Eagle Scout Project Beautifies Smithtown Animal Shelter

As part of the Boy Scout Oath, scouts pledge to do their duty to their community by helping others. William Ciancarelli is making that oath a reality in the final stage of his Boy Scout commitment - a community service project at the Smithtown Animal Shelter that will bring him one step closer to becoming an Eagle Scout.

Ciancarelli, of Troop #111 in Nesconset, decided to combine his passion for caring for animals and giving back to the community. He approached Smithtown Animal Shelter Supervisor George Beatty, who eagerly accepted the scout's open service offer.

Beatty already had an idea for his project: to create a relaxing area in front of the outdoor cat enclosure for visitors to sit, as well as to attract songbirds to "entertain the house cats while they are waiting to be adopted," Beatty said.

All of the supplies for the project were donated by local vendors. East End Trees of Kings Park donated trees, shrubs and mulch and also helped Ciancarelli sketch the project's layout. All-Island Masonry, Home Depot and Olsen's Nursery all donated supplies for Ciancarelli's mission and Simply Fountains gave the three-tier cascading, lighted fountain for the centerpiece of this new resting area.

Smithtown's Parks and Highway Departments also generously provided Ciancarelli with tools, benches and the electric wiring. In total, Ciancarelli estimates that the supplies would have likely cost around $5,000 -  not including the labor that goes into such a project.

Thursday was the second day of the project. Ciancarelli, his brother James and their friend Nolan Catania laboriously dug holes for the trees and shrubs and the underground lines for the fountain. Ciancarelli's father, Stephen, helped lay brick around the perimeter of the area, while his wife, Loretta, oversaw the young men.

Ciancarelli put in a 13-hour day of work his first day and the majority of the construction was completed in three days. The group will devote a fourth day for adding the finishing touches.

The senior at St. Anthony's High School aspires to become a veterinarian and has been looking at pre-veterinarian programs at various colleges. In his spare time, he volunteers at the Smithtown Guide Dog Foundation, where he has the opportunity to shadow veterinarians.

While the scout and his crew worked through the blazing sun, the inquisitive shelter cats paced back and forth, watching the family from behind the fence of the shady enclosure.

Smithtown Animal Shelter's "Cat Lounge" is home to cats of all ages, colors, and sizes, all looking to be adopted. Here, each cat is allowed out of its cage to stretch, play and socialize with people and other cats throughout the day. As a result, these friendly cats swarm visitors, meowing and affectionately rubbing up against their legs, hoping to be taken home by a family.

Smithtown Animal Shelter always welcomes donations and is currently in need of canned food for cats or dogs, blankets, cat furniture, dog biscuits and durable dog chew toys.

Interested in volunteering at the Smithtown Animal Shelter or completing an Eagle Scout project there? Contact George Beatty at 631-360-7575.