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Doggerel: Life with the Small Dog
The relationship between Ani, the inimitable Small Dog and her two-legs, first came to light in 'Notes from a Small Four Legs on Two'. Their poetic adventures continued in 'Laughter Life from the Tail End'.In this new a new collection of poems, their daily life together takes centre stage. From the perfidy of humans who insist on bathing dogs, to the unpunctuality of writers at mealtimes, the relationship between two legs and four is explored in verse.The Small Dog reveals her continuing fascination with chicken, tennis balls and the compulsion to re-write Shakespeare, while exposing her two legs’ misdemeanours to the world. Sue Vincent is a Yorkshire-born writer, currently living in the south of England, due to an unfortunate incident with a map, a pin and a blindfold.
72 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2019
3 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Sue Vincent
74 books119 followersSue Vincent is a Yorkshire born writer currently living in the south of England, largely due to an unfortunate incident with a map, a pin and a blindfold. Raised in a spiritually eclectic family she has always had an unorthodox view on life, particularly the inner life, which is often reflected in her writing, poetry and paintings.
She maintains a popular blog, https://scvincent.com and is currently owned by Ani, the inimitable Small Dog, who also writes.
Sue lived in France for several years, sharing a Bohemian lifestyle and writing songs before returning to England where the youngest of her two sons was born. She began writing and teaching online several years ago, and was invited to collaborate with Dr G. Michael Vasey on their book, "The Mystical Hexagram: The Seven Inner Stars of Power".
Since then she has published a number of books, beginning with "Swords of Destiny", a magical tale set in the ancient landscape of Yorkshire. Her retelling of the Egyptian myths, "The Osiriad", came shortly afterwards along with her collaboration with Stuart France. Together they have written the Triad of Albion, the Doomsday trilogy and the first books in the Lands of Exiles series.
These books tell a true adventure in a fictional manner. They are at once a journey into the ancient and sacred landscape of Albion and the story of a growing and rather oddball friendship.
The Triad of Albion was followed by the Doomsday trilogy and France and Vincent are now working on the three books in the Lands of Exile series, where the adventures of Don and Wen stray down the paths of fiction.
They have also published a number of graphic works together exploring folklore and legend, as well as writing independently. https://franceandvincent.com/
Sue, along with Steve Tanham and Stuart France, is a Director of the Silent Eye School of Consciousness, an international modern Mystery School that seeks to allow its students to find the inherent magic in living and being. https://thesilenteye.co.uk
She maintains a popular blog, https://scvincent.com and is currently owned by Ani, the inimitable Small Dog, who also writes.
Sue lived in France for several years, sharing a Bohemian lifestyle and writing songs before returning to England where the youngest of her two sons was born. She began writing and teaching online several years ago, and was invited to collaborate with Dr G. Michael Vasey on their book, "The Mystical Hexagram: The Seven Inner Stars of Power".
Since then she has published a number of books, beginning with "Swords of Destiny", a magical tale set in the ancient landscape of Yorkshire. Her retelling of the Egyptian myths, "The Osiriad", came shortly afterwards along with her collaboration with Stuart France. Together they have written the Triad of Albion, the Doomsday trilogy and the first books in the Lands of Exiles series.
These books tell a true adventure in a fictional manner. They are at once a journey into the ancient and sacred landscape of Albion and the story of a growing and rather oddball friendship.
The Triad of Albion was followed by the Doomsday trilogy and France and Vincent are now working on the three books in the Lands of Exile series, where the adventures of Don and Wen stray down the paths of fiction.
They have also published a number of graphic works together exploring folklore and legend, as well as writing independently. https://franceandvincent.com/
Sue, along with Steve Tanham and Stuart France, is a Director of the Silent Eye School of Consciousness, an international modern Mystery School that seeks to allow its students to find the inherent magic in living and being. https://thesilenteye.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 20, 2019
Ani, or the Small Dog, as she is referred to in this delightful collection of poetry, is a rescue dog whose mother and father were found living together in an Irish field, awaiting the birth of their litter of puppies. Ani's two legs is named Sue Vincent and she is a Yorkshire born writer, a teacher and a director of The Silent Eye. Both Ani and Sue write highly entertaining blogs.
So what is life like for a Small Dog who blogs and writes poetry, living with another writer who is obsessed with bathing her? Ani tells us all about her life with Sue in a collection of hilarious and poignant poems, largely written in rhyming verse
Well, to start of with, Ani makes it quite clear she does not enjoy being tricked into bathing:
"I got them back on exit
When I shook my dripping fur...
