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Me - doing my best in a challenging world

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 20:45:21 GMT

Learning about ADHD has been transformative by Joe Bailey - Humanimal Trust CEO

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been called weird. Those who love or care about me have been kinder—they call me wonderfully weird!

I always thought It was just me—a bit different, a little unique—but isn’t everyone?

As a child, I was hyperactive and obsessive. I struggled with schoolwork, revision, and exams. In my teens, I developed OCD, anxiety, and bulimia. Life often felt difficult.

As I got older, my differences became clearer—to me and to those around me. But it wasn’t until my forties that I was finally diagnosed with ADHD. My family and friends weren’t surprised, but for me, it was life changing. Suddenly, everything made sense: my restless mind, my difficulty focusing, my endless distractions. My tendency to overthink, overshare, and care too much. My constant need to prove myself—to show that I am enough.

I fidget, I babble, I interrupt—not to be rude, but because my brain moves faster than my words. I’m too open and honest, sometimes brutally so with myself, and I feel everything too deeply. Sounds and smells can overwhelm me. I can’t stand odd numbers but, strangely enough, I can only wear odd socks!

Exercise became both my escape and my obsession—running and walking calm my mind, though sometimes I push myself too far. I’m sensitive, compassionate, and deeply empathetic. But my heart breaks at the injustices of the world, especially cruelty and abuse, and I can’t turn away. However, that pain also fuels my determination—to stand up, speak out, and help those who can’t.

Learning about ADHD has been transformative. Simple things like to-do lists and fidget gadgets have made a world of difference—not only for me, but for those around me. I am also extremely lucky in both my professional and personal life, to be supported, and understood-at last!

But above all, animals have been my greatest therapy. From an early age, I felt more at home with them than with people—on the farm, in the wild, or by my side. With animals, I can simply be. I’m not loud or erratic. We understand each other in a quiet, wordless way. In their company, I find peace instead of chaos.

Dr. Nicholas Dodman’s wonderful book “Pets on the Couch” explores how humans and animals share the same neurochemistry—our minds and emotions mirror each other. In Chapter 13, “The Beagle with ADHD,” he opens with a quote that always makes me smile:

“I’ve been told I have ADHD, but I don’t think I—hey, look, a squirrel!”

That was me—and my old collie, Molly. She was easily distracted and deeply sensitive to sounds. I like to think she found calmness in my company, as I did in hers.

Recently, I noticed something: weird and wired share the same letters. So maybe I’m not weird and different at all—just wired differently.

Or maybe I’m simply Joe, doing my best in a challenging world.

P.S I’m sharing this because I want to reach out to anyone who struggles—to let you know you’re not alone. ADHD isn’t a fad or a trend; it’s a daily challenge that affects both those who have it and those who love them.

But awareness is growing, and with it comes understanding, compassion, and help. There are resources, books, and tools that can make life a little easier.

Please, don’t judge those who bravely open up about their ADHD. Instead, try to understand them. Because behind every fidget, every restless thought—is someone working incredibly hard just to make sense of themselves.

Introducing Oscar & Hooch

tammie.oleary@streetvet.org.uk — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 18:56:45 GMT

The vision for Oscar & Hooch emerged from a simple desire – premium dog collars and leads that look good

At Oscar & Hooch, the human-animal bond is at the heart of everything we do. Founded by dog lovers inspired by their own chocolate Labradors, the company creates stylish, durable, and comfortable dog accessories that reflect the deep connection between pets and their owners. Each product is lovingly handmade in Somerset, using soft, breathable materials designed for both practicality and comfort. Beyond crafting quality accessories, Oscar & Hooch supports the wider pet community—such as their partnership with Medical Detection Dogs, where a portion of sales from selected products is donated to the charity. This commitment underscores their belief that dogs are not just pets, but cherished family members deserving of care, comfort, and love.

At Oscar & Hooch, we believe the bond between people and their dogs is one of the most powerful and meaningful connections in life. It’s more than companionship — it’s mutual trust, unconditional love, and everyday support. That’s why every product we create is designed to celebrate and strengthen that bond. From soft, comfortable collars to practical accessories, everything we do is rooted in the belief that dogs aren’t just pets — they’re family, and they deserve the very best.

