-- Reviews by the Famous and well Known
(Linda Lusardi and compiler Sheila Collins with a copy of 'Celebrities' Favourite Pets').
Linda Lusardi, Actress, Television Presenter and Former Page Three Girl
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(Ann Widdecombe with a copy of 'Celebrities' Favourite Pets').
Ann Widdecombe, Former Politician
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My thanks to all the celebrities who have contributed their special pet memories to this charming book.
PDSA provides free veterinary care to the sick and injured pets of people in need and promotes responsible pet ownership. In 2009, delivery of PDSA Pet Aid services will cost more than £49 million. The charity is funded entirely by public support; mainly through gifts in wills, donations and trading.
By buying this book, you have helped PDSA to care for more pets in need of vets. On behalf of all our pet patients, I thank you for your generosity.
Jan McLoughlin, PDSA (Director General)
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I am delighted to write this foreword as having been associated with animals all my life, although mostly with racehorses, I have always cherished the dogs and cats I have had as pets.
My favourite dog was a Jack Russell called “Linney”, who was a great character and was definitely a man’s best friend.
It is certainly a very different book, and a great insight into other celebrities’ favourite pets. It also supports and benefits the PDSA which is a wonderful cause.
Sheila has produced a unique and fascinating book which will make an interesting read for all ages.
Bob Champion MBE, Ex-Jockey (Grand National Winner 1981) - Written the Foreword
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-- Newspaper and Website Reviews
OUR ANIMAL MAGIC
JUST what makes a favourite pet such a close companion? Here some celebrities reveal their unusual love affairs
* JENNY AGUTTER ACTRESS
I can’t remember when we acquired our two dogs Alexandria and Victoria. Named after royalty, it seemed they were always there. They were a strange combination of breeds: highly strung miniature poodle Vicky and determinedly naughty, smooth-haired dachshund Alex. I remember trying to train them to no avail. On one particular occasion I remember the dogs were left home alone. Alex managed to open a cupboard in the kitchen in which, among other things, there was a bag of flour. By the time we arrived home both dogs and the entire kitchen were white, coated in a dusting of Homepride!
* JULIA BRADBURY TELEVISION PRESENTER
They say a dog needs a master but Lotte doesn’t have one, she has many and they are mostly mistresses. A black miniature schnauzer, she was bought principally for my nephew Jack as an easygoing hound. She’s a funny, scatty little thing and because we as a family are often on the move she stays with all of us at some time or another. She has her own little routine in each home: with mum and dad she has a doggy beanbag that she loves.
When she’s staying with me she always escapes and heads out to run wild through the neighbours’ gardens.
* JO BRAND COMEDIENNE
I grew up with cats, we always had one – and since we lived in fairly rural places I think I can say our cats had a good life. After a long cat-free break we have a feline presence in our house and in ever-increasing numbers. There are currently four, one with a brood, who were not really invited or expected but we’ve found them all “good homes”.
Their individual personalities are an absorbing distraction from household chores. I am fond of them all. I admire their self-possession and self-assurance, from total indifference to suddenly seeking my undivided attention – sounds a bit like my husband!
No doubt I will have cats well into my dotage. The two of us will take off with a caravan in tow, park up on the hardcore of some convenient poet or wit and enjoy a little luxuriant laziness – well, that’s my fantasy.
* GEOFF CAPES FORMER BRITISH SHOT-PUT CHAMPION
My favourite pets are my budgerigars as I compete at shows throughout the country and it keeps my competitive instinct alive. I would, however, keep them as pets, as I think that birds are wonderful and there are so many different colours to look at.
* EDWINA CURRIE AUTHOR & FORMER MP
Our German shepherd Sheba came to us in March 2005 and just kept growing. She’s big and hairy but totally beautiful with a lovely nature.
Her companion Bruce is a dog from Greek Animal Rescue. He’s about seven years old we think and shows his true colours whenever dinner is on the table.
He’s mostly a hound – brown and long-eared, with a daft smile. He was dumped on the rubbish tip in Skiathos in northern Greece, perhaps because he’s a dead loss as a hunter.
