Motherhood does not end when children grow up; it simply transforms. For Annie Leo, this evolution has taken a remarkable form as she balances running her own business and an international dog rescue charity, Paws for Change. Founded eight years ago, what began as a passion project has grown into a global rescue operation, rehoming vulnerable dogs and operating a safe house in Bali.
From passion project to international rescue
Annie describes herself as a mother to her "fur babies," channeling her energy into building the charity from the ground up while her two children, now in their late 20s and early 30s, embark on their own life journeys. Juggling a charity and a business means Annie wears many hats daily, from organising fundraising events to managing social media, designing content, and handling orders. She relies heavily on technology to keep everything moving smoothly.
"We've got emails, we're trying to sell tickets, we're running ads through Facebook that we've created on Canva," she explains. "There are a lot of different programs that help with all of that." However, digital tools also make it harder to disconnect. "When you work for yourself, especially from home, there's that danger of not switching off – you can still be sitting there at eight or nine o'clock answering emails," she says. Setting boundaries has become essential. "You have to find the time to switch off and be present for your family. It can't just be foot to the pedal all the time."
Organisation is key
Like many women balancing work and family, Annie emphasises that organisation is crucial. "It's about having your to-do list and your checklist so you're not just running around aimlessly every day," she says. "There are always a million things to get through. I think it doesn't matter how old your children are – you're always on duty as a mother. You never switch off." Her journey has not been without challenges. Starting Paws for Change came with a steep learning curve, from navigating small business operations to meeting reporting and accountability requirements for a charity. "I didn't come from a charity background, so there was a lot to learn," she recalls. "But when I look back now, I'm really proud of how far we've come."
Despite the demands, Annie views technology as a positive force. "Anything that can save us time and streamline things is a good thing," she says. "Especially if we're putting that time back into being with our families." This Mother's Day will be different: Annie will be in Bali at the charity's safe house, surrounded by rescue dogs rather than her children. But the bond remains strong. "I'll still get check-ins and videos," she says. "You just make it work."
