After a career in teaching, marketing, public relations and private employment, Suzanne McCourt has embraced the joys and challenges of a writing life. Her first novel is currently with a publisher, she has won prizes for her short stories, and several of her poems trundle around Melbourne on trains as part of the Moving Galleries project. Suzanne's life changed dramatically when she adopted Brando, a three year old Poodle of great gentleness and wisdom. Through Brando she became involved in pet therapy in hospitals and also founded FIDO CO (Fellowship of Informed Dog Owners Cat Owners), a community group that worked with her local Council to develop a Domestic Animal Plan which has made the Bayside area where she lives in suburban Melbourne, one of the most pet friendly in the world. When Brando died, Suzanne discovered she was far from alone in loving and losing an old dog. She has written 'Old Dogs' in remembrance of Brando and for dog owners all over the world. Visit their website at www.blackdoginstitute.org.au