Newark Teen Is ‘Hero To Animals’ – And It’s Thanks To Bow Ties

NEWARK, NJ — Darius Brown has been called an entrepreneur, an advocate and an inspiration. Now, the Newark teen can add “hero to animals” to the list.

Recently, PETA honored Brown, 14, with a “Hero to Animals Award” for his ongoing effort to help in-need dogs and cats to get adopted. His secret weapon? Bow ties.

The enterprising youth has created and donated hundreds of bow ties for dogs and cats in New Jersey animal shelters to wear in photos or when meeting prospective adopters, boosting their cuteness factors to maximum levels. His goal is to reach shelters in all 50 states – and he’s off to a great start, PETA said.

“I wanted to do what I could to help dogs and cats get adopted,” Brown explained. “I think all animals deserve a loving home.”

“Sir Darius Brown’s huge heart has helped countless animals win the hearts of their future families,” PETA Director Rachelle Owen said, praising Brown for his “creativity, commitment, and all-around heroism” for animals.

“We hope he inspires others to take action,” Owen enthused.

According to PETA:

“The compassionate teen credits his older sister, Dazhai Brown, with teaching him to sew and has made and donated more than 600 bowties over the past four years. His goal is to donate bow ties to animal shelters in every state, and he’s already ticked eight states (plus Washington, D.C.) off the list.”

The organization said around 70 million dogs and cats are homeless in the U.S. at any given time.

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PETA isn’t the first to hold the Newark teen up as a positive example. In 2018, Brown received a commendation from former President Barack Obama for his commitment to community service.

“Know that I'm rooting for you in all you do, and I wish you the very best,” Obama wrote.

• See related article: Bow Ties For Dogs: Newark Boy's Booming Business Warms Hearts

Brown also earned another prestigious accolade in 2020, when he was given The Diana Award, which was established in memory of the late Princess Diana. It's one of the highest honors a young person can achieve for humanitarian action in the United Kingdom.

• See related article: Inspirational Newark Teen Saves Dogs' Lives With Bow Ties

Learn more about Brown’s efforts or order your own doggie bow tie here.

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