Meeting our first focus group
Yesterday afternoon, I was invited with Annabel, illustrator for the children’s book I’m currently writing, to the home of a rather famous, and special pair of friends: Haatchi and Owen.
Photo courtesy of Haatchi and Colleen Drummond
We were there to talk about the book, and to gain Owen’s input together with his step mum, Colleen and dad Will. Writing a book for children about the difficult, upsetting topic that puppy farming is, has many challenges and to get the chance to chat over the concept and the approach we’re taking, as well as share the first draft and some samples of Annabel’s drawings, with Owen and his family was a real treat and in creative terms, priceless.
Owen and Haatchi’s story is one of pure love, perfect companionship and overcoming what to many, would be pretty overwhelming cards that life throws out and can be read in the best selling book Haatchi and Little B. Owen has a rare genetic disorder and Haatchi was rescued having been dumped and experiencing an horrific leg injury on a rail track. They are a closely bonded pair of marvels, who it’s a complete privilege to know. The family’s energy and zest for life is wonderful, and right now, Owen is keeping Colleen company in a major training routine; they’re about to head over to Portugal to run the Rock’n’Roll Marathon. Just following their training regime makes me tired! If you’d like to support their fundraising, please do visit and share their page.
Yesterday was a lot of fun brainstorming, sat on the floor, with Haatchi on one side studying Annabel’s sketches – to our relief he seemed impressed – and his delightful canine brother Pixel squeezing on my lap, what a gorgeous pair of dogs to spend the afternoon with. I think Annabel’s painting she took along as a gift, won Haatchi over:
Photo and painting, Annabel Wilson
We’re looking forward to seeing Owen and his family again soon, and to having the benefit of his expert input. We came away with some exciting ideas that we’ll be developing and sharing as soon as we can.