Learn more here www.oscarandhooch.com

"My world seems brighter"

tammie.oleary@streetvet.org.uk — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 13:52:17 GMT

How Our Special Friends are making a real difference.

In June 2023, Our Special Friends (OSF) received a referral from the Social Prescribing Link Worker for a lady, ‘Sally’ aged 69, who was unable to have her own dog but would love to go for walks with a volunteer and their dog.

Through OSF’s client assessment process, it was apparent that even though Sally lived with her husband she was feeling very lonely and isolated as they didn’t have any regular visitors. Sally had previously volunteered as a dog walker for the Cinnamon Trust, but since being diagnosed with osteoporosis could only go for short walks using her walking stick and could not walk a dog herself. She had lost both her sisters in a short space of time and was still grieving this loss. Unfortunately, due to her husband’s epilepsy and her own health issues she felt she hadn’t had time to access any bereavement support. As her husband wasn’t keen on dogs and Sally liked to go out walking, Sally preferred the idea of our Accompanied Dog Walking service, rather than having a volunteer and their dog visit her at home.

A newly recruited volunteer, ‘Rachel’, and her friendly Labrador ‘Bobby’ were identified as potentially suitable, so OSF arranged a Match Meeting between them with our Animal Companionship Coordinator present. Bobby was very well behaved and the perfect height for Sally to stroke and they enjoyed a steady 45 minute walk. Rachel and Sally also got on well and were both happy to meet for weekly walks on Monday afternoons. OSF also shared details of a local dog-friendly Wellbeing Walk as the meeting place was part of Sally, Rachel and Bobby’s’ usual route. We hope this will give Sally more connection to her local community and she may be able to form new friendships.

As part of our evaluation process, OSF sent Feedback Forms to Sally and Rachel. Sally told us about the difference the visits made: “My world seems brighter. Less isolated. Gave me something to look forward to.” Meanwhile, Rachel commented: “[Sally] is so lovely, and we enjoy our time together with Bobby.”

A world painted yellow

tammie.oleary@streetvet.org.uk — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 19:17:41 GMT

My Anxious Dog

The stares, the judgment, the unpredictable moments, it can all feel overwhelming.

I used to dread every walk with Bella. My beautiful cocker spaniel, so full of love, was also full of fear. Born into trauma, attacked twice before she turned one, she had learned the world could be a frightening place. And so, she warned it to stay back, growling at outstretched hands, lunging at dogs that got too close.

People didn’t see her fear. They saw a ‘bad’ dog, an aggressive dog. They saw an owner who couldn’t control her pet. The whispers stung, the sighs of disapproval cut deep. Walks, once meant to be moments of joy, became a battlefield. I avoided busy parks, crossed roads at the sight of another dog, and held my breath whenever someone approached.

Then, one day, everything changed.

I was told about a simple idea, but so powerful - a colour code, a signal for dogs who needed space. Yellow. It wasn’t just practical; it was a beacon of understanding, a way to help people see beyond the surface. I wrapped Bella in yellow, hoping it would speak for her when I couldn’t.

And it did.

The shift was slow, but it was there. Some people hesitated, then nodded in recognition. A few even asked, “Does she need space?” Those words felt like a lifeline. A small gesture, but one that acknowledged Bella for who she was, not ‘bad’ or ‘broken,’ just in need of kindness.

That’s when I knew this had to be bigger than Bella and me.

I created #DogsInYellow Day , a movement to spread awareness, to help anxious dogs and their owners feel seen and accepted. To show that the yellow you and your dog wear is not a sign of weakness - it’s a powerful symbol of love and advocacy.

Now, every year on March 20th, the world gets a little brighter. More people understand. More dogs get the space they need. And every time I see a dog in yellow, I smile, knowing they too are part of this journey - a journey that could have started with Bella, and a love so strong, we turned it into a movement.

Pete the Vet - My childhood pets

tammie.oleary@streetvet.org.uk — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 17:03:49 GMT

Honey and Sheba

As a vet, I’ve spent most of my life in the company of animals, but the two most influential pets are probably the first two that I encountered: my childhood companions.

