An author from Cornwall has released her debut fiction novel which tells the story of a dog who supports its owner through grief. 

When Sue Kittow from Falmouth was widowed, her terrier Moll kept her going through her grief.

Sue has now used that experience as the basis of her original debut novel “The Rescue,” which tells the story of grief and recovery through Moll’s eyes.

Sue said: “I wanted to write about what happens when you lose your partner, and how it is terrible, but there can be plenty of life – and love – ahead.

“Although this is fiction, Moll was such a strong character that I felt she should be the one to tell this tale.”

This month’s Nation Geographic magazine highlights the inner life of animals. And Moll’s simple approach to healing grief – the heroine needs new love – drives the plot forwards.

Unfortunately, Sue lost the real-life Moll two years ago at the grand old age of 15.

“I wanted to create a tribute to my late husband Pip, but I also wanted to celebrate Moll’s role in rebuilding my life after loss.

“We all think we’re looking after our pets, but they’re looking after us, they don’t get enough credit!” said Sue.

She says the novel will appeal to anyone who has suffered loss – or is helping someone else through it - as well as anyone who loves dogs and Cornwall.

“When I lost Pip, I really could have used a guidebook to help understand my grief and point me to the future.

“The Rescue is the story I could have done with reading in those days.”

Sue has published the novel using her pen name S L Rosewarne.

She will be celebrating the launch of ‘The Rescue’ at the Princess Pavilion in Falmouth on Wednesday, November 30 from 5pm until 7pm.

Copies are available to order now via www.suekittow.com and from the Falmouth Bookseller from the end of November.