Thread by @PeytonReads

Hello everyone & welcome to #PuppyBookClub! I am sure many of us here carry cherished memories of our dear pal Bert🌈 @BearBertthe! Tonight we welcome Bert’s Dad, Twitter fren & author Ross Graham @BertTheBearBook to discuss his book "The Life and Adventures of Bert"! 👏👏👏
1/23

R: Absolutely my pleasure to be here. To be not only the friend of but interviewed by one of the most loved dogs, a stalwart, of the #dogsoftwitter

P: You're too kind dear fren! How have you been feeling since the book's release? How do you feel it has been received so far?
2/23

R: I am overwhelmed and touched by the response, feedback and love shown for the book from friends on Twitter, within our community. The initial reason I decided to release the book was a few people said they would like to read Bert’s story, but there was always a worry.
3/23

R: I can not express how thankful I am that people have supported the book and helped Bert’s name and legacy live on.

P: I loved the structure of the book with beautiful poetry followed by a narrative of each stage of yours and Bert’s journey together.
4/23

P: How did the idea for this format come about?

R: So, the poem came first. My mother is an extremely talented poet. She wrote poems for friends throughout her career as a teacher. She delivered the poem to me for my birthday, and it reduced us all to tears.
5/23

R: I decided for myself to write down the memories and the stories to ensure I never forgot them. Over time, more verses were added, and more stories were told. I have to also say illustrations by the talented John Heim helped to bring it all to life.
6/23

P: I found your book so charming and eloquent in portraying this journey. Can you tell us about the traits Bert possessed that may have helped inspire this?

R: Bert was just the greatest dog. Just like every dog. And every dog deserves their life appreciated,...
7/23

R: ...proudly spoken about - with love. Bert made me feel special, at times when I doubted myself. He wanted to be near me and wagged his tail with vigour. I was lucky to spend my life with him and writing about him allowed me to continue sharing his life and our time...
8/23

R:...together; the happiest days of my life.
Anyone who followed Bert will know that he was resilient. He lived life at his pace and just got on with life through struggles and pains. He inspired me never to give up when laptops broke, and I lost endless days...
9/23

R: of unsaved work. What would Bert do? Just plod on with a smile on his face.

P: Can you talk a bit about Bert’s social media presence and any role it had in writing this book?

R: Bert’s social media did not only have a role in the writing, but also in the creation...
10/23

R: ...and the sales of the book. Twitter encouraged me to create the book, kind people shared their skills and knowledge to assist a novice to publish a book to a professional standard, and I know the sales are due to the people who loved and cared for him throughout...
11/23

R:...his life.
Bert has gained legend status on Twitter. People just ‘got’ him. Especially through the pandemic, this old, arthritic dog just getting on with life with a wagging tail finding peace and solace in nature, with his family. People resonated. He was only on...
12/23

R: ...Twitter for 6 months before he passed, but he did so much good. People share how Bert helped them, in dark days, the first thing they did each morning was watch Bert - never underestimate the joy and love all these dogs can bring to people’s lives across the globe.
13/23

P: I believe Bert would be so proud of you and this amazing book. What’s the life lesson, as you see it, that Bert was teaching us?

R: Bert was simple. No thrills. No tricks. Life doesn’t need to be complicated. Spend your life with someone you love and...
14/23

R: ...life will be wonderful. My life was beautiful, and I hope he felt the same way. He changed my life. Bert’s legacy will be Albert, Bera and many other dogs whom I will love until my dying day. A dog, a stray, found at the side of a road, changed so many lives.
15/23

R: It's my responsibility to share the love he showed me and give others the best life possible.

P: Thank you, Ross, so much for sharing these loving and personal thoughts and memories! Now, I have the privilege of providing a bit of an overview of this incredible book!
16/23

P: First, let me say, I think this is such an exceptionally well-crafted book! Each chapter opens with eloquently written poetry from Bert’s perspective outlining a stage in his life with his family! These are accompanied by John Heim's enchanting illustrations!
17/23

P: After each poetry reflection, Ross writes of the lived experience! The chapters are tied together so creatively and illuminate the profound bond between Bert and Ross! Here is a lovely example of a winter event and how the approach to this book works so well!
18/23

P: It is an effortless read complimented by heartwarming collaged photos! One of the book's many highlights is when Ross & Dawn (Bert's future mummy) begin a relationship! Readers can't help feeling a strong emotional investment as love for Bert flows through each page!
19/23

P: The constraints of a Twitter thread do not allow me to capture the many incredible elements & themes that run through this book! Fate, love, life lessons, humour, quiet moments, and beautiful landscapes are all woven together in a truly masterful way!
20/23

P: The book is layered with love! Bert was our fren on Twitter & we were all deeply saddened by his passing! The book naturally evolves to the personal struggles of goodbye! Bert's journey is reflected upon in poignant messaging! A legacy is brought forth & forever forged!
21/23

P: This is such a uniquely exquisite memoir and a remarkable tribute to Bert's life! "The Life and Adventures of Bert" is available through Amazon! Here is the link for the UK, but you can search the site in your region to find it as well! 22/23 amazon.co.uk/dp/173917741X/…

P: I want to thank Ross Graham @BertTheBearBook for being with us and for sharing his thoughts and talents! Our lives are indeed richer for having met you, your family, and of course our dear fren Bert @BearBertthe 🌬🥰🌈🐕 !
👏👏👏👏
💜🌻
23/23