Explore the Heartwarming Journey Behind Shuggie from the Streets with Author, Brigitte Rozario

In a delightful blend of storytelling and real-life adventure, author Brigitte Rozario has crafted a charming new book inspired by her spirited rescue dog, Shuggie. The book, Shuggie from the Streets, vividly chronicles Shuggie's escapades, offering both entertainment and valuable lessons for young readers. 

Here's a closer look at the inspiration behind the book, its special message and the challenges of bringing Shuggie's story to life.

From Streets to Pages: The Inspiration Behind the Story

The story of Shuggie from the Streets originates from the endearing personality of Shuggie, a dog adopted from the streets with the help of a friend, N.R. Lohan. From the moment Shuggie entered their lives, his charisma seemed destined for the pages of a book. As Brigitte recounts, "Shuggie was a real character from Day 1, especially with his bond with Lohan. His antics and escape attempts, which we initially couldn't figure out, made him the perfect subject for a book. With so many anecdotes and photos, and given my background in writing and publishing, it felt natural to share his story."

In the book, Shuggie is portrayed as a lovable and playful dog whose quirks and talents make him unforgettable. His propensity for escaping, playful antics, and endearing habit of jumping on the car bonnet for a hug all contribute to his charm. "Shuggie is as special as every dog," Brigitte says. "He has brought joy and love into our lives with his silly spins, his belief that all food belongs to him, and his adventurous spirit. While he's just as lovable as any other dog, to us, he is extraordinary."

Brigitte speaks at the launch of Shuggie from the Streets with attendees at BookXcess, Tropicana Gardens Mall.

Messages and Themes for Young Readers

The book  conveys several important messages to young readers, especially about stray animals. "One key message is that stray animals are simply homeless creatures, not wild and feroucious," explains Brigitte. "They just need a loving home and a family to care for them."

Shuggie from the Streets encourages adoption from shelters rather than purchasing pets from profit-driven sources, aiming to foster empathy and awareness among children about animal welfare. "Ensuring that the book is both entertaining and educational was a primary goal for me," Brigitte notes. "Shuggie's amusing personality makes the book entertaining. I believe humor and fun can naturally lead to educational value. When children engage with Shuggie's adventures, they're learning about empathy and responsibility without even realising it,"

Personal Anecdotes and Emotional Connection 

The book is deeply personal, reflecting Brigitte's new experience with pet ownership and her desire to honor Shuggie's predecessor, Hollie. "I didn't grow up with pets, so having Shuggie in our family was a new and enriching experience," she reveals. "This book is a way of preserving the memories of Shuggie's first year and honoring Hollie's memory. It's about capturing moments with loved ones and cherishing those memories."

Hollie, a boxer mix, according to Brigitte, was incredibly intuitive and the friendliest dog one could imagine. She had a special way of sensing their moods and offering comfort when they were feeling down. Truly, she was the best companion and friend Brigitte could have asked for. 

Brigitte also hopes that children who read the book will develop a more compassionate view of stray animals and consider adoption instead. "I want kids to see that animals in their neighbourhoods are just as deserving of love and care as pets from shelters," she says. "I hope it encourages them to adopt rather than buy pets and to appreciate the animals around them." 

Memorable Reactions and Advice for Aspiring Authors

 One of the most touching moments for Brigitte was hearing positive feedback from a young reader. "My friend's son enjoyed the book and particularly liked the page where Shuggie took Papa for a walk," she recalls with a smile. 

For those aspiring to write children's books, Brigitte offers this advice, "Just write and focus on entertaining young readers. Think from their perspective and let your creativity flow. Don't overthink the educational aspects - if you entertain and engage, the lessons will follow naturally."

Shuggie from the Streets stands as a testament to the joy of pet ownership and the importance of compassion, beautifully captured through the eyes of a lovable dog and his new family. 

You can purchase a copy of Shuggie from the Streets for RM32.90 at www.bookxcess.com or at selected outlets listed below: 

• Amcorp Mall
• Da Men Mall 
• FAHRENTHEIT88
• The Gardens Mall, Rooftop 
• Lalaport Bukit Bintang City Centre
• Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
• Pavilion KL 
• RexKL 
• The Starling 
• Tropicana Gardens Mall
• Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang
• Sunway BigBox, JB 
• Great Eastern Mall
• Jaya One
• The Mines Shopping Mall 
• Subang Parade (inside Village Grocer) 
• Citta Mall (inside Village Grocer)