By Megan Coppersmith Szerwo – June, 2025
For his Eagle Scout project, Dominick Marino of Troop 3097 (Big Flats, NY) took on an ambitious and compassionate mission: to improve the daily lives of over 150 cats at Animal Care Sanctuary (ACS), a no-kill animal shelter in Milan, PA.
ACS is one of the region’s largest and most dedicated animal shelters, taking in cats that other shelters often turn away. With over 10,000 square feet of space devoted solely to cats, the shelter needed a functional and sanitary solution for feline bedding. Over the years, the shelter had collected a wide variety of bed styles, many of which posed challenges for cleaning and didn’t meet the cats’ natural preferences for elevated rest areas.
Understanding the shelter’s needs, Dominick designed and executed a plan to replace the shelter’s existing substandard cat beds with 50 custom-built wire frame beds—ACS’s preferred style. These beds are elevated off the ground, giving cats a sense of safety and comfort, and they’re easier to clean and maintain. Their design allows for quick sanitation, supporting both the animals’ health and the staff’s efficiency.
Dominick and crew with new cat beds
The project required careful planning and coordination. Dominick gathered supplies, recruited volunteers, and led the construction and installation of enough wire beds to accommodate every cat enclosure at the shelter. Each bed was crafted with both durability and hygiene in mind, ensuring long-term use without the complications of wood or fabric alternatives.
The shelter staff expressed their gratitude for the upgrade. The new beds are uniformly practical and meet the daily needs of both the animals and the caretakers.
“The great achievement of this project is in the equilibrium of occupant and worker,” said Dominick. “These beds provide warm, cozy homes for the cats, who spend years on end without a human family of their own, while easing the burden of their care to promote a positive experience between volunteer and feline.”
By combining his passion for animals with his leadership and service, Dominick completed a meaningful project that will benefit hundreds of cats for years to come. His work stands as a testament to the values of Scouting and the difference one dedicated individual can make in a community.
For more information about great Scout Troops in your area for boys and girls ages 11-18, visit our Scouts BSA page.
Dominick explaining the design
Getting to work
A comfy, if not entirely happy, new resident
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