Third Grader Forgoes Birthday Presents to Receive Donations for Old Dominion Humane Society Rescue Dogs

Contact: Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy

(540) 395-2942

lmullanaphy@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Third Grader Forgoes Birthday Presents to Receive Donations for

Old Dominion Humane Society Rescue Dogs

Fredericksburg, Va. (December 16, 2025)—Rhys Johnson, of Fredericksburg, could have asked for Lego® sets, action figures or board games for his ninth birthday, but he wasn’t interested in receiving gifts for the celebration. His mom, Shannon, planned his October birthday at Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) with a Puppy Pawty, and Rhys had other gifts in mind. He invited a host of friends and asked them to bring donations for the rescue dogs at ODHS instead. The guests’ response was so generous that Rhys was surrounded by an assortment of donations that stood in piles.

Guests brought items, such as cans of pumpkin, jars of peanut butter, treats, cleaning supplies, leashes and towels for the dogs. These were gifts that the residents at ODHS were in need of, especially because the organization is a nonprofit led entirely by volunteers and depends on donations from the community. The rescues at ODHS arrive from a variety of situations, including owner surrenders due to a move, loss of a job or the person passing away. They are also pulled from shelters where they would otherwise have been euthanized and saved from severe neglect cases.

“I love puppies, and my mom told me all about the parties at ODHS,” said Johnson, a third grader. “I wanted the puppies to have ‘stuff’ instead of presents for me. They need more than I do, because I already have a home.”

Johnson is no stranger to helping four-legged pups in need--one of his best friends is Kylo, a rescue.

Shannon Johnson, Rhys’s mom, said she’s proud of her young son for wanting to have his party at ODHS and requesting gifts for the pups instead of for himself.

“He’s a fortunate kid, and the fact that he’s willing to share makes his family proud of him,” she said.

A popular and unique way to celebrate birthdays, team building events and special occasions, a Puppy Pawty is the perfect way to mark the date and help dogs that need care and forever families. By booking a two-hour Puppy Pawty, which is supervised by volunteers, guests will enjoy an hour of playing and cuddling with the puppies.

The ”Fur-Bulous Pawty” includes space for a maximum of 40 people, tables, chairs, puppy playtime and assistance from two volunteers. The “Ulti-Mutt Pawty” is comprised of everything in the “Fur-Bulous Pawty” plus an “Adopt Me” stuffed animal party favor and a “Pup-arazzi Photo Station.”

With the holidays right around the corner, ODHS has a gift idea that’s sure to be a hit. Puppy Pawty gift certificates are available at the facility during adoption events. Good for one “Fur-Bulous Pawty,” the $250 gift certificate is a present that will be meaningful for children and adults.

Hosting a Puppy Pawty at ODHS helps the rescue care for its many dogs with medications, vaccinations, microchipping, food, bedding and more. For more information about the parties, visit ODHS is located at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg. Adoption events are Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m., Fridays from 6-8 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Application surveys in advance are preferred and take priority over walk-ins. For more information about the dogs available, adoption surveys, adoption event hours, Puppy Pawties, upcoming events, volunteering, fostering and donating, visit www.olddominionhumanesociety.org.

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Mission Statement: Old Dominion Humane Society is here to provide well-matched, permanent homes for dogs in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education.