He loves chasing rabbits in the fields near our house in Surrey but if he caught one it would be a miracle – he makes such a hullabaloo as he streaks across the landscape. Ten minutes and miles later he has completely forgotten where he was supposed to be. But since he knows what hunger is all about he’s a walking stomach.
Bruce could eat for England but is curiously selective. He despises dog kibble but plain bread is fine. He has obviously begged at many Greek café tables. Tap water doesn’t suit but any dirty puddle will do. He’ll clean up any pan, any dish, dig into any rubbish bin. His eagerness gives my heart a wrench as he obviously had to do it before just to survive.
* LINDA LUSARDI MODEL & ACTRESS
I would have loved another baby but age wasn’t on my side so I bought a minute dachshund instead. We call her Koko and she is the sweetest little dog I have ever encountered.
She has the cuddliest soft coat I have ever felt. We have had her for four years and my daughter Lucy, 12, and my son Jack, nine, love her as much as I do. She completes our family and keeps me company when my husband Sam is on tour. She snuggles next to me on the couch while I watch TV and she sleeps with me when I’m on my own.
She has put up with so much, especially when the children were younger, and she only barks when someone comes to the door. I was never allowed a dog as a child and now our house would seem empty without her. I didn’t realise you could love an animal so much.
She really is my third baby.
* ANN WIDDECOMBE MP
In the course of six decades I have had many cats, all with their own little ways and special characteristics but perhaps the most memorable has been Monty.
I was 10 when he arrived. I had been begging my parents for a cat but they steadily refused because we had a dog, Tim, and my father believed animals should be obtained at the same time to avoid jealousy.
Then one evening my brother arrived home with Monty, a small smoky kitten, in the saddlebag of his bicycle, whom he had rescued from a chicken farm. He got on famously with the dog from day one and Tim became very protective. If anyone told Monty off Tim would growl menacingly. Two years later we moved to Bath.
We took Monty to the new house the night before we moved in and shut him in a room with the window firmly secured by two different catches.
However, the following day we arrived to find the window open and Monty gone.
He had released both catches, pushed open the window and jumped from the first floor. Who says cats are less intelligent than dogs? Distraught, we left the removal men to it and combed the surrounding countryside calling
“Monty! Monty!” Our shouts fell on deaf ears and we returned mournfully to the new house.
Then, long after I was in bed, he walked nonchalantly up the garden path, located the kitchen with unerring instinct and demanded food.
He was a terrific hunter and I would often be asked by my more squeamish mother to remove mice and voles from the house. But once he brought home a pheasant and our admiration knew no bounds.
Alas, one of his catches poisoned him and he died after a short illness.
We did not get another cat for a few years. Somehow it seemed disrespectful to replace Monty.
* RODNEY MARSH FORMER PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLER
Over the years dogs have always been a huge part of the Marsh family. All girls, they started with Chelsea, who was a rescue dog (yellow Labrador).
Due to bad hips and lots of ailments, we lost her at eight months, which upset the family terribly. Immediately after we decided to get Stepney, the first golden retriever, and it wasn’t too long before we got a little mate for her, another golden called Putney, who had the most wonderful disposition of all.
Putney and Stepney were so close and did everything together. Stepney passed away aged 121⁄2, followed by Putney, who lived to 12. Her death upset the family more than any other. We were all crying for weeks and it took a very long time to get over her loss.
My son Jonathan, trying to alleviate the heartache of Putney’s death, brought home Rosie (yet another golden), aged five weeks: a mistake to take her from her mother so young. It’s fair to say that Rosie was the devil dog.
Having no maternal discipline and being the alpha influence she was uncontrollable but she still brought us much joy and happiness and was tied to my wife Jean’s hip.
Rosie unfortunately died in January this year at age eight. Currently the Marsh family is dogless after 25 years of having at least one dog under our roof but that may change very soon.
* SAMIA SMITH ACTRESS
My favourite pet is my dog Sonny. He is a Maltese terrier and spoilt rotten. We got him when he was 10 weeks old and he has been a major part of the family from day one.
