What is the most significant thing you have learned from life with Peggy?

You wrote this book twice. Do you feel there was much difference between the lost book and this one? (Maybe this one is better because you had practise?)

I hope this one is better! It was pretty stressful losing the book and wondering whether I could replicate what I had done before. But I think probably the version has more thoughtful moments. I was feeling more soppy towards my dear dog and got to think about how she has changed my life and there was less of that in the first book. I wouldn’t say I am glad I had to write it again – definitely not! – but I am glad I allowed myself to be a bit more real.

You went there – you said dogs are better than cats in this book! There goes half your audience. Are you concerned?

I KNOW! I have had three cats before and I love cats, so I wasn’t saying they aren’t great, I just said if you HAVE to name dogs versus cats in this key debate, then I would have to go dog. But I think I give a pretty good argument. Help, you’ve worried me now!

Peggy was once known as Eunice. What are the fundamentals of a good dog name?

Eunice is an example of a bad dog name! But she was called that because her siblings were Mavis, Gladys, Boris and Elvis, so someone had to get Eunice.

There is a section in the book about dog naming but one key rule – never get your young children to choose the dog name. Funny around the kitchen table, but you will end up with a dog called Ketchup or Felt Tip. Yes, Peggy has a voice in the book. I know, I went a bit bonkers thinking about my dog’s voice, but then it came naturally and I think in a way all dog owners imagine how they dogs speak or think. Us obsessive dog people humanise our dogs freely and happily! I see Peggy’s voice as rather grand but very, very jolly. There are so many things but I always say the most significant was probably living in the moment. I wasn’t very good at Mindfulness, was always looking ahead, planning, fretting but watching Peggy showed me how in the moment living is the only joyful way to be.

What is next for you, creatively?

I have a few other writing projects in the pipeline. A book actually. But my lips are sealed for now – Peggy would get jealous. And I am playing a fairy in the new animation of The Nutcracker which will be a right hoot!

Peggy & Me

by Miranda Hart is published by Hachette NZ, RRP $37.99.