Megan Layley

This interview was different from any interview I have conducted before; Danielle was the first non-poet. However, just like any writer, Danielle had a story to tell, the difference being just the medium she chose to tell it. Danielle is not ashamed to admit that writing isn’t something she is naturally gifted at as per say, she struggled with English essay writing and comprehension. This was on top of the bullying she received at school and anxiety she experienced pre exams. Writing a book was never a part of Danielle’s wish list until Teida came along, but with no idea where to start, Danielle turned to an online novel writing course for guidance. From there over the next 8 years the book “Teida’s story” became alive on the page and in 2018 her book was released. The book was written through her canine companion Teida’s eyes and is a story of grief, hope, happiness and unconditional love. As a result of the book not being in first person as per say, Danielle said her publishers were confused about the category in which her book falls into; non fiction, memoir or fiction. It’s this weird hybrid that makes the book unique. 

Despite Teida dying in 2015, Danielle’s loyalty and thankfulness towards Teida is something that is still as strong as when Teida was alive. Danielle loves to share their story of how an Australian woman in Sydney who had a fear of dogs from the age of 9 ( especially large dogs), suddenly became the owner of a 6 year old  staffordshire red cattle dog cross, who for the next 11 years was the centre of her world. It’s because of the connection they had, Danielle is very much a firm believer in the spiritually between pets and their owners; how a pet can just know what the owner needs from them in that very time and will give them without asking for anything in return. 

When Teida was brought over to Danielle’s home, Danielle’s house had just been broken into 4 days previously and with Teida needing an urgent new home that weekend (or Teida faced the possibility of being put to sleep), Danielle took Teida in. Teida made herself at home from the first second she stepped foot inside and it was this moment that Danielle just knew this was the beginning of something very special. You really get a sense of the gratitude Danielle feels towards Teida, as she said Teida got her through some very tough times indeed. Danielle cannot help but have a massive smile on her face while talking about any animals and was keen to hear all about my relationship with the animals important in my life.

 Danielle enjoys reading  Noel Fitzpatrick’s ( the Supervet ) books, not surprisingly. We both agreed how incredible the “Supervet” is and how dedicated he is to researching new methods so that sick animals still have a chance of having a decent quality of life, when many years ago they would have simply been put to sleep. But it also displays how strong a bond between an owner and their pet can be, that the owners would go to such lengths of paying the prices they do to keep their animal healthy and in their life. Pets aren’t cheap but they are sure worth every penny.  

Danielle has a new writing project in the pipeline, while she continues tending to her garden and writing the occasional nature short story. Most importantly for Danielle is that she gets to tell her story to anyone who is willing to listen, as she does interviews on Radio, at Library’s, schools, club events; sharing how she overcame her adversities at school and became a published author. 

You can buy her book “Teida’s story” through her publishers here. Also check out Danielle’s Linktree where you can find other interviews she has participated in.