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SPANISH FORK — A Utah County teen is using his Eagle Scout Project — and a bit of ingenuity — to make life better for some homeless pets. It turned out to be the solution his local shelter had been looking for, for more than three years.
The Scouts of Troop 427 hand-delivered some brand new beds Monday to some unsuspecting canines at the South Utah Valley Animal Shelter. Thirteen-year-old Caleb Moore and his dad came up with the idea when they noticed the dogs didn't have anywhere special to sleep.
"We saw the dogs, and they were sitting on the cold, wet floor — cement floor — with no heating or anything," Caleb explained.
Employees at shelter say it's exactly what their dogs needed. They say it's a solution to a problem they've been dealing with for at least a few years now.
"The floors can be cold. Especially in the wintertime, they can be cold; and especially for smaller animals and ones that aren't used to being outside, it can be a little hard for them," said Mike Morgan, director of the Utah Valley Animal Shelter.
Caleb figured out how to do it mostly on his own. Researching online, he found the Columbus Dog Connection in Columbus, Ohio. The nonprofit organization has already placed about 800 of the elevated dog beds in shelters throughout the country, and they're willing to help supply the parts and instructions to anyone who wants to further the cause.
"We made the frame out of PVC pipe, and then folded the canvas over," Caleb explained.
That's custom-made PVC pipes and corners from Ohio. They don't sell them in Utah.
It's a simple idea that can make a homeless puppy feel a bit more at home. "It certainly will give the feeling to the public that we're doing our best to care for the animals and that they're well cared for while they're here," Morgan said.
The beds can hold up to 70 pounds and cost about $12 to make. A local company donated the canvas.
Caleb says the Scouts were able to build all 25 beds in just a few hours.
Email: manderson@ksl.com