He has a great personality, is really loving and very cheeky. Considering he is only a small dog he demands more walks than a labrador so he keeps us really fit.
I think the saying that “a dog is a man’s best friend” couldn’t be more true, it so enriches your life.
***** To order Celebrities’ Favourite Pets by Sheila Collins (Apex Publishing, £9.99) send a cheque payable to Express Bookshop to Celebrities’ Pets Offer, PO Box 200 Falmouth TR11 4WJ or tel 0871 988 8367 (calls cost 10p a min from BT landlines) or online at http://www.expressbookshop.com. UK delivery is free.
Some profits will go to the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals.
Daily Express
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
Cornish Guardian
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EDWINA CURRIE AND JO BRAND TELL OF PAMPERED PETS FOR NEW BOOK
* British celebrities including former MP Edwina Currie, actor Nigel Havers and comedian Jo Brand have revealed all about their pampered pets for a new book.
Edwina Currie revealed she has a big and hairy German Shepherd called Sheba Photo: PA
The stars have written a few lines each about the relationships they enjoy with their animals to help raise cash for charity the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA).
The ex-Conservative MP Edwina Currie revealed she has a “big and hairy” German Shepherd called Sheba, while bling-loving darts player Bobby George said he owns five Jack Russells named Visa, Twopee, Fiver, Gilda and Cash. Only Fools and Horses star John Challis, who played dodgy car dealer Boycie, has a cat called Fluffy and TV sports presenter John Inverdale has a "soothing and reliable presence" in the form of his goldfish Motivator.
Author Sheila Collins, 65, spent six months compiling the anecdotes from almost 100 celebs to raise money for PDSA.
"It's taken a lot of hard work and I cannot thank the celebrities involved enough. Without them, there wouldn't be a book at all," the former secretary, from St Austell, Cornwall, said.
"I loved reading their stories. Some were hilarious and others very moving – it was, you might say, a roller-coaster of emotions."
Jo Brand, who has four cats, wrote: "Their individual personalities are an absorbing distraction from household chores, answering emails and contemplating my navel.
"I admire their self-possession and self-assurance – from total indifference to suddenly seeking my undivided attention – a bit like my husband!"
The actor Nigel Havers said: "My favourite pet is called Hottie. She belongs to my PA and is technically a witch as she has five toes on her front paw.
"I gave her a designer coat from Los Angeles but forgot to buy my wife or daughter anything – I was too busy thinking of the grateful kisses I would get from Hottie."
TV presenter Matthew Kelly said he is still coming to terms with the death of his Old English sheepdog, Cassie.
The Stars in Their Eyes frontman said: "She and I shared something quite extraordinary – an unconditional and total love.
"I still miss her but am always thankful that she decided to share her life with me."
Daily Telegraph
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
The Weekly News
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
The Scottish Sun
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HOW PETS ADD SPARKLE TO STARS’ LIVES
IT'S A case of animal magic for some of Britain's favourite celebrities who have revealed all about their pampered pets in a new book compiled by a Cornish woman, writes the WMN's Lyn Barton.
Successful author Sheila Collins decided to put together Celebrities' Favourite Pets after wondering if stars of stage and screen were animal lovers.
The book, which will raise money for the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, reveals some fascinating insights.
John Challis, the wide boy Boycie of Only Fools and Horses and Green Green Grass fame, has a semi-feral cat called Fluffy. And strongman Geoff Capes couldn't bear to be parted from his beloved budgies.
It was a real eye-opener, said Mrs Collins, a retired NHS secretary who lives in Roche, near St Austell.
"What really came through is how much people love their pets. At first, I thought that the celebrities wouldn't answer, but they did and I was really surprised by how much they wrote about their pets.
"It really shows how much people love their pets and that celebrities often have very ordinary pets.
"There were a lot of surprises. I thought John Challis would have a big Irish wolfhound or a rottweiler or something. But it turns out he has a little black and white part-feral cat called Fluffy which he inherited when he moved into his house.
"The sports presenter John Inverdale's pet is a goldfish, called Motivator – another surprise."
