When you were a kid, what was your biggest birthday wish? Ethan Flint, from St. Paul, Minnesota, wanted nothing more than to help his local police dogs. For his ninth birthday, he asked for help raising money for bulletproof K-9 vests.
[bp_related_article]
The inspiration came when Ethan met Officer Jay Curiel and his dog Havoc at a Cub Scouts function this May. Ethan noticed that Officer Curiel was outfitted with a vest, but the dog had none.
“I was just thinking about the dogs, and they were getting hurt, and I didn’t want that to happen anymore,” Ethan said.
Ethan posted fliers around his neighborhood asking for help supporting the cause, and his family set up a GoFundMe page. Last week, Ethan presented the St. Paul Police K-9 Foundation with a check for $1,215 and support continues to roll in.
“I think it’s outstanding – that a nine-year-old could think of something like that is remarkable,” Sergeant John Linssen told ABC News.
Ethan has dedicated each of his past few birthdays to charitable acts, with his parents’ encouragement- with past fundraisers to help rebuild a zoo, create a giraffe exhibit and fund research for frogs and reptiles. These dogs are lucky to have such an enterprising friend. And we can take to heart the lesson that you’re never too young to lend a paw.
You can donate to Ethan’s cause here.
