TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) – One local 11-year-old is proving you’re never too young to make a big impact, especially when it comes to furry friends in need.

Called a community crisis, animal shelters across Georgia are at or near full capacity. That includes the Tifton Animal Shelter, which has filled all three of its rooms.

Brinley Elizondo, a young animal lover and budding entrepreneur, is turning her passion for pets and baking into a sweet cause. Every Thursday, the fifth-grader volunteers her time, walking dogs and giving each one a little extra love. But she wanted to do more than just her weekly visits.

Brinley combined her love for baking with her passion for animals — launching her own dog bakery business, “Bean’s Treats.” The name honors her own dog, Bean. Each batch of her homemade biscuits is made with pet-safe ingredients like chicken, peanut butter and pumpkin. Every leftover treat goes straight to the shelter dogs.

“These animals don’t have homes to go to,” Elizondo said. “It’s my job to dedicate time to the animals to know they are loved.”

She’s now taking her mission one step further.

Saturday, Oct. 25, Elizondo will sell her treats at the Downtown Tifton Farmers Market to raise money for the shelter she volunteers at. She and her mom, Rachel Elizondo, are also hosting a “Creepy Critters” Pet Costume Contest at the market at 11:30 a.m.

The contest will feature fun, fur and friendly competition with prizes for the top three contestants. There’s a $20 entry fee, and all proceeds will benefit the Tifton Animal Shelter, helping improve conditions for animals waiting on forever homes.

“These animals don’t get enough love,” Brinley said. “Every time I volunteer here, I take one out and play with it — and I just really enjoy seeing how happy they get.”

Brinley’s mom says seeing her daughter’s compassion in action has been inspiring.

“I think it really shows you’re never too young or too small to make a difference,” Rachel said. “You really can get involved with your community and make an impact.”

Brinley said she hopes her story encourages other kids — and families — to give back. She believes even the smallest gestures can make a big difference for animals in need.

Don’t forget to dress your pets in their Halloween best and come out to support a great cause this Saturday at the Downtown Tifton Farmers Market.

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