Zola’s Paw Project
LogoZola's Paw

Our Story

How one rescued dog’s extraordinary journey ignited a community-wide movement— strengthened by our founding members.

Zola, healthy and happy, the inspiration behind our project
Zola, now healthy and full of life, flashing a big grin on the grass.

A Late-Night Rescue

Late one evening, two caring individuals, Talani and Esty, found a dog so painfully thin that her ribs and hip bones protruded alarmingly. They took her to KAWS, who posted a video pleading for help. The moment our founder saw it, she phoned without hesitation and picked the dog up the very next morning.

Initially called ‘Angel,’ she was soon renamed ‘Zola,’ inspired by the famed runner Zola Budd. Despite being frail, she would dash around with surprising energy—her spirit outshining her skeletal frame. Zola was so weak that even a modest meal disrupted her digestion. On her very first night, she overate and fell ill. Determined to help, our founder switched to carefully portioned feedings. Under patient vet care, it took three months for Zola to reach a healthy weight.

Zola as she was found, extremely underweight
Severely underweight upon rescue.
Zola on her first couch, her first soft spot to sleep
Her first soft place to sleep.
Zola curled up in a blanket on her first night at her new home
Her first night at her forever home.

A Home She Could Call Her Own

The plan was to foster Zola just until she recovered. Yet from the moment she felt the warmth of a soft couch and a gentle blanket beneath her, the bond was sealed. Within a week, fostering turned into adoption— the sweetest ‘foster fail’ story imaginable.

That first week was not easy. Zola had no idea what a piece of meat even was and would sniff everything suspiciously. She sometimes ate her own waste, fearing she might not be fed again. A special feeding bowl and consistent mealtimes slowly taught her there would always be food and a cozy place to sleep.

Growing Curiosity & New Family

As Zola settled in, her curiosity bloomed—especially whenever anyone ventured into the kitchen. Meeting her new furry brother was a whirlwind of wagging tails and happy sniffs, signaling the start of a true sibling bond.

Within a single week, her coat began to shine, her eyes sparkled with trust, and she embraced a world of love and security. She’d gone from a timid, skeletal rescue to a bright, active family member in what felt like the blink of an eye.

Zola meeting her brother for the first time
Meeting her brother for the first time.
Zola in the kitchen looking curious
Always curious—especially in the kitchen!
Zola one week after arriving at her forever home
One week after arriving at her forever home.

From One Rescue to a Community Movement

Zola’s transformation sparked a broader vision: creating secure, community-based feeding stations in underserved areas, so stray and neglected dogs can reliably find fresh food and clean water. Even if some food is taken or sold, it still ultimately nourishes another dog in need.

But offering sustenance is only part of our mission. Our founder also realized that basic education in animal welfare—emphasizing the value of vaccinations, deworming, and accessible veterinary care—can prevent suffering before it even begins. Every wagging tail represents renewed hope, and each adoption marks a fresh start. Zola’s story proves how a single rescue can illuminate the path for an entire community.

Community Outreach in Action

Fueled by generous donations of food and the dedicated efforts of volunteers, we travel to underserved communities to provide meals and basic care for dogs living on the streets. Here are a few glimpses from our most recent outreach efforts.

Volunteers feeding dogs in an underserved community
Volunteers feeding dogs in an underserved community.
Hungry dogs eating donated food from bowls
Hungry dogs enjoying donated meals.
People walking the streets, handing out dog food
Delivering food directly to those who need it most.

Our Founding Members

Meet the compassionate individuals whose vision brought this project to life.

LS

Laurika Stander

Founder | Visionary

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Facebook
AB

Anita Brand

Founding Member

az.gro.tcejorpwapsaloz%/#atina

CV

Chrizanne Von Molendorff

Founding Member

az.gro.tcejorpwapsaloz%/#ennazirhc

GG

Geoff Garrett

Founding Member

az.gro.tcejorpwapsaloz%/#ffoeg

GG

Geoffrey Garrett

Founding Member

az.gro.tcejorpwapsaloz%/#yerffoeg

GitHub
JP

Johan Pretorius

Founding Member

az.gro.tcejorpwapsaloz%/#nahoj

Thank You for Joining Zola’s Paw Project

Every bag of kibble, every bowl of fresh water, and every hour volunteered makes a life-changing impact. Together, we can help countless dogs like Zola enjoy the warmth of a caring community—one tail wag at a time.