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Our Mission

Helping PAWS is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, dedicated to improving the lives of animals, alleviating their suffering and elevating their status in society through rescue and rehabilitation. We also want to educate our community on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. Advocating the value of all animal life, in hopes to end the neglect and abuse animals and help control the pet population through spay and neuter advocacy.

                                Helping Paws Inc. is located in Indianapolis, IN

Our Directors

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Syd Banch, Founder & Director of Fundraising

While looking to add a dog to her family in 1998, a relative told Syd to rescue a dog. She started calling local vets and asking if there were rescues in her area as she was looking for a Golden Retriever. After a few calls, Syd was given the information to the Rescue – Club Pet Adoption. She went out to look at dogs and they did not have one, but said they would call if one came in. In a week or two, they called and she went back. It was love at first sight with Toby.

After seeing the dogs in the shelter and talking to the owner of the rescue, her heart melted knowing there were so many dogs people didn't want. From that day forward, Syd began fundraising and doing events to educate people on the over population of animals in the area. Almost 20 years later, Helping PAWS continues to raise funds for rescues all across the country through online auctions on Facebook.

Syd’s dog family includes Falcora, Louise, Petey, Lacy (foster fail), Ottis (hospice foster), and Allie (her most recent foster failure).

 
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Cari Harris, Director of Finance

Cari had a passion for helping animals at a very young age,  but her heart has always been drawn to helping those in need. Cari volunteered at shelter here and there as a young teen but really found her calling in 2014 when she starting regularly volunteering at a local Humane Society. That is where she was introduced to other animal rescues and found Helping Paws. She began volunteering with Helping Paws in 2016 and became the Treasurer in 2017.

Cari loves to foster but doesn't do well as she has already foster failed twice! Right now she has two pups, Barley, a German Shepherd Mix, and Boscoe, a boxer and Helping Paws Alum! Her husband Matt also supports her passion for rescue and helps with events, transports, and other odd jobs when needed! They have two children, Matthew Jr and Charlie, both love animals, love doing rescue stuff with her, and she hopes one day they will have the passion she does to help animals in need. Cari is proud to be a part of the Helping Paws family and is so excited to see us grow!