The Monty Project

05/06/2026

Recently we visited Winstanley Community School here in Wigan to speak to the children for a careers week. Yesterday we were back, this time for an author visit and imagine my surprise and delight when a little girl came up to the front to tell me she’d written her own book because I’d inspired her. She gave me a copy of her book which she has also uploaded onto Amazon with any sales going to a local hospice.
What a wonderful thing to do and what a talented young lady. I’ve put the link below if you’d like to check it out and maybe even give her some support.

https://amzn.eu/d/0239FJS9

28/05/2026

A few years ago Dawn painted a lovely bench with pictures of the dogs on it. We placed it at Aberdunant Hall where we have the houseonwheelsinwales, and it’s a peaceful and calm place to sit surrounded by the woodland here at the park.
Then we had an idea, how about some more benches with characters from the books in other tranquil spots throughout the woodland trails. We spoke to our very supportive site owners and management and they were all for it. Well the bench idea developed into a storybook trail through the woods that children and adults can enjoy.
Dawn has now finished three wonderful benches and we’ve placed them around the woods and added QR codes to each one so that children can scan them and see a small extract from the books. They can then borrow books we’ve donated from the reception or community library and enjoy the rest of the story on their holidays. Dawn has also made a map and is adding characters from the books painted on slate and placed around the trail.
We hope to encourage children to explore the trail and enjoy being outside immersed in the wonderful nature of the park and connect with books and the pleasure of reading.

08/05/2026

On the great mans 100th birthday it seems fitting to share something that will always stay with me. When I wrote the Ocean Rescue I wanted to include Sir David Attenborough as he had been really instrumental in bringing the issue of plastic pollution into the public eye and was an inspiration for the book.
As I was going to include Zoe's illustration of him I thought that out of respect I should write and gain permission. I totally expected a standard reply from his media team or management company but what arrived was very different and I think it sums up why he is universally loved.
A handwritten letter saying he was flattered to be mentioned and wishing me good luck with the book arrived back within two weeks. Needless to say it now sits in a frame and is one of my most memorable experiences and one which I'm very proud.
In case you've never seen the book I've attached a link below.
https://montydogge.com/product/monty-and-the-ocean-rescue/ See less

24/03/2026

Boo paid her first visit to school today and I think it's fair to say she was a star. She behaved really well when you think it was her first time and that she's still so young. As with Bandit we accepted a kind offer from St Andrew's C.E. Primary School and Nursery for a gentle introduction to school life. Everyone knows it's our favourite school and one that have been really supportive of the books over the years.
Thanks Kate for organising and well done to Boo for spreading lots of love...oh and plenty of slobber as well.

18/03/2026

Congratulations Yvonne Izatt for choosing the winning name! A very big Thankyou to everyone who took part in the fundraiser, your support means a lot ❤️ fans

04/03/2026

Big day tomorrow Bandit it’s World Book Day. Lots of mini hoomans to entertain. Sleep tight and sweet dreams

26/02/2026

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11/02/2026

If one picture could sum up Bandit this would be it. We went down yesterday to a school to do some therapy work with some children who had suffered bereavement with our great friends Fireworks Charity
We drove down for two hours, he jumped out of the car like he usually does with his enthusiastic bouncing and wanted to immediately kiss all of the staff.
Once in with the children he switches into the calmest most laid back I've ever known, and I've known a few.
Chaos to calm and a beautiful connection with troubled youngsters.

05/02/2026

PADDINGTON BEAR now SOLD

More fantastic hand knitted creations from the very talented Nanny Cuckoo. Henry the Rhino now reduced to £25 and the gorgeous Paddington Bear £35 who comes complete with his little suitcase ❤ (pls note due to Pin and buttons it's not suitable for small children) Please message if anyone is interested 🙂 A donation from the sale will go to the Monty Project. fans

03/02/2026

We had a lovely afternoon yesterday at Leigh Library. The library welcomed children from a local school and they had some stories and of course Bandit cuddles. We also gave everybody their free book which of course is only possible with your amazing support and generosity. Bandit was so well behaved that I thought we had the wrong dog. Seriously he is amazing with the children and once again he used his superpower to win over a little girl who had a fear of dogs. She was crying but wanted to just touch him. He was so calm that once she had you could see the fear evaporate and within minutes she was stroking him with a smile as big as his heart.
Wigan Libraries