Ohio: Cub Scouts help Animal Control check off wish list

OHIO -- Boys from Cub Scout Pack No. 154 received a guided tour of St. Clair County Sheriff Animal Control on Tuesday as reward for collecting items to help care for lost and surrendered animals.

The scouts, most of them members of the Wolf Den, plus one Tiger Cub member, carried out a week-long donations drive at Indian Woods Elementary School as their community service project this year. The project was called “Wags and whisker wishes.”

Den mother Chrystal Gauthier said the boys collected items including leashes and collars, cleaning supplies, towels and blankets, and animal treats.

“It’s just little things. It’s not tons of expensive stuff. Any little bit helps them out,” Gauthier said.

The items were gathered in 12 five-gallon buckets stationed in classrooms throughout the school. Home Depot donated the buckets. Co-den mother Donna Collins designed the logo and graphics for the campaign.

“The boys absolutely loved it. They decorated all the posters. They taped all the printouts on the buckets,” Gauthier said. The service project was in order to earn their belt loops instead of badges, she said.

The boys delivered the donated supplies to the shelter, followed by some time spent with cats and dogs. The animals either awaited being reclaimed by their owners or were being readied for adoption.

Animal control officer Scott Foerster thanked the scouts for delivering the donations listed on their wish list.

"We do really appreciate you bringing in all these snacks, and all these food and supplies...It looks like they're going to have some good feasts here," Foerster told them.

"We're here as a voice for these animals. Obviously these dogs and cats can't speak like we can, but through education and working with these animals we pretty much know what they need to have love and caring relationship with their humans."

Boston Angerbrandt, 6, Jacob Maiuri, 8, and Bradyn Hinton, 7, had a chance to visit with Rollo, an energetic and friendly basset hound mix ready for adoption. They also played with Duke, a year-old hound bigger than Rollo but calmer in disposition, also ready for adoption. Other Wolf Den members were Logan Gauthier, Jude Kooiker, and Dylan Collins.

Wish List
Donations can be dropped off at the county animal shelter, 3378 Griswold Road, Port Huron Township. Items needed include laundry soap, bleach, blankets, towels, dog and cat food and treats, collars and leashes and flea medication.

(Port Huron Times Herald - Mar 2, 2016)