AN Aberystwyth animal lover and store manager is already planning a sequel after the release of her first book.

For the past two and a half years, Helen Collins, who lives in Borth with her partner John and their two dogs, two parrots, two budgies, a cat and countless tropical fish, has been juggling working as the manager of the Accessorize store in Aberystwyth with writing her book, There’s an Earwig in My Fish Tank.

Speaking to the Cambrian News this week, Helen said the book, which is described as a “startlingly honest account of being a pet owner”, came about after herself and John decided to adopt Monty, an abandoned and completely untrained puppy with behavioural issues.

“I have always loved animals and have had pets since I was small,” said Helen, who originates from the Cotswolds. “I have always ended up with rescue pets — the waifs and strays. The book came about after we took on this dog Monty and started to post on social media about our mishaps. Friends kept saying that I should write it into a book. In the end, I just thought ‘what have I got to lose’.”

Asked to summarise the book in one sentence, Helen said: “Love animals, respect animals, have fun with them, and definitely keep hold of them.”

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