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Downeast Dog Scouts Troop members and their dogs provided a total of 1230 hours of community service in activities such as: therapy dog visits, children reading to dogs programs, school visits, community educational activities, walkathons, clean up days, and volunteering with dog related organizations in Hancock County. Some of the locations troop members visit include: Mount Desert Island Hospital, Birch Bay Village, Sonagee Rehabilitation and Living Center, Tremont School, Sumner High School, Mount Desert Elementary School, Somesville Library, Blue Hill Library, Bangor Pubic Library and the Brooksville Public Library.
Children Reading to dogs Programs increase children's literary skills and self esteem, and the visiting Therapy Dogs help to relieve stress, improve health and recovery from illness. Young and old have benefitted from the dogs' endeavors!
Frequent community education has been an integral part of the Troop's activities. In 2009 they sponsored programs about Disaster Preparedness for families and their pets, Service Dog training, Bite Prevention and Pet First Aid, to name a few.
Community service is a fundamental part of the Downeast Dog Scouts mission and in 2009 the Scouts raised funds with a community supported yard sale to purchase 26 sets of Pet Recovery Oxygen Masks. The mask sets were then donated to EMS and Fire departments in Hancock County that did not have the equipment.
The Downeast Dog Scouts participate in two annual clean ups in coordination with Friends of Acadia. Troop members clean up after less responsible dog owners at Little Long Pond in Seal Harbor, Maine during the Friends of Acadia Earth Day Clean Up and Take Pride in Acadia Day.
The Downeast Dog Scouts Troop 159 co-sponsored a Canine Carnival to celebrate AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day with the local kennel club. Activities included: Meet the Breeds, breed rescue groups, animal shelters, educational booths, canine sports demonstrations, working dog demonstrations, Canine Good Citizen testing, dog games and activities, crafts and activities for children, vendors, a canine photo contest and a Children's Dog Show. Representatives from pet food pantries were available to accept donations. Troop members staffed the Downeast Dog Scouts information booth, welcome area booth, a "safety around dogs" booth and coordinated the rescue groups, photo contest, scavenger hunt and children's dog show. Troop dogs showed off at the Meet the Breeds booth. Troop members served on the organizing committee and provided the public relations announcements for the event.
Troop members and their dogs participated in the Ellsworth Christmas Parade. The theme this year is "Christmas Around the World". The troop was quite festive with Santa hats, red bows and their holiday outfits. Dog Scout, Cirra pulled her cart with "The World" in the parade. Safety Around Dogs activity books were given out to the children. Children and adults were able to meet and greet dogs of many different breeds, colors, shapes and sizes. The Downeast Dog Scouts are a favorite in the parade each year.
The Dog Scouts of America have awarded the annual "Good Scout" Award to Bar Harbor resident Robyn Douglas, Troop Leader of the Downeast Dog Scouts Troop 159. The "Good Scout" Award is given to people who help promote humane education on a regular and ongoing basis. Pam Bourque, RN and therapy dogs Timber and Rissa received the 2009 Volunteer of the Year award at Mount Desert Island Hospital's annual meeting. Pam and her Labrador Retrievers received the award for visiting patients at MDI hospital and residents of Birch Bay Village retirement community.
The Downeast Dog Scouts Troop 159 has been recognized as a "Top Dog Troop" for 2009 by the Dog Scouts of America. The Dog Scouts of America Troop Recognition Program rewards troops for being active and helping in their community. Recognition is given to local troops that achieve a designated level of points within the year. Troops earn these points through accomplishments in membership, training, education and community service activities.
The Downeast Dog Scouts Troop 159 was established in September 2007 and is the first and only Dog Scout troop in Maine serving Hancock County, Maine. The troop offers a local membership program for people who advocate responsible dog ownership and enjoy participating in dog centered activities. Troop members take an active role in the community by providing educational programs and canine related community service. Troop members and their dogs learn new skills working toward the Dog Scouts of America merit badges and participating in troop outings and activities. The Downeast Dog Scouts Troop 159 promotes the positive treatment of animals, advocating only the most modern behavioral approaches to training.
The troop dogs are fine examples of the value that pets have for families and the community at large. Promotion of responsible dog ownership and involvement in the community lies at the heart of this group. If more people involved their dogs in more activities such as the Dog Scouts, everyone would benefit. Health and safety would be enhanced with fewer orphaned dogs, better understanding of dog behavior, less dog bites, cleaner parks and more responsible dog owners that respect others. Maine is fortunate to have a thriving dog community and dogs are largely involved in the lives of their people, not just tied out back. It is very valuable to have a group that bridges the gap between dog training activities and human service that can further promote healthy, happy canines.
The Dog Scouts of America is a national non-profit organization dedicated to educating people about responsible dog ownership, the important role of the human/canine bond and to challenge people and dogs to learn how to better serve each other. All troops work toward the goals and missions of the Dog Scouts of America while focusing on the needs and interests of each local community. Additional information regarding the Dog Scouts of America is available at www.dogscouts.org.
For more information about joining the Downeast Dog Scouts contact Robyn Douglas at downeastdogscouts@yahoo.com or 207 266-5807.
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