Regular Linda’s Book Bag readers will know I’ve stayed in with many authors and a couple of characters, but staying in with a dog is a new departure for me! I’m delighted to welcome Bob to the blog and would like to thank Grace Pilkington for putting us in touch with each other.

Staying in with Bob

Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag, Bob. Thank you for agreeing to stay in with me.

Thank you for having me.

It feels odd to ask but what can I expect from our chat this evening?

I think it’s safe to say that you can expect something rather different, the reason being that I am actually a miniature labradoodle.  My owner is quite bashful and prefers me to do the interviews.  So, bear with me please.  I’m not really used to the literary world. I suppose it would be true to say that I’m more comfortable with tummy tickles.

Oh! I’ve never had to tickle a guest’s tummy before! Tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it?

I’ve brought Dog About Town which I guess you could call semi-autobiographical.  The idea for the book came about during lockdown when I was taken on some pretty cool walks around the strangely deserted streets of central London.  Although I’m not usually one for culture – mud is more my thing – even I had to admit that the sights of the capital were majestic against the empty roads, silent skies and clear pavements.  And so, in return for some pretty tasty treats, I agreed to pose graciously for the camera.  Dog About Town is the result.

That was very generous of you. Tell me a bit more.

The book is a collection of photos and captions featuring some of the great landmarks of the capital as you’ve never seen them before – and me. You can see me at Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden, Tower Bridge, Smithfield Market, at the Royal Albert Hall, and many more – but what all the photos have in common is that the streets were so quiet and there was nobody there but me. In some shots you will find me alluring, sophisticated, fluffy, scruffy even. Sometimes I may even be drooling. But whatever the mood I hope you agree that I lend a certain something to the occasion and that you will enjoy a gentle stroll through the pages of Dog About Town, viewing the strange days of lockdown London from an entirely new perspective.

That sounds utterly charming Bob. I understand Dog About Town is a charity book too isn’t it?

Profits from the book are going to All Dogs Matter, the rescue and rehoming charity for dogs less fortunate than myself, which has been busier than ever during the last year.

That’s such a worthwhile cause Bob. I hear many dogs taken on in lockdown are being dumped now.

What else have you brought along and why have you brought it?

Obviously, I’ve bought a bone, but thought it would give readers a slightly better flavour of the book if I shared some of the photos with you.  They have some rather witty captions too, even though I say so myself.

I’m not sure about that bone, but I love the photos Bob. I bet other dogs have very much enjoyed looking at them. 

They have Linda. This is what Rocky, a miniature poodle said:

“What a great collection of photos! I always knew there was more to you than stick collecting”

That’s brilliant! Thanks so much for staying in with me to chat about your adventures and Dog About Town, Bob. I’ll give dogs an their reader humans a few more details:

Dog About Town

During lockdown, when rules allowed, Bob accompanied his owners on walks around the deserted streets of London. In return for some tasty morsels, he agreed to pose in front of some of the capital’s iconic, and some less familiar landmarks.

Bob didn’t set out to make a book. In fact, he is normally someone to shun the limelight, generally more interested in mud and sticks than museums and monuments. However, even Bob realised that his photos of London at this extraordinary time were rather special.

He hopes that Dog About Town will give dog and London lovers alike something to smile and chuckle about.

Profits from the book goes to the dog rescue and rehoming charity All Dogs Matter

Published today, 29th November 2021, Dog About Town is available for purchase here.

About Bob

Bob lives in London.  He enjoys travelling, swimming, chasing balls and eating anything he can get his paws on.  He is also very cuddly.

Dog About Town is his first book.

For more information about Bob, visit his website, follow him on Twitter @Dogabouttown, or find him on Facebook and Instagram.