It's been a little while since we last heard what Laura Hamilton and her dog, Lily, have been up to, so we're bringing you up to speed in today's blog – as well as providing a preview at what 2019 has in store for this dynamic duo!
You may recall that Laura had planned to send a copy of Lily: One in a million ... a miracle of survival to the newlywed Duke & Duchess of Sussex, as she has a list of similarities to our newest Royal. Well, back in August, Laura received a very special thank-you card in the post!
"[It's] wonderful to know one of the H&H books is in Kensington Palace!"
Over the summer, Laura and her girls, Lily and Pilot, attended a local church fete, where Laura was in charge of two different competitions. The first one was to guess how many raisins there were in a jar of cornflakes, whilst the second competition was to guess the number of PAT sessions Lily and Pilot had completed. The answer to both was 377; astonishing to think that the girls had completed so many sessions, but hardly surprising, as they both began working as PAT dogs from the tender age of nine months old.
Lily and Pilot in their new livery bandanas |
It looks like Lily is certainly getting used to being featured in the press, as her latest appearance was in the Pets As Therapy September newsletter! There was a mention of Laura's wonderful book, and Lily was even pictured next to Paul O'Grady and the lovely Lulu! It's all about the company you keep – even if it's just on screen!
"Getting mentioned in the PAT newsletter is actually quite a big deal, so I'm thrilled!"
Monday the 5th of November sees Laura giving another book talk, this time to the Inner Wheel Club of Locks Heath. Not only will she be talking about Lily's incredible life story, and her work as a Pets As Therapy dog, but the proceeds of sales of Lily: One in a million ... a miracle of survival on the night will be donated to Laura's chosen charity, Sue Ryder Care.
We may only be coming to the end of October, but Laura has already started pencilling in talks and engagements for 2019! These talks will be at other Women's Institutes local to Laura, and by which time she should be able to divulge a little more about her next literary foray ...
The Adventures of Lily and the Little Lost Doggie is a new book written and illustrated by Laura, and due for publication under our Hubble & Hattie Kids! imprint next summer. Who knows, maybe Laura could send a copy of her children's book to the Sussexes to celebrate the birth of their baby! Here's a sneak peak at the cover of what is sure to be another delightful book from Laura!
"An amazing opportunity, and great fun, that Hubble & Hattie has given me to illustrate Lily's next book."