When 11-year-old Olivia Johnson is not walking the family dog Copper, she is usually looking for other ways to provide care for animals, whether they are baby bunnies she found injured in the backyard or a stranded bird she is scheming to help.
So when she told her mom, Ange Johnson, that this year she did not want presents for her 12th birthday on Feb. 25 and instead she wanted donations for the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, Ange said she was not too surprised.
“She is just always wanting to help and to give,” Ange said.
According to the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan’s website, the shelter is in need of dry and canned food for dogs and cats, cat litter, blankets and towels, treats, cleaning supplies and office supplies.
Those interested in contributing can drop off supplies at Shelton’s Market, at 1832 S. 11th St., Niles.
Olivia has grown up with a couple of pets in the household, including guinea pigs. Currently, the family has a 5-year-old dog named Copper who Olivia helps to walk and care for, but the 11-year-old said part of her passion for animals comes from watching a YouTube show called “Vet Ranch.”
“It is about the day in the life of a vet,” Olivia said.
In the show, Matt Carriker, a veterinarian helps to better the lives of animals with his care, inspiring in Olivia to do the same.
The sixth grader has had several brushes with seeing rescued animals. A couple of years ago, the family took a family vacation and Olivia got to see a rescued dolphin named Winter.
“She got [her tail] cut in a crab trap,” Olivia said.
Olivia got to see the rescued dolphin swimming once again.
In another instance, Copper discovered some baby rabbits in the Johnson’s backyard. Olivia and her dad helped to care for the rabbits after Copper found them.
Olivia said when she is a veterinarian, she hopes to work with a variety of animals.
With the support from the community, Olivia will have the chance to see her donations help local animals.
“It will free up their funds for them to be able to do other things,” Johnson said.
As her birthday draws nearer, Olivia said she is excited to see the community respond.
“I just wanted to see how much I could get,” she said.