A lifetime of loving animals,brought home to Seaton Delaval
From a farm in North Cork to 28 years in the Middle East - and finally, home. This is the journey that became Patsi Petit Paws.
Growing up along the Blackwater Valley
I grew up along the banks of the Blackwater Valley River in North Cork. Looking back now, life on the farm was a wonderful life: memories of long warm summer days, the smell of freshly cut hay, lemon barley squash and flasks of tea and ham sandwiches. Frizz, Rover and Shangbang were three dogs we had then, all Heinz 58 of a sort I guess, and many generations of cats.
Cork City - more of a town, I think, now when I visit. My first job was with Roaches Stores on Patrick Street; I had a sister in UCC and another working there already, so it was easy to settle and was like home from home.
When I returned from Australia in 1985, after spending a year in Perth, I took a summer job at Golf Links Resort in Waterville, County Kerry. My first major crossroads in my life's journey was deciding to move to London and work, and the rest is history, as they say.
A ticket that opened 28 years
One sunny Sunday morning in May 1997, as I was riding the bus to Earls Court, a ticket slipped from the wallet of the person sitting next to me and fell onto the floor.
At that moment, I could never have imagined that this little ticket would open the door to the next 28 years of my life and adventures.
On 21st October 1997, Emirates flight 397 touched down at Dubai International Airport, Middle East - just five months later.
A need and a want come together
My Mam had a saying: "Some people in life throw up 5p, and it comes down to 10p."
I think she meant that sometimes, no matter what life throws at you, things have a funny way of working out.
Here in Seaton Delaval, the rolling green countryside, coastal headland walks and cherry blossom trees captured my heart. The unique sunrises and sunsets of coastal living, the charming towns and villages, the colourful postbox toppers, expansive parks and traditional pubs all gave us a wonderful sense of belonging.
The welcoming spirit of the people reminded me of the warmth of the Irish - a familiar comfort. And then there are the dogs! In this part of the North East, the phrase "every man and his dog" really does ring true.
In March, I received my boarding licence from Northumberland County Council. Of all the many hats I have worn over the years, this one fits me perfectly - Patsi Petit Paws.
A need and a want had come together. Sixty years later, my 10p had finally come down!
Ralphy & Lulu
After 28 years in the Middle East, I returned to the UK and settled in Seaton Delaval in January 2026. Inspired by Ralphy, my adorable rescue Yorkie with 3 teeth, and Lulu, a blind Poodle I adopted - I adopted both from the same rescue centre; they inspired Patsi Petit Paws. They taught me about giving, care, companionship and loyalty.
The Cinnamon Trust is the national charity for older people, the terminally ill and their pets. I am a registered volunteer and can support within my community to help with their pets, which means so much to the owner and, of course, their pets, and it's extremely rewarding.
Let's meet your little companion
Every dog is welcomed as part of the family. I'd love to hear about yours.