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).