Barking Blondes: Tricycle, Titchmarsh and Training
It’s over a year since our book was published and since then the market has been flooded with dog related publications.
So we were flattered to be invited to speak at Kilburn’s first literary festival, held at the popular Tricycle Theatre. It was a sell out and how gratifying to perform in front of a dog -loving theatre audience, with our own mutts Molly and Matilda by our side
Both of these dogs play an integral role in bringing the book to life. The only downside is that they both up-staged us. Simply having a dog in a room lightens the mood, relaxes people and makes them smile, and our girls simply love the attention. They are more popular than us!
Molly, the bull terrier, was on form at the Tricycle sitting in her grandiose fashion on a leatherette chair joining in the conversation with her ‘speaking’. The audience were amused at her peculiar ability to appear to understand and comment on everything we say …..especially as she is almost now totally deaf!.
Matilda’s natural ability to schmooze the bar area before our performance got everyone in the ‘doggy’ mood whetting their appetites for a barking experience. The girls are a foil and capture the spirit of the book.
We have come a long way since the first public reading of our book….to an audience…unfortunately…of one! ( and even HE had booked the wrong event).
Our piece was the introduction of our new dog, Dexter, from behind the set. Its only three months since we re-homed him and he won the crowd over with his cheeky smile. He loved his first book reading and even performed a perfect ‘sit’.
The final ever episodes of ITV’s Alan Titchmarsh show, sadly are transmitted next week. We have totally fallen in love with him over the past three series and we are arrogant enough to think he fell in love with our dogs. It’s the end of an era and Spun Gold, the production company, had created a real family feel. Watch out for his very last show….(its all very secret…but The Blondes make an appearance with the dogs)
Finally, training….and should you want to enjoy the spectacle of well trained dogs, head down to Discover Dogs at Earl’s Court this weekend.
Organised by the Kennel club it’s an event for anyone interested in a pedigree and learning about which dog is best suited to your lifestyle. It’s an opportunity to research and make an informed choice from over 200 breeds.
With so many dogs ending up in rescue, many, despite owners best intentions, are simply the wrong choice for lifestyle. If you enjoy walking on long hikes, possibly a bulldog is not your best choice……if you want a calm, unboisterous dog, probably a Bull terrier isn’t appropriate. If you want a small ‘airdog’ with a cheeky smile, then perhaps an English Toy Terrier, like Dexter is ideal.
If it’s a pedigree you are after, think of your lifestyle and not the latest canine trend!
And we are ending with a plea……enough of the fireworks please. Dogs all over the country have spent the last couple of weeks shaking with fear and anticipation of yet another random firework . STOP!!!!!!!!!
Barking Blondes by Jo Good & Anna Webb, published by Hamlyn, £12.99www.octopusbooks.co.uk
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