Girl Scouts Celebrate National Dog Day with Acts of Kindness for Shelter Dogs

Celebrated annually on August 26, National Dog Day honors the important role dogs play in our well-being—from beloved family companions to the canines that save lives every day. The occasion also encourages people to visit local animal shelters, volunteer, or consider adopting a furry friend.

Inspired by their love for dogs, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Cadettes Juliet and Ava earned their Girl Scout Silver Award by crafting 31 small blankets, 19 large blankets, and 174 rope toys for donation to Home 2 Home Canine Orphanage. The girls also created a “how-to” video to teach other youth how to make tie blankets and partnered with two younger Girl Scout troops, mentoring them through the same process so they could complete their own future service projects.

“Both Ava and I are animal lovers,” Juliet said. “We wanted our project to help dogs feel more comfortable while they wait for adoption. The blankets give them something soft and warm, something that feels like home.”

The Cadettes also organized a pet supply drive at their school, collecting dog food, treats, and toys for the shelter. A highlight of the project came when they attended an adoption event, meeting some of the very dogs who would benefit from their work.

“Our favorite part of the project was getting to go to an adoption event to meet some of the dogs,” said Ava. “We were able to play with them and talk to the Home 2 Home Canine Orphanage volunteers to learn even more about the adoption process. The dogs were all so cute and we really wanted to take them home with us!”

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout Cadette, girls in 6th-8th grades can achieve. It requires girls to identify a need in their community and dedicate on average more than 50 hours towards addressing and solving the issue. When Girl Scout Cadettes focus on an issue, they care about, learn the facts and take action to make a difference while gaining the confidence and skills that catapult them to lifelong success.

“During the Silver Award process, we learned about time management and how to be organized,” said Juliet. “We had to find times where we were both available to work on the project together and when other troops were able to have us come and work with their girls. We also learned patience and teaching skills since we met with two different younger girl troops to teach them how to make tie blankets and braided dog toys. We also taught them about shelter animals and Silver Award Projects.”

To learn more about Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Highest Awards, visit girlscoutsem.org/highestawards.