I recently had the pleasure of photographing Dylan Capshaw of Scottsdale, Arizona. He was recently honored by Nickelodeon’s Kid of the Year Award 2020 for his amazing work with rescue animals.

He was initially nominated by a family friend for the wildlife work he was performing and then gained recognition for his PPE efforts. Over 5,000 nominations from all over the country came pouring into the first-time event, which makes his becoming one of only 20 finalists that much more impressive.

The Dylan Capshaw Wildlife Foundation, is a nonprofit working to save animals in crises. At the time that he embarked on what’s likely to become a lifelong effort, he and his family had two dogs of their own, not the menagerie they oversee now. Accepting donations through word of mouth back in 2017, he was able to raise $1,500. Not bad for a 5th grader. He has been fortunate in having two terrific parents, David and Amy, who both support and encourage Dylan’s dreams. One of his quests is to inspire youth to take charge and pursue their passions. The money raised was eventually donated to the Rescued Pets Movement, a smaller Houston shelter whose goal is to relocate homeless animals for a second chance at happiness within a stable and loving forever home.