M.T. Sanders's Blog, page 7

Isla Smiler - You made the world a better place

So this week we had the incredibly sad news that beautiful little Isla smiler had passed. It shouldn't have been a shock but it was. We, like thousands of others had followed her story with smiles and tears and it became such a daily part of life to see her beautiful smile lighting up our newsfeeds.We were very lucky to have met Isla earlier this year and I thought I'd share our happy memory. We were contacted initially by a mutual friend who told me the background and asked if we could do something to help mum and dad who were trying to give Isla as many happy experiences as possible. I write childrens books featuring Monty and Cookie our two lovable Newfoundland's and it seemed the obvious thing to do was send down some books for Isla. After chatting to Katherine though it was decided we could bring Monty and Cookie down for a visit and read the stories in person.I have to be honest and say that Dawn and I were nervous as we drove down. We were going down to meet a little girl and family who were going through the worst possible experience imaginable and we just hoped we could find the right words to say. What followed was an amazing experience that blew away any trepidation we may have felt. Immediately we were aware of the huge amount of love, happiness and positivity from the family and friends who were surrounding Isla.We had a truly lovely time meeting Isla and family and it is one which will stay with me forever. Monty and Cookie behaved, we read stories and added some gifts to the amazing amount she had received from so many well wishers. It just showed her wonderful character and spirit that when Dawn pronounced her name wrong, she very firmly but kindly corrected her. More than anything though we saw that beautiful smile and it's that, that I will never forget.Before we left I promised Isla she would have the first copy of the new book when it was out and even as I said it I hoped so much that it would happen. She did have the first book and although a very small thing I added a dedication in the front of the book. It said that not many people could make the world a better place but that she had.I wanted something to be read by everyone who ever picks the book up because it is the truth. She was and still is incredibly special and has touched the hearts of so many people.She has created a legacy that will last, Isla smiler you certainly made the world a better place. #isalstones

It's the Learning Zoo snollydays for Monty Dogge

Well that's it I did me last learning zoo today before the summer so now I'm on me snollydays till September. They give me an air conditioned room today so I could snooze gently while dad read the story. On Friday we did two learning zoo's, the one at St Dogmaels was a whales speaking one. Dad had practised and when he said Bora Da I was almost impressed.....It was then I realised that was the only word he'd learnt and so it was all downhill from then on.Luckily the mini hoomans were clevererererer than dad and could speak two languages and so knew what he was talking about sadly for them.After that we went to meet a lovely group of mini hoomans in Abbawhichwhich. They used to call these special schools and I know why cos they is all so special. We had a lovely time and they loved saying hello to me and there was lots of very beautiful smiles and laffs.At the end they had got us a pressie for coming.....Dad had a box of gravy bones and I got loads of bottles of the falling over beer.....yum yum. I may have one later while I'm watching dad cry at the footyball....that's it paws up and chill for a foo months....

The Poppit Dragon is launched

Saturday saw us launch the third book in the Monty series Monty and the Poppit Dragon. Though we had send out about two hundred pre ordered copies this was the official launch and what a lovely day we had. With the book being set in Pembrokeshire we really wanted to hold a local event and almost as soon as we enquired the Coach House at St Dogmaels Abbey said they would be delighted to host us. I'm not sure you could have a better setting for a story featuring a Dragon than the very beautiful and ancient Abbey which was a magnificent backdrop.We were made extremely welcome by the Coach House which doubles up as a lovely Café and visitor centre. In fact the whole village got behind the event with the Post Office, Art Gallery and village store helping promote the day and the local councillor and school governor providing an introduction to the village school.On Friday we visited the school with Monty and the children loved meeting him and hearing a story from the Pandacow book.This all set us up nicely for launch day and we had a steady stream of children and adults alike. It was lovely to see friends who had travelled especially to support the launch and also locals and tourists attended to hear the story and buy their signed copies.All in all it was a fabulous day and we really can't thank our hosts enough but also the whole village of St Dogmaels who really welcomed and supported us.