Honey was a ginger kitten who was given to me by my parents as my seventh birthday present. I had already decided by then that I wanted to be a vet, so with hindsight, I can now see that this was a strategy by my parents to test my interest in animals. I called him Honey because he was a fawn-type of ginger cat, which to my young eyes seemed honey-coloured. I had been told that she was a female, and only discovered that she was a “he” when we took him to the vet to be spayed at six months of age. It was too late to change his name, so he remained as a neutered male cat with a feminine name till the end of his days.

I adored Honey: he was a big, cuddly cat who like spending time being near me. My clearest memories of him are when I was feeling emotionally upset as a teenager, and I felt that the world was against me. Honey would sit on the foot of my bed and purr loudly, gazing at me. I had a strong sense that bad as things were, at least Honey would always be on my side. He lived to the age of sixteen: I was a newly qualified twenty two year old vet when I had to say goodbye to him.

Sheba, a female Golden Retriever, was my second pet. She arrived around the same time as Honey as an adorable eight week old puppy. She grew into a small adult dog, more collie-sized than the usual large Golden Retriever. She became my constant childhood companion when I was outdoors at home. She would come for regular walks and runs with me in the local area. She loved chasing rabbits: I remember her running through local barley fields, following rabbit scents. She had an odd kangaroo-like technique of running a few steps then leaping up in the air to see where she was in the field. She always look so joyful on these occasions: for a teenager who was prone to being over-serious, she brought lightness and a love of being alive into my daily life.

Sheba and Honey were close companions: they spent time curled up together in Sheba’s bed, and Sheba had an odd but adorable habit of washing Honey. She used to put her right paw on top of Honey’s shoulders, holding him still while she licked him thoroughly around his head and shoulders. Honey was prone to picking up rabbit fleas, which tend to cluster on the skin around the ears. Looking back, I wonder if Sheba was picking these off, as tiny delicate treats to savour. Or did she just enjoy the close contact with her feline friend. Honey certainly didn’t mind. He used to come up to Sheba and crouch down, waiting for her paw to descend on him.

Sheba lived to the age of fifteen. Again, the farewell was tough, but I knew that by then, she was tired and very old, and she was ready to go.

My childhood pets loved me, then they left me. They taught me a lot, and I will never forget them.

You can learn more about Pete here .

Boo & Talita - Trust

tammie.oleary@streetvet.org.uk — Fri, 24 May 2024 16:48:52 GMT

Boo and Talita's special bond

When Talita joined Redwings in 2012, many of her family and friends commented that this was an unusual job for her to take as she was afraid of horses. Having worked with exotic animals in zoos, Talita wasn’t afraid of horses in the way she was afraid of rhinos, but she believed if you went near a horse it would kick or bite you. However, within her first week Talita’s beliefs were permanently changed when she met Boo.

Boo, the Clydesdale, came to Redwings after he was shot in the eye at point blank range by an air rifle. Having already lost an eye to illness, Boo’s owner called the vets to have him put to sleep. Luckily for Boo, a snow storm prevented the vet from reaching him, and during this time he showed a remarkable ability to adjust to his new, mostly blind existence. Desperate to give Boo one last chance, his owner contacted Redwings and he was welcomed into the Sanctuary.

During her first week at Redwings, Talita was brought to Boo to assist in some treatment for his feet. She was intimidated by his size and promptly offered to hold his head rather than treat his ‘dinner plate sized’ feet. However, her colleague convinced her to try picking up one of Boo’s feet. Boo was a perfect gentleman, and Talita recalls how it seemed that Boo was telling her that he was gentle and depended on her for care, and that if she treated him with kindness he would reciprocate. He was so patient despite his size and blindness, and Talita realised she didn’t have to be afraid of him.

From then onwards, Talita would spend as much time with Boo as she could. From treating him everyday while working on the Redwings farms, introducing new starters to Boo when she became a manager, to visiting him every morning when she moved to working inside the offices at Redwings HQ. When the day sadly came to say goodbye to Boo, Talita stood by his side for hours as queues of people came to give him a last hug. She recalls how that was the hardest day, but also so beautiful as it was obvious how loved and special Boo was to every person that he met.

