I received an e-mail from a man named Jim Helms yesterday, and one of his titles was “Dog Scoutmaster, Troop 211”. I’ve asked him if he can come to the Chelmsford Dog Association’s Howl’ween show this October, and I’m awaiting his reply.
In the meantime, I looked up just what Dog Scouting is, and it’s like Girl or Boy Scouting, without the cookie sales. Scouts apply for membership, and train to earn badges. They have vests they wear, they follow Dog Scout Law, hold competitions, and have their own camp in Maple Valley, Michigan. There are troops in many states, all over the country. There are three in Massachusetts: one in Westport, Mr. Helms’ troop in the Springfield area, and a third one which covers Middlesex, Worcester and Essex counties. They have their own website: www.dogscouts.org, or you can visit Troop 211’s site at www.dogscouts211.com.
A Dog Scout Owner’s Motto is “Our dog’s lives are much shorter than ours-let’s help them enjoy their time with us as much as we can.”
Hopefully, we’ll be able to meet some Dog Scouts this October.
