Conversations with Laura Lee Franks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Lee Franks.

Hi Laura Lee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I fostered – and after 9 months adopted – a young blind dog. I’d fostered dogs before, but never one with disabilities. Maverick soon taught me that being blind did not slow him down one bit. He was fearless, and one of the smartest & driven dogs I’ve ever had the pleasure of having in my life. Sadly, at around age 2-1/2, Maverick developed seizures that he lived with for 2 years.

When the seizures were almost daily and his quality of life was deteriorating, I said goodbye. 4-a 1/2 years was not enough time, but I am so grateful that I got to learn firsthand just how very capable differently-abled dogs are. My experience with Maverick inspired me to start The Unstoppables Project, a 501(c)(3) advocacy organization. (You can learn more about Maverick’s story here: https://www.theunstoppablesproject.org/mav-abd-book)

The Unstoppables Project is not a rescue group, rather, it aims to shine a light on differently-abled dogs like Maverick — the rescues and organizations that work with them, and the humans who foster & adopt them — in three primary ways:
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1) Advocacy: Our website and IG account serve as hubs for all things differently-abled dogs, from sharing adoptable dogs from various rescues to providing resources and guidance rescues, trainers, and potential adopters need to nurture unstoppable dogs. We will also share stories of adopted dogs living their best lives.

2) Education: We’re dedicated to honest communication that demystifies what it’s like to live with and raise differently-abled dogs, sharing resources, personal stories, rescue group experiences, trainer expertise, and more.

3) Financial Support: Funds we raise become grants that are directed toward other non-profits who, themselves, are supporting differently-abled dogs through advocacy, rescue, training, etc.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The Unstoppables Project launched on 2/14/21, so we are very new. The biggest challenge we face is converting virtual support into measurable action.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a (currently) retired Project Manager/Engineer. My degree is in Mechanical Engineering and I spent the majority of my career with Austin Energy, our public electric utility. I was honored to work on a variety of interesting & challenging projects, including building a new power plant and refurbishing a large building for critical operations.

Being one of very few women set me apart in the job. I’m thankful that most of my coworkers recognized that with my gender came a different viewpoint, and they respected me enough to seek out my opinion.

Any big plans?
In March 2023, The Unstoppables Project will be participating in Amplify Austin, our local day of giving for non-profits. The money raised directly supports the grants we give in the fall.

Contact Info:

• Website: theunstoppablesproject.org
• Instagram: @theunstoppablesproject

Image Credits
Danna Price (Adira), Cyndy Lopez (Tessa & Jessa), and Karli Waldrip (Rhett)