The Early Years.....
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 when we were small.
I can still smell the freshly cut hay and remember the long, warm summer days we used to have.
We always had three or four dogs and many litters of kittens as our extended family — I suppose, looking back, my love of animals started there.
And Then the Middle East...
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.
Moving North North of 60
On the 21st January, 2026, Emirates Flight EK35 touched down at Newcastle Internation Airport UK.
As we walked across the tarkack, a fine dry crips 7 degrees embraced us blue sky and wonderful clouds even the sun shone to meet us and I took a breth of that wonder fresh norther air I looked at Tim and said we are home.
I fell in love with the beautiful country side, rolling fields for miles, the turbines in the distance majestic and wonderul, The Cherry blossom trees, amzing, the wee towns and villages and pubs offering a sense of belogging.
The people have been wonderfully friendly too. And then there st January, are the dogs! In this part of the North East, the saying “every man and his dog” really does seem to ring true. Everyone seems to have one!
Moving back from the Middle East after 28 years was a huge life change. There was a lot to think about — buying a house, the temporary glamping stage, shipping our belongings, transport, cars, insurance, driving, finding local services, setting up my business, and simply working out how to navigate a new chapter in our lives.
But sometimes life begins again when you least expect it.
And at 60, mine was about to take another turn — one that would eventually lead to Patsi Petit Paws.
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