(I didn't get my boy too much,
But aimed it all at her.)"
"To add insult to injury...
All guilt upon her head...
When I went off to sulk a bit
I found she'd washed my bed!"
Both from Touche.
Ani also does not like having to diet:
"Now this works a treat, if you'll pardon the pun,
'Cause she either forgets, gives me treats or a bun
Or more likely she will not go in there at all
'Cause, "You've put on a pound or two, girlie, since fall..."
from In hiding...
Of course, Ani is the first to worry if her Two-Legs gets sick:
"My two-legs has broken down again,
Or maybe she's still broke,
I think she's cute with hamster cheeks...
She says it's not a joke."
from Karma
Ani is also the first to admit that when she is sick, her Two-Legs nurses her with devoted care:
"Being poorly does have compensations;
'Cause she's worried to death, I can tell.
But now she is just so attentive...
I'm not in a rush to get well."
from Sleeping Dogs Lie...?
This is a thoroughly enjoyable book of poetry about the antics and life experiences of the Small Dog. I would recommend it to anyone who loves dogs and who enjoys having a good giggle about life in general.
So what is life like for a Small Dog who blogs and writes poetry, living with another writer who is obsessed with bathing her? Ani tells us all about her life with Sue in a collection of hilarious and poignant poems, largely written in rhyming verse
Well, to start of with, Ani makes it quite clear she does not enjoy being tricked into bathing:
"I got them back on exit
When I shook my dripping fur...
(I didn't get my boy too much,
But aimed it all at her.)"
"To add insult to injury...
All guilt upon her head...
When I went off to sulk a bit
I found she'd washed my bed!"
Both from Touche.
Ani also does not like having to diet:
"Now this works a treat, if you'll pardon the pun,
'Cause she either forgets, gives me treats or a bun
Or more likely she will not go in there at all
'Cause, "You've put on a pound or two, girlie, since fall..."
from In hiding...
Of course, Ani is the first to worry if her Two-Legs gets sick:
"My two-legs has broken down again,
Or maybe she's still broke,
I think she's cute with hamster cheeks...
She says it's not a joke."
from Karma
Ani is also the first to admit that when she is sick, her Two-Legs nurses her with devoted care:
"Being poorly does have compensations;
'Cause she's worried to death, I can tell.
But now she is just so attentive...
I'm not in a rush to get well."
from Sleeping Dogs Lie...?
This is a thoroughly enjoyable book of poetry about the antics and life experiences of the Small Dog. I would recommend it to anyone who loves dogs and who enjoys having a good giggle about life in general.
December 9, 2019
I can’t review this book because I know basically diddly squat [is SO a word] about poetry. Luckily, my own small dog Peri has offered to step in and offer comments (in exchange for biscuits, of course).
PERI: I was thrilled to see that my friend Ani has helped her two-legs Sue to publish another book of poetry. Of course, as Ani points out in the very first poem, Copyright, this hasn’t exactly been the fairest of collaborations as Ani’s name doesn’t appear on copyright or author pages.
[Quote: "I've written half of them myself,
You only took dictation...
The rest? Admit it, I'm the Muse
That offers inspiration." [End Quote}
Aside from the prejudice against those of us who are opposable-thumb-impaired, this is a fairly accurate depiction of the joys and issues of a four-footed person surrounded by two-legs. Ani faithfully conveys her disgust with her two-legged companion’s obsession with bathing a small dog just when she’s achieved satisfactory smell levels, with vacuuming, with lawn mowing, and above all with a dog’s right and natural defense of her packlands from flying, chirping, or mooing invaders.
I particularly enjoyed the way Ani channels the Bard in A Tragedie…, turning Lady Macbeth’s lament into an outpouring of grief at being abandoned (yesterday), left alone without chicken bits.
Even though Ani has to honestly point out the (many, many) ways Sue has failed her, it’s clear to anyone with a nose and tail that Ani and Sue are devoted to each other. Ani does her best to help Sue, and graciously forgives her shortcomings. (Sue’s only a two-legs, after all.)
I think that Ani’s book, Doggerel, would make a wonderful present for anyone who has ever loved a dog. They can only benefit from the wisdom and gentle hints about the best way to make a small dog happy. And we know that’s what every two-legs lucky enough to be owned by a four-paws needs to know.
(Well, that and the chicken bits, tennis ball, and cuddles, of course.)
–Peri Dog
PERI: I was thrilled to see that my friend Ani has helped her two-legs Sue to publish another book of poetry. Of course, as Ani points out in the very first poem, Copyright, this hasn’t exactly been the fairest of collaborations as Ani’s name doesn’t appear on copyright or author pages.