TV presenter Julia Bradbury confessed her love for a miniature schnauzer called Lottie, which she described as a "scatty little thing" with "thick wildish hair" like many of the women in her family.
Former glamour model Linda Lusardi is dotty about her miniature dachshund.
Meanwhile comedian Jo Brand, who has four cats, says they are an "an absorbing distraction".
Actor Nigel Havers says his favourite pet, Hottie, belongs to his personal assistant. He gave Hottie a designer coat from Los Angeles "but forgot to buy my wife or daughter anything".
Mrs Collins wrote the successful Truffle's Diaries books, which give a wry observation of human lives from the point of view of a cat.
The author will be signing copies of her book at various locations around the region and at the St Austell branch of the PDSA on December 5.
Western Morning News
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
The Brit (Madeira Newspaper)
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
www.pdsa.org.uk
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
Ipswich 24 Magazine
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TELEVISION STAR HIGHLIGHTS CANINE CAPER
By Martin Dawes
COUNTRYFILE presenter Julia Bradbury shares her pet dog Lotte with the rest of her family and it always gives her the runaround.
Sheffield-raised Julia has contributed to a new book, Celebrities' Favourite Pets in aid of the PDSA, now out.
She says: "They say a dog needs a master but Lotte doesn't have one. She has many and they are mostly mistresses.
"A black Miniature Schnauzer, she was bought principally for my nephew Jack as an easygoing hound. Schnauzers are famously even-tempered and they don't moult. Jack wanted one because of a cartoon dog called Lotte that he'd fallen for. She's a funny, scatty little thing and because we as a family are often on the move she stays with all of us at some time or another.
"She has her own little routine in each home. When she's staying with me she always escapes and heads out to run wild through the neighbours' gardens. She doesn't have the standard Schnauzer haircut (a little 'man-beard') - instead she sports a shaggy do. The women in the family are of Greek descent and so we've all got thick, wildish hair - just like her."
The book is published by Apex at £9.99.
The Star
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
Your Cat Magazine
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Dogs, fish, cats ... these and myriad other animals provide an almost voyeuristic insight into the pet-lives of some of the nations best-known celebrities, from actors to politicians. Edwina Currie loves dogs - and calls them her favourite people. Sports presenter John Inverdale has a goldfish called Motivator which he won at a fair on Epsom Downs and, would you believe, actress Valerie Leon had a tomcat called Jim which seemed to have positively psychic abilities.
This fascinating tome was compiled by Sheila Collins in aid of the PDSA, and the foreword was written by Bob Champion, MBE. If you're an animal lover and ever wondered what the Great and the Good do when it comes to pets, then this book is for you. An inspirational work which proves that when it comes to pets, even mega-stars have a real soft spot.
Mike Hallowell, The Shields Gazette
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Celebrities' Favourites - Celebrities' Favourite Pets
Compiled by Sheila Collins, author of the 'Truffles' Diaries' series, with a foreword by jockey Bob Champion MBE, Celebrities' Favourite Pets is published in aid of the Peoples' Dispensary for Sick Animals, the PDSA.
Published by Apex Publishing - ISBN 1-906358-68-0 - RRP £9.99
Described as a 'fun book‘ providing an insight into the relationship or thoughts of almost a hundred people in the public eye and their pet animals.
We found Celebrities' Favourite Pets to be a great coffee table book, to pick up and read the short personal contributions whenever there was a spare moment in the day. You'll probably be as surprised as us to find out which animals some celebrities choose to share their lives with. An example being Geoff Capes' Budgies!
It won't matter how old you are you'll recognise loads of celebraties from every public discipline: politics, sport, TV, fashion and more, giving a light hearted, sometimes poetic or poignant, look into the human connection to pet animals in Celebrities' Favourite Pets.
Well done Sheila Collins and Apex Publishing, and thank you PDSA for providing 'For pets in need of vets'.
www.petmag.co.uk
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CAPTAIN Jack knows that lots of Clipper Club members are very fond of animals.
So he is sure that you will be interested to hear about a book, released last Friday (NOV 6), in aid of the PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals), which provides free veterinary treatment to sick and injured animals.
