‘A tale of two best friends and how they saved each other’
[ About Kiera & Me ]
Let national treasure Professor Noel Fitzpatrick – the Supervet – break your heart and put it back together again in this beautiful new Christmas story.
‘With you by my side, just doing my best was the best thing to do.’
Keira is an extraordinary dog. She held the key to Noel’s heart from the moment he first met her.
That’s because Keira doesn’t judge. When Noel struggles, Keira is there to remind him he need only do his best. When he sees only darkness, Keira is ready to lift him back into the light.
Keira & Me is the real-life story of Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick, his companion Keira and their life together. It captures the incredible bond of unconditional love between us and our canine friends. Inspiring and healing in equal measure, this beautifully illustrated and deeply heartfelt story of Noel and Keira’s journey together teaches us all how to embrace the ups with the downs, the joy and the sorrow, the darkness and the light, that make up a life.
[ My Review ]
Kiera & Me by Noel Fitzpatrick published October 26th with Seven Dials (Orion). It is beautifully illustrated by Laura McKendry and described as a book ‘for animal lovers everywhere, or anyone who needs a little comfort this Christmas.’
I am a relatively recent convert to dog ownership having not had one growing up. Over seven years ago we brought home a Yorkiechon who we named Smudge, due to a mark on his ear as a puppy. Smudge has become part of the family and I have been surprised how I have adapted to him over the years. Anyone who knows me of old would know that I was never a dog lover. I never quite understood the bond between owner and pet and, unfortunately, on more than one occasion, I probably didn’t have the empathetic ear that was required when a friend’s dog was sick or died. But this has all changed. Smudge has brought comfort to every single one of us and has become a most central part of our home.
Noel Fitzpatrick’s relationship with his dog Kiera was clearly something very special. When Noel was struggling in life, it was Kiera who he turned to to help him through the difficult times. The bond between the pair was significant and, in this absolutely stunningly illustrated book, Noel reflects on those days and on the joy and the sense of worth that Kiera brought into his life.
In 2022, Noel Fitzpatrick revealed that he was sexually abused as a child and later bullied in his very personal memoir Beyond Supervet. He struggled through life, trying to comprehend what had happened to him but his survival was very much due to his relationship with animals and his magical bond with Kiera. The illustrations and the words that accompany them provide an insight into some of the darker moments.
‘Being silent together was the best conversation I ever had.’
Kiera & Me is a poignant and tender exploration of the extraordinary relationship between Noel Fitzpatrick and Kiera. At times, the presentation of words didn’t quite work for me but it is a sincere and gentle tribute to the memory of a best friend and confidante. I am sure there are many readers who will feel comfort from this book, especially approaching this festive time of year, when we miss those we love more than ever.
[ Bio ]
Professor Noel Fitzpatrick is a world-renowned neuro-orthopaedic veterinary surgeon, the founder of Fitzpatrick Referrals in Surrey, the star of the hit Channel 4 television show The Supervet, and author of the No.1 bestsellers Listening to the Animals and How Animals Saved My Life. Globally recognised for his innovative surgical solutions for animals, Noel has developed dozens of new techniques, including many world-firsts, that have provided hope where none seemed possible. Noel lives in Surrey with his Maine Coon cats Ricochet and Excalibur.
Facebook: @ProfessorNoelFitzpatrick
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