Suzy Monty has been modelling for decades from high couture fashion to glamour. She has done promotional work, fashion shows, radio and TV. She has been on the cover of H&E, the world's leading naturist magazine, twice.
She ran an award-winning model agency in her 30s and it was the first fully licensed model agency in three counties. She organised charity fashion shows whilst training models.
"At 40, I had to retire due to a very bad dose of Glandular Fever and had to care for my elderly ill parents plus I'm running two businesses. Then something had to give and it did—my health.", says Suzy.
"Fast forward to when I was 57. Seeing a picture of the lovely Helen Miran featured in her famous red bikini inspired me to send my own bikini picture to a National newspaper.
"They sent a photographer to do a shoot with me on a lovely local beach. Which was duly published and so began the second half of my modelling career. This time as a mature model.
"I was offered a whole magazine to myself by an American publisher. I did feature the work of 5 different photographers who all saw me differently through their camera lenses."
Suzy is currently writing a novel which partly encapsulates the modelling world.
K9 Magazine caught up with Suzy to talk about her dogs, work and life.
Tell us all about all the dogs you've loved in your life. (this is your chance to tell us everything about your dogs, past or present. Names, ages, breeds - we want to know everything!)
My first dog was called Bengi. A rather large Yorkshire Terrier. Oh, what a star!
This was in the 1970s when the movie 'Bengi' was popular. I was modelling and a Plymouth cinema opened its doors especially to give me and Bengi a special private viewing of the latest 1974 film, 'Benji'.
My Bengi sat quietly all throughout. I so loved him. He died at age 14 and my hubby made a special wooden coffin so we could bury Bengi in the garden.
Bengi didn't like men. Once we had to leave him at a boarding Kennel whilst we visited relatives up country and the poor thing came back with kennel cough.
We think the man must have treated him badly there because Bengi never trusted another male, except my hubby of course.
For company when we moved, we bought another Yorkie. A tiny one called Magnus. Magnus may have been infinitely smaller but he ruled the roost as far as Bengi was concerned! When Bengi died, Magnus went bald with pining. He died at 13.
We had a few years without a dog. But one holiday, we saw two gorgeous-looking white fluffy dogs in the back of a car and asked the owner what breed they were. Bichon Frise! So I just had to get one.
Minty, our third dog came from a litter of 17 and was pleased to get some peace and quiet. A beautiful-looking dog who took a lot of grooming. He would go AWOL sometimes on walkies though.
Once in the woods near where we live and then in a cornfield on a very hot summer's day, both times sent us into panic mode. But we found him safe and sound.
Unfortunately, Minty had Cancer at 13 and had to be put down on my 60th birthday whilst I was convalescing in bed, from my major surgery (gallbladder removal, liver resection and bile reconstruction - 2 weeks hospital, 3 months convalescence). I cried my heart out.
So now, our fourth doggie is a rescue one from the Dog Trust in North Devon. We called her Venus. We had her at 6 weeks old. She is now 7. Venus follows me everywhere, even the loo.
She's such a loving creature. Venus is currently recovering from surgery done by Vet Surgeon James of Penmellyn Vets for a very large bladder stone. Animal Healer also sent healing to Venus.
You're obviously a huge dog lover. How long have dogs been a major part of your life and how would you explain the importance of dogs to someone who hadn't ever experienced the joy of a canine/human relationship in their life?
Dogs give unconditional love. I adore dogs of all shapes and sizes as long as they are friendly. For companionship, dogs are wonderful. The look of love in their eyes says it all for me.
What are your favourite things to do with your dog(s)?
Coastal and country walk. Playtimes. Going to church then coffee mornings where she is spoilt as everyone says, 'AAAH! How sweet'. And yes she has modelled too. Dog accessories and dog food.
You have a really interesting career... What advice would you give to the many people who wanted to follow your path in career terms? What are the absolute best (and worst) things about your work?
Modelling looks glamorous but in reality, it can be hard work for which one needs stamina. It's the end result that looks glamorous. That's the result of a good MUA (make-up artist) and TOG (photographer) and the team behind any shoot.
I love the creativity of modelling. Looking for locations and outfits. Meeting new people, who usually end up becoming good friends. Grooming is so important in modelling and being a good timekeeper too.
I use to run an award-winning model agency and trained many a would-be model up to standard.
