When you think about it, a dog is a pretty good scout. If treated right, it is trustworthy, loyal, and friendly. If trained right, it can be helpful and maybe even courteous and kind. A dog is rarely wasteful, so thrifty is definitely there. Many rescue dogs have risked or even lost their lives to save another, so I guess bravery is in their makeup.
The one thing a dog – or any animal for that matter – can’t be is reverent. I see many scouts wince when asked about adding Scouts Own to the camping schedule. Many Scoutmasters – I am sad to say – do not pursue this point of the Scout Law as adamantly as they do the rest. Fewer and fewer scouts earn their religious medallions these days. Remember, a dog can get 11 out of 12.
