We recently connected with Azure Davis and have shared our conversation below.

Azure, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Let me take you on a journey back to when I was 23 years old. I had a well-paying job in the supply chain department of a large medical corporation. It provided stability, great benefits, and a sense of security. On top of that, I was in the final stages of completing my bachelor’s degree in business management. Life seemed pretty sorted out, but there was something more that tugged at my heart.

You see, amidst the hustle and bustle of work and studies, I had also been nurturing a deep passion for animal welfare. With that passion, I founded a nonprofit animal rescue organization called Ruff Start Rescue, which held a special place in my heart. Every day, I would pour my heart and soul into this endeavor, saving and caring for animals in need.

But as time went on, Ruff Start Rescue started growing rapidly, and I found myself facing a tough decision. Something had to give. It was during one of our monthly board meetings, held at our beloved Applebee’s (our meeting spot back then), that we came up with an idea: I could become the first part-time employee of Ruff Start Rescue. The board and I pondered the possibilities, realizing that although we lacked a budget or a concrete business plan, the need for our services was intensifying.

Many people around me doubted the viability of getting paid to save animals or building a career in the nonprofit industry. They warned me about the risks and challenges that lay ahead. The reality was that accepting this opportunity meant giving up my excellent benefits, enduring a significant pay cut, and extending my stay in my parent’s basement to pay off my student loans. But deep down, I knew that this was my true calling, and sometimes you have to take risks to pursue your passion.

With a heart full of conviction, I eagerly accepted the part-time job at Ruff Start Rescue, bidding farewell to my corporate life the next day. I never looked back. Fast forward 13 years and Ruff Start Rescue is surviving and thriving. Today, I am proud to be part of a team of 35 incredible staff members who have also chosen to follow their passion and make a living doing what they love.

Since its humble beginnings in 2010, Ruff Start Rescue has saved the lives of more than 24,000 animals. We’ve given these animals a second chance at a fulfilling life. The impact we’ve made on these animals and the joy we’ve brought to countless families is immeasurable.

Taking that risk, leaving behind the security of my previous job, and pursuing my passion for animal rescue has been the best decision I’ve ever made. It has transformed my life and the lives of countless animals. I firmly believe that when you have a true passion and the courage to chase it, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve remarkable things.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Animals hold a special place in my heart, and I’ve dedicated my life to making a positive impact in their lives. With an unwavering passion and a firm belief in the power of determination, I’ve tackled obstacles head-on, always keeping my optimism alive. This drive keeps me pushing forward, making my dream of creating a better world for animals a reality. Because when passion and determination come together, there’s no limit to what can be achieved.

Growing up in the beautiful rural countryside of central Minnesota, I developed a deep connection with nature and all its creatures. My childhood was spent exploring the woods, building forts, and forging bonds with the animals surrounding me. Our home seemed to attract animals in need, whether they were injured wildlife or abandoned pets. Naturally, my family and I became involved in animal rehabilitation and rescue. Still, we soon realized a significant gap in resources and support for these animals once they were nursed back to health.

At a young age, I started helping community members find their lost pets or connect them with suitable homes. Through networking and marketing efforts, I discovered a genuine passion for bringing people and animals together. It became clear that this was my calling, a mission I couldn’t ignore. Whether I found success in the corporate world or through an invention, I knew I would always be dedicated to saving animals because it was an intrinsic part of who I am. To this day, I firmly believe that animals find me, rather than the other way around.

In 2010, just before completing my bachelor’s degree in business management, specializing in marketing, I took a significant step toward realizing my dream. I founded a foster-based animal rescue organization called Ruff Start Rescue, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Ruff Start Rescue was born out of the growing need for resources and support in the animal rescue community. Leveraging the power of social media and my networking skills, I united animal lovers from all corners of the United States to join forces and save lives.

At Ruff Start Rescue, we focus on rescuing dogs, cats, and other small companion animals, which we affectionately call “critters.” These animals come from various situations, such as strays, high-kill shelters, local impounds, owner surrenders, and even natural disasters. We place them in caring foster homes throughout Minnesota until they find their adoptive families. During their time in foster care, we cover all necessary veterinary care, including spaying, neutering, vaccinations, heartworm testing, parasite prevention, microchipping, and more. Additionally, we provide our fosters with all the supplies they need to ensure the animals’ well-being. Our organization comprises dedicated volunteers, fosters, staff, adopters, and generous donors.

The primary objective of Ruff Start Rescue is to facilitate connections between people and pets through dog, cat, and critter adoptions. We envision a world where every companion animal has a safe and loving home, while their families possess the knowledge and resources to give them the lives they deserve.

