From a chubby, food-loving puppy to my best friend, constant companion and very own four-legged muse. 

Tomorrow, on 8 August, Roo will be seven years old.

It hardly seems possible. The tiny, dark brown bundle of curls I first met in September 2019 has grown into the much lighter—and frequently rather scruffy—cockapoo who now lies at my feet while I write and illustrate her adventures.

Roo may be the star of my books, but before there was The World of Roo, there was simply a little puppy who completely changed my world.

The chubby one

Roo was born on 8 August 2019, and I met her for the first time on 5 September. Even among her brothers and sisters, her personality was already beginning to show.

She was always the first one to feed and was definitely the chubby puppy of the litter. Food has remained one of her greatest passions ever since. Roo will do almost anything for a treat—although “almost” is important, because she can also be remarkably selective about whether she has heard an instruction.

She came home with me on 3 October. Stephen had been working away, so he wasn’t able to meet her until a few days later. It didn’t matter. He was immediately, totally and utterly in love with her.

Roo has always had that effect on people.

A born explorer

As a puppy, Roo was a dedicated digger. She dug so enthusiastically and so often that we eventually had to have the garden re-turfed—not once, but twice.

Thankfully, she now prefers exploring beyond the garden. We live close to woodland, so she has plenty of opportunities for the long, sniffy walks she loves. Roo never sees the point in hurrying when there might be an interesting scent to investigate.

She enjoys spotting squirrels and deer while we are out, although she is considerably less welcoming when they venture into the garden. As far as Roo is concerned, that is her domain and uninvited wildlife should kindly leave at once.

She also loves horses when she meets them in real life. Horses appearing on television are another matter entirely and receive a much less enthusiastic response.

The importance of the right egg

When Roo was still very young, my niece bought her some Ovo egg toys. They quickly became her favourites and have remained so ever since.

Over the years, some have disappeared, and we have dutifully bought replacements. Roo, however, is very particular. An egg that merely resembles the correct toy is not acceptable. It must be exactly the right type, or she simply won’t play with it.

For a long time, her favourite was the blue egg. These days, the orange one holds that important position. I have no idea why, but Roo clearly does.

A dog who knows the time

Roo is a real creature of habit, especially where food is concerned.

She wakes at precisely 5.30 every morning, ready for breakfast. Dinner is expected at precisely 5.30 in the afternoon. Snacks may be served at any point between those two meals—and preferably at every point, if Roo had her way.

She hates baths and grooming, but isn’t remotely bothered by fireworks. She can be wonderfully obedient when it suits her and selectively deaf when it doesn’t. She knows exactly what she likes, exactly what she wants and, most importantly, exactly which expression is most likely to get it for her.

Her appearance has changed enormously over the years. As a puppy she had rich, dark brown fur, but cockapoos can inherit a fading gene that gradually lightens their coats. Roo now seems to be a slightly different colour every week, depending on the light, the length of her fur and how recently she has reluctantly visited the groomer.

Behind all those changing curls, however, she is still unmistakably Roo.

The beginning of The World of Roo

I had wanted to write and illustrate books since I was a little girl, but it was Roo who finally gave me the inspiration I needed.

She has always made me laugh and smile. Her expressions, habits, stubborn moments and enthusiasm for exploring all seemed to suggest stories. Before long, the real Roo had become the fictional Roo, setting off on adventures and meeting the many characters who now inhabit The World of Roo.

While I paint or work at the computer, she often sleeps at my feet. She is both the inspiration for the stories and my quiet companion while I create them—although she takes very little interest in editorial decisions unless they involve sausages.

The Roo in my books may discover secret gardens, solve mysteries and embark upon great adventures, but she will always be rooted in the real little dog beside me.

My heart and soul

Seven years have passed incredibly quickly.

Roo has brought love, laughter, muddy paws, ruined lawns, early breakfasts and an extraordinary number of egg-shaped toys into our lives. She has inspired an entire collection of books, but that seems almost secondary to everything else she has given me.

She is my walking companion, my muse and the best friend I have ever had or ever will have.

Quite simply, she is my heart and soul.

Happy seventh birthday, Roo. Here’s to many more woodland adventures, afternoon naps, carefully timed meals and stories still waiting to be told.