Celebrities' Favourite Pets has been put together in aid of the PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) who provide free veterinary treatment to sick and injured animals.
Apex Publishing Limited's author Sheila Collins has put together her new Celebrities' Favourite Pets: In Aid of the PDSA.
And the fun book provides a fascinating insight into the favourite pets of people in the public eye and, along with the obvious choices, there are bound to be one or two surprises as we find out which animals celebrities choose to get close to.
Hopefully the book will also get people thinking about the relationship we have with our pets.
With a fitting forward by former jockey and trainer Bob Champion MBE, this book supports the work of the UK's leading veterinary charity and reminds us of the responsibility we all have towards ensuring that the nation's pets are happy and well looked after.
So if you'd like a copy of the book for Christmas, don't forget to write a letter to Father Christmas putting it on your "wish list."
Rotherham Advertiser
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PDSA LAUNCHES ITS NEW BOOK
Shropshire Star
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
Full House Magazine
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
Portsmouth News
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
Newquay Voice
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
Ilford Recorder
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
Pet Gazette
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
South Yorkshire Times
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
Irvine Times
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
Newark Advertiser
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
Tenby Observer
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
Greenock Telegraph
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
Well Beloved Magazine
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Once again we are coming to the end of the year and Xmas will be upon us in a few weeks time. This month I have chosen to review a couple of books that could be useful stocking fillers and also two other books, that when I read had a profound impact.
Celebrities´ Favourite Books and Celebrities’ Favourite Pets are both published by Apex Publishing with all proceeds going to charity. Celebrities´Favourite Books has been compiled by Jeff Thorburn, with the proceeds going to The Alzheimer´s society. A vast number of celebrities have been contacted with the aim of discovering what books they have enjoyed reading. Tony Benn comments that his choice would be The Guinness Book of Records as it shows us how much each of us can achieve. The Wind in The Willows is a favourite of a number of celebrities including Jeremy Bowen, Eileen Atkins and Kenneth Branagh. A number of politicians appear in this compilation with David Cameron choosing Robert Grave’s Goodbye to All That and Charles Kennedy praising The Day of The Jackal by Frederick Forsyth. If you are an avid reader this is an enjoyable book and will remind you of books you may have read but will also give suggestions for future reading. Celebrities’ Favourite Pets is compiled by Sheila Collins with the proceeds going to the PDSA. On the whole most of the favourite pets are dogs but Geoff Capes favourite pets are budgerigars and Scott Hinds, actor, has a parrot. Throughout this compilation there are many tales of life living with different pets, some of which are quite heart breaking.
Tenerife Property Guide
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
Island Connections: The Canary Island's Biggest Fortnightly English Newspaper
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
Cat Chat: Cat's Protectiopn Newsletter (Harlow, Epping Forest & District Branch)
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE PETS
www.moggies.co.uk
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-- Book Signings and Events
Sheila Coillins signed copies of her books 'Celebrities' Favourite Pets' and 'Truffles' Diaries' at Kingsley Village Shopping Centre, Cornwall.
Kingsley Village Shopping Centre, Cornwall
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Sheila Collins signed copies of her books 'Celebrities' Favourite Pets' and 'Truffles' Diaries' at Waterstone's, Truro.
Waterstone's, Truro
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Sheila Collins signed copies of her books 'Celebrities' Favourite Pets' and 'Truffles' Diaries' at Waterstone’s, New George Street, Plymouth.
Waterstone’s, New George Street, Plymouth
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Sheila Coillins signed copies of her book 'Celebrities' Favourite Pets' at PDSA, St. Austell.
PDSA, St. Austell
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Sheila Coillins signed copies of her books 'Celebrities' Favourite Pets' and 'Truffles' Diaries' at Waterstone’s, Drake Circus, Plymouth.
Waterstone’s, Drake Circus, Plymouth
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19 November 2011 - Sheila Collins signed copies of her books 'All at Sea with Truffles', 'Truffles' Diaries' and 'Celebrities' Favourite Pets' at Supreme Cat Show, Birmingham.
Supreme Cat Show, Birmingham
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