The worst things about modelling are 'some' newbies who think they know it all and might be arriving at shoots late, with a suitcase of crushed clothes and messing up time schedules.
As time means money, they soon learn that just being a pretty face isn't sufficient, one has to be dedicated to the craft of modelling.
Here are our quick-fire questions, are you ready?
Which do you prefer and why?
Big dogs or little dogs?
Love ALL dogs. Saw a huge Deerhound in the Vets waiting room this week. WOW! I love little dogs as they can sit on one's lap more easily. LOL.
Calm, relaxed dogs or dogs who live at 100mph?
Our present doggie is hyper. Minty, the Bichon Frise, was very laid back. Love both types. They all have their individual characters.
Dogs who do as they're asked most of the time or dogs who do pretty much whatever they like whenever they like?
Prefer a trained dog. For safety reasons, if nothing else. Venus is pretty good.
Dogs who love to walk by your side or dogs who like to race off and cover ten thousand yards in 3 seconds?
Venus follows me like a shadow when we are out and always comes to heel if called. But she loves to run too.
Days off or days at work?
I've been busy writing my first novel. Hardly work, as so enjoyable. That's been fun with Venus by my side. Venus use to come on many modelling jaunts. So the two got mixed.
Venus very rarely gets left alone. Plus I would never ever put her in a kennel after the bad experience with Bengi. We always book self-catering holidays that allow dogs.
The fastest route or the scenic route?
Definitely the scenic route. Here, in beautiful Cornwall, the coastal footpaths have gorgeous views. Super to walk. The wild ponies don't bother us.
The country walks are peaceful and we have good walking straight from outdoors. I love nature. I always prefer being in it to towns or cities.
Nighttime or early morning?
Both. We rise early and the air is so pure then. Venus has about (could say RUFFly) 4 to 5 walks a day. Nighttime is good as long as we have torches.
Describe the last time you laughed out loud because of something you saw a dog do.
We have a friend who has known Venus from puppy and when he visits she won't leave him alone. It's so amusing to watch. She's all over him.
She absolutely adores this friend of ours and it's a joy to see. But also quite a laugh. I took a video of her antics once and my friend said 'don't you DARE post it on Facebook!
What do you like to do in your downtime?
I think walking our dog is my downtime. I love to read. Love arts. Drawing mermaids are my thing. Maybe because of my long hair. I love writing. Play chess in winter. Life is like a game of chess.
Let us in on a secret that very few people know about you.
I've got a nine-inch scar from my big operation. But it doesn't worry me. Either I use makeup to blot it out or photographers photoshop it out. I'm just grateful to just be on the planet as the operation saved my life.
What is your current favourite.?
TV show?
'Escape To The Country' - all those amazing, wonderful houses.
Album?
'The Beatles'. As a Babyboomer, the '60s still has the best music. And the Beatles' music will live on forever.
Film?
Message In a Bottle.
Animal charity(s)?
The Dog Trust and RSPCA ( we have a local branch and they do such good work.)
If you had to choose just one, what product or service would you say has most changed your life do you think and why? (can be technology, beauty, food, pet-related, book - anything)
The Power Of Positive Thinking book by Norman Vincent Peale. My Aunt in America sent this amazing book to me decades ago.
Also 'The Secret', 'The Magic' and 'The Power' by Rhonda Byrne. Amazing to read and to keep being positive.
Tell us about some of the most memorable moments from your work.
Loved the fashion trip to France. Stayed with the photographer and his wife. It wasn't like work. But shooting fashion at Talmont-Saint-Hilairea, a very lovely coast in the Vendee Pays de la Loire region of France was sheer heaven and a chance to practice my schoolgirl French.
Finish the following sentence, "dogs are..."...
Dogs are always man's and woman's best friends.
And finally, this is always a tough question and often requires some serious thought. If dogs had the ability to speak and you could ask your dog just one question and one question only, what would you ask them and what do you think that they'd say?
Me: Do you realise how sweet and cute you look?
Venus would say, 'Hey, everybody calls you my Mommy and Daddy but I looked in the mirror and I don't look anything like you both?'
Thanks, Suzy!
Photo Credits:
- Viv Taylor
- Rob Eschle
- William of Kernow in Focus
Suzy and Venus would like to thank:
- James, the Veterinary Surgeon at Penmellyn Vets, St. Columb, Cornwall
- All staff at Penmellyn Vets' Holmbush Branch
- Animal Healer
