Bilbo's book goes to print (From This is The West Country)

Bilbo's book goes to print

2:28pm Monday 3rd March 2008 in Cornwall Video News

THE life of Cornwall's first fully qualified lifeguard dog has been immortalised by a Penryn based printer this week.

The first copies of The True Story of Bilbo The Surf Lifeguard Dog rolled off the printers at Booths of Penryn on Monday morning.

The book has been put together by Bilbo's owner Steve Jmo and Janeta Hevizi, author of Shanti The Wandering Dog Sennen and The Land's End.

The aim of the project is to tell the story of Bilbo, a chocolate coloured Newfoundland, and get the message that it is important to be safe at the beach and in the water.

Steve Jmo, head lifeguard at Sennen, said: "Bilbo has become such a loved and well know character locally that people are always coming up and asking about him and how he got to be doing what he does.

"He pretty much does everything we do, he is just another member of the team. He comes out on the quad bikes, and jet skis and has been fully trained to help people in distress in the water.

"The book tells his story about how he was simply a domestic dog and over the years has been trained to become a lifeguard but the main message to get across to people and in particular kids the importance of beach and sea safety."

He added: "If we can just get the message across to a few kids then it will all be worth while."

Janeta Hevizi added: "Bilbo has such a following and people do want to know about him and they can do that by reading this book."

The majority of the money raised from the sale of the books will go towards new equipment for the lifeguards as well as providing a little treat for Bilbo too.

Published by Cornish Cove Publishing the launch of the book takes place between March 6 and 9.