Stafford Boy Scout Replaces Storage Shed At Old Dominion Humane Society For Eagle Scout Project

Robert Pauley, of Stafford, noticed the shed to store items for the rescue dogs at Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) needed to be replaced. The 16-year-old, who is in Troop 1889 with Scouting America*, often volunteers at the nonprofit ODHS during the Sunday hikes, where the dogs get a break from the facility to explore local trails and socialize with humans. It was while he was walking a dog on the Fredericksburg facility’s property that he discovered what his Eagle Scout project was going to be--raising money to replace the shed.

“I chose to replace the shed at ODHS because I noticed it was in disrepair,” said Pauley, a rising senior at Mountain View High School. “I decided then that I was going to help out and use my Eagle project as an opportunity to do so. I love dogs, and any way to help them out is a win-win situation.”

Robert Pauley (right) works with his father, Scott Pauley, to assemble a new shed for the rescue dogs at Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) this spring. Pauley, 16, who is in Scouting America Troop 1889, raised funds to provide a new shed for the ODHS dogs. The project earned him the status of Eagle Scout. Pauley, of Stafford, attends Mountain View High School.

Attaining the status of Eagle Scout is no small feat, and the project must meet several criteria. It must demonstrate leadership, planning and service while benefiting a school, religious institution or community organization. As the culminating service requirement for the Eagle rank, it’s created to be a lasting benefit to the community. Pauley’s project needed to include proper planning and adhere to safety guidelines to be considered complete.

Pauley met with ODHS volunteers to create a donation page and promoted the project on social media and everywhere else they could get the word out. After raising $2,635 in donations, Pauley was able to purchase a premade shed that he and other volunteers assembled this spring.

“ODHS is grateful to Robert for dedicating his Eagle project to working so hard to raise donations for the shed’s replacement,” said Chrissy Hamilton, ODHS founder. “The shed is where we store crates and other items for the rescue dogs, and we’ll now have a much-needed new one because of this project. We’re thankful to Robert for devoting his time and efforts to a project that will benefit the rescue dogs.”

Pauley’s busy schedule includes playing baseball in high school, volunteering for various organizations and spending time with friends. He plans to enter the workforce as a firefighter.

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Old Dominion Humane Society provides well-matched, permanent homes for dogs in need through rescue, rehabilitation, and education.

ODHS is located at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg. Adoption events are Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m., Fridays from 6-8 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adoption surveys submitted in advance are preferred and take priority over walk-ins. For more information about the dogs available for adoption and adoption surveys, as well as upcoming events, volunteering, fostering and donating, visit https://www.olddominionhumanesociety.org.