2011 has been something of a challenging year for me, as it has been for many people I know. On the positive side I have had two books out in my Scandalous Women of the Ton series,
Notorious and Desired, and am just finishing the final book in the series, Forbidden. One Wicked Sin garnered a RITA nomination and Whisper of Scandal won the National Readers’ Choice Award. I have been bowled over by the lovely reviews my books have gained and the lovely comments from readers. On a personal note I was able to take some wonderful trips around the UK and have enjoyed some very happy times with friends and family near and far.
A very sad thing that happened this year was the loss of our beloved pet dog Monty at the age of just ten years. Monty was almost universally loved by all those who knew him. Even non-dog people were won over by his sunny Labrador nature. His only failure was to convince our cat, Bob, that dogs are a Good Thing. Monty was a particular fan of Christmas (all those interesting parcels under the tree!) and so in tribute to him and to the season, here are a couple of photos we took a few years ago when we took Monty to see the nativity crib in our local tithe barn. He wanted to join in and since I am sure all manner of animals would have been welcome in the original stable in Bethlehem, we thought this was rather nice. So this is for Bellbridge Montagu, to give him his “proper” name, the best animal companion a writer could ever have. Wishing you and all your family and friends, furry and other, a very Happy Christmas.
Ah Nicola, I’m so sorry for the loss of your Monty. I adore dogs that are kind, caring and loving around other people. I know from experience how hard it is to lose a beloved dog.
I have to say Nicola that I adore all of your books. I’m also very privileged to know you and have you as a “friend”. Albeit, just on Facebook, but I intend to meet you when I next come home for a visit.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.
Diane, how lovely of you. Thank you. I haven’t posted about losing Monty on the blog before because it has been very hard. He was one of the best and I miss him very much.
Thank you too for your lovely comments about my books. One of the things I value most about writing is that it has put me in touch with people all over the world. It doesn’t matter if I know them in person or through facebook or email or any other way, even old-fashioned letters. It’s lovely!
Nicola, how very sad to lose your faithful, loving Bellbridge Montagu.
All of our dogs, over a 30-year period, have been strays whom we “rescued”, but any dog owner knows that it’s the dog who brings smiles to our faces when we are down, who demands a pat just when we need one most. May your memories of those moments bring you solace as Monty would want.
Many thanks, Liz. I do have many happy memories of Monty, not least the look of total horror on his face when the first of our guide dog puppy trainees arrived and he realised that he was going to be a “mentor dog!” we have a new guide dog puppy arriving in a few weeks and I shall have lots of memories of Monty then and the way in which he taught the babies to be good dogs!
A blog about guide dogs:
http://booksbylyncote.com/SWBS/reader-shares-true-story-of-strength/amish-author-suzanne-woods-fisher-lancaster-county-christmas-book-giveaway
As she says, “Service dogs are special. So are the people who train them.” Such wonderful work you are doing.
Thank you!
So sorry about Monty Nicola – I know how hard it is to lose pet family members, but wonderful that you loved each other so well.
I do hope you and your family have a lovely Christmas and New Year – we will be spending ours with our other furry friends, including Merrick the cat who we rescued in June. His first Christmas
Thank you so much, Alison. I hope that you all have a wonderful time and that Merrick enjoys his first Christmas!