Haymarket Scout aids dog rescue group
On Saturday, May 29, Haymarket Boy Scout Joshua Burgess completed his Boy Scout Eagle project. With the help of seven Scouts and two adults from his troop, Burgess was able to build two large dog houses that will be donated to Virginia German Shepherd Rescue organization in Sterling. Additionally, he coordinated a large donation drive within the troop for the support of the VGSR.
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing of German shepherds.
Debra Fairbanks, Boy Scouts of America Council representative of Bull Run District, and Susan Shank, representative of the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue organization, came out to show support during the doghouse construction project.
Burgess chose this project because he received his German shepherd from the organization. The dedication and care of the group's volunteers led to his desire to help out. Burgess' father and a few friends had built his dog, Sarge, a doghouse so he decided to duplicate the project for the VGSR.
Burgess began his scouting adventure eight years ago as a Cub Scout and he followed the path to Life Scout, the last rank before earning the coveted rank of Eagle.
A member of Boy Scout Troop 1833 in Haymarket, Burgess has participated in campouts, leadership training through Impeesa and various activities like the food drive. He has demonstrated his leadership skills as chaplain aide, den chief, patrol leader and troop guide. He now needs to successfully complete his Scoutmaster conference and Eagle Scout board of review to achieve the rank of Eagle.