Girl Scout Troop 1126 from Johnston County has devoted one of their major community service projects to the Ruf Creek Ranch Animal Rescue and Adoption Center in Smithfield.
The Girl Scouts in Troop 1126 all share a love of animals and wanted to support a local organization devoted to the care of animals. Ruf Creek Ranch, run by Joy Frannicola and her husband Arthur, provided the perfect opportunity.
Ruf Creek Ranch’s dog rescue facility covers approximately nine acres in Johnston County and houses dogs rescued from local shelters as they await adoption. The dogs are cared for, rehabilitated, and sometimes placed with foster families until the Frannicola’s can find the perfect adoptive family to provide permanent love and care.
Caring for the dogs, as well as the six horses they have raised, is an expensive endeavor for the Frannicolas.
The Girl Scouts of Troop 1126 decided to help by putting together adoption bags for the dogs. They made tug toys using old t-shirts, socks, and tennis balls. They also included training treats and an adoption card for each bag. In addition to the items the Girl Scouts made, they collected towels, sheets, blankets, treats, and dog toys to deliver to the ranch.
The Girl Scouts visited Ruf Creek Ranch recently to personally deliver the handmade bags and donated items. According to Joy Frannicola, the visit was “delightful.” She shared that the Girl Scouts had done some research about animal rescue and had a list of questions prepared for her. “They were very interested in how I choose the dogs I rescue and the adoption process in general,” Frannicola said. “They had a chance to interact with some of my shy dogs which is always a plus. The more people they meet, the better their chances for adoption.”
Laurie Graham, the troop’s leader, was equally enthusiastic about the service project and believes her Girl Scouts learned valuable lessons from their day at Ruf Creek Ranch. “Girl Scouting not only helps build courage, confidence, and character for girls, but also provides unique learning opportunities to explore the world around us,” shared Graham.
Girl Scout Troop #1126 consists of eight Girl Scouts who are Girl Scout Daisies (grades k-1). The troop has one Girl Scout Cadette (grades 6-8). They meet at Grace Episcopal Church in Clayton and are led by Laurie Graham, Keitha Stanley, and Megan Monroe.
For more information about Ruf Creek Ranch and Joy and Arthur Frannicola visit www.rufcreekranch.com