Life isn’t the same at Redwings without Boo, but his legacy lives on. Talita reflected that the most amazing thing about her connection to Boo was that he wasn’t an anomaly. At Redwings, all the charity’s 1,500 residents are someone’s Boo and they are all given the chance to be loved and cared for.

Talita went from being afraid of horses, to finding a best friend in Boo the blind Clydesdale, and will always remember how lucky she was to have such a special connection to such a wonderful horse. You can view Boo's story here . It has been beautifully narrated by Stephen Fry.

Support Dogs

tammie.oleary@streetvet.org.uk — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 13:56:53 GMT

Little Frankie has a BIG impact on Sharon

Support dogs really do come in all shapes and sizes. Frankie the miniature Labradoodle has made a huge difference to owner Sharon Horne’s day-to-day life

Support dog Frankie may be small, but she what she lacks in size, she more than makes up for in her ability to improve the quality of life for her owner, Sharon Horne.

The two-year-old miniature Labradoodle has just qualified as an assistance dog, trained by national charity Support Dogs. Frankie has made an incredible difference to Sharon’s work and home life, by helping her with a range of day-to-day tasks which the average person would take for granted.

Sharon, 54, of Newcastle, has congenital myasthenia, a neuro-muscular condition characterized by muscle weakness which worsens with exertion.

The mother-of-four and grandmother-of-two was recently diagnosed, though she says she has had symptoms “forever” and they worsened over time.

It’s a condition so rare, Sharon, her daughter Jemma and grandson Brandon attend Newcastle’s Life Science Centre, an educational science museum and pioneering science village, where they help with research into the disease.

It makes walking very painful, leaves her fatigued and can result in her falling over numerous times a day.

Things that able-bodied people can do, like forgetting to shut the door once they’re already seated, can be a huge task for Sharon, who uses a walking stick.

But thanks to Frankie – Sharon’s pet dog who has been trained through Support Dogs’ Disability Assistance Programme – she is managing to retain her independence.

Sharon, who works as an independent advocate supporting people with a range of issues, said: “My condition has been getting progressively worse.

“Frankie was primarily a pet. I got her at the end of lockdown because I had become an absolute recluse. I didn’t need to go out for work; I didn’t need to go out at all.

“But then I thought, if I got a dog, and if I could get her trained, maybe she could help me in the house.”

Now Frankie helps Sharon with a range of tasks, whether at home or at work.

“She picks things up, she can open and shut doors and empties the washing machine.

“She finds my mobile phone if I’ve lost it upstairs and if I’m upstairs in the office when the post comes, she goes downstairs to get it.”

And beyond her home office, Frankie helps to ensure Sharon can continue in her career – the pooch is a familiar sight accompanying Sharon to court.

“She enables an easier working day,” said Sharon.

“It takes up a lot of energy – at night I literally have none.

“But she goes everywhere with me – she’s been to court and even plays with the judge.”

Learn more about Support Dogs here .

PETS AS THERAPY

tammie.oleary@streetvet.org.uk — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 12:28:40 GMT

2023's PAT Impact Award winners

As part of the PETS AS THERAPY (PAT) 40th anniversary celebrations in 2023 the first ever PAT Impact Awards ran to recognise unsung heroes — volunteering teams who do incredible work, make a huge impact and change people’s lives for the better.

PAT Volunteer Wendy Jones was one of the four inspirational PAT Impact Award winners. Watch Wendy speak about a young boy called Lake who has an incredible bond with her PAT dog Lacee here . Lake had sustained facial injuries after being attacked by a dog and had developed a dog phobia and PTSD. “I’m so proud of my Lacee who has an ability to sense a person’s needs,” smiles Wendy. “Lacee was truly instrumental in helping a young boy with a debilitating dog phobia.”

Listen to Shelli Lake's mother speak about their journey here .

Every day friendly PAT Pets, along with their owners, bring joy to so many people – residents in care homes, children at schools, patients in hospitals, inmates at prisons, the list goes on.

