Downeast Dog Scouts Troop #159 Recognized as a "Top Dog Troop"
The Downeast Dog Scouts Troop #159 has been recognized as a "Top Dog Troop" for 2008 by the Dog Scouts of America. The Hancock County troop is one of eight community troops across the USA to be recognized at the most active troop level.
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 has nine household memberships. During 2008, five dogs earned the Dog Scouts of America Dog Scout Title. The troop dogs also earned Dog Scout Badges in the activities of Backpacking, Therapy Dog and Clean Up.
The Downeast Dog Scouts enjoyed monthly meeting and activity days throughout the year. Community education consisted of twenty four activities that included presentations, news articles, brochures, informational booths, parades and the Canine Carnival. Troop members and their dogs provided a total of 676 hours of community service in activities such as: therapy dog visits, children reading to dogs programs, school visits, walkathons, clean up days, and volunteering with dog related organizations in Hancock County.
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. Currently there are fifty four local Dog Scout troops from Alaska to Maine. 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.
The Downeast Dog Scouts Troop #159 was established in September 2007 and is the first and only Dog Scout troop in Maine. The troop offers a local membership program for people who advocate responsible dog guardianship 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. For additional information contact the Downeast Dog Scouts at downeastdogscouts@yahoo.com
