An author has written a children’s book inspired by a Ramsbottom animal charity.

Sue Blunt, 74, from Heywood, is a former dog-walking volunteer at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary. 

She adopted a dog from the charity last year which sparked the story idea for her first book, The Foot of the Night, written under the pseudonym Molly Kirkby as a tribute to her late mother.

All proceeds from the novel will be split between the Edenfield sanctuary and a French animal shelter.

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Sue said: “The gift of my little dog Dot is an unending bundle of love and joy. She is a truly wonderful character and great companion. 

“She had just been in season prior to her arrival at Bleakholt and was due to be spayed three months later.

“Dot had the operation and was fine on the day, but complications followed and she needed intensive treatment over the next few days.

“She recovered well, but over all that time Bleakholt monitored her progress and never flinched at the substantial cost of her treatment.”

Author Sue Blunt with Dot the dog, rescued from Bleakholt Animal Charity Author Sue Blunt with Dot the dog who she adopted from Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Ramsbottom (Image: Supplied)

Prior to rehoming Dot, the retired lecturer spent time in a small Pyrenean village and adopted a dog, Gascon, who became one of the lead characters of the book.

She said: “Gascon had been a working dog and the hardships of his life deserved to be recognised.

“I had to write his story to share his legacy with a wider audience. I wanted to make his life count for something.

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“So that’s why the main character in the book is a hunting dog called Gascon who is shy, lost and friendless.

“The adventures he embarks on take him throughout the mountains, finding friendship and loyalty along the way.

“Kindness is a theme throughout from the animals Gascon meets and also those who save and re-home animals.

“One thing I wanted from the book was to inspire children to love and respect all animals.”

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The Foot of the Night, which is aimed at children aged eight to 12, is available to buy on Amazon. 

Speaking about Bleakholt, Sue added: “They are a truly amazing and generous charity, with a wonderful and dedicated staff and that is why I hope my book helps to raise funds as a big thank you for the fabulous work they do for animals.

“That is why they do their fundraising events and I know that all donations, whether money, food, or anything useful to help keep costs down are greatly appreciated.”