WATCH ON FOX 61 and WFSB HOW ONE HAMDEN STUDENT BUILT A BRIDGE FOR SHELTER DOGS
Like anyone cooped up most of the day, rescued dogs at Where the Love Is Animal Shelter love to get outside and explore the shelter property any chance they get.
Thanks to a Hamden High School student, the dogs — and their volunteer walkers — can now romp along a renovated path and safely cross a new bridge over a stream behind the shelter without getting wet and dirty.
Zayed Elahee, 17, a HHS senior headed to the University of Connecticut this fall, completed the bridge and new shelter signage as his Eagle Scout project. Zayed led the design and construction of a wood-slat bridge and sign, assisted along the way by fellow Scouts in Troop #610 of Hamden, friends, their parents and Scoutmaster Bill Earley. The project took a combined total of about 200 hours.
Boy Scouts hoping to earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout must meet a set of rigorous requirements, including completing a 32-page workbook of forms, questions, images, and proposals about the project. The Scout must gather materials, supplies, tools, permits and ensure the safety and completion of the project prior to turning 18 years old. Less than 10 percent of Scouts achieve the Eagle Scout status.
“The most important aspect of an Eagle Scout project is that it benefits the community,” Zayed said. “I wanted to do something that would benefit the dogs.” Zayed had learned about Where the Love Is Animal Shelter when his Scout troop volunteered to clear weeds at the shelter at an earlier date. “I got to learn about all the great things the rescue does and how much help they needed for the dogs there.”
Where the Love Is is a non-profit animal shelter, which rescues and finds new homes for about 200 dogs a year. It is operated entirely by volunteers and depends on donations of time and money to keep the dogs safe and happy until a new family adopts them.
“The bridge that Zayed and the Scouts built provides a convenient and safe way for our dogs to cross a stream, enhancing their outdoor experience while enjoying long walks,” said WTLI volunteer Janice Murphy-Wallace. “Zayed dedicated his time and skills to support his community. Along with his fellow Scouts, he made this a labor of love and all put their hearts and souls into this project.”
