Today’s good news comes from station KDFW, which serves Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.
Screengrab of Eban Barns from FoxNews 4
Royse City Boy Scout builds doghouses for Dallas Animal Services
by Lori Brown
ROYSE CITY, Texas – An eighth-grade Boy Scout from Royse City is working toward the prestigious Eagle rank by helping save the dogs’ lives in Dallas.
He built and delivered 20 dog houses to Dallas Animal Services this week to be given out to families in need.
“I really enjoy being around dogs, and I found out that they can be removed from their homes because they don’t have a shelter,” he said. “So I wanted to do a project for that so that dogs wouldn’t be removed.”
Eben reached out to Det. Michael Bono with the Dallas Police Department’s animal cruelty unit to find out how he could help animals in a city that is struggling with shelter overcrowding.
There are almost twice as many dogs in the shelter as there are in the kennels, forcing the shelter to euthanize adoptable pets.
“One of our biggest challenges we have in the animal cruelty unit is individuals that don’t provide a means of shelter,” Bono said. “Whether it’s they just don’t have the means to do so, or they choose not to. But animals in North Texas are at risk based on not having shelter.”
Eben researched how to build a doghouse, but that had its challenges. His prototype broke after the first try. He contacted businesses to collect donations for the supplies he needed.
Eben’s mom, Brooke Barnes, said she was proud of his perseverance.
“He sets a goal and sticks to it,” she said. “So to see him build the prototype, see him get everything organized, and then to see him oversee the work day and the delivery of the doghouses yesterday, it was really exciting.”
And now it’s 20 dogs that will soon have the excitement of their own.
“We’ve seen animals come in because the families just couldn’t provide,” Bono said. “And I think through Evan’s Eagle Scout project, he’s able to help 20 of those families.”
The hope is others will be inspired to follow Eben’s lead.
“I think Eben really nailed this project. I think the doghouses turned out excellent. I think it’s the tip of the iceberg,” Bono said. “I think a lot of other scouts and individuals could do this, and it could greatly impact the greater Dallas and North Texas area.
Eben has now completed all of the requirements to become an Eagle Scout. The next step is his board of review to verify his work.
The good news here is a young man saw a need and did what was necessary to satisfy that need. Today’s JohnKu talks about action. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Need by John W. Howell © 2023
There’s a difference,
Between just seeing a need . . .
And action to solve.
Fiction Favorites 
Eagle Scout are always so cool to hear about.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The projects they do to help others is a great part of the program.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Today’s Eagle, tomorrow’s leader!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I believe that too. Thanks, Steve.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wonderful post, John, heartwarming and instructive. Whether young or old, we can make a difference for the better. 💚
LikeLiked by 3 people
I think the key is to move into action. Thanks, Gwen.
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a resilient kid! And to think of the positive impact that will come of it, THAT is great stuff right there Sheriff.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Pilgrim. It is indeed great stuff. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for supplying.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLiked by 2 people
Outstanding, John. I hope other teenagers will learn by Eben’s example.
LikeLiked by 2 people
One can hope, GP. 😁
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great to hear of a kid with this kind of ambition. The fact that he’s helping animals is a bonus.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reaching out to see what was needed was a great start. Thanks, Craig.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great project – great kid. Speaking of dogs, I think I missed Twiggy’s post yesterday.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was there. You are very busy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thursday Doors does that 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can imagine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great kid. Hope he inspires others to help. Thanks, John!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I do too. Thanks, Teri.
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a nice young man. Making the doghouses are commendable.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It sure is. Thanks, Kymber
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was a great Eagle Project, and well done for him finishing it and getting shelters to those 20 dogs in need. Great feel good story to share, John!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Deborah. I thought