Girl Scout Troop Creates Pet Pantry at Dog Park

Girl Scout Troop 35579 from Portage constructed a pet pantry for dogs and cats based on the Little Free Library idea. The pet pantry is now located outside Portage’s Woodland Park dog park. Troop leader Karen Naumann explained the need for such a project: “People have been asking for help with animals. They can’t afford food.”

Serenity Nelson and Heidi O’Bannion, part of Troop 35579, took on this initiative for their Silver Award, the second-highest honor in Girl Scouts. They successfully stocked the pantry on Friday, September 18, 2026.

The project began with four girls in 2024. Despite a pause due to Naumann’s cancer journey and two members leaving, O’Bannion and Nelson persisted to complete the effort. Naumann sought and received permission from Barb Lusco, the parks department’s maintenance director, to place the pantry at the dog park. Lusco expressed her excitement: “When I first heard from you, I was like, oh my God, what a wonderful idea.”

O’Bannion shared that the team considered other projects like bat boxes, bee houses, and butterfly habitats. After researching, the girls chose the pet pantry, and found a kit online. They collaborated on planning and assembling the project. To enhance durability for the harsh weather in Northwest Indiana, the box was made with plastic-coated wood. Naumann’s husband contributed by adding a latch, ensuring the structure was secure. The entire assembly took about an hour.

Troop 35579 stocked the pantry with dog treats, cat toys, and tennis balls, among other items. They purchased enough supplies to have leftovers, allowing Naumann, who frequents the dog park, to periodically restock the pantry. Naumann encourages others to donate as well: “I encourage people, too, if they want to bring stuff.”

The event on September 18 was attended by Portage Parks Department Maintenance Director Barb Lusco, Mayor Austin Bonta, and members of Troop 35579. Mayor Bonta praised the girls: “This is great. This is exactly the kind of stuff we get excited about.” He applauded their initiative: “That was amazing.”

O’Bannion noted the scarcity of pet pantries as they considered their options. Despite being at a dog park, the project included cats in its scope, reflecting the needs of pet owners with multiple animals. Nelson joked about the possibility of stocking a pet pantry for snakes with live mice: “I would actually throw up.”

Doug Ross contributed this report as a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.