Postage prices and Payment details

The following are the payment details and costs for the new book Monty and the Poppit Dragon. Please just message us if you need any more details or email montynewf@googlemail.comThese are the postage prices for the UK, Europe, USA/Canada and Australia/ New Zealand.All of these prices include P&P and are quoted with payment via Paypal. Postage prices have risen slightly but also the book has more pages than the previous two which has added to weight and this means that some multiple book postage prices have risen. If you want to order 5 or more for the US/CA/AUS/NZ message me and I'll get you the best price available.If you want to pay via Bank Transfer in the UK just message and I will send you the details. Please let me have your dedication and if your address has changed let me know and I can update the database we don't want to send to the wrong address.UK1 Book - £8.402 Books -£15.503 Books -£22.904 Books -£29.505 Books -£37.36Europe1 Book -£10.962 Books -£18.703 Books -£26.454 Books -£33.065 Books -£42.55USA/Canada1 Book - £12.022 Books - £21.033 Books - £29.854 Books - £36.455 Books + Please contactAustralia/New Zealand1 Book - £12.342 Books - £21.453 Books - £30.414 Books - £37.045 Books + Please contactPlease note all prices are GBP Pound Sterling. Paypal will convert this easily for overseas buyers.All prices quoted for UK are 1st Class if you want 2nd Class please message and I'll work out a price but we find the first class service very quick (usually next day) and reliablePaypal is montynewf@googlemail.comAny questions just get in touch or comment below.Thank you for your continuing support, it really is appreciated

Absolutely Barking and the agility Pandacow

We are so delighted to be attending this years Pet Show in Stafford as VIP guests.We will be blogging live from the show and building up to the event with our dedicated Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Monty-Dogge-and-The-Pet-Show-2036763699974665/?modal=admin_todo_tour.The show is very much about family fun and it really fits with our philosophy about animals and animal care. I am trying to talk Monty into having a go at the mini agility and I think we could actually sell tickets for that in itself....I don't think I'll ever forget the charity videos when I accidently starred as the world's worst dog trainer 'Absolutely Barking' https://youtu.be/ZUXOVaZuecgSo how about 'Absolutely Barking' and the agility Pandacow?'Here is a little bit about the show direct from the organisers. The Pet Show, the UK’s largest indoor & outdoor multi-pet event returns to the Stafford County Showground on the 18th-19th August 2018! The Pet Show brings together all creatures great and small, and showcases the very best that the UK’s pet industry has to offer. Split into dedicated animal zones, each one teeming with experts, meet and greet areas, live demonstrations, exciting displays and trade stands brimming with goodies for pets. Whether a pet owner, pet professional or pet enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. The show is also dog friendly, so if you have a canine pal – bring them along!There is so much to see and do for owners and their four-legged friends at The Pet Show 2018. From interactive features to displays and informative talks, visitors will be spoiled for choice. The Kennels is the dedicated zone for all things dog-related. Here you will find stands offering delicious food and treats, innovative toys and stylish accessories. This is the place to find the latest and very best products in the dog care industry, from collars to beds and everything in between.The ever-popular Dog Breed Village will also be returning for The Pet Show 2018. Here visitors can meet a whole range of different dog breeds and discover what it takes to care for them as pets. From the tiny Chinese Crested Dog to the huge Akita, there is sure to be a dog to suit every visitor. Looking to get involved? The Pet Show 2018 offers lots of ways for visitors to get involved with their canine pals. In The Kennels, visitors will have the chance to have a free photo-shoot with their dog and come away with a truly unique family snap! Or maybe you have a champion in the making; the Fun Dog Show lets visitors enter their canine pals in a series of classes. Dogs can compete for titles including ‘Best Crossbreed’, ‘Best Pedigree’, ‘Best Rescue Story’ and even the ‘Waggiest Tail’.Or perhaps you would rather put your feet (and paws!) up and just watch. There is plenty to see in the arenas including the extremely popular dog obedience display team, who will be showcasing their impressive training and tricks. These displays are not to be missed and you may even return home with a few tricks up your sleeve to teach your own dogs! For those who would like to take part, there will also be three ‘have a go’ rings so visitors can put their pooches to the test! Dogs can try their hand at steeplechase, scurry and mini agility.With so much to see and do at The Pet Show 2018, don’t miss out on the Kennels and the other amazing zones. Book your tickets today at https://thepetshow.co.uk/tickets

