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The Gold Award is the highest achievement within the Girl Scouts of the USA, earned by Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts. Only 5.4% of eligible Girl Scouts earn the Gold Award. These remarkable young women develop and carry out meaningful, sustainable solutions to challenges in their communities and the world. By using everything they’ve learned as Girl Scouts, they help fix problems or create lasting change. It’s a standout accomplishment that shows colleges, employers, and their communities that they’re making a positive impact! 🌟🌎💪
What Is A Gold Award?
The Issue
Crowded pet shelters add suffering to the animals and can become a financial issue to taxpayers. Unfortunately, overcrowding shelters must euthanize animals to avoid overcapacity. Florida is ranked 4th in the United States for pet shelter deaths, but in Hillsborough County the Hillsborough County Resource Center is one of the biggest overpopulated shelters which houses more than three-hundred cats and dogs. I want to help prevent the overcrowding of shelters, so it does not result in animal cruelty and so shelters can avoid euthanizing towards animals.
Overcrowding can put a strain on the shelter staff, resources, and the well-being of the animals.
The main root causes of overcrowding shelters are: animals not being spay and neutered, surrendering of animals, andimpulsive buying.
To stop overcrowding I will teach people about responsible pet ownership.
Who I'm Partnering With
Howling Hounds Sanctuary Rescue
To build my team for my gold award project I partnered up with The Howling Hounds Sanctuary Rescue, which is a non-profit organization who rescues abandoned and surrendered dogs in the Tampa Bay area and adopt them out to loving families.
The main issue that I've based my project around is Overcrowding shelters so, helping make the Howling Hounds Resource Center a less crowded sanctuary is one of my priorities during this project.
Click to Visit HHSR's Web Page
By adopting pets from shelters rather than buying from breeders or pet stores, you can help reduce the number of animals in shelters and give a homeless pet a loving home.Adopting from animal shelters and sanctuaries is a great choice because it saves lives and helps reduce overcrowding. When you adopt, you give a homeless animal a second chance and free up space for more animals in need. It also supports ethical practices, as shelters rescue animals from neglectful situations. Plus, animals in shelters are usually vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and health-checked, making it easier to find a healthy pet that fits your lifestyle. Adoption fees are often lower than buying from breeders or pet stores and usually include initial veterinary care, making it a cost-effective option.
How To Help HHSR
How to Be a Responsible Pet Owner
See How You Can Do Your Part To Help Overcrowding Shelters
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Being a responsible pet owner is really important for a number of reasons. First, it ensures the health and well-being of your pet. This includes providing proper nutrition, regular veterinary care, and a safe, loving environment. When pets are well-cared for, they are less likely to develop health problems or behavioral issues. Additionally, responsible pet ownership helps prevent overcrowding in shelters. Many pets end up in shelters due to neglect or lack of preparation from their owners. Here are some tips to ensure your pets happy and healthy life!
Ways To Become A Responsible Pet Owner:
1. Make your own treats to save money.
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2. Spay or neuter your pets.
3. Know that you have the time and money to have a pet, make sure you are committed!
4. Learn about the specific needs, behaviors, and health requirements of the pet you're considering.
5. Give your pet plenty of love, attention, and companionship to create a strong bond.
6. Schedule regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care to maintain your pet's health.
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7. Feed your pet a balanced diet appropriate for their age, size, and species.
8.Consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organization instead of buying from a pet store or breeder.
Foods To Avoid:
1. Grapes, raisins, and currants: These fruits can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. The exact toxic substance isn’t fully understood.
2. Onions, leeks, and chives: These contain compounds that damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Cooking doesn’t neutralize the toxins.
3. Avocado: Avocado contains Persin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart issues in dogs. The pit is also a choking hazard.
4. Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant that affects a dog’s heart and nervous system. Dark chocolate is especially potent and can be lethal.
5. Xylitol: Found in sugar-free products, xylitol causes insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It can be fatal even in small amounts.
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6. Alcohol: Alcohol affects dogs similarly to humans but is more toxic due to their smaller size. It can cause vomiting, lethargy, and even coma.
7. Coffee and caffeine: These substances can lead to restlessness, rapid breathing, and heart palpitations in dogs.
8. Garlic: Like onions, garlic contains compounds that damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
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9. Macadamia nuts: These nuts can cause weakness, vomiting, and tremors in dogs.
10. Raw or undercooked meat and bones: These pose a risk of bacterial contamination and can splinter, causing intestinal blockages or injury.