8-Yr-Old Cycles to Help Save Dogs From Meat Trade

• Eight-year-old Rhys wanted to do his part in saving dogs from the meat trade in China.
• When his mom suggested a fundraiser, he said that he would ride his bike for 100 miles in exchange for donations.
• Thanks to his selfless efforts, the community raised over $8,500 for the rescue organization China Rescue Dogs!

When 8-year-old animal lover Rhys Stevens from Willingham, England, saw a documentary about the dog meat trade in China, he was determined to do whatever he can to help.

When he asked his mom, Kathleen Stevens, for a way to help, she suggested launching a fundraiser for the nonprofit China Rescue Dogs.

The North Carolina-based charity rescues street dogs from the meat trade, gives them veterinary care and rehabilitation training, and connects them to loving forever homes in North America.

Rhys decided to ride his bike for 100 miles in exchange for the donations. And so, they launched the Facebook fundraiser and Rhys started to rack up the miles on his bicycle.

Lola, a 1-year-old husky, became the face of the fundraiser. Rescuing her became Rhys’s extra incentive.

Lola had been suffering from severe malnutrition and a skin disease while living off the streets. China Rescue Dogs rescued her and nursed her back to health.

To transport her to the U.S. for her new life in April, they needed about $2,500 — and Rhys was more than willing to help raise it.

Kathleen shared, “Many times while out cycling when Rhys has started to get tired, he’s kicked back into gear and said, ‘Think of Lola!’”

She continued, “Rhys is passionate about dogs and animals in general. He just wants to do good things and make a difference.”

China Rescue Dogs’ president and founder Jill Stewart was filled with gratitude for Rhys’s support.

She said, “The fact that an 8-year-old boy, halfway around the world, is so selfless that he would want to ride his bike to help us save these dogs brings tears to my eyes.”

Over 240 dogs are on the charity’s list, leading to an “enormous” expense, said Jill. So every donation to the fundraiser got them closer to the goal.

Rhys completed his 100-mile mission by cycling every day to and from school, visiting relatives, and running errands.

With the support of the community, they raised way beyond their initial goal. The final amount raised for China Rescue Dogs reached more than $8,500!

Way to go, Rhys! You have inspired a lot of people to join your cause.

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Source: Inspire More