[Quote: "I've written half of them myself,
You only took dictation...
The rest? Admit it, I'm the Muse
That offers inspiration." [End Quote}
Aside from the prejudice against those of us who are opposable-thumb-impaired, this is a fairly accurate depiction of the joys and issues of a four-footed person surrounded by two-legs. Ani faithfully conveys her disgust with her two-legged companion’s obsession with bathing a small dog just when she’s achieved satisfactory smell levels, with vacuuming, with lawn mowing, and above all with a dog’s right and natural defense of her packlands from flying, chirping, or mooing invaders.
I particularly enjoyed the way Ani channels the Bard in A Tragedie…, turning Lady Macbeth’s lament into an outpouring of grief at being abandoned (yesterday), left alone without chicken bits.
Even though Ani has to honestly point out the (many, many) ways Sue has failed her, it’s clear to anyone with a nose and tail that Ani and Sue are devoted to each other. Ani does her best to help Sue, and graciously forgives her shortcomings. (Sue’s only a two-legs, after all.)
I think that Ani’s book, Doggerel, would make a wonderful present for anyone who has ever loved a dog. They can only benefit from the wisdom and gentle hints about the best way to make a small dog happy. And we know that’s what every two-legs lucky enough to be owned by a four-paws needs to know.
(Well, that and the chicken bits, tennis ball, and cuddles, of course.)
–Peri Dog
November 29, 2019
I opened this charming little book whilst waiting for the power to come back on following an outage and became so enchanted that I read in one sitting; even after the electricity was restored!
I am a long time fan of Ani, the small black dog and her observations on life, from bath time (not her favourite activity) to cows and lost yellow balls. She also reflects on her two-legged human and her behaviour, and clearly has a great deal of empathy and compassion for her shortcomings. Usually these involve a tardiness when serving dinner, and being rather stingy with treats. What does come across very clearly is that their match is one made in heaven.
If you currently have a four legged companion or have in the past, you will recognise the situations and the shenanigans that make this particular relationship so entertaining and rewarding.
A lovely reminder of that special bond we have with our pets and I can recommend that you buy for any other dog lovers in the family too.
I am a long time fan of Ani, the small black dog and her observations on life, from bath time (not her favourite activity) to cows and lost yellow balls. She also reflects on her two-legged human and her behaviour, and clearly has a great deal of empathy and compassion for her shortcomings. Usually these involve a tardiness when serving dinner, and being rather stingy with treats. What does come across very clearly is that their match is one made in heaven.
If you currently have a four legged companion or have in the past, you will recognise the situations and the shenanigans that make this particular relationship so entertaining and rewarding.
A lovely reminder of that special bond we have with our pets and I can recommend that you buy for any other dog lovers in the family too.
March 22, 2021
This is a book of poetry about a small dog named Ani, her human (Sue) and how they spend their life together. I wouldn’t normally purchase a book about poetry but I loved this book. In fact, I devoured the whole thing in one evening. Each poem was more than that, it was a story, a capturing of time and a glimpse into the wonderful relationship with man’s (and woman’s) best friend. Ani is a smart, sassy pup who keeps her human on their toes.
I often think it’s useful to see an extract of a book to get an idea of the writing style. Here is a brief extract so that you can see a sample of the writing yourself:
Overall View: A fabulous book. Great writing, lovely images and a brilliant display of quick wit. A book so many will relate to (two-legses and four-legses alike). Ultimately capturing that marvellous unexplainable thing called love.
Please leave a like if you think my review/feedback of the item was helpful to you. Alternatively, please contact me if you want me to clarify something in my review.
Being owned by a small dog myself, I could relate to many of the tales (particularly regarding the dreaded bath-time). As my own little four-legged companion is 16 in human years, the scale of ball-throwing related activities is much less these days, instead she can normally be found snoring in her basket, or checking out the perimeters for the maverick squirrel who visits now and then. I imagine in her younger years, she and Ani would have made great friends.
I often think it’s useful to see an extract of a book to get an idea of the writing style. Here is a brief extract so that you can see a sample of the writing yourself:
You’ve Stolen all my poems,
Put your name upon my book…
Do you think that I cannot read?
Or that I will not look?
Overall View: A fabulous book. Great writing, lovely images and a brilliant display of quick wit. A book so many will relate to (two-legses and four-legses alike). Ultimately capturing that marvellous unexplainable thing called love.
Please leave a like if you think my review/feedback of the item was helpful to you. Alternatively, please contact me if you want me to clarify something in my review.
