Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have a soft spot for dogs, after he offered to help a struggling dog shelter in Portugal.
The shelter in the Guarda district of Portugal needed cash to pay a vet bill of approximately $2100 in order to stay open and care for the 80 homeless dogs living there.
The Real Madrid player donated a signed jersey for the shelter to auction to help them raise some much needed cash, according to Correrio de Mahna.
Shelter owner Liliana Santos is delighted with Ronaldo’s generosity, telling the newspaper that she appreciates what Ronaldo has done to keep the shelter in business.
“I want to thank Ronaldo from the bottom of my heart,” said the 34-year-old. “It’s a simple gesture but very important.”
A volunteer at the kennel, 53-year-old Gloria Carvalho, is said to have links to Ronaldo’s extended family.
Cantinho da Lili em Gouveia recebeu camisola de Cristiano Ronaldo – https://t.co/twUg63wL2A pic.twitter.com/NzD4G75oio
— Magazine Serrano (@MagazineSerrano) February 8, 2017
Ronaldo is well-known for his philanthropic efforts, having donated millions to children’s charities around the globe.