Rinno’s Petzone, located at 18 Pilmuir Street, officially opened on November 29, and is already attracting attention from the local pet community.

The shop is owned and operated by Cynthia Rapheal, 36, who brings more than a decade of experience in pet care, breeding, and veterinary services.

She said: “I practically do not see myself doing anything else apart from what I’ve been doing from the onset.

“I’ve always had dogs, grown with dogs, lived with dogs.

“They’ve been a part of my life right from childhood.”

Cynthia’s journey began in Nigeria, where her family’s passion for animals deeply influenced her career.

She said her grandfather brought dogs back to Africa from his travels across Europe and America.

Cynthia is hoping to start a doggy day-care service in Rinno’s Petzone in the near future. (Image: Cynthia Rapheal)

Although she never met him, she met the dog he left behind.

The mother-of-one went on to run a successful veterinary clinic and pet shop, managing a boarding facility and earning recognition as a top breeder and secretary of a major breeders’ association.

She said: “Back home, dog shows are huge.

“We take pedigree dogs to places like Egypt and Ethiopia for events and come back with trophies.”

Now living in Abbeyview, Cynthia aims to bring that same enthusiasm to Dunfermline.

Rinno’s Petzone offers a wide range of pet food, accessories, and treats for dogs, cats, and small animals.

She said: “We’re just waiting for the council inspection.

“The doggy daycare will be for small to medium dogs, with a capacity for five.

“We want to give maximum time and affection.”

Opening the business was not without its challenges.

Some of the goods on offer in-store. (Image: Cynthia Rapheal)

The Nigerian said: “I put in so much research work.

“Even though most people do not necessarily think that Africans are into dogs, I wanted to show that we are.

“We have so much love and affection for pets.”

Her ambitions for 2026 include working with local breeders and expanding into boarding services.

Despite a quiet start in December, Cynthia remains optimistic.

She is planning a Valentine’s Day event for pets in partnership with Trixie, a leading pet accessories brand.

The event is set to take place on February 14.

She said: “I’m not limited to do anything.

“I want people to know that we Africans can also do this—and do it with so much love.”