The positive impact PATs has is heartwarming and everyone can resonate with what it means. "Charlie, my two-year-old son, knew that PAT Dog Alfie was around, and his cuddles instantly seemed to settle him." John (father of young hospital patient). Watch the video on Alfie here and follow PAT on social media to keep up to date on their activities here Facebook X Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

Service Dogs UK

tammie.oleary@streetvet.org.uk — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 14:49:36 GMT

Service Dogs UK provide veterans from the Armed Forces & Emergency services with PTSD the benefits of specially trained assistance dogs

Service Dogs UK provides Veterans from the Armed Forces and Emergency Services suffering with PTSD the benefit of specially trained assistance dogs, at NO COST to the Veteran. The dogs we use are carefully selected from rescue, and it takes between 9-12 months of training for the Assistance Dog Partnership to graduate and achieve the required ADI accredited standards.

The bond between humans and animals is undeniable. People who have been diagnosed with PTSD often feel very isolated, depressed and can struggle at times with daily life and relationships - the world, it feels, is moving on without them without being able to do anything about it. Dogs are able to draw out even the most isolated people and through engaging with a dog, Veterans are able to overcome emotional numbness (a symptom of PTSD) Through training a dog Veterans develop new ways to communicate without anger or paranoia. Having a dog also means there is a need for a routine which helps greatly; you need to go out and exercise for example, again, physical exercise helps with battling some of the PTSD symptoms. By bonding with a dog emotionally, Veterans feel more able to be out in the world, to engage, as they can focus on the dog and through research we know this bond can release "happy chemicals" in the brain; oxytocin. This hormone allows us to be able to trust, engage with people around us - so for people with PTSD who struggle with exactly that, the bond comes with real benefits.

Learn more about Service Dogs UK here

Make a difference and sponsor a Service Dog here

Redwings Horse Sanctuary

tammie.oleary@streetvet.org.uk — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 14:11:07 GMT

Learn more about the largest horse welfare charity in the UK

Redwings celebrates its 40 ^th anniversary in 2024, 40 years of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming horses at its centres across the UK. As a registered charity entirely funded by public donations, Redwings believes enabling people to meet and spend time with horses is a crucial part of its work. The charity has five visitor centres around England and Scotland where the public can meet horses and donkeys free of charge. Even those who can’t visit can choose to sponsor a horse through its long-running Adoption Scheme. Redwings also hosts visitors at the historic Anna Sewell House in Great Yarmouth, birthplace of the Black Beauty author, runs school and university talks and tours, and regularly partners with local and national charities to offer wellbeing walks, dementia cafes and other support services at its centres.

Nicola Knight, Head of Communications, says: ‘Redwings is delighted to support National Human-Animal Bond Awareness Day (NHABAD). We see firsthand through our rehoming scheme and through the experience of our staff, adopters, visitors and volunteers the incredible value that horses, donkeys and all animals can bring to our lives; the mutual bond that can be created between horse and human is something quite extraordinary, simply put, it can bring healing to the body and mind.’

Find out about the incredible bond between Anna Sewell and the horses she loved so much in this film co-produced with the UEA and funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council here .

Read more about Redwings on their website here .

A Majestic bond

tammie.oleary@streetvet.org.uk — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 10:47:11 GMT

Faye shares her incredible story

Faye, had a serious accident when she was 15 and has been in a wheelchair ever since.

She severed the nerves in her right arm and broke her ribs, pelvis, femur and collarbone when she was thrown out of the car in the accident.

“Life as I knew it was over,” she told the Horse & Hound . “But I want to share my story to show people what’s still possible.”

For the first few years, with many daily struggles, Faye didn’t deal with it very well, until one day she realised that this life is what you make it, and she decided to fight back.

With a can do attitude she decided to breed my own horse and start an adventure of carriage driving trials. Her aim was to drive her horse and compete with him. "Many people have said I can't do it but I am determined to succeed. I have already bred, and started training my Friesian gelding Majestic".

My journey has had many up’s and downs, which has left me determined to share my story in the hopes that it can help to inspire and motivate others, and show that they can do seemingly impossible things if they put their minds to it.

“I have lots of plans and I think that’s how I deal with what’s happened to me, keeping focused and keeping doing things,” she said. We look forward to hearing a lot more about Faye and her horses.

