business. When I finally got the hang of it, MTL was like a dog with two tails.
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