HARLINGEN — Instead of presents, Mikah Wolf, 6, wanted to help local dogs and cats. For her birthday this year, she asked for donations of cat and dog food.
“I like animals because they are cute and fun,” she said.
Mikah has three dogs and two cats.
Mikah said helping animals makes her happy.
Her mother Erika has been fostering animals for a long time, which is why Mikah is fond of animals.
“Ever since she was little, she has been helping me foster dogs, and we have animals so she really loves them. We have lizards, too. She really likes to take care of them,” Erika said.
“When she was older to realize what fostering was she kept wanting to help me do it. She has already helped with 19 dogs since she was two years old,” she said.
Erika added her entire family loves animals but especially Mikah.
“It was very nice to hear she wanted food donations, but we expected that from her because she just loves to help the animals,” she said.
This is the first time she has asked for donations on her birthday, and Erika said it was successful. For several days, Mikah has been receiving multiple donations.
“She received a call today from a friend to drop off food to give to some of the rescues,” Erika said.
Her birthday was Jan. 19, but even after that she kept receiving cash donations or dog and cat food. Erika said they matched the amount donated and have been visiting different local rescues, such as Kitties of the Valley and the Humane Society of Harlingen.
Mikah was able to raise $230, which was matched by her parents for a total of $460.
“She has always had a big heart for animals, and hopefully when other kids or parents see somebody so young doing something like this, maybe they will, too,” Erika said.
“We have had people start fostering because they have seen us do it. It is rewarding knowing you got an animal off the street, and I think that is why Mikah loves it because she knows the animals appreciate it,” she said.
