Jade Lee Ashford, 51, from Durban, the Founder and Owner of the Paw Prints Rescue and Rehoming non-profit organisation (NPO) is this week’s Unsung Hero.

The organisation is a pro-life puppy and dog rescue and adoption centre that is based in Botha’s Hill.

Their main focus is caring for pups and dogs that are abused, neglected and unwanted, and providing them with medical care, good food and a safe haven until they can be adopted.

Jade Lee Ashford, Founder of Paw Prints Rescue and Rehoming with some of her furry friends. Image: Supplied.

The team consists of about 20 staff members, with roles ranging from administration, dog and puppy handlers, maintenance and garden staff.

Volunteers also lend their hand and assist with chores such as cleaning and working with the dogs.

While Ashford began the organisation in 2019, she has been involved in rescue work for twelve years. She said that she was inspired to start the organisation after assisting with other pups who needed to be cared for.

“I bought a house in Westville in 2013 and I was looking to adopt two dogs. I joined all the rescue pages on Facebook and one day noticed another organisation looking for someone to assist a mommy dog and her 5 pups that were found in the bush.

“I offered my help, took them in to foster them and soon realised that I had a passion for saving little furry lives. Since then I have lost count of the number of pups and dogs I have helped,” she said.

The organisation relies on the generosity of the public to help keep their doors open.

“It costs us close to R180 000 monthly for operational costs, staff, vet bills, dog food, cleaning products, maintenance and materials, etc,” said Ashford.

She said running the organisation came with its challenges.

“Our biggest challenge is finances. We are blessed with many donations however they are sporadic and not always consistent. Sadly most months we are having to ask supporters to help us with vet bills, as the bank account is empty.

“We would love to get more support from corporates and businesses. We are constantly looking for fun, creative ways to bring in funds,” said Ashford.

She was raised by her grandmother, as an only child, with two uncles who were ‘like brothers’ to her. Her mother passed away after she was brain damaged in a car accident.

Ashford said that she was motivated by those relying on her.

“Rescue takes a huge toll on you emotionally, and on many days it is hard to even get out of bed and face the world but I literally keep going, knowing that I have 150 little furry souls relying on me to show up no matter how I feel,” she said.

Ashford said that she had many hopes for the future of the organisation.

“I have so many wonderful ideas to grow our adoption centre, but ideas take money and that is not something we have right now. So we are taking things day by day and building our dreams slowly.

“Amongst other things… training, developing and empowering our staff is critical and hopefully one day, a Mobile Clinic where we can offer assistance in our community for animals in need of medical care and vaccinations,” she said.

Lynette Erasmus, who has adopted a dog from the organisation recommended it.

“If you are in the market for a puppy, teenager or adult dog of any age you need to look no further than Paw Prints. I have only had good experiences with the dogs that I have adopted and you will always be told the truth with regard to their health and whether they are dog friendly etc,” she said.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE