Bernie has his own book
Bernie is eight years old and was adopted in 2009 by Lara from the Booysens SPCA.
LARA Angela Teixeira (34) from Mondeor is the proud author of her first children’s book called My name is Bernie.
Bernie is eight years old and was adopted in 2009 by Lara from the Booysens SPCA.
My name is Bernie is a beautiful story of a lonely, lost and frightened dog. After being captured by two-legged monsters, his journey takes him to new and strange surroundings. Here he begins a new adventure that will change his life.
Lara spoke to the CHRONICLE at her book launch held at Tin Cup Driving Range and Restaurant at Rietvlei Zoo Farm on December 9.
The married mother of two has been living in Mondeor for most of her life and has always been in the South. After moving to a house with a garden Lara and her husband Terence weren’t sure about adopting a rescue dog but after much deliberation, they adopted Bernie, who was Lara’s inspiration for a book.
“Bernie was about six months old when we adopted him. I wrote Christmas cards to the SPCA one year from Bernie and my husband read it and told me that it will make for a good story for children, so I turned it into a meaningful story,” said Lara.
Lara attended Winchester Ridge Primary and Mondeor High School. She is proudly from the South and is now excited to have launched her first book. She stands by her motto to find the gold in everyone and her passion, which is her family, animals and reading, coincides with her book.
The story begins with a dog with no name living on the streets. He is ‘captured’ by the SPCA. Terrified of the ‘monsters’ that captured him, he has many lessons to learn about life at the SPCA. One day he discovers that if he doesn’t find a forever home he will disappear.
The story ends with Bernie having a name he can be proud of, a mom and dad and ultimately a home. It is 18 pages and is beautifully illustrated for the target audience of children aged five to eight. The book was self-published and printed locally.
“I just hope that it touches children because it is a real story. I am also reaching out to nursery schools and will be launching it there. This will be great because I will be able to take Bernie with and he is great with children.
“Like any art, writing this book made me feel like I was exposing a part of me and I was scared at first. I know it will not be for everyone and not everyone may like it but I am grateful for the response I have received thus far from my family and friends,” said Lara.
Bernie was also present at the book launch at Tin Cup (a dog-friendly restaurant) and was excited to take some photos with people and play with other dogs.
My name is Bernie can be ordered online and can be delivered or collected. For more information visit http://www.mynameisbernie.com or find ‘My name is Bernie’ on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mynameisbernie/
Photos by Shernovia Reddy
