BOO SAVED MY LIFE

TONY SCHUMACHER, WRITER OF BBC’S THE RESPONDER, TALKS ABOUT HIS TWO LOVELY DOGS; BOO AND STAN.

Tony Schumacher author, screenwriter and broadcaster was born in Huyton, Liverpool in 1967. Writer of the highly acclaimed BBC drama The Responder, starring Martin Freeman, he drew on his own experiences as a police officer when writing the script.

Schumacher, after 12 years in the force, had to leave because he was suffering from PTSD. He spiralled into a deep depression, he lost his marriage and his home, but credits his beloved dog Boo with saving his life as he couldn’t bare the thought of him, a short haired Weimaraner going into care.

Schumacher took the time out of his busy schedule to speak to us about his love for dogs. Although Boo is no longer with us, he now has a beautiful long haired Weimaraner called Stan.

He currently lives on the outskirts of Liverpool with his partner, his 11-month-old baby, a cat and Stan. Just a few minutes away is a wooded area that they visit often for walks, although he loves to go out in the early hours of the morning when he’s unable to sleep, Stan doesn’t mind at all he tells us.

He originally got Boo for the exercise as he had high blood pressure, but the pair became inseparable and formed a unique bond. If it wasn’t for Boo, he said he would have taken his own life whilst living in his car with nothing but dark thoughts. As Schumacher got his life back together, he decided to embark on his lifelong dream of writing with his first book The Darkest Hour; a powerful, reimagined thriller set in Germanoccupied London at the end of WW2 which has received high praise from reviewers and readers alike. He went on to write numerous books and the tv script for The Responder, which he penned with his good friend Martin Freeman in mind, a talented actor with a great scouse accent, Schumacher tells us.

He loves his job especially as he can work from home, spending more time with his family and Stan. Tony has a fabulous sense of humour and when we ask what Stan’s favourite toy is, he tells us we really should be asking Stan! He starts by saying Kong toys but then remembers Dickie Duck. He was out gardening recently with Stan at his side all day, Schumacher was woken by Stan whining to be let out in the middle of the night, which was out of character, so he let him out in the garden, 30 seconds later he came back in with Dickie Duck, got straight in his basket and promptly fell asleep, he was still with Stan when he woke up the next day.

A natural wet dog food is Stan’s meal choice; primarily Forthglade. Schumacher had tried several other brands but none were as yummy as this. Stan also loves bones and gravy, and is quite partial to a chicken chew stick - although there’s always a fear he may choke on them.

The best thing about Stan, Schumacher tells us, is his ability to make him smile. He acts as though he’s trying to make us laugh with his goofy ways, he pops his head around the door and tiptoes around like a ballerina; he’s also really sweet and gentle, especially around his baby and cat, and has never curled his lip. He’s a real gentle soul.

We asked if Stan ever sulks and Shchumacher explains that he’s never been told off so he doesn’t sulk much; he’s just a funny, loving dog. He’s not very empathetic so maybe he doesn’t notice if anyone has a “cob-on”.

Tony with Stan