Zack Waddell, 9, of Augusta, decided, in lieu of presents at his 9th birthday party, to ask for donations for the animal shelter.

His love of animals runs deep. He has three dogs of his own: Saige, a yellow labrador; Emma, a golden Retriever; and his Pug, Sheldon, who he calls his brother.

Zack is the son of Jennifer and Nick Waddell, and grandson of John Fortin.