Bertie, is the voice of Libby Parker’s fantastic new novel Bertie the Blitz Dog and is here to tell us a little bit about it.
Bertie The Blitz Dog
Bertie, where is this story set?
This story is based in London during the Second World War. It starts at my lovely human Annie’s house but soon sees me stranded amongst the war-torn streets!
That sounds terrible, can you tell us more?
I used to live the life of luxury but during the Blitz I became stranded, cold and alone on the streets. It isn’t long though before I meet new friends – some with four legs and some with two! I had to endure the terror and horror of what war brought to London and this book tells my tale, from ground level!
We’ve never thought of what the World War was like for pets, what happened to them?
Many Alsatians, Collies and other large breeds were called upon to help defend their country. We were used to carry messages along the Western Front and there was even a War Dogs Training School! But that wasn’t the case for us all. Many families had to get rid of their dogs or even have us put down, as they couldn’t afford to feed us during the hard times of rationing. Many family pets ended up on the streets like me.
Can you tell us what happens to you in the end of the story?
That would be giving too much away, but I can tell you that my story is full of adventure and is truly heart-warming. It is my journey to help a family in peril and a country turned upside down by war – I have to try and save the ones I love before it is too late!
How did you come into Annie’s possession?
Annie got me when I was still a puppy. She had just lost her son and husband in the Great War. At that time I was abandoned and by myself in the streets. Annie found me, picked me up and I became her companion for the rest of her life. And what a great one I was!
Can you tell us a bit about her?
Annie was my best friend and my protector. After her husband Albert and her son Bertie – I know we have the same name, what a coincidence – died, I was all she had left and she treated me so well. Whilst others were talking about putting their dogs down, she cuddled me and promised to never let me go. She used to tell the greatest stories of her family and life before the Great War.
What was a typical day like for you before the Blitz
I led a great life before the Blitz and Annie’s death. I used to get up with Annie, she would make us breakfast, we went on a lot of walks and she used to tell me about all the great sights and about her life before I joined her.
Did any of your friends end up on the streets like you?
Princess Wilhelmina, the cat, had a time on the streets after she got lost. She was very shaken up about it when she returned. Once, I went to the street I lived on with Annie and saw it in ruins. That was when I knew that my old life was officially over.
What is your strongest memory from the Blitz?
I don’t think I could name just one moment. That first night of aircraft fire with George, Rose and Philip, when Ted deactivated the bomb, when George, Rose and me extinguished the fire in the house … the list goes on. I will always remember the people and the love they shared and gave, no matter how bad the world got.
They say dogs are like family – so are humans like family to you too?
I have had two families in my life. The first on was Annie and the second one was Rose, Nancy, George and Philip. I lost many of them during my life but I always know that no matter where they are or if they are alive, I will always keep them in my heart because family doesn’t just mean being related, it means caring, protecting and sharing. I shared my life with humans. Woof.
Bertie the Blitz Dog by Libby Parker is published on the 23rd March, Michael Joseph.