Sixth-grader gives cash to Lakewood Ranch rescue

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Twelve-year-old Sydney Ashley wanted to be a zoologist long before she even knew what one was.

With a passion for taking care of animals, especially those in need, it’s only natural that the Saint Stephen’s sixth-grader would gravitate toward the field.

“I love all animals,” Sydney said. “I always wanted to be a vet, but my cousin was planning to be a zoologist.”

Then, when Sydney learned the Humane Society would be opening a shelter in Lakewood Ranch, she decided to get a jumpstart on her future career path.

“I could see myself volunteering here more often and helping out,” said Sydney, whose family bought its dog Ky-man from the Sarasota County Humane Society several years ago.

However, Sydney has done more than just volunteer. Following her 12th birthday, Sydney took the $130 she had received for her birthday and donated it to the Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch.

“I was pretty proud of her,” Sydney’s mother Joann said. “It was great, and she really thought about it beforehand.”

Sydney used the money to buy toys and other items for the animals in the shelter. With the help of Linda Baker of the Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch, Sydney went to Target and Petco and picked out toys she felt the dogs and other animals would enjoy the most.

“It felt very good inside,” Sydney said. “It was very warming.”

In addition to her donation, Sydney also volunteers her time at least twice a week. During her visits, Sydney walks, feeds and plays with the dogs.

“I try to play with them a lot because they don’t get much playtime,” Sydney said.

Since she began volunteering a few weeks ago, Sydney has learned about each of the dogs that are up for adoption and has even picked out her favorite — Shelley Mae.

“When I first came here, she was the first one I met,” Sydney said. “She was just so nice.”

Sydney plans to continue volunteering at the Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch as often as her school and softball schedule will allow.

“I just really like playing with them and seeing how happy their faces are,” Sydney said.

For more, visit www.hslwr.org.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].