After 12-year-old Darius Brown heard about the animals displaced by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, he had to help. That’s when he jumped into action—founding Beaux & Paws!
So what exactly is Beaux & Paws? This awesome effort provides handmade bow ties to dogs in need. Not only do the dogs get a serious style upgrade, but as Brown hopes, the new neckwear may help the abandoned pets find their forever homes faster. The young philanthropist told TODAY, “It helps the dog look noticeable, very attractive.”
Brown, who was diagnosed with speech, comprehension and fine motor skills delays at age two, started making bow ties when he was eight-years-old. His older sister, Dazhai Brown-Shearz, told TODAY, “With his fine motor skills, he wasn’t able to really use his hands well—tying a shoe was challenging.” She went on to add, “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!”
Four years later brown is still making bow ties and helping shelter dogs across the country. And don’t think this young man’s efforts have gone unnoticed until now. In 2018 President Barack Obama sent Brown a letter of encouragement and according to Brown’s Go Fund Me page, NBA star Allen Houston, actress Kenya Moore and other notable names have recognized his accomplishments.
If you’d like to contribute to Brown’s cause, visit his Go Fund Me page here!
—Erica Loop
Featured photo: Sir Darius Brown via Instagram
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