NOT many three-year-old spend their birthday by giving back to charity. Typically, it’s a time to count the presents, the video games, toys and gadgets friends and family so dutifully deliver.

However a La Lucia boy, Ayrton Bartrum, has decided for his fourth birthday that he doesn’t want any presents for himself. In fact, all he wants for his birthday is to help dogs and support local animal rescue organisation, Project Dog.

He has asked the children attending his birthday party in March to bring dog food and blankets for his furry friends. The St Martins Pre-Primary School pupil, who has two dachshunds, Jack and Ben, said he could not imagine a world without his two best friends.

“They are my favourite doggies and I give them lots of cuddles. I want to help all the dogs who don’t have walkies and treats. I just really love animals. I don’t really need that much gifts for my birthday,” he explained.

Ayrton’s favourite show is the animated series, Paw Patrol, which follows a group of six rescue dogs, led by a tech-savvy boy named Ryder and the heroic pups, work together to protect the community

His mom, Michelle Thurston, said the idea to do this for Project Dog gained momentum the minute it was suggested.

“My son has always loved dogs and I thought this was the perfect way to give back and do something different. My hope is that this will start a ripple effect with other children doing something similar for people or animals in need. Ayrton has a big heart and I’m so proud of him,” she said.

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