7-Year-Old Wins ASPCA Award For Saving More Than 1,300 Dogs From High-Kill Shelters

Jan 17, 2019

It is not much of a secret that children love animals. And the thought of a dog or cat going without food, water, or a comfortable place to stay will cause many children and their parents to become sad. It is also likely that every child has tried to take at least one stray animal home with them in their childhood.

The ASPCA is an organization formed to help animals at risk. Recently, the organization recognized efforts by seven-year-old Roman McConn to help needy animals. Roman is a native of Augusta, Georgia who first began aiding dogs when he was four years old. To date, Roman has come to the aid of more than 1300 dogs.

The journey for Roman began in the days leading up to his fourth birthday. Roman announced to family and friends he had no desire to receive gifts for his birthday. He told them instead to make donations to an animal rescue service with which he was familiar. Roman soon turned to his mother Jennifer to help him find a more direct approach to aiding at-risk dogs.

The request from Roman resulted in him and his mother saving 31 dogs slated to die at a kill shelter in Texas. They were able to transfer the dogs to Washington where they all found permanent homes.

Roman learned he can increase the likelihood of a dog finding a home by giving them the opportunity to show prospective families their personalities. Jennifer records her son playing with the dogs at the shelter and they upload the videos to Facebook. Families are then able to see the dogs are safe and do not pose any type of threat.

Roman says he is thankful for his mother's help. The seven-year-old also says he thinks it is important for the dogs he meets to have the best chance possible at finding a home.

Roman's efforts have grown into the Project Freedom Ride. The non-profit is the brainchild of Jennifer and Roman. The organization works daily to rescue dogs marked for death at shelters in Texas and find permanent homes for them.

Roman wants as many children as possible to hear his story in hopes they will start similar programs in their home areas.

Did you feel pride when watching the video of Roman accepting his award? Have you ever felt compassion for animals at risk? Send this video to friends and family. They will enjoy sharing in the young boy's accomplishments.