July 15, 1826

     Hello, my name is Newman Noggs. I am Charles Dickens’ pony. I was bought by him just a few short months ago, but already I have learned much about him. Charles is always traveling, going someplace to do an interview or make his deadline. He works as a newspaper reporter you see, and he’s inside now, finishing up an article so he can make his deadline tomorrow. Its near supper time and he’s been in his office working since 10 o’clock! Charles came out to feed me at 6 this morning and he let me out to pasture. It was very hot today and I am tired and hungry now. I wish he would finish up soon! Oh, wait! Now the light in his study has gone off. That's a good sign. It means he’s done. Oh, here he comes! Charles really is a good master, even if he is very busy. He’s always kind and gentle to me. Master Dickens really seems to love animals so much. Well, he must because he has so many pets besides me. And he loves them all so much. Here comes the saddle. I wonder where we are going? Most likely to the theatre. Charles goes almost every night now. He loves it so much. Well, I must go now and pull his wagon to the center square where the theatre is.
 

December 25, 1837

     Its Christmas again. The parties, the potlucks, good cheer, the whole thing. I was very excited to see all the smiling faces and hear the wonderful carols. But not this Christmas. Charles hasn’t taken me out all day. In fact, he hasn’t taken me out much for the past three months. Except for church on Sundays, of course. Last year was so fun on Christmas. I remember it so well. Charles had just gotten married in May to Catherine Hogarth, so this was their first Christmas together. Everyone was merry and in high sprits. We went from party to party all day long. That night, Catherine announced to all that she was with child. The whole room was as silent as a tomb for a split second. Then, all the people broke out into smiles and congratulations. No smile was brighter than Master Dickens’. His eyes were as bright as stars as he gazed at his wife with love. But now, when I see Charles, no light is in his eyes. His face looks so cloudy and melancholy. You see, Catherine’s sister, Mary, died recently. Both of them are so sad and no one will break the bitter silence. They are drifting apart. Some people are even saying that Master Dickens loved Mary more than Catherine. The nerve of them! Charles loves Catherine with all of his heart, but losing anyone is hard. Catherine spends all her time with her baby, little Charles, and no time with her husband.  I hope that all this will work out.
     On a happier note, Master Dickens just finished writing his first book, which is a collection of many of his articles that he wrote for the Monthly Magazine and The Evening Chronicle. It was a hit! Everyone wants to read more of Charles Dickens, so he is working on another book right now.

March 21, 1858

     Oh dear! Now this beats all! Charles and Catherine have separated. They had 10 children, and I wonder what they feel like! Poor little Dorie Anne died nigh 7 years ago, so only 9 children are left. Catherine is claiming all of them, saying Charles isn’t a fit father. The children love their father and I don’t know how they will do without him. Catherine is taking too much if you ask me! She wants half of his money too. He’s really famous, you know, and has a good bit of money. He earned it, not she! But, I suppose she needs the money to take care of the young ones. I just don’t understand why they separated. They had been drifting apart ever since Mary died, but I never thought Catherine would actually leave! I can only hope that through all the grief Charles has been through: losing a child, losing Mary, now losing Catherine; well I just hope that it doesn’t hurt him so much he stops writing. Master Dickens’ got a real good hand for writing, and he should keep on writing till he dies. He is getting more and more famous each day. Charles just recently finished writing “Reprinted Pieces”, a collection of short stories, and that has already brought in a lot of money. I think he may already be working on another piece. Charles loves to write!

June 9, 1870

     I just can’t believe it. He was such a good man! Why did he have to die? I have been worried sick the past 4 or 5 years because his health has been getting worse and worse. But this morning he seemed better. Charles even came out to feed me, which he hasn’t done for the past month. Its usually his daughter who cares for me, what with the master’s bad health and all. Just this afternoon though, he died. He was fine this morning, but I heard the doctor say something like “very sudden” and “bad stroke that killed him”. My poor, poor master. When Charles’ casket was carried out today, a great sadness settled over me like a cloak. He really was a great man. Between my last entry and his death, Charles just grew more and more famous. He wrote several more books, including my personal favorite, Great Expectations.  I hope I won’t be sold to another family. I really am fond of Charles Dickens’ daughter. Maybe with all the money he has, I can still be kept. I know I’m very old and I cannot be ridden anymore, but who’s to refuse an old horse’s final wish of a wide open pasture and an apple or two now and then?