Pennington author pens book in memory of her faithful friend

Pennington local Denise Kenny Adams has fulfilled one of her childhood dreams by writing her very first book on something she close to her heart – dogs.

The book is titled ‘My Dog’ and highlights the requirements of having a pet. Aimed at all age groups the author says even though the book may not have all the answers you’re looking for, it’s a good starting point for your life-changing journey with your dog. “A dog can give you the loyal companionship and affection that you may only have dreamt of,” she said.

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: Daphne is Scottburgh’s ‘feral feeder’

Denise, who moved to South Africa in 1979 has always been passionate about animals due in part to her childhood which was spent on a farm around animals which she loved.

Straight after school, Denise went to teacher’s college where she graduated as a high school teacher majoring in physical education and history and taught for 12 years. In 2002, to ease her mind Denise turned to her dogs, Daniel and Katie and started taking them for long walks to keep herself busy, and then eventually enrolled them in a dog school.

Two years later when Denise attended a May Day fair in Howick she first came face to face with the dog that changed her life. The dogs from the local SPCA were being walked around by high school children, and one of the puppies, a border collie, caught Denise’s eye. “I instantly fell in love with this puppy, and after being allowed to adopt him and bring him home I was overjoyed,” said Denise.

He was named Ben. “The first night at home, I couldn’t let him sleep on the floor, so he curled up under my tracksuit top and from that moment on, our bond grew.”

Ben’s training began immediately and with the assistance of the Kennel Union clubs, he and Denise specialised in dog sports.

After many hours of training and successfully passing the various levels, Ben and Denise reached their ultimate goal when he was certified as a champion dog. This meant that Ben could now compete at national levels which he did by making the top rankings on two occasions. “He did well and was one of the top dogs in the country for a few years,” said Denise.

When Denise realised that her training methods were good and that Ben was not just training, but having fun too, she decided to start trying out these methods out with other dogs and that’s when she got into the field of dog training.

“If you train them well, they will be faithful to you and protect you.”

Through Ben’s body language, Denise was able to understand other dogs’ body language too. “Ben was also a calm dog so when I trained other dogs, his presence helped calm the dog being trained.”

On July 21, 2017, Ben sadly passed away at the age of 13 and a half years old. “He held a place in my heart that will never be filled now,” said Denise.

Denise wanted others to not only understand their dog but to develop that bond with them that she shared with Ben. She realised that most books on understanding and caring for dogs weren’t really applicable to our area as living conditions differ which affects a dog too.

So she decided that she would compile a book specifically for South African dog owners. What really helped her put the pieces together, was the knowledge that she had garnered over the years with Ben.

The book is in English with isiZulu translations. Denise said that isiZulu is a language that is extensively spoken in this country so even those who are not English speaking can still use this book. Denise extends her gratitude to all who helped her put this book together.

‘My Dog’ will have its official launch in Durban next month, but for the time being, it can be purchased for R20 from Denise who can be contacted via email at denisebcrme@gmail.com.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram