A howling success: Girl Scout troop from Laurel collects, donates supplies to local dog rescue

It was a doggone successful project for members of Girl Scout Troop 4507 in Laurel. As a way to earn their Bronze Awards, the highest honor a junior Girl Scout can earn, the girls worked together to provide supplies to the Canine Humane Network in Olney.

“We took a vote on what we should do and decided to help animals,” said Viktoria Ferus, 12. “The troop leaders found this animal shelter for dogs, and we decided to help.”

The girls collected various items the shelter needed, including towels, detergent, cleaning supplies, dog toys and collars/leashes from January 2020 through March 2020. They placed donation boxes in local schools, including Murray Hill Middle School, where the troop is based. They also approached their neighbors and local business for donations.

“Petsmart in Laurel came through and donated a lot of dog toys and dog beds, etc.,” said Natasha Ferus, Viktoria’s mother and a volunteer.

“We had a whole cart filled,” said Alexis Silver, 12.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the girls worked from home, with direction provided by troop leaders Lindsay Currier and Kelly Hase.

“We made bandannas for the dogs that said ‘adopt me’ on them,” said Maya Hase, 12.

At the end of March 2020, the troop dropped the items off at the shelter and, in December, Viktoria, Maya, Alexis, Heidi Currier, Cora Lindsay, Sofie Moser, Kylie Hyun, Alana Ortiz and Lexi Jones officially earned their Bronze Awards. The girls were presented their pins at an awards ceremony June 6 at Mt. Zion Methodist Church in Highland.

Despite COVID-19 keeping them apart physically for most of the project, the members still feel connected.

“It helped us get to know each other,” Maya said. “We learned to cooperate and work as a group.”