Shelley the Lifeboat Labrador

'SHELLEY THE LIFEBOAT LABRADOR' is a story about our life in Southwold, Suffolk, England and moving down to Shoreham by Sea in Sussex. The story is linked by the writers personal experiences, and the bond and affection between the writer and his Labrador Dog 'SHELLEY' over a period of 13 years.

The 'Lifeboat' connection is that the writer became a crew member of the Shoreham Harbour R.N.L.I Lifeboat Station (Coastguard in the USA). It is about the social lives around the station. Yes! there are the stories of rescues at sea, fund raising events, and situations associated with life around an active Lifeboat station with Offshore and Inshore Lifeboats. Lifeboat crews in those days did enjoy a few beers, as did the writer so there is plenty of real ale humour, which might not appeal to all readers!

The Preface to the book is written by Peter Huxtable MBE who was Shoreham Harbour Lifeboat Coxswain and crew member for over 45 years and often took his dog Gilbert to seawith him, when he was a fisherman. This is a 'Real Salty Dog Story.' It was an era when the crews were steeped in family tradition and maroons were fired to launch the lifeboat! In the late 70's and early 80's technology was very different.

Shelley was always at the boathouse waiting for the lifeboat to return from rescues ready to greet the crew with a wet paw at the bottom of the slipway. She helped withmany fund raising activities wearing her collecting boxes with real pride even working with Santa at Christmas.

Janet Spencer of the RNLI made the following comment about the book in a review in the publication 'Lookout'. "The RNLI is a special organization to be part of,John has indeed been lucky to know so many wonderful people who loveand respect him along with his former faithful companion Shelley. Icertainly enjoyed reading all about it.

The writer traveled around the UK due to his work, meeting many characters and visiting other Lifeboat stations sometimes staying away for days, with Shelley always in the back seat of the car. It is a story tinged with laughter,sadness and adventures.

There were personal problems to overcome after a broken marriage and loss of his parents. It was a case of 'ONE MAN AND HIS DOG' starting life again as a team in pastures new. The bond between both, shows true affection proving that dogs do understand humans!

The book is written in an informal,friendly and personal style giving the reader the opportunity to feel what it was like to see into the lives of both Shelley and itswriter. One is able to meet their many friends through the pages of this book!

A respected photojournalist with many published features in the Nautical - Equestrian and Aviation Press the writer is also an established photographer. His images have beenused by the R.N.L.I and one even made a Royal Mail Postage stamp showing a helicopter rescue.

He has recently been to sea with the Royal Navy and the crew of HMS Mersey writing a feature for the nautical press. Links to the Royal Airforce are mentioned followingthe rescue of one of the famous RAF Red Arrow Aerobatic Team pilots...This was one of Shelleys most exciting periods where she met the cream of the RAF.

Shelley spent 13 happy years with her master before she departed over the 'Rainbow Bridge' and is no doubt telling her many canine friends about her adventures. You might need a large box of tissues at times !!!

IT IS A BOOK FOR ALL DOG LOVERS AND THOSE INTERESTED IN THE SEA AND THE SOCIAL LIFE LINKED TO THE WORKINGS OF AN R.N.L.I (COASTGUARD) LIFEBOAT STATION IN THE LATE 70'SEARLY 80'S. READERS WHO WANT TO KNOW WHAT A REAL BOND BETWEEN ONE MAN AND HIS DOG IS ALL ABOUT WILL ENJOY THIS PERSONAL STORY.