Watch Faye talk about her journey here and follow Faye, Majestic and her team on her social media channels Facebook Instagram X TikTok or visit her website here .

John & Lily

tammie.oleary@streetvet.org.uk — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 09:22:31 GMT

A beautiful Battersea bond

John and Lily's story encapsulates the strength of the human-animal bond.

Back in 2021 John, who lives alone in Kent, reached out to the team at Battersea in search of a four-legged friend to keep him company.

John had spotted 9-year old Staffie Lily on their website. Rather than being put off by her medical conditions, he was instead endeared by the fact Lily had arthritis. John too had been suffering from the condition.

The perfect pair hit it off immediately on introduction. Lily has been thriving as Johns companion. Speaking about their bond John told Battersea that "Lily has become a companion who brings more joy than expected or that I ever hoped for".

Learn more about Battersea's amazing ongoing work here .

Read about how to rehome a Battersea do here .

Meet the Battersea dogs here .

Park Lane Stables

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 14:55:51 GMT

Park Lane Stables promotes the human-equine bond

Park Lane Stables are an award-winning RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) centre with a wide program of activities, including assisted riding, horse care, carriage driving, equine therapy and hippotherapy. They understand how the bond between equines and humans truly matters.

Park Lane's manager Natalie O'Rouke MBE says "Horses are so intuitive. They are masters at reading body language. They absolutely know who I am, I know how they are feeling and I can read them and know what they need. They are able to read people's behaviour and interactions and, dare I say, feelings and they respond accordingly. We are always mindful of listening to them and being their voice. We are acutely tuned in to what they need and how they are feeling".

Meet the amazing horses and ponies of Park Lane stables here .

Canine Assisted Social Skills in Education (CASSIE)

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 12:18:20 GMT

Chance is a trained therapy dog working in the Cambridgeshire area. He volunteers for Pets as Therapy on Mondays at West Suffolk Hospital, where he engages happily with patients and staff in this complex and stressful environment. Staff enjoy a brief respite from their demanding duties, and patients find that meeting Chance reduces their stress and anxiety. Sometimes Chance has helped kick-start post-operative recovery, often by encouraging patients to interact after intensive treatments. He is very gentle and empathic with everyone he meets, and his visits are widely anticipated.

For the rest of the week, Chance works with young people in schools and at home to help them overcome a range of difficulties. Some children like reading to Chance, where they would not read out loud in any other situation. Chance helps other young people overcome issues like anxiety, autism, ADHD, and anger issues by giving them a focus and a reason to engage that they have not found elsewhere. Sometimes, young people who struggle to attend school are able to do so knowing that Chance is there to help them. In a number of cases, children whose anxieties have prevented them from leaving the house have found that Chance gives them the confidence to overcome their fears, and re-engage with the outside world.

Follow their story on Facebook or visit their website here .

Chloe and Ocho’s story

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 11:39:38 GMT

My name is Chloë and I have an amazing DogAID assistance dog called Ocho

It is thanks to Ocho that I am able to continue my nursing career that I had worked so hard to achieve before becoming disabled. I am currently the only disabled nurse in the UK working clinically with a wheelchair and an assistance dog. I’m so proud to be able to raise awareness of the value of people with disabilities working in health and social care, hopefully changing the attitudes of the future and inspiring new nurses and health care workers with disabilities.

Before I trained Ocho I had no idea how much a dog could change someone’s life. I had seen guide dogs. But I didn’t know there were different types of assistance dogs. Ocho is able to help me with the tasks that able bodied people take for granted like picking up things I drop, loading and unloading the washing machine and opening doors. He helps prevent unnecessary pain and discomfort and reserves my energy. But more than that he has given me the confidence and independence to not just survive life as a person with disabilities, but to actually enjoy life and adventures again. I am so grateful to DogAID as a charity for giving disabled people like me futures.

Chloë is the only nurse in the UK using a wheelchair and an assistance dog. She is currently in need of a wheelchair accessible vehicle and could really use your help to raise the money required for the vehicle adaptations. Any donations are gratefully received via Just Giving .