Girl Scouts to send BarkBoxes to Sullivan, Carter shelter dogs

Area Girl Scouts have gone to the dogs, but in a good way: A fundraiser allows dogs awaiting adoption at some animal shelters to get donated BarkBoxes through the scouts. That's because the scouts this fall have added BarkBoxes, along with other non-cookie items, to their fundraising repertoire famous for cookie sales. The BarkBoxes can be purchased through the group and sent to shelter dogs in Sullivan and Carter counties or given to family dogs. And what's more, coming in 2027, the first Girl Scout cookies made for dogs will be available for sale. HERE ARE THE DEALS Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians is partnering with the Animal Shelter of Sullivan County and the Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter to send BarkBoxes to dogs awaiting their "fur-ever" home, while also supporting Girl Scout troops across the region. Each BarkBox purchased for donation through the program provides a special treat for a shelter dog and funds the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for the regional Council footprint. A news release said Girl Scout troops across the region have a history of supporting animal welfare through volunteer work and community service. Community members can buy and donate a BarkBox to a dog at either Tri-Cities area shelter through the Girl Scouts' Fall Product program, according to the release. Each BarkBox includes treats and toys to provide enrichment for dogs in shelter care. Proceeds from each purchase help fund the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls in East Tennessee and far Southwest Virginia. "Through fundraisers like the Fall Product Program, Girl Scouts build important life skills while supporting causes that matter to them and their communities," Lynne Fugate, CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians or GSCSA, said in the news release. "The BarkBox program demonstrates how even small but thoughtful contributions can make a positive impact." The Girl Scout-themed BarkBox is packed with goodies for pups, including a plush dog squeak toy and Berry Trio treats. The box also includes instructions on how dogs can earn Puppy Patches. BarkBoxes purchased through Girl Scouts are offered as a standalone one-time purchase and do not require a subscription. BarkBoxes can be purchased for donation through Oct. 21 online at GirlScoutBarkBox.org, which gives the cost. Donors can select the Sullivan County, Elizabethton-Carter County or another participating shelter for a donation. Elsewhere, eligible shelters are the Smyth Animal Rescue in Marion, Virginia, the Young-Williams Animal Center in Knoxville, Sevier County Animal Shelter in Sevierville and the McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga. BarkBoxes also can be purchased for personal or family pets through the Fall Product Program, so families can let their own four-legged friends join in on the fun. The fundraiser goes beyond tasty treats to also include items like Tervis Tumblers, candles and personalized stationery. These items are available for purchase directly from Girl Scouts through their personalized links. The fundraising program gives troops a chance to earn startup money, including funds for uniforms, camp and other activities. Products available for purchase include nuts, chocolates, magazines, candles Tervis tumblers and more. Directed toward family and friends, the program also teaches girls to learn five life skills: goal setting, money management, decision making, business ethics and people skills. LOCAL SHELTER DETAILS The Animal Shelter of Sullivan County is a not-for-profit group that cares for lost, abandoned and neglected animals and serves the animal control needs of the county. Its mission is to increase awareness about the humane treatment of animals through responsible sheltering, education, spay/neuter assistance and access to wellness. The Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter is a local government-operated shelter that cares for lost, abandoned and neglected animals while providing animal control services for Carter County. The shelter hosts special adoption events that help save lives and reduce costs while ensuring animals receive health screenings and vaccinations and discouraging support for puppy mills. WHAT'S NEXT Looking ahead, Girl Scouts will introduce their first Girl Scout Cookie for dogs, Patch Pals, available exclusively through online ordering beginning Jan. 12, or at the start of Girl Scout Cookie season in individual areas. Shaped like Girl Scout patches, Patch Pals represent memorable Girl Scouting experiences and give girls another way to share the Girl Scout Cookie experience with their furry friends. ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS According to the release, Girl Scouts is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, offering programs that give every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of entrepreneurship, adventure and success — whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for community causes or make their first best friends. The Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians serves members in 46 counties from Southwest Virginia, through East Tennessee and northern Georgia. Membership is open to all girls from kindergarten through their senior year in high school. Backed by adult volunteers, mentors and millions of alumnae, according to the release, Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place, according to the release. To join, volunteer, reconnect or donate, visit girlscoutcsa.org online or call 800-474-1912.