When young Ryder Kuhlman thought about what he wanted for his tenth birthday this year, he looked around his room in Volusia County, Florida and ‘decided he had enough stuff’. Ryder tells Lady Freethinker,
“I didn’t need any toys for my birthday, so I decided to help out some animals.”
Ryder approached his mom, Rhonda Kuhlman, with an idea. Instead of birthday gifts, he wanted everyone to help the animals at his local shelter. Rhonda was impressed by his gesture, but not surprised. She tells us, “He’s got a really big heart, and loves animals.” When we asked Ryder what he wants to be when he grows up, he said, “I want to work in a zoo and help out.”
“I thought I could help out by getting dog food, towels, stuff like that,” Ryder explained.
So the Kuhlman’s called the shelter and asked what was on their wish list:
- Blankets for the cages
- Old towels for bathing
- Cat food
- Dog food
- Little toys for the cats
- Peanut butter, to hide the medicine for the animals

Ryder Kuhlman’s birthday wish list, Courtesy, Rhonda Kuhlman
Then Ryder created invitations, which specified “no presents please” but included the shelter’s suggested wish list, adding,
“Help me help the Humane Society and all of their furry friends.”
He sent them to the people on his birthday invite list, including friends and family. His mom helped him by extending Ryder’s circle of love to include her workplace.
Ryder’s birthday donations to Halifax Humane Society, Courtesy, Rhonda Kuhlman Ryder, who has two pets of his own, a poodle mix and a bearded dragon, was thrilled with the response, as was Halifax Humane. The Kuhlmans took the truckload of donations. Halifax said it was ‘the largest birthday donation they’d ever seen!” The day of the drop-off, Ryder got to interact with some of the animals and shelter staff, who said,
“What a generous thing to do for our community’s animals! Ryder also donated $100 in cash for the animals. Ryder YOU ROCK! ”
Just like Ryder, you too can make an impact at your local shelter. Every rescue, every shelter, has their own wish list. Give them a call or click on their Facebook or webpage link.
We asked Ryder what he wants to teach people about shelter animals and if he had any advice for adopters. Ryder told us, “They have to take good care of the animals, give them time, and make sure they’re ready to take them home.”
As Ryder’s t-shirt says, ‘rescued is my favorite breed’. Wise beyond his years, Ryder proved that everyone can make a difference in the lives of animals, no matter how old you are. All it takes is listening to the message from your heart.

Ryder Kuhlman you are one great soul👑🌠🎈
thank you for putting animal needs first.
Namaste🐦
The Galarneau Family
que ejemplo de este niño para los seres humanos que son inhumanos salvajes y asesinos ojala todos los niños siguieran el ejemplo el mundo de los animales cambiaría
Thank You, Bless your kind heart.
Beautiful boy inside and outside!!! Love from Greece!!!
A very big thank you!
COMMENTWhat a great idea of a 10 year old boy to spend the money on the animals. This boy has a heart of gold!
Bless you for your kindness and compassion and most of all for your love for helpless creatures
thank you Ryder you are a hero. i wish there were more people in this world like you who think about animals. thank you for every thing you do to help them. take care xx
Would love to see what he’s involved in in the next 20 years. He will make waves in the animal world, I’m sure. God bless him.
Thank you Ryder, thank you very much!
My goodness what a marvellous young boy. Well done Ryder.
You’re not a hero. You are what is right with a world that has lost it’s way.The future is bright with your kind.
What an amazing boy! You are certainly a wonderful example for all humans , especially for those who just don’t care for these beautiful creatures!!!
Thank you on behalf of tbose animals!!!
You are an angel , thank you !
What a wonderful young man!!
♡♡♡ 🐕😺🐢🐰🐥♡♡♡
What an awesome young man!!
♡♡♡
It is easy to see that he also trust animals more than he does people and he has a big heart period, but more for animals. I am the same way and I wish him all the love in the world and I hope people do not use it against him for having a big heart.
Un bel exemple ce jeune garçon. Félicitations aux parents d’avoir mis au monde une aussi belle personne!!!
Way to go Ryder!!
Good for you Ryder Kuhlman.
This boy must come from a very good home. Not many kids would do such a selfless thing. Good for you Ryder.
What a wonderful young man! A great example for all of us to follow. Thank you!!!!
Well done, young man.
Ryder, you are a true humanitarian and an inspiration for many of your peers. You are mature way beyond your years. Kudos to you. You are a leader. Keep up the good work. I can’t say enough wonderful things to praise your altruism.
To Rhonda Kuhlman : EXCELLENT JOB raising wonderful Ryder 💕
Ryder – study hard and become a large animal vet. That’s how you get to work in zoos.
You can help save entire species, along with cats and dogs, and other shelter animals.
We have a large animal Vet Tech in this family – he volunteers at the local zoo.
Thank you, Ryder, for your generosity, and your compassion for homeless animals.
Ryder you are an inspiration for all of us! Great job…and God bless you. Good luck on a bright future working with animals.