Hollywoof treatment! WRITER RUTH'S CANINE HEROES
New Zealand Woman's Weekly|October 30, 2023
Needing a follow-up to her best-selling read, the Bookseller at the End of the World had a novel idea, proving every dog has its day
Fleur Guthrie
Hollywoof treatment! WRITER RUTH'S CANINE HEROES

When author Ruth Shaw launches a new book later this month, her remote Manapōuri property – which famously houses three Wee Bookshops – will undergo somewhat of a trans-fur-mation.

Ruth is hiring a long red carpet so that the canine stars of Bookshop Dogs get the, well, Hollywoof treatment.

“Like an Oscars for dogs!” laughs the 77-year-old, chatting over Zoom from her picturesque bathroom. “It could be absolutely amazing or it could be totally chaotic! Either way, it’s going to be fun.

“I just love every dog – even the naughty ones. The local farm and hunting dogs are really well-behaved. Cove [aka the ‘Self-appointed Bookshop Dog’] will be there for the attention and pats. I just really wanted to make it about them, not me.

“We’re going to get the owners to walk them down the red carpet and introduce the dogs in alphabetical order with a bit of their story. The SPCA is going to be there to give out doggy poo bags.”

And there are bets on which dog is going to “christen” the red carpet first.

Ruth came to international attention two years ago, when she wrote her critically-acclaimed memoir The Bookseller at the End of the World, which contained deeply personal and painful events in her life.

She was sexually assaulted as a teenager and gave birth to a son following the rape, who was then adopted out (they would be reunited almost 20 years later).

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW ZEALAND WOMAN'S WEEKLYView all
Sweet SUCCESS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Sweet SUCCESS

Delicious twists on traditional favourites

time-read
6 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Calzone CRAVING
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Calzone CRAVING

Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers

time-read
1 min  |
September 16, 2024
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'

The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'

It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'

Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE

The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE

The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT

Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS

The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME

Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024