Maria McCabe to donate sales of children's book to thank Cian’s Kennels

A kindhearted Donegal Town woman will be giving all of the proceeds of a new book to charity.

Maria McCabe (Taylor) from the old Laghey Road, has written and illustrated a children’s book called Paddy's Mission Under Melvin and is donating 100% of the proceeds to Cian’s Kennels, who look after pets in the area.

Maria with her husband Dave and daughter Frankie

Maria wrote the book after she had given birth to her daughter Frankie, who was diagnosed with a rare condition that meant she would be kept in Crumlin Children’s Hospital. 

During this time, Cian’s Kennels took care of the family’s beloved pet and therefore alleviated a lot of stress and this is why Maria and Frankie have pledged all proceeds made until December 31.

Frankie with a copy of Paddy's Mission Under Melvin

“In February 2023 our beautiful daughter Frankie was born,” Maria told DonegalLive. “She was born with a rare condition called Oesophageal Atresia / Tracheoesophageal Fistula (OA/TOF) whereby she had a gap in her oesophagus and was completely unable to swallow.

“We spent almost five months in Crumlin Children's Hospital in Dublin after she was born. This is when Cian’s Kennels came along. Cian's Kennels is an incredible charity that brings pets closer to sick children and their families at Crumlin Children's Hospital. 

“Along with bringing dogs to the hospital for children to spend time with their beloved pets, they also offer a top-class kenneling service with DSPCA (Donegal Animal Rehabilitation Centre), so our dog Freddie could be close to us in Dublin. Cian’s Kennels helped us immensely when we had to stay in the hospital after Frankie was born. 

“They completely alleviated the stress and worry we had about the welfare of our dog Freddie when we were taken over with the stress of being in hospital far from home with our sick baby. 

“They brought Freddie from Donegal to Dublin to stay at the Dublin DSPCA Pet Hotel where he was looked after so well and we could visit him there easily.”

“Paddy’s Mission Under Melvin is a story that was seeded during the lockdown of 2020. I moved to the countryside of Leitrim, bordering Donegal, on the shores of Lough Melvin to work remotely at my father’s homeplace. The story is quite personal and some of the nods within hold special meaning and connections to my memories and nostalgia. 

“I love how the power of some simple words can have such an impact on small minds."

The inside of Paddy's Mission Under Melvin

The book is suitable for children from the ages of 3-12 and will cost €12 per copy. It is available to purchase on Amazon and kidsbooksforgood.com. Maria will also be at the Market at the Mews, behind Simple Simon’s on Sunday, December 23, Donegal Town selling the book.