The dogs at PAWS animal shelter in Dripping Springs have new trails to explore and cleaner play yards, thanks to the efforts of Remington Shay. A sophomore at Wimberley High School and senior Scout from Troop 4, Shay organized and completed the project as part of his work toward earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America.
When Shay began considering his Eagle Scout project, he knew he wanted to do something close to home and close to his heart. 'When we discussed ideas, I told Remington, whatever you choose, be sure it's something you care about, something that touches your heart,' said his mother, Melissa Shay. Shay chose to do something that would help surrendered and abandoned pets.
Shay discussed the project with his mentor, Dave Evans, and approached PAWS in Dripping Springs to see what work project they could help with. Shelter director Leslie Hutson, who oversees the PAWS animal shelters in Dripping Springs and Kyle, was delighted by the offer.
'Remington and his mentor visited us to see how he could help,' Hutson said. 'We're situated on about 39 acres, and there's plenty of work we need help with.' They agreed on cutting new trails for the dogs to walk and explore, and adding mulch to three large play areas.
The shelter, which has an in-house surgery center, needed the play yards improved to accommodate dogs recovering from surgery. 'When the yards are muddy, those dogs can't go out because they're still healing,' Hutson said. 'Now, with mulched play yards, even the dogs recovering from surgery can have outdoor play.'
Shay reached out to local businesses for donations of mulch. Kinser Ranch donated 18 yards of shredded tree mulch, and Home Depot in Dripping Springs provided bagged mulch. Andrew Ellison, an adult leader with Troop 50, volunteered the use of his tractor and time to load the mulch into wheelbarrows for the Scouts to spread. Next, Shay recruited volunteers for the labor.
Shay’s crew of more than 30 volunteers from Troops 4443 and 50 from Austin, Troop 127 from Wimberley, and Troop 4 from Dripping Springs arrived at first light on August 17 and completed the project in just one day.
'I think it went very smoothly,' Shay said. 'The reason it went so smoothly, and we were able to finish in one day, is because of the help we had . . . that's what made the difference.'
Shay added that the enthusiasm of his fellow Scouts was 'Awesome. They wanted to be there. No one made them. It wasn’t like their moms and dads said they had to help; they themselves wanted to do this project.'
Indeed, despite the very hot weather, the chatter among the volunteers was inspiring. They seemed to enjoy working together and as they realized that their progress was ahead of expectations; they became excited that they might finish the entire project before noon; their pace quickened.
“Initially, we expected to need two Saturdays to do the work, but because we had so many Scouts we finished in one day.” Shay said.
Shay joined Boy Scouts the day he was eligible, after his 10th birthday. He said he enjoys Scouting for the friends he’s made and because 'you get to learn and do things most kids don’t normally get to. I like to camp and backpack and be outdoors.'
He added that Scouting also gives him access to hike in areas normally off limits to the public.
“We [Scouts} get to go into the Narrows and hike,” Shay said.
The Narrows is a rugged and scenic section of the Blanco River located in the Hill Country, characterized by steep limestone cliffs, narrow canyons, and crystal-clear pools of water. The area is known for its natural beauty and challenging terrain. And it is a challenging course for hikers.
Because it is privately owned, access is restricted, but Scouts are allowed to backpack there due to their reputation for environmental responsibility and the trust established between the landowners and the Boy Scouts of America.
In addition to Scouting, Shay is active in his school's Robotics Club. He plans to study engineering with a focus on mechanical engineering. 'Scouting is a lot of fun, and I’ve made some great friends here,' Shay said.
Shay, who lives in Driftwood, is a member of Troop 4, which is sponsored by the American Legion Post 290 in Dripping Springs.
An Eagle Scout project is the capstone of a Scout's journey, testing leadership, service, and commitment to the core values of Scouting. Through planning, organizing, and executing a project that benefits the community, Scouts demonstrate their ability to lead others, manage resources, and overcome challenges.
It also demonstrates Shay’s commitment to a key tenant of the Scout Oath and Promise: “To help others,” and in this case, our community’s pets.
