Girl Scout creates dog bite prevention program for Gold Award

Pictured center left-right: Sarah Elisabeth Stewart, Frances Coleman, Mary Laing Holland (holding Willie), and Kathryn Venzia visited the Hawk-Houston Boys and Girls Club to give a presentation on responsible dog ownership and bite prevention. The program is Venezia's project to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award.

By: Peggy Ussery | Dothan Eagle
Published: May 09, 2010

Willie stood calmly as each of the children at Hawk-Houston Boys and Girls Club approached him, holding out their hands before patting him on the chin or chest.

The small Yorkshire terrier was there with his owner to teach the children about responsible dog ownership and dog bite prevention. The program being used that afternoon was created by local Girl Scout Kathryn Venezia. The Houston Academy senior developed the program as part of her effort to earn the Girl Scout’s highest honor, the Gold Award. Last year, there were 5,500 Girl Scouts who earned Gold awards.

“I wanted something more personalized, and something I knew more about,” Venezia said.

Venezia developed the plan based on her love of dogs. She visited with 230 children ages 6-12 and 40 senior citizens over the course of her project and recruited fellow students involved in the Houston Academy Rescue Team to help with her presentations — Houston Academy 10th-graders Sarah Elisabeth Stewart, Frances Coleman and Mary Laing Holland. Willie actually belongs to Mary Laing Holland’s family.

As a group, the girls tell children the importance of being a responsible dog owner. They also explain what to do should the children encounter a strange dog — don’t run, stand still and avoid eye contact. Venezia’s program emphasizes how to approach a dog and to start by asking the owner’s permission.

Venezia has been in Girl Scouts since she was in kindergarten. She moved to Dothan when she was in the ninth grade and started working toward the Gold Award. The process required hours of community service. She also had to display leadership skills by shadowing professionals. It was time spent with a veterinarian that led Venezia to her project idea.

After high school, Venezia plans to enter the Air Force. Once she completes her Gold Award, she’ll be able to enter the Air Force at a higher level than normal.

Scouting, Venezia said, has given her opportunities she might not have had otherwise.

“Most girls, they start other things like dance or sports,” Venezia said. “I didn’t really find those things as interesting.”