By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
When Drake Stearns turned 8 last recently, he got some unusual birthday gifts – giant bags of dog food, old blankets, and pet toys.
Drake, a second-grader at Elmwood, had decided that he had enough toys himself and wanted his birthday party guests to bring gifts for the four-legged lodgers at the Wood County Dog Shelter.
“We looked at all his toys,” and discussed a different option this year, his mom Christina Stearns said.
“I wanted to do it. I wanted to make these dogs happy,” Drake said as he sat at the dog shelter next to King, who was wagging his tail furiously at meeting a new friend.
So his mom sent out birthday party invitations, asking that in lieu of presents for Drake, that guests bring dog food, treats, towels or toys.
The party netted nearly 200 pounds of dog food, plus lots of collars, leashes and other items.
“Parents said they had a tough time not getting him toys,” Drake’s mom said.
But Drake had no reservations. As he dropped off more items at the dog shelter last week, he quickly bonded with King.
“He’s chosen me,” Drake said to his mom as King licked him. “He wants me. Can I get him?”
Drake Stearns greets dogs in the kennel area.
Drake – who has big plans to be either a dancer, magician, artist or pet store worker – has a big heart for animals.
“He actually said he wants to do this every year,” his mom said.
Wood County Dog Warden Andrew Snyder said in his 12 years at the dog shelter, he can remember less than a handful of times that a child has made such a generous gesture.
“It’s just not that often that someone his age will be that thoughtful and give up his gifts,” Snyder said.
The stacks of dog food were especially appreciated since donations from local stores are down this year.
“This was the first year we’ve had to buy dog food,” Snyder said.
The dog treats also come in handy, since dog shelter staff on the road are always armed with treats to win over canines they come upon. “We all keep treats in our vehicles,” he said.
The toys are used in a meet-and-greet room for people trying to get to know a dog they are considering adopting. And the collars and leashes are helpful to send home with the new dog owners who hadn’t planned ahead for their adoption.
As for King, Drake’s mom reminded her son that he already has plenty of pets at home.
“He’s a cat person, too. Don’t let him fool you,” she said. His menagerie currently includes two dogs, two cats and one inherited turtle.
