Dapper Dogs

Teenager Sir Darius Brown helps dogs get adopted with his stylish bow ties.

By Cheryl Smyth

HIS LOVE FOR ANIMALS INSPIRED HIM TO HELP THE NUMEROUS DISPLACED PETS.

Brown promotes dapper-looking dogs on his social media accounts. He estimates that to date he has made approximately 500 ties, which have led to about 100 adoptions. sirdariusbrown.com.

DOGGIES ARE LOOKING DAPPER IN BOW TIES ALL

ACROSS AMERICA in an effort to appeal to prospective adopters. Thanks to 13-year-old Sir Darius Brown, who always looks dashing himself in these ties he creates, more of the animals have been finding homes.

As a youngster, Brown was diagnosed with several developmental issues, which included a fine motor skills delay—a condition that makes gripping and other hand manipulations difficult. By the time the New Jersey youth turned eight, in an effort to improve movement in them, he assisted in cutting and stitching the fabrics needed for the hair ribbons his sister, Dazhai Shearz fashioned. In time, he developed an interest in bow ties. That interest quickly turned into a passion and has become a regular finishing touch to his attire whenever he heads out.

Inspired by his sister’s hair accessory business, Brown established his own as people were taking notice and fancying the bow ties for themselves. After the devastations of the hurricanes Harvey and Irma his love for animals inspired him to help the numerous displaced pets—many of which were at risk of euthanasia. Some of those animals were moved to the American

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in nearby New York. In hopes that dressing them in bow ties would increase their chances of finding homes, he donated a batch to the organization. Encouraged from the resulting success, he has since expanded his efforts to include other shelters in his region and beyond.

Soon he was whipping up large quantities of his smart-looking neckwear. Though proceeds from sales help, to ease the financial concerns of the supplies needed, Shearz set up a GoFundMe account. Donations also help with shipping costs and travel between shelters.

Brown has received numerous accolades for his efforts

and has been recognized by the media in all forms. Even former President Barack Obama, in a letter of recognition, praises Brown for his entrepreneurship and kindness to others with added words of encouragement to continue.

His goals include personally donating bow ties to shelters in all 50 states and to assist in adoption events. Brown regularly speaks at conferences to inspire and educate others.

A venture that started because a devoted mom and

sister wanted to improve their loved one’s life has turned into a unique and creative way to help animals. As for Brown, Shearz says, “My brother has improved not only physically, but I’m proud of how mature he has become and how much he is willing to give of himself.”

‹ CHERYL SMYTH enjoys exploring nature and finding travel destinations she can share with her best pal—her dog, Tessi.