“This was a project that was near and dear to their hearts. ... They all love animals,” said Kasandra Moore, troop leader of Troop 5146. “[The scouts] decided that they wanted to do something that was going to give back to the shelter."
The troop, consisting of Paisley Lewis, Claire Martin, Anna Marion and Evelyn Schwab, built the dog park as part of their higher award projects for the Girl Scouts, which requires creating a sustainable, long-term contribution to their community.
From left, Anna Marion, Evelyn Schwab and Paisley Lewis pose with one of the shelter dogs, Patches. (Shaheryar Khan/Community Impact)
The framework
The project was funded through the troop’s cookie and fall product sales, supplemented by community donations, Moore said.
The Scouts collected around $800 in total, which included contributions from local businesses in the Canyon Lake area.
Moore said the following businesses and organizations helped fund the project:
Ace Hardware
Lowes Market Startzville
Freedom Mail Center
Wildflour
Anytime Fitness
CRRC Rec Center
Lucky's at the Lake
Granny D's
Tye Preston Memorial Library
The dog park features agility toys such as a seesaw, ramps, and tires for jumping, as well as a puppy promenade and a self-serving tug-of-war setup.
The takeaway
Debbie England, President of the Canyon Lake Animal Shelter Society Board, praised the scouts’ work.
“I have never seen a group of Girl Scouts and their people work harder on a project,” England said. “This has been amazing to watch.”
The dog park will serve as a public space for shelter dogs to play and exercise. It will also be a place where potential adopters can interact with dogs in a less stressful environment away from the shelter, England said.
“We hope through this enrichment project, families will find their new addition and love them as much as we do," England said.