June 14, 2023
I’ve read other books by Sue Vincent and highly rate all of them. Perhaps the ones that appeal to me most are those about her little dog Ani. Sue aptly uses ‘doggerel’ to write about their joint antics. Doggerel is often maligned as the poor man’s poor poetry, but in the hands of a master wordsmith like Vincent, it’s a carefully constructed marvel. The rhymes and scans are never forced and most of these little anecdotes end with a neat twist as well.
The humour bubbles along with the words and is delightful. Both Ani and Sue tell tales from their own perspective. There’s stories about moulting, baths and Ani’s favourite ball interspersed with calamities and fun. One of them is a neat and brief parody of Longfellow’s Hiawatha, and there are two others that expertly take on famous soliloquies from Macbeth.
One of the poems about Ani’s hatred of baths contains this verse:
We all know the signs of Ani’s ablutions,
How often I’ve tried, and run out of solutions.
When dog into bathtub ’s a futile equation
Regardless of bribery, guile or persuasion.
Another lovely addition to the book are winsome photographs of Ani which perfectly capture the mood of the accompanying poem.
I’ll definitely be reading this one again!
The humour bubbles along with the words and is delightful. Both Ani and Sue tell tales from their own perspective. There’s stories about moulting, baths and Ani’s favourite ball interspersed with calamities and fun. One of them is a neat and brief parody of Longfellow’s Hiawatha, and there are two others that expertly take on famous soliloquies from Macbeth.
One of the poems about Ani’s hatred of baths contains this verse:
We all know the signs of Ani’s ablutions,
How often I’ve tried, and run out of solutions.
When dog into bathtub ’s a futile equation
Regardless of bribery, guile or persuasion.
Another lovely addition to the book are winsome photographs of Ani which perfectly capture the mood of the accompanying poem.
I’ll definitely be reading this one again!
December 16, 2019
Doggerel is a form of loosely styled poetry, often though not always, irregular in rhythm and in rhyme, and frequently light or comical in intent. It’s the perfect title for this collection of poetry by Vincent and her co-author…her small dog.
About half of the poems are written by Vincent, and the other half by her tennis-ball-obsessed dog. The book includes numerous photos of the dog-author busy with the tasks of daily life or mugging irresistible expressions surely for the purpose of getting toys, pats, and chicken.
The points of view of both Vincent and her small dog are entertaining, and the poems cover a wide range of topics related to the relationship between a two-leggeds and four-leggeds and how they spend their time together. There’s plenty of humor as well as touching sentiment. What comes across strongest in this collection of well-written verse is LOVE. A wonderful read for all ages.
About half of the poems are written by Vincent, and the other half by her tennis-ball-obsessed dog. The book includes numerous photos of the dog-author busy with the tasks of daily life or mugging irresistible expressions surely for the purpose of getting toys, pats, and chicken.
The points of view of both Vincent and her small dog are entertaining, and the poems cover a wide range of topics related to the relationship between a two-leggeds and four-leggeds and how they spend their time together. There’s plenty of humor as well as touching sentiment. What comes across strongest in this collection of well-written verse is LOVE. A wonderful read for all ages.
January 7, 2020
We first met Ani when we started blogging nearly seven years ago, along with Sue, her long suffering two legs and all the other wonderful people we have discovered along the way, and they have changed the sometimes-lonely life of two writer/bloggers into a delightful journey.
Doggerel, this wonderful book of poems will introduce everyone to the inimitable charm that is Ani, the four-legged poet extraordinaire, whose touchingly beautiful face adorns many of the pages.
All the poems are a delight to read, but my all-time favourite must be 'The Small Dog Suffers…' describing the many ways Ani has of trying to get around Sue for more food, ending with this last line…
'and by the way, for afters, I shall help you eat your dinner…'
Sue Vincent's poems always manage to make me smile and make my day a lot brighter!
Doggerel, this wonderful book of poems will introduce everyone to the inimitable charm that is Ani, the four-legged poet extraordinaire, whose touchingly beautiful face adorns many of the pages.
All the poems are a delight to read, but my all-time favourite must be 'The Small Dog Suffers…' describing the many ways Ani has of trying to get around Sue for more food, ending with this last line…
'and by the way, for afters, I shall help you eat your dinner…'
Sue Vincent's poems always manage to make me smile and make my day a lot brighter!
February 2, 2020
This is another delightfully entertaining collection of poems. I loved catching up with more of Ani and Sue's adventures through the stories told in them. If you're a fan of dogs and poetry, I have no doubt you'll enjoy them too.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews