I am Sammie.

I am a founding member of PAAW.
With a lifelong love for animals, I have dedicated years to caring for and understanding our furry friends. From owning dogs for many years to owning and running a livery yard and in time teaching horse riding, I have immersed myself in the world of animal care.
Drawing from a wealth of experience, I have worked alongside esteemed equestrians, honing their skills in rehabilitation and training. Through my journey, I have rehabilitated and retrained countless horses. Witnessing firsthand the transformative power of compassion and dedication. In the last 10 years I have worked in a corporate background and now within business, this is a skill set that will be vital to the runnings of PAAW and overseeing the campaigns. Fundraising, creation and implementation of policy and change management.
For over 15 years, I have been deeply involved in various aspects of animal rescue, from hands-on to advocacy and support for both horses and in time dogs and cats. My commitment to improving the lives of animals is unwavering, fueled by a deep-seated belief in their inherent worth and right to a happy, healthy life.
Driven by a fervent desire to make a difference, I continue to champion the cause of animal welfare, striving to create a brighter future for all creatures, great and small. I am committed to our charity as we work together to create a world where every animal is valued and cared for with compassion.

I am Lauren.

I am a founding member of PAAW. I am experienced animal owner whose journey is defined by a profound dedication to the welfare of our furry friends. With a background in fundraising and supporting rescues I am confident that I am a great advocate to the driving force behind initiatives aimed at bettering the lives of animals in need. Driven by an unwavering belief in the importance of hands-on support, I have also been involved in the frontline of rescue work, lending my time and and passion to the critical task of supporting in rehoming animals in rescue. I run the core operations of a corperate company, this is a skill set that will enable me to drive PAAW forward, organise and oversee campaigns and manage change. I am highly experienced in networking and budget control. My passion is more than a sentiment; it’s a guiding light that illuminates every decision and action taken in the pursuit of animal welfare.

I am Ellie.

My journey with animals began early, growing up on family farms and allotments, and riding from a young age. I got my first dog at 19, and by 21, I was deeply immersed in the world of dog training, obedience, agility, working trials, Schutzhund, and flyball. I was completely addicted. 

As I gained more experience, people started seeking my advice about dogs and rehoming. What began with me cross-posting dogs in need eventually evolved into transporting, home checking, assessing, fostering, and caring for sicker and more challenging dogs. 

Twenty years ago, I became involved in social media rescue work, eventually taking on administrative roles and helping with rehoming efforts. 

I even volunteered as a dog walker for a local rescue, and would travel multiple times a year to assist other organisations.

Utilising my skills as an electrician, I also helped improve rescue facilities. 

The pinnacle moment was Six years ago, when the rescue I worked with closed suddenly, I found myself responsible for three sanctuary dogs and one palliative dog. One of these dogs was in rehab kennels, which sparked a major controversy. That moment changed everything. I knew then that I could never trust anyone else with my dogs, they would be cared for by me, for life.

Four years ago, my husband and I bought a run-down boarding kennels, transformed it to five-star standards, and created a safe haven not just for our dogs, but for others in need. 

I started my own rescue, achieved charity status, and began taking in rehabilitation dogs for rescues, the public, police, social services, NHS, and women’s refuges. We’ve built an incredible team of like-minded individuals.

In the past four years, I’ve had only two nights away and no full days off. This isn’t just a job. It’s not a mere vocation or passion. It’s a deep, unwavering commitment to be the best, to set higher standards, and to prove that change is possible. It’s about giving my dogs the best life they can have and offering a second chance to those who truly have nowhere else to go. Some would consider this a calling. 

I bring this same unwavering passion to my role as a trustee for PAAW, where I work alongside a dedicated team to continue advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves, making sure that every animal  gets the care and love they deserve.

I am Carolyn.

I’ve loved animals since childhood, growing up with hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits. 

It wasn’t until I was 39, due to work commitments, that I was finally able to have a dog, and since then, I’ve been fortunate to share my life with many. Alongside my passion for dogs, I’ve had ponies and horses for over 40 years.

My journey into rescue started through social media, where I became involved with transport runs, home checks, assessments, and fostering for a number of reputable rescues. At one point, I became the emergency “go-to” for fostering older dogs in their final months, providing them with the care and love they deserved during their last chapter.

After a few years, I joined a charity’s rehoming team, and eventually became a Trustee, a role I held for over 9 years. 

In that time, I helped people re-home their dogs without judgment, supported those wanting to foster or adopt, and always worked to ensure that each dog was matched with the right home. I coordinated volunteers, organised home visits, and took my responsibilities as a Trustee very seriously.

In 2024, after relocating, I took a brief step back from rescue to recharge. Now, I’m eager to return to the field, driven by a commitment to ensure all rescues are reputable and that as many animals as possible find the loving homes they deserve.

I bring this passion as the volunteer lead at PAAW.