Future Plans: Paws4ever
As Paws Xaló approaches our seventh birthday our founder, Jayne Webb, has starting thinking to the future - a future in which Paws can have an even more positive impact:
“One day I would like to create a home for elderly dogs. Somewhere that feels like a proper home, so if their owner were to pass they wouldn’t find themselves in a shelter alone and frightened, unable to understand why there is no comfy sofa."
This vision resonated so strongly with Lee Harker, one of our volunteers, that in May 2026 he will take on the epic challenge of running 4500km across six countries, aiming to raise €150,000 euros and make this home for elderly dogs - now known as Paws4ever - a reality.
Read more of this story below, or click the button to go straight to Lee’s GoFundMe page and donate to help make this vision a reality!
In 1999, as Jayne Webb’s house began filling up with dogs in need, she decided to found a charity that could meet the needs of ALL the lost and abandoned dogs in the Jalón Valley.
And so Paws Xaló was born.
Today, as Paws approaches its seventh birthday, Jayne is again looking at how she can continue to improve the lives of dogs in our area:
“In 2024 a lovely couple, Lee and Fay, began helping at the shelter,” recalls Jayne. “One day Lee asked what my vision was for Paws in the future.”
A big question. But Jayne knew exactly how to reply:
“One day I would like to create a home for elderly dogs. Somewhere that feels like a proper home, so if their owner were to pass they wouldn’t find themselves in a shelter alone and frightened, unable to understand why there is no comfy sofa."
It is a sad reality that elderly dogs, despite having so much love to give, can find themselves spending the longest periods in dog shelters, as many people fear having to deal with ongoing health issues or vet care.
A few days later Jayne’s phone rang. It was Lee, and it was clear that Jayne’s dream had just become his dream too:
“I am going to make this vision for the future of Paws come true!”
With this phone call a new chapter for Paws, known as Paws4ever, began!!
Lee, a committed dog lover and truly special person, had already in the past raised some 30,000 euros for other dog rescue charities through sponsored treks from Valencia to Moraira, and Barcelona to Moraira.
However, with a dream as big as Paws4ever comes big financial costs. And so Lee has decided to set off on an even more epic challenge.
In May 2026 Lee will begin a run that will take him across six countries within the space of four months, along a 4500km route starting in Denmark and ending in Spain. His goal is to raise 150,000 euros (yes, you read that right!) to make Paws4ever a reality.
In his own words:
“In May 2026, once I finish my current work contract, I’ll be setting off on an incredible challenge: running across 6 countries, from Skagen in northern Denmark all the way down to Tarifa in southern Spain. That’s around 4,500km, crossing through Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and finally Spain.
The run will be called “Running for Paws.” and will raise money to create a very special dog rescue called “Paws4Ever.” This will focus on giving elderly dogs a loving, safe, and comfortable place to spend their final years. Whether they’ve been abandoned, surrendered, or just need a home in their last chapter, they’ll get the care and love they deserve.”
What can you do to help?
Lee’s has set up a GoFundMe Page in support of this run, where donations can be made in support of this vision.
Beyond this, hitting such an ambitious monetary goal is going to require a huge team effort to drive exposure to Lee’s amazing adventure. The more dog-lovers who are aware of this challenge, the more money can be raised!
So please follow along on the Paws Xaló social media pages, and help by sharing posts about the challenge far and wide amongst your networks. As the departure date comes closer Lee will be opening social media accounts dedicated to the challenge, and your help in sharing and driving traffic to these accounts will be invaluable!
Please let´s all pull together and change the lives of not just one but many dogs who need our support for their remaining days when those who loved them have disappeared and they are feeling lost and alone.
Thank you so much for your amazing support as always!
