A lot of her friends were puzzled why she wanted cat food and squeaky toys for her birthday. But 9-year-old Maisy from Sandy, Utah, knew exactly what she was doing. Heck, she’d wanted to do this ever since her fifth birthday! But back then as a 5-year-old, none of her friends really understood the concept, so she had to wait a few more years.

This was the plan. Maisy wanted to throw a huge birthday party and invite everybody in her class and then some. And here’s the kicker. She didn’t want any of them to bring "normal" gifts. She wanted doggie beds and cat toys. She wanted fuzzy animal blankets and catnip treats. In short, she wanted anything that the animals at Best Friends would enjoy. And then she wanted to give it all away. And guess what? That’s just what she did.

What a party!

Her parents set up quite the birthday bash back home. They rented a pavilion and hired a magician and everything. Maisy brought in quite the haul of animal goodies and her friends had a blast. Yet Maisy’s mom Lisa describes an interesting development that happened along the way. Some of the parents told her their kids had been asking questions like, "Why’s she doing this, Dad?" Face it, not every 9-year-old kid out there is looking to give instead of receive on her birthday! This gave the parents an opportunity to talk about charity and giving.

Not all her friends were confused, however. A lot of Maisy’s close buddies know exactly what makes her tick. She used to put diapers on her stuffed animals when she was a little girl. Who needs dolls! She’s always been an animal lover at heart and wants to be a vet when she’s older.

As an extra birthday surprise, Lisa decided to bring Maisy down personally to deliver the presents to Best Friends. Maisy has loved Best Friends from afar for years, and this was her first chance to come and check things out. She had a blast! And there was even one more surprise waiting in the wings. Well, two of them actually—a couple of kittens who knew how to snare a good home when they saw one.

Turns out their family cat had passed on just weeks before the birthday party. Lisa told Maisy that if they found the right cat or kitten, they would be able to adopt. It was all smooth sailing from there. Maisy fell head over heels in love with Pele and Isabo, a couple of siblings who’d been abandoned in the middle of nowhere. Maisy loved the idea of keeping a family together. Looks like the birthday girl made out like a bandit in the end. Except that this is only the beginning.

Maisy plans on doing this again and again. She’s one kid who knows how to think ahead! In case there’s any doubt on that point, listen to this little tidbit. Some of the folks at Best Friends sent Maisy a thank you letter for all she did. Guess what her first reaction was? "Mom, I need to keep this letter for when I apply to work at Best Friends." Maisy, at the rate you’re going, you’re going to have one heck of a resume no matter where you decide to end up! From all the animals at Best Friends, thanks again for such an incredible gift.

Story by David Dickson
Photos provided courtesy of Maisy’s family

Teaching kindness to animals at an early age is so important. See the top 10 list of things kids can do to help animals and bring about a day when there will be No More Homeless Pets.

July 27, 2009 : 4:33 PM ET
posted by: kristi lambert

Maisy.....you are wise beyond your years. WAY TO GO KID!!! Your Parents should be so proud for you are a direct representation of them! What a great job they've done so far!

July 18, 2009 : 6:29 PM ET
posted by: marys@bestfriends.org

Maisy, you are incredible, and Pele and Isabo are two lucky kitties to have this new forever home with you. Thanks for helping the animals!

July 6, 2009 : 10:53 PM ET
posted by: lindalarnerd

What a terrific kid! We have a 9 year old granddaughter and a couple of years ago she donated books from her birthday to the local Children's Hospital...and she has been to a party where the girl wanted pet toys and beds, etc., to donate to a shelter. We have 2 "rescue kitties" ourselves and they are just great...good luck to you with your kitties!

July 2, 2009 : 7:25 PM ET
posted by: jmuhj

Looks like Pele and Isabo, adorable kittens both, have found the perfect loving, forever home with Maisy, my new heroine! Thanks to Best Friends for sharing their story with us to inspire us, and, of course, for just BEING. As with others elsewhere in the news very recently, a love for animals that translates into "walking the talk" is something we love to hear about and need to emulate. May Maisy and her family, feline and human, be many times blessed!

