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Big-hearted schoolgirl Eilidh Nicoll urged friends not to give gifts for her birthday this year. Instead, she is trying to help the kingdom’s rescued mutts.
When she sent out her invitation cards she asked for donations of dog food and treats for the rescued strays being cared for at Tony the Dogfather’s shelter in Budaiya.
Eilidh, a Year Eight student of St Christopher’s School, who celebrated her 12th birthday on Friday, said: “I didn’t want any presents from my friends as I have everything I could ever want. Tony relies on people to help him and I felt that the Dogfather needed it more.”
Ten of Eilidh’s friends who attended her party brought packets and tins of dog food, some even gift-wrapped the items while others gave her money to donate.
Eilidh, from Barbar, who has two cats and a bulldog called Charlie, also decided to give the birthday money she received from her grandparents to the cause. She said: “I was going to spend it on clothes but looked in my wardrobe and started thinking of those poor dogs!”
In total, Eilidh, who wants to become a vet and never stops watching Animal Planet on TV, collected BD81. Mum Jo Nicoll, a teacher, said: “I thought it was a very good idea when she suggested it. She’s very enthusiastic about looking after animals and often volunteers at the BSPCA.
“Several mums were very impressed when they heard about her plans after receiving the party invitations.”
Tony Waters, the Dogfather, was delighted too. He said: “It is an absolutely wonderful gesture. The dog food was also very badly needed. I hope this will encourage a lot of other young people to follow Eilidh’s efforts and do something similar.”
