When you think of getting a gift for a 7 year old boy what comes to mind? Action figures? Video games?

How about a donation to a dog rescue?

Not what you would typically pick, right? Well then you haven't met Paul. This young Newf lover recently had a party to celebrate his 7th birthday and guess what he asked for? That's right, donations to Newf Friends Newfoundland Dog Rescue. Instead of bringing a gift, Paul asked that all of his party guests make a donation to the Newf Friends division of HART to help support Newfs in need. Imagine that, a 7 year old boy caring enough about Newfs to give up getting birthday presents in exchange for helping Newfs in need.

Pretty terrific, right?


Speaking of terrific children, how about Kayleigh, a very special 9 year old girl who is a huge supporter of rescue and lover of animals. Last year when Ella arrived in our care Kayleigh was so moved by her story that she set out to raise funds to help pay for Ella's extensive medical bills. Through the sale of baked dog treats this inspiring young girl raised money to help Ella get better.

Recently Kayleigh heard that we had a special new arrival in our program, Ella's mom Mackenzie. Mackenzie too has some special health issues, including the need for surgery to correct cherry eye. Once again Kayleigh has stepped forward and made it her goal to raise funds to help with the medical expenses for this special Newf. She's working hard to sell more cookies, and being an aspiring photographer, she's going to be auctioning off a photo-shoot to raise funds for Mackenzie's surgery. What fun!

These two children, through their generosity and selfless acts of kindness, have truly made a difference in the lives of animals in need.

Thank you Paul and Kayleigh, from all of us at Newf Friends. You are both an inspiration.

We are so moved by these acts of kindness that we wanted to share their stories, and encourage other children to look to Paul and Kayleigh for inspiration and step up and make a difference in the life of an animal. In honour of Paul and Kayleigh, we're launching the Kids that Care Project. We hope other children will follow Paul and Kayleigh's example and help animals in their own communities, around the globe.

Just like Paul and Kayleigh, we'd like to see children come up with fun and creative ways to help animals. It doesn't have to be just Newf Rescue, we want to hear about how you have helped animals, any animal, no matter how big or how small.

So get together with your friends, your classmates, your siblings, and come up with a plan on how you can help save the life of an animal in need. Email us your stories about how you are doing your part to help animals, and we'll share your stories on our new blog, and spread the message that children can and do make a difference in the lives of animals.

From all of us at Newf Friends, thank you Paul and Kayleigh for setting such a wonderful example. Our hope is that others will learn from your kindness and be moved to do the same.