What would happen if you woke up one day and couldn’t find your smile?

Ben, a happy Shetland sheepdog from Novel Bookshop in Herne Bay, wakes up to find that his smile has gone. Desperate, he goes off in search of it. But will Ben get his smile back in time to save the bookshop?

Ben Smiles Again

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Ben's Passport

Ben is a real dog and a bit of a celebrity in Herne Bay!

NZD $22

Name: Saint Becker Ben, Known as ‘Ben’

Lives: Novel Bookshop

Breed: Shetland sheepdog also called a ‘Sheltie’

Colour: Sable

Ben is a combination of glossy black, gold and silver

Date of Birth: August 2017

Family: His Australian father won ‘Best in Show’

Likes: Walks, playing with other dogs, food, meeting people

Dislikes: Being told ‘no’!

Best Friend: Andrew

Favourite Food: Chicken (with peas ‘n gravy) fish, bacon

What makes Ben smile? Almost everything!!!
He especially loves greeting customers at the bookshop door.

Even the local school kids get off the bus near the bookshop and stop by Novel to give Ben a pat. Ben loved his photo shoot for Ben Smiles Again and the author’s children knew just how to get him performing by throwing sticks and running across Cox’s Bay Park.

If you live in Auckland, or visit this beautiful City of Sails, remember to drop by Novel Bookshop in Herne Bay and meet Ben. He will give you a sloppy welcome and check your pockets for ham sandwiches. You may even buy a book!

Ben’s Doggy Translator

Dog Language

Bark

Tail wagging

Panting

Bounding

Whining

Begging

Licking

Chewing

Action

Very loud sound from my mouth

Energetically pumping my tail

Short, fast breaths

Giant, leaping steps

Singing sound

Up on two hind legs

Sloppy, wet tongue all over you

Grinding teeth with lots of saliva

Human Language

Look at me

I’m happy

Please can we go for a walk, NOW!

I think I see a cat

No-one’s listening to me

Feed me immediately

I like you

I’m looking for a nearby shoe