Warren County Animal Control received a visit from Junior Girl Scout Troop 804 on Monday. The troop made a $100 donation of food, collars and shampoo.
“The girls held a yard sale to earn the money to buy the items,” said Yolanda Scott, who leads the troop with Debbie Hutchins. “They brought items from home and collected items for the yard sale.”
Community service hours and donating to a good cause earned the girls a Bronze Award, which is the highest award a Girl Scout can earn.
Prior to presenting the donation, the troop was given a tour of the facility by Animal Control officer Tammy Webb. Waiting for homes are 14 dogs, six puppies, 17 cats and 12 kittens.
Girl Scout Kayda Pinegar can attest to the friendly nature of the dogs.
“They are all so cute,” Kayda said. “My favorite is the 8-month-old puppy. It’s calm and just wants to be petted. I want to take it home, but I already have two dogs. I hope someone adopts it and gives it a good home.”
Girl Scout Arianna Hutchins was attracted to a black Shar Pei mix with a very distinct bark.
“I like how it sounds,” she said. “It sounds funny. It’s also very cute. I like it.”
Animal Control encourages adoptions only after consideration is given to lifestyle, which means getting an animal that will fit into an individual’s home and yard size, activity level, available time and financial situation.
“A lot of people like the look of a particular breed,” said Webb. “They don’t consider lifestyle, but it should be the other way around. Lifestyle should be considered before appearance. I try to educate people so they don’t adopt an animal that will not be a good fit.”
Once lifestyle is taken into consideration, individuals can better determine if they can meet the animal’s needs. Girl Scout Marynia Harris says that’s why her family does not own a dog.
“My mother says it wouldn’t be fair to the dog, because we don’t have enough time to spend with it,” she said. “We have a lot of dogs in the neighborhood, though. They really like me.”
Monday’s donation and tour was a first for the facility.
“I really appreciate this,” said Webb. “This is my first donation by a group. I know a lot of time, effort and love went into it. I can’t thank you enough. I hope you enjoyed your visit.”
Warren County Animal Control is located at 169 Paws Trail. Adoptions are $35, which includes a $25 spay and neuter deposit. When proof of the procedure is presented, the deposit is refunded. For more information, call 507-3647.