From the moment our founder, Melanie Wilder could walk, she had a deep love for animals. Over the years, that passion has allowed her to connect to some truly incredible people. Together, she’s formed lasting bonds, rallying around a shared mission: to help pets live happy, safe, and healthy lives.
The call to make a larger, more dedicated change in the world began in 2018, in the wake of Hurricane Florence. What started as a simple plan to deliver a carload of supplies grew into an inspiring community effort. Melanie put out a single Facebook post, and it brought in so many donations that she needed a U-Haul to transport everything! That experience opened her eyes to the power of compassionate action, and she’s been working to help animals—and the people who love them—ever since.
Sydney’s Friends exists to honor the bond between people and their pets by providing essential supplies to pet owners in need. Our goal is to ensure that pets can stay in their loving homes with the support and the supplies they need to thrive.
Please note: Sydney’s Friends is not a rescue organization or a veterinary care provider.
Ways we help include:
From providing pet food for homebound seniors through Meals on Wheels in Catawba and Alexander Counties to organizing disaster relief efforts in Kentucky and North Carolina, I’ve seen firsthand the difference we can make when we come together. That’s why I founded Sydney’s Friends—to continue this work and make an even bigger impact.
Every pet deserves a life of comfort and love. Every owner deserves the chance to keep their pet safe and cared for, regardless of life’s challenges.
Sydney’s Friends is dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their people. Our mission is to provide pet food and supplies to keep pets safe, healthy and in loving homes by reducing the financial burden, aid shelters in their life saving work and to respond to communities impacted by natural disasters with compassion and kindness.
When Melanie and Sydney first met at a shelter in Johnson City, TN, it was obvious that both their lives were about to change forever.
“Sydney was the cutest dog I had ever seen, and I instantly fell in love. Learning she would be available for adoption the next day, I was first in line. My excitement couldn’t be contained as I stood at the shelter’s doors, waiting for them to open.”
Once she placed the “ADOPTED” card on the kennel, Melanie’s heart broke and grew at the same time. Sydney cowered and ran to the back of her small space; it was obvious she hadn’t known much kindness in her life. In that moment, Melanie made a silent promise: I would show Sydney the love she deserved.
From then on, they were soulmates. Their connection was unlike anything either had ever experienced. They were ONE, each offering comfort without a single word.
“She had a way of being there when I needed her most—whether it was a quiet stare to check if I was okay or her head resting on the pillow beside me at night. Sydney taught me the power of unconditional love and reminded me of the countless animals who just need a chance—a chance for comfort, safety, and love.”
Your support helps us honor Sydney’s legacy by keeping pets and their people together. We have seen the power of compassionate hearts working to make a difference—one wagging tail, one purring companion, one cherished bond at a time.
