Daisy Scouts Brighten the Animal Shelter

The girls of Girl Scout Daisy Troop 1676 took a field trip to the Friday afternoon.

Before getting to meet some of the 91 dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens and horse currently housed at the facility, they listened to an educational talk presented by our very own "Pet of the Week" columnist Helen Hartel.

"These children are the pet owners of the future," said Hartel. "Attitudes about pets have changed over the years, and these kids are now learning about spaying and neutering as well as proper medical care and how to treat their pets as if they were members of the family."

Afterward, the children and troop leaders presented Hartel with colorful chew toys they made for the shelter dogs.

The girls walked through the dog kennel and had an opportunity to pet the cats in the Habicat room.

How did they feel about the experience?

"They're all so cute," said Nicky Chittenden, 6.