Many pet owners love to dress up their special furry friends in the cutest of accessories. It’s fun, it makes the pet look good, and seeing photos of animals in costumes is always such a treat!
One boy has found a way to spread the joy that comes from seeing a cute-dressed pet while also helping animals in need, and it puts a smile on all of our faces.
Finding a hobby you not only love, but excel in, is an increidble feeling.
Even better is when you get the chance to mix it with another passion of yours, combining interests and making something substantial relating to what you love most about life.
This is exactly what happened to 14-year-old Darius Brown, who discovered the perfect way to do good by doing what he loved.
Brown designs and sews bow ties for shelter animals.
His journey here happened over quite the span of time, though. It began when he was eight years old and his sister, Dazhai Brown-Shearz, was making hair bows for cosmetology school.
Darius had been diagnosed with speech, comprehension, and fine motor skill delays at age two. With Dazhai’s bow-making, though, came an idea.
The idea was allowing Darius to lend a helping hand.
In an interview with Today , Dazhai said, “With his fine motor skills, he wasn’t able to really use his hands well — tying a shoe was challenging.
“My mother and I came up with the idea that if he helped us with things like prepping the ribbon or cutting it, and sewing fabric together, it would help him. And it did — it worked!”
He began making his own bow ties and wearing them everywhere.
People began asking where they could buy his bow ties, so he started his own company named Beaux & Paws, where he makes matching bow ties for people and their pets.
He soon realized he could be using his business, and his bow tie-making skills, to help animals who didn’t have owners to buy them one.
So he got to work.
He’s now donated hundreds of ties to shelters across the country, helping dogs and cats feel dapper while they look to be adopted.
“It helps the dog look noticeable, very attractive,” He told Today. “It helps them find a forever, loving home…I love everything about dogs and cats.”
Darius’s charitable work doesn’t just end there, though.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he made over 100 face masks for frontline workers and the homeless. When the severe Australian bushfires struck, he also made mittens for koalas that burned their hands.
He’s clearly a kind soul who wants nothing more than to help how he can where he can using his talents.
And thankfully, that help hasn’t gone unnoticed.
His organization has started receiving from donations from people who believe in his work so he can afford more fabric, and in 2018, he even received a letter of praise from former President Barack Obama.
As part of the letter read, “As long as you stay engaged in the world around you, continue looking for ways to help others, and never give up on yourself, I’m confident our future will be bright.”
h/t: Upworthy
