Troop 6811 had a face-to-face audience with Governor O’Malley—who stood in the halls of the Senate and listened attentively to every Scout as she read her part of the testimony on SB 839. This opportunity was the culmination of the Scouts’ many months-long effort to earn the Bronze Award, the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can obtain. They focused their project on the overpopulation and homelessness of dogs and cats in Montgomery County. The Scouts designed and are in the process of implementing a public awareness campaign aimed at preventing overpopulation through spay and neuter options, promoting adoption from our shelter and animal rescue groups, and exposing the often sad and inhumane way large breeders produce puppies in so-called “puppy mills.” The girls did themselves proud as they collaborated with the Humane Society of the United States for their legislative and public awareness efforts. The Governor told the girls he would sign the bill if it came to him. Photographer: Susan Mize