July 1, 2009 : 4:36 AM ET
posted by: stel

Man, I love seeing things like this! It just makes me very happy for the future animal world, to see kids already with such a passion and love for animals. And I'm seeing it more and more... and I really can't thank them enough and tell them to keep it up! Animals need people like them, and its just awesome to see. I think the kitties were well deserved, right mom? : )

June 30, 2009 : 3:36 PM ET
posted by: babs1171

Nowdays we read so much bad that people do it is very refreshing to read about such a wonderful unselfish girl such as Maisy. WONDERFUL STORY, exceptional young lady, and a GREAT adoption ending! (Kitties are always better in pairs!!!) You go Maisy, keep up the good work and don't forget to give those babies love and hugs every day! (From the photo it looks like that won't be a problem!)

June 30, 2009 : 11:59 AM ET
posted by: crazysleepingcatlady

WOW! I don't have nearly enough adjectives to describe what an extraordinary young lady Maisy is. Let her selfless story of generosity and giving be a lesson not only to the youngsters of the world but especially to the many adults Maisy has put to shame!

Kudos to Maisy, her parents who obviously have done an incredible job raising their daughter, and all of Maisy's friends and fellow students for making her birthday such a success.

And congrats on adopting those 2 beauties! What a warm, wonderful win~win story!

Oh dear.........I must be leaking again {happy tears!}

Mom of Whiskers, Pete, Niki and Samantha 5.23.94 ~ 8.13.94 ~ 10.10.05 ~ 6.10.08

June 29, 2009 : 12:36 PM ET
posted by: donnatoepfer

This brought tears to my eyes - what a wonderful young lady - and what wonderful parents she has. This should be posted in the newspapers - this way when people complain about today's youth - this story will prove them wrong.

Happy Belated Birthday!

June 29, 2009 : 10:06 AM ET
posted by: MissBiancasMom

What lucky kitties to have Maisy as their new 'person'.... they are all so adorable. Girls Rock!

June 27, 2009 : 2:44 PM ET
posted by: squeakie42

Fantastic story! Maisy, dreams can come true -- so if you still want to work at BF when you grow up, maybe the docs could use some extra hands. You sound like just the kind of vet I'd love to bring my cats to see. Have a wonderful year ahead. And thanks to your really enlightened parents! I learned about kindness to animals by example in our home -- that's where it starts. Happy Birthday to a special girl!

June 27, 2009 : 2:34 PM ET
posted by: Kiddo

Maisy, you are an exceptional child! I hope that you and your new fur-babies have a wonderful life together. Keep up the good work! I know that your parents and friends are very proud of you....as are we all!

Susan

June 26, 2009 : 10:13 PM ET
posted by: rancrazy1213

Maisy - you are a wonderful girl!!! You have a huge heart and I am overjoyed to know that there are young people like you who are sure to grow up and do great things as adults..HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Those are two lucky, and adorable, kittens to have you for their "parent"...stay true Maisy - you're just what this world needs...

June 26, 2009 : 5:20 PM ET
posted by: ktsmom

What a wonderful story! My hat is off to Maisy-and also to her parents fro raising such a compassionate little girl. Children are our future-and Maisy shows how to get her future off to a great start. The kittens are adorable too, may you all have a long, happy life together.

June 26, 2009 : 2:51 PM ET
posted by: mxipp

Wow! Happy Birthday, Maisy! What a great thing to do. I'm sure you had a great time visiting BF and I know the animals were all thrilled with what you did for them. You really are a great role model for people of any age. Have a wonderful summer!

June 26, 2009 : 11:35 AM ET
posted by: bishopdm

Well done, Maisy. You're quite a gal!

June 26, 2009 : 10:30 AM ET
posted by: wycheck fan

Maisy, what a great thing you did to help the animals! Sounds like you had a great time at your party--and taught a lot of people about giving and kindness to animals. And what a great thing that you could adopt Pele and Isabo! They look so happy to be in their new home!!! Keep up the good work - you are a special girl!

June 26, 2009 : 10:14 AM ET
posted by: Pussywillie

I was very touched to read about such a thoughtful person.. Maisy is truly an animal angel. Kudos to her parents as well for encouraging and mentoring the gift of animal kindness.

June 26, 2009 : 9:38 AM ET
posted by: Amos

At just nine years old, Maisy has more compassion and passion than many adults. She is on the satisfying path of making a difference in the world. With her extraordinary beauty and her heart of gold, she is an inspirational voice and guardian for those unable to defend themselves against the cruelty of the world. Shine on, Maisy!