Scout creates animal shelter project

Steven Hennefer joined the Boy Scouts in the first grade. Since then he has been working diligently toward earning the prestigious Eagle Scout award. Only three of 100 Scouts will make it to Eagle Scout by the time they turn 18. To achieve this goal, Steven has spent a lot of weekends attending educational workshops learning more about the extensive requirements. At 14, Steven is one of the youngest to fulfill the criteria to reach this prestigious group of young men.

Steven is a member of the Scouting's Order of the Arrow, an honor society in the organization, where fellow Scouts recognize those who exemplify the ideals of what it means to be a Boy Scout in their daily life. In order to apply to become an Eagle Scout, one has to complete 21 badges. The badges represent completion of required skills in a specific subject. Some may be fairly simple to achieve but several require three months to complete. They include financial management, physical fitness, extra education and outside research. 

Steven's love of animals influenced his choice of project. He is gathering items to make 75 pet supply baskets to give to people who adopt animals from the animal shelter. He is working closely with Douglas Animal Welfare Group to give the baskets to people who adopt animals from the Douglas County Animal Shelter.

In this economy, many people had to give up pets because they can no longer afford to care for them. They may have lost their home or had to move to a place that wasn't pet friendly. Michael Avila at the animal shelter said the number of dogs picked up increased by 72 percent in the first half of this year compared to 2009. There are 27 percent fewer adopted this year. Steven wants to help new pet owners by giving them a few pet supplies to help get started with their new family member.

Suggested items to put in the adoption baskets include food bowls, toys, leash, collar, grooming supplies (shampoo, brush, nail clippers, etc.), canned food for cats and dogs, and treats. Drop off until Sept. 18 at Curves, 1540 Highway 395 in the Stratton Center, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday (close at 6:30 p.m. Fridays) and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. 

If you are unable to get to Curves, call Steven at 265-9346 to schedule a pick-up time. Steven's fellow Scouts will put the baskets together to deliver to the Douglas County Animal Shelter on Pinenut Road. Let's get together and help Steven reach his goal of Eagle Scout and help our neighbors when they adopt a pet from the local shelter.

Have a ramblin' good week.

Reach Gail Davis at 265-1947 or RuhenstrothRamblings@yahoo.com