Phew....that was a week, that was

Well this week has certainly been a busy one. Today is the official release of the third book in the Monty series, 'Monty and the Poppit dragon'. Although it's available from today to purchase online worldwide I ordered my 300 pre sale books two weeks ago and they arrived last Friday. This meant that Monday I began the task of signing, dedicating and posting the books out to everyone who had put in their order weeks ago. As ever Monty and Cookie have been very little help and I have had to even do their 'Pawtagraphs' for them.We have managed to get around 150 books sent out this week to the UK, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. So far feedback for the new book has been very positive and hopefully over the coming days we will see more reviews appear on the website and Amazon.Not only have we been busy with the new book but there have also been three school visits this week. On Tuesday we were at Burscough Village Primary and we had a great time visiting the classes and reading to the children. Wednesday saw us in St Francis of Assisi Primary in Skelmersdale where we did an assembly followed by reading to the years groups and plenty of question and answer sessions.Today we visited St Marks Primary here in Wigan and had two lovely assemblies where I read I'm not a Pandacow and then spent a very enjoyable time answering some excellent questions about being an author or Monty.As always Monty was fantastic and eagerly greeted children and staff alike and certainly made himself a lot of new friends.A great week and very enjoyable all round.

A tough week for me

I has been worked harder than the hardest working doglet on national hard working doglet week over the past few days. I have been to three learning zoo's this week....yep three, can you believe it? I have been cuddled, stroked and given treats all week so I'm just glad it's the fing you hoomans call the weak end.In one at the beginning of the week a little hooman boy came up to see me as he was having a bad day and was sad. The teacher asked if he could have a cuddle to cheer him up...yep no problem as long as you don't mess the fur up sonny cos it takes a lot of work to look this good.Anyways after a minute the teachery lady says 'Phew I think the dog has let one off...that's very stinky'.....I was just about to do an indignant sigh when the little mini hooman said 'No miss, that was me'.....Well let me tell you short stuff that what you've just done is a real life schoolboy error. All hooman males know that if there is ever a smell you always blame the dog.....or is that just dad?.....After all the hard work it's time now to get back to me normal position....that'll be snoozing then....

Monty Dogge....The theme tune

We had a lovely surprise this week when we were contacted by Helen Overmire the very talented photographer of Monty and other fabulous pups. Helen happens to have an equally talent husband, Nick, who had decided to record a song inspired by our book I'm not a Pandacow. Nick wrote the brilliant lyrics and put the song together while also performing with his very talented Niece Megan Turner. I'm sure you have now worked out this a pretty creative family and we can't thank them enough, we absolutely love it.I have to warn you that you may just be humming this song all day....it's very catchy. Enjoy

Isla smiler and the Poppit Dragon

You may remember recently we visited an amazing little girl who has been dealt a really awful hand. We were humbled by just how brave and positive her and her fabulous family and friends were. While we were there I promised she would get the very first copy of the new book, and when my copy came I forwarded it on to her. Just a few pics of Isla with her copy of Monty and the Poppit Dragon, we are so glad she enjoyed it.Please take a minute to go on her page and see how the family are raising awareness and spreading love around the world.https://www.facebook.com/groups/2127122047314808/?fref=nf

It's coming and you can get yours....NOW

Monty and the Poppit DragonThe official release date is June 22nd but I have now placed the order for the first 300 that we will be sending out signed, numbered, dedicated and pawtagraphed.These are the postage prices for the UK, Europe, USA/Canada and Australia/ New Zealand.All of these prices include P&P and are quoted with payment via Paypal. Postage prices have risen slightly but also the book has more pages than the previous two which has added to weight and this means that some multiple book postage prices have risen. If you want to order 5 or more for the US/CA/AUS/NZ message me and I'll get you the best price available.If you want to pay via Bank Transfer in the UK just message and I will send you the details. Please let me have your dedication and if your address has changed let me know and I can update the database we don't want to send to the wrong address.UK1 Book - £8.402 Books -£15.503 Books -£22.904 Books -£29.505 Books -£37.36Europe1 Book -£10.962 Books -£18.703 Books -£26.454 Books -£33.065 Books -£42.55USA/Canada1 Book - £12.022 Books - £21.033 Books - £29.854 Books - £36.455 Books + Please contactAustralia/New Zealand1 Book - £12.342 Books - £21.453 Books - £30.414 Books - £37.045 Books + Please contactPlease note all prices are GBP Pound Sterling. Paypal will convert this easily for overseas buyers.All prices quoted for UK are 1st Class if you want 2nd Class please message and I'll work out a price but we find the first class service very quick (usually next day) and reliablePaypal is montynewf@googlemail.comAny questions just get in touch or comment below.Thank you for your continuing support, it really is appreciated