by Mike Matzinger
In Gillette, Wyoming, nearly a dozen scouts from Troop 6064 stepped up to support a local resident after a heartbreaking loss. In January, Mary Robinson’s Pomeranian, Giggy, was killed after getting her head stuck through a damaged section of fence while confronting a loose dog in the neighborhood. Following the incident, Robinson wanted to repair the fence but was unable to do the work herself due to a recent surgery.
After learning about the situation, Adam Ostrom, an animal control officer with the Gillette Police Department, brought the need to the attention of the troop. With Robinson’s permission, the scouts quickly organized a service effort. On a warm Saturday morning, 11 scouts and several adult leaders spent two hours repairing, reinforcing, and replacing sections of the fence and gate. What began as a plan to fix a few weak spots turned into a full restoration. According to Robinson, the troop essentially gave her a new fence, ensuring her other dog, Sissy, would be safe at home.
The project was not tied to rank advancement or an Eagle Scout requirement. The scouts simply saw a need and chose to act. As Senior Patrol Leader Kaiden Phipps shared, giving back to the community is part of what scouting is all about. His brother Hunter added that while visibility may inspire younger kids to join, the true reward is helping others.
For Robinson, the impact went far beyond a repaired fence.
“I’m just blown away to see such kindness in this community,” she said. “There is so much badness that is reported on that it is really wonderful for young people to be noticed for doing a wonderful thing in this community.”
https://www.gillettenewsrecord.com/news/local/article_f6e18a46-fadb-42c6-a59d-4febe6ca7f3c.html