Going to the dogs

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David Scheyer, a co-owner of Fetch Dog Treats, helps Girl Scout Mlaine Carter, 6, make an all-natural dog treat Tuesda. The group of 20 delivered the treats to the Columbia County Animal Care and Control Saturday.

Photo by Valerie Rowell

A group of Girl Scouts crinkled up their faces with a collective "ugh" as they each bit into a dog treat.

"Yucky!" 6-year-old Girl Scout Brownie Ariel Bozeman said. "They smelled like sugar, but they did not taste like sugar."

But these weren't just any treats. They were gourmet treats, theNorth Columbia Elementary School's Girl Scout Group 783 made at Fetch Dog Treats on Walton Way, Augusta.

The 20 girls - ages 5-12 - met at the store Tuesday evening to make treats to deliver to the animals at Columbia County Care and Control on Saturday.

"Those dogs (at the shelter) need treats too," said Tara Scheyer, who owns Fetch Dog Treats with her husband, Kevin. "We could make them, but why when we have a group of young people who want to help out. Plus, they learn things like responsible per ownership."

Mrs. Scheyer said the treats are made with natural and healthy ingredients such whole wheat flour, cinnamon, eggs and milk.

Each girl used cookie cutters to make as many whole wheat cinnamon seasoned treats as she could get out of a dough ball.

"I am used to making cookies," said Girl Scout Brownie Blaine Carter,6, whoseemed perfectly at home using the rolling pin.

Not all the treats were perfect, but looking imperfect doesn't affect the taste, Mrs. Scheyer said.

The Scheyers heard the idea for the charity treats and invited to the Scouts to the store. Already, another group of Girl Scouts from Grovetown wants to do the same project in October. Each group can donate the goodies to whatever shelter they chose.

Tara Scheyer, a co-owner of Fetch Dog Treats, helps members of North Columbia Elementary School's girl Scout group mix dough for all-natural dog treats.

Photo by Valerie Rowell

The North Columbia troop chose Columbia County's shelter,

"I think it is wonderful," said Linda Fulmer, Columbia County Animal Care and Control director. "This is the first time for something like this. We get donations, but it is normally like bleach, cat litter and old blankets and towels. I think it will be wonderful for them, too. They will get to come out here and see what we do as well," Fulmer said before the group arrived.

Participating in the treat-making and delivering project will earn the Girl Scouts their merit badge for community service.