Boy Scout troop lends a helping hand to the Columbus Co. Animal Shelter

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — The Columbus County Animal Shelter got some much needed help from local boy scouts on a yard project Saturday.

Joey Prince, Columbus County animal control manager, said they needed some help fixing up the outside play area for the dogs. He said they enlisted the help of Boy Scout Troop 512 of Whiteville.

“One thing we were looking at is upgrading the area and this is our first step in the project,” said Prince. “Unfortunately our fence has a lot of holes in it.”

Scoutmaster Jonathan Lanehart said they were tasked with figuring out a way to close up the holes.

“There was an issue where some of the smaller dogs were actually able to fit under the fence,” said Lanehart. “So we’ve devised a plan to put in a piece of fencing at the bottom and move dirt in on top of that so that dogs are not able to get under the fence.”

The boy scouts worked all morning filling the gaps under the yard’s fence with dirt so the dogs wouldn’t get out when it was play time. They first laid out fencing and tarp around the perimeter of the yard and then piled on dirt.

Prince said while the dogs get time outside everyday they have to be on a leash. But thanks to Boy Scout Troop 512 the dogs will be able to enjoy some time outside unleashed.

“Our shelter depends on a whole lot on community involvement so this kind of thing is just wonderful for us,” said Prince.

Parker Simmons, a boy scout, said he didn’t mind spending his Saturday helping out.

“It feels good because they get to run and exercise and not be cooped up in that kennel all day,” said Simmons.

A number of area businesses helped donate materials. They include Lowe’s of Whiteville, Horne and Son Construction, Whiteville Janitorial Supply and Chadbourn Feed Service.