Cornish Author Gives Paws For Thought

One of Cornwall’s best-loved novelists has penned a “hotly anticipated” new book featuring a string of celebrities including Jo Brand, John Challis and Edwina Currie – and their PETS. Sheila Collins, 65, spent six months compiling “hilarious and moving” animal anecdotes from some of Britain’s favourite stars. Almost 100 personalities from TV, film and stage told for the first time about their pets and the “unique” relationship they share. Since it was published earlier this year, ‘Celebrities’ Favourite Pets’ has been selling “like hotcakes” both in the UK and overseas. Critics say the 124-page book – sold in aid of the animal charity PDSA - provides a “fascinating insight” into the lives of people in the public eye. The ex-Conservative MP Edwina Currie revealed she has a “big and hairy” German Shepherd called ‘Sheba’, while the ‘bling’ darts player Bobby George owns five Jack Russells named – appropriately - after money: ‘Visa’, ‘Twopee’ (corr), ‘Fiver’, ‘Gilda’ (corr) and ‘Cash’. But there are also a few surprises. Only Fools and Horses star John Challis, who played dodgy car dealer ‘Boycie’, has a cat called ‘Fluffy’. Man-mountain Geoff Capes – the former World’s Strongest Man – has a soft spot for budgies. And TV sports presenter John Inverdale said he has a “soothing and reliable presence” in the form of goldfish ‘Motivator’. Sheila - whose books  ‘Truffles’ Diaries’ have been best-sellers since the first was penned in 2005 - said compiling the latest work was a “rollercoaster of emotions”. The retired secretary, who now writes part-time from her home in Roche, near St Austell, said: “Seeing Celebrities’ Favourite Pets in print is a wonderful feeling. “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. “I loved reading their stories. Some were hilarious and others very moving – it was, you might say, a rollercoaster of emotions.” Sheila, who moved to Cornwall from Surrey 40 years ago, convinced the stars to get involved with the help of Essex-based firm Apex Publishing. They contacted hundreds of celebrities, and received 97 responses from some of the UK’s and America’s biggest names. The comedienne Jo Brand, who has four cats, writes: “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!” Julia Bradbury - the presenter of BBC’s Countryfile, Watchdog and Wainwright Walks – said she dotes on her nephew’s black miniature Schnauzer bitch, Lotte. She adds: “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 we’ve all got thick, wildish hair – just like Lotte.” Meanwhile, the actress and former model Linda Lusardi revealed she bought a miniature Dachshund following the birth of her last child. The mum-of-two, who shot to fame in the 1970s, says: “I was never allowed a dog as a child and now our house would feel so empty without her. “I never realised that you could love an animal so much. She really is my third baby.” But it’s not only British celebrities who got involved. The American actress Beth Maitland, who played Traci Connolly (doub-corr) in the US soap The Young and the Restless, has owned a string of pets over the years. But she said her “favourite” is ‘Draakhart’ (corr), her Friesian Ster gelding, who will do “anything for a cookie”. Sheila, whose previous novels have proved popular throughout the UK and in Europe, will donate her royalties from the sale to animal charity PDSA. The book also boasts a foreword from the 1981 Grand National-winning jockey Bob Champion MBE. Sheila will be signing copies of ‘Celebrities’ Favourite Pets’ next month. She will visit two branches of Waterstones in Plymouth, Devon, on November 14 and December 12 respectively. Sheila will also appear at Waterstones bookshop in Truro, Cornwall, on November 7, and at the Kingsley Village shopping centre in Fraddon, Mid Cornwall, on November 27. She said: “I can’t wait to meet readers, sign copies, and meet fans. The more people who attend the better as it will be to the benefit of the PDSA, which does such a great job.’’ Celebrities’ Favourite Pets is on sale now priced £9.99 (Apex Publishing). Visit www.apexpublishing.co.uk for more details. NOTES * For interviews with Sheila Collins, contact Apex Publishing on 01255 428500.


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