Boy Scout helps animal shelter

PACE — A local teenager combines his love for animals and pursuit of the Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) by helping the community.

Christopher D. Herrin, a 17-year-old Scout built 80 dog beds for the Santa Rosa Animal Services. Christopher along with his mother, Sharon Herrin, and girlfriend Natania Jennings, delivered the beds.

An 11-year veteran of the BSA, Christopher knew that animal services probably needed the help.

"I knew the shelter didn't have the money, so I just wanted to help them and the dogs out—wanted to make the dogs smile and make them happier than when I saw them last," he said.

Christopher belongs to Troop 340 in Pensacola, although he lives in the Milton-Munson area. In order to reach the rank of Eagle Scout, Christopher has to earn 21 merit badges and complete a service project.

Animal services provided Christopher with PVC piping to make the bed frames. The rest of the materials: fabric for the beds, screws, labor and delivery of the completed beds Christopher provided.

"Another Scout did this for Escambia County shelter and I figured Santa Rosa would have the same need," Christopher said.

Christopher was quick to point out that he had help. His team included 12 Scouts, 12 BSA adults, two non-scouts, and one non-scout adult—his dad, Joe Herrin. Christopher said the project took 200 man-hours to complete and he would do it again.

His mother is not surprised. She listed Christopher's other community related accomplishments.

"He helped build sun shades for the Escambia county shelter, repaired holes in the walls at the Ferry Pass fire department and for two years he placed flags in front of headstones at Barrancas National Cemetery," she said.

Kennel Supervisor Dora Thomason said she is grateful and thankful for Christopher's project.

"This is greatly going to enrich the animals' lives here at this shelter," she said.