Press Release: Rum and Coke on the Rocks
Charity Book Launch in Langford
The tragic loss of a local labrador is the inspiration for a lovely illustrated story being launched in aid of charity at Langford House, the University of Bristol School of Veterinary Science in North Somerset, on Thursday 20th September at 7pm:
'Rum and Coke on the Rocks'
The untimely death of her dog, Zeus, has inspired writer Teresa Gard to create this heart-warming tale of hope and new-beginnings narrated by, Coke, a Sniffer Dog! With delightful paper-art illustrations, by Deborah Partington, the book is being sold to raise funds for two charities that touched Zeus' life: 'The Langford Trust for Animal Welfare' and 'Friends of Bude Sea Pool'.
Born the summer of the Athens' Olympics, Zeus lived as a kennel dog for a year before finding his own home. From day one he was a wonderful companion; gentle, knowing and born to work. True to his breed he adored the water. An experienced surfer, he was fearless in the north Cornish surf, when the tide was out, and no-one was looking, he loved a dip in Bude's magnificent sea pool. One of his favourite spots, this was the last place that he played carefree and happy.
Last November, without warning, it became clear that something was very wrong with Zeus. Emergency blood tests revealed that he was anaemic with a complex Auto-immune disorder. He was referred as an emergency to the world renowned Small Animal Hospital at Langford, Somerset, for a blood transfusion. Zeus was the first patient in the new state of the art intensive care unit, subsequently opened by the Trust's Patron, the Duchess of Cornwall. Sadly, Zeus lost his fight over the following two weeks, but not before making many new friends.
Zeus' legacy is that he has inspired a small group of artisans to pool their expertise to create and produce, 'Rum and Coke on the Rocks', a beautiful book for the charities. The full proceeds will be shared by 'The Langford Trust for Animal Welfare' and 'Friends of Bude Sea Pool'. A gesture of thanks from Zeus, in the hope that the magnificent sea pool will be preserved for future generations, and that the veterinary students will continue to perfect their life-saving skills for sick and injured animals throughout the South West.
For further information contact:
The Langford Trust – Elizabeth Coombs
Telephone 0117 9289207
Friends of Bude Sea Pool – Martyn Holehouse
Telephone 01288 356935