Meet the Pawfessionals
Lee
Lee was born in a cosy nook behind the history section of the school library. From a young age, they were fascinated by the rustle of pages and the scent of old books. While other mice scurried about looking for crumbs, Lee spent nights reading everything they could find, fairy tales to encyclopedias and more.
Their love for stories and their knack for organising tiny scraps of paper caught the attention of the school's head librarian. One evening, she discovered Lee carefully sorting returned books by genre. Impressed by their dedication, Lee was made the library’s official mouse librarian. When they left school Lee was accepted as a Customer Service Assistant at Harlow Library.
Lee’s favourite part of the job is helping young readers discover new adventures. They love to recommend books, organising storytime, and creating tiny bookmarks for fellow mice. For Lee, the best reward is seeing an Essex library member’s eyes light up when they find the perfect story.
P1g
Born Peta Pig and raised in the vibrant town of Chelmsford, P1g (short for Pixel One Genius) was never your average student. From an early age, they showed a curious fascination with how things worked, anything with a screen or a circuit. Their breakthrough came during primary school, where they were introduced to Python programming. While most of their classmates saw it as just another subject, P1g saw it as a gateway to creativity, automation, and influence.
They began building small bots, automating tasks, and even creating basic analytics tools to track social media trends.
After school, P1g took a job at Essex County Council, working in a digital support role. In the evening they started sharing tech tips, app reviews, and digital hacks on Instagram, showing tutorials of the latest iOS update or how to use AI tools for small businesses.
Their following grew rapidly. People loved their blend of tech expertise, local charm, and relatable advice.
Rory
In the charming market town of Saffron Walden, nestled among winding lanes and golden fields, lived a clever little rabbit named Rory. Rory wasn’t like the other rabbits who spent their days nibbling clover or hopping through hedgerows. Rory had a dream. They wanted to be a plumber.
It all started one rainy afternoon when Rory’s burrow flooded. Water trickled down the walls, soaking their favorite carrot-shaped cushions. While other rabbits panicked, Rory grabbed a spanner (borrowed from the gardener’s shed) and tinkered with the pipes that ran beneath the old oak tree. To everyone’s surprise, they fixed the leak! From that day on, Rory knew their calling.
But becoming a plumber in Saffron Walden wasn’t easy for a rabbit. At first, everyone laughed, until Rory pulled out their miniature wrench and got to work. With quick paws and clever thinking, they tightened valves, sealed joints, and rerouted the water. Within an hour, the fountain was flowing perfectly again.
Whoo
Ever since they were a little owlet, Whoo had a heart as big as their wings. While other young owls spent their nights swooping and hooting, they were busy tending to injured hedgehogs, wrapping bandages around squirrel tails, and offering gentle words of comfort to any forest creature in need. Their dream was clear from the start, they wanted to make every animal feel better.
Determined to turn their caring nature into a lifelong vocation, Doctor Whoo enrolled at the College of Animal Welfare in Basildon, where they trained tirelessly to become a veterinary professional. Their sharp mind, steady wings, and kind spirit made them a standout student.
After qualifying, they continued their studies and earned their veterinary degree, deepening a knowledge and passion for animal care. Today, Doctor Whoo travels far and wide across Essex, from cozy cottages to countryside farms, helping animals of every kind, great and small get back on their feet (or paws, hooves, and wings).
With their trusty stethoscope and reassuring bedside manner, Doctor Whoo is known throughout the region as the wise, gentle owl who always has time to heal.
Bayley
From a young age, Bayley the Badger could always be found in the kitchen, whisk in paw and nose deep in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. While other cubs were out digging tunnels and chasing beetles, Bayley was busy perfecting their pancakes and experimenting with espresso. Their love for cooking and coffee wasn’t just a hobby, it was a calling.
Determined to turn their passion into a profession, Bayley enrolled at the University of Essex, where they earned an MSc in International Hospitality Management. It was there that they learned not just the art of great food and service, but the importance of creating memorable experiences for every guest who walked through the door.
After graduating with distinction, Bayley’s natural charm and culinary skill opened doors to some of the finest kitchens in the UK. They trained and worked alongside legendary chefs such as Gordon Ram and Jamie Otter, honing their craft in prestigious hotels and renowned restaurants up and down the country.
Now, Bayley is known not only for their impeccable cooking and perfectly poured flat whites, but also for warmth, professionalism, and dedication to hospitality. Whether they are crafting a five-star menu or greeting guests behind the coffee bar, Bayley’s goal remains the same: to serve joy, one plate or one cup at a time.
Franki
Franki grew up in the heart of Epping Forest, where the crackle of campfires and the scent of pine were part of everyday life. From a young age, they were fascinated by the importance of fire safety. When a sudden blaze threatened a woodland clearing one summer, Franki didn’t panic. With quick thinking and steady paws, they helped guide animals to safety and worked with the forest rangers to contain the flames.
That moment sparked a lifelong mission: to protect others. Determined to turn bravery into a profession, Franki trained at the Essex Fire Academy, mastering everything from hose drills to rescue techniques. Today, Franki is based in Harwich, racing to emergencies across the town and beyond. Whether tackling wildfires, rescuing stranded pets, or teaching fire safety at local schools, Franki’s goal is simple: keep every creature safe and every home secure.
With a helmet on their head and courage in their heart, Franki proves that heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and species.