In addition to our adoption efforts, we also extend a helping hand to pet owners facing challenges. Through owner surrender assistance, we offer wellness clinics with discounted veterinary services and donate pet food to local food shelves. Our goal is to keep pets with their owners. Since 2017, we have shared nearly 64,000 pounds of surplus pet products with community members in need, further supporting our mission.

Education is another crucial aspect of our work. We prioritize spreading awareness through presentations, workshops, and programs suitable for individuals of all ages. Since 2014, our educational initiatives have reached over 9,100 adults and children, empowering them with knowledge and compassion towards animals.

What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve made in the lives of countless animals and the communities we serve. The love and support we receive from our incredible network of volunteers, fosters, staff, adopters, and donors inspires us to continue striving for excellence.

If you’re considering our services or supporting our cause, I want you to know that we are deeply committed to making a difference. We are here to connect you with a loving pet, provide resources for pet owners in need, share information, and empower individuals to become advocates for animals. Together, we can create a world where every animal receives the love and care they deserve.

At Ruff Start Rescue, we truly believe that transparency is the key to effective communication. As a passionate team, we are all driven by the same heartfelt goal: connecting people and pets in the most meaningful way possible.

Since our humble beginnings, we have had the honor of rescuing more than 24,000 animals. These incredible creatures have not only found a new lease on life, but they have also become invaluable companions to their loving owners here in Minnesota. The bond they share is genuinely transformative, often bringing about positive changes that go beyond words.

Our success is not solely attributed to our dedicated staff team but also to the incredible network of over 1,500 fosters and volunteers scattered across Minnesota. These remarkable individuals selflessly open their hearts and homes to provide temporary foster care for the rescued animals. They experience firsthand the profound impact and immeasurable reward that comes with saving a life and witnessing the transformative power of compassion.

At Ruff Start Rescue, we are more than just an organization; we are a community united by our love for animals and the desire to make a difference. Together, we work tirelessly to ensure that every pet finds a forever home where they can flourish and bring joy to the lives of their new families.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Fortunately, I didn’t require a substantial amount of initial capital to kickstart my nonprofit venture—initially, some modest application and processing fees totaling approximately $2,000. Since I had returned home while attending college, I could save a portion of my income to cover these upfront costs. As time passed, over the next year, I managed to recover some of my initial expenses and was subsequently reimbursed.

Through this experience, I learned firsthand that state and federal funding for animal rescues is virtually non-existent, and grants within the animal welfare sector are exceedingly scarce. The majority of our expenses encompassed animal supplies, veterinary bills, and software expenditures, which were primarily sustained by compassionate individuals who share our love for animals, whom we fondly refer to as our donors.

Our donors, typically contributing an average of $25 to $50 per donation, comprise the backbone of our financial support, enabling us to continue pursuing our mission. Their unwavering generosity and dedication make it possible for us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the animals we serve.

How did you build your audience on social media?

It’s been quite a journey, but I’ve learned a lot. One thing that has been crucial to my success is transparency. I believe in being open and honest with my audience and sharing real-time situations and updates. Whether it’s about an animal in need of medical attention or finding a foster home, I make sure to keep my followers informed.

But it’s not just about sharing information; it’s also about fostering interaction. I genuinely value my audience and strive to create a sense of connection. I make it a point to respond to questions and comments, engaging in conversations beyond just broadcasting messages. Social media, to me, is a genuine means of communication and building relationships.

Regarding growth, I now have the best marketing team around! We’ve found Facebook ads to be helpful. However, we’re selective about the opportunities we pursue. We focus on creating ads that are interesting, relevant, and tell compelling stories. These ads not only spread the message of who we are and what we stand for but also emphasize the need for financial support to accomplish our mission.

For those who are just starting to build a social media presence, I want to offer some advice. First and foremost, be authentic. Let your true personality shine through your content and interactions. People are drawn to genuine individuals who they can relate to. Second, don’t be afraid to share the ups and downs of your journey. Being transparent about your challenges and successes helps your audience connect with you on a deeper level.

Lastly, remember that social media is about building relationships, not just gaining followers. Take the time to engage with your audience, respond to their comments, and show genuine interest in their lives. By focusing on connection and communication, you’ll be well on your way to building a solid and loyal community on social media.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ruffstartrescue.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruffstartrescuemn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruffstart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ruff-start-rescue/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruffstartrescue
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuffStartRescue
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ruffstartrescue
• Donation Page: https://ruffstartrescue.org/donate/

Image Credits
Photo: Azure holding the tan and white puppy- photographer, Ron Wilbur. All other images belong to Ruff Start Rescue.