Nanuet Girl Scout Strives for Silver (VIDEO)

With five cats and one dog, it’s obvious that Juliette Barry is an animal lover.

This Nanuet Cadette Girl Scout from troop 40376 is toward her Silver Award and is incorporating her love of furry friends into her volunteer activities.

“Ever since I was younger, I’ve always had an interest in the behavior and study of cats. I also grew up with several in my home,” said Barry. “When I began brainstorming ideas for my Silver Award, I thought about working with cats because I’ve had an interest in them for so long.”

To fulfill one component of Barry’s requirements toward her Silver Award, she led a program with Nanuet Brownie Troop 40421 at the end of February. Joined by fellow girl scouts Brenda and Allison, she helped the third graders earn their pet badges.

She helped them make cat toys and simple pet beds, as well as talked to them about general pet care. Some of the beds and toys will be donated to a local shelter for homeless cats.

To fulfill her other Silver award components, she plans to volunteer at local pet stores.

“Also, I will still volunteer my time at S.T.A.R.T. II adoption center located inside Petsmart,” she said. For Petsmart, she’s developing a brochure that will be given out to new cat owners.

“There are many people who have helped me along the way in accomplishing my Silver Award. I would like to thank my troop leader, Ruth Hansen, and my parents for helping me tremendously toward the award. I ‘m very grateful to Mrs. Hastings and Mrs. Diffley who allowed me to work with their Brownie troop. I’d also like to thank Mrs. Travers and Ms. Benton for reviewing and approving my Silver Award proposal. After completing my Silver Award, I am looking forward to thinking about my Gold Award.”