When Dominic Cardoza turned 8 on June 12, he asked family and friends not to give him presents, but money.
Not because he's a budding banker.
Because he wanted to collect money to give to a group that's trying to become a nonprofit animal rescue shelter.
So that's just what he did July 3 for Techs 4 Pets in Atwater. The little boy handed over $94 he'd saved to save animals.
Dominic, whose great-uncle is a U.S. congressman, saw TV commercials from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. In one of them, Willie Nelson's voice-over sings "You were always on my mind" as photos of neglected cats and dogs appear on-screen.
The boy said, "Mommy, we need to help those animals!"
His mom, Amber, and dad, Tommy, had rescued a dog two years ago. Dominic named the Lab mix Chance, as in second chance. This year, the family found a stray and, not able to locate an owner, added that dog to the household. They named him Cody after Giants outfielder Cody Ross.
Dominic also helps take care of his 20-month-old brother.
The third-grader at Elmer Wood Elementary in Atwater comes by his care and concern for animals from his folks, who are "big animal lovers," says Amber. "When we decided to get a new dog, we knew we were going to get one from the shelter."
Techs 4 Pets is a relatively new animal protection group, founded in December by a group of veterinary technicians and other veterinary staff. Their goal "is to place into loving homes the many unwanted dogs and cats of the Central Valley," according to their Facebook page, and they're working to become a nonprofit.
Their website is under construction, but group member Sara Jimenez helped set up its fireworks stand on Atwater Boulevard. When Dominic came forward with his wad of bills Sunday, "it was just awesome," Jimenez says. "We opened a little jar and he put it in."
With his donation, "he has allowed us to spay/neuter, microchip and vaccinate two of our rescue animals," Jimenez adds. "This is an example of helping those in need, even if they are furry."
His mom uses the same word as Jimenez to describe Dominic. "He's an awesome little man," she says.
He plans to start walking foster dogs soon. And he hopes other kids will follow his example and pay attention to animals that need help.
Amber's ring tone might well be describing her son, a tune from Bruno Mars: "'Cause you're amazing just the way you are!"
Executive Editor Mike Tharp can be reached at mtharp@mercedsunstar.com or (209) 385-2456.
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