
Unconditional Love & why a dog is not just for Christmas!
As a parent one of the most important things we want to teach our children about is; love, emotions and friendship. This can sometimes be a difficult thing to frame and explain especially to little one’s. One of my first books ‘My First Friend- your first dog’ was inspired by our Polly. Earlier this year we lost our beloved ‘Polly’ or as I called her the 4th wean in the family.
Love, emotions and friendship
This little simple book depicts the journey and experience of the love, emotions and friendship children have with their pet dog. In truth it’s simple format could mirror the values of having a true friend. And the journey and emotions that one experience as we move through childhood.
Unconditional Love
For me and my family Polly has left a massive hole in our lives that is very hard to fill. But the loss is bearable due to the memories, experiences and love she gave us as a family.
Why a dog is not just for Christmas?
For anyone considering the gift of a dog this Christmas think carefully and seriously about this commitment. We had a fabulous dog breeder who vetted us before she even considered us as contenders as future dog owners. Before she considered us she reviewed our work schedule, asked about our family routine, if we had a garden, had we owned a dog or pet before? Even after we passed that assessment and paid for ‘Polly’ she insisted that if things didn’t work out- to return her straight away and she would find her an alternative family and home.

Polly was the inspiration for ‘My First Friend’ along with my sisters dog Penny who was our first introduction to the beautiful breed of dogs ‘Golden Retrievers’. This became the catalyst for my other two children’s picture books ‘I Love my Dog’ & ‘Puppy Love’.
If you want to introduce your children to the journey of having a dog and why a dog isn’t just for Christmas why not download or order one of my little simple books. ‘My First Friend’ shows just how important this new addition is to your family and the unconditional love they share with your children.
I am totally biased but Golden Retrievers are for me the most gentle and lovable souls you will encounter. It was privilege having her as a part of our family and creating memories with my children as they grew up to become young adults.
This Christmas your children may meet their first love, a love that you can never compare!
Good luck on starting your little one’s reading journey and a love for books!
Learn more about Denise McKeever on Goodreads.
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