For Sophia Tarricone, the inspiration for helping shelter animals starts close to home—with Bella, the dog her family adopted from Cape Ann Animal Aid almost nine years ago.

“Bella is the best dog in the world,” says Sophia’s mom, Randi.

That love prompted Sophia to ask for donations to the Gloucester shelter instead of gifts for her April birthday. When the family delivered her birthday donation, meeting and cuddling puppies made the experience even sweeter. It also left Sophia eager to help again.

A lemonade stand was already on her summer bucket list. Why not turn it into another opportunity to support the animals?

On August 26, Sophia set up shop at the corner of Perkins Row and Audubon Drive, near the wildlife sanctuary. Along with refreshing lemonade, visitors could purchase home-baked treats and colorful bouquets made with flowers Randi grows herself.

Randi’s gardening hobby has evolved into a source of gifts, donations and bouquets for friends. Growing and arranging flowers gives her a creative outlet—and, that afternoon, helped support her daughter’s cause.

Neighbors stopped by, picked up something sweet or beautiful, and helped Sophia raise more than $300 for Cape Ann Animal Aid.

How did she feel when she learned the total?

“So happy!” Sophia says.

She hopes the donation will provide “food, toys, and the other supplies they need.”

Sophia also has happy memories of the puppies she met during the family’s earlier shelter visit, including a tan puppy named Dahlia and several pit bull mixes. Asked whether she had a favorite, the answer was simple: no favorite.

A third grader at Steward School, Sophia enjoys swimming, dancing, skiing and playing piano. Science is her favorite subject. This summer, she also found time to bring neighbors together for a cause close to her heart.

With Bella as her inspiration and the community’s support behind her, Sophia turned one afternoon’s lemonade stand into a gift for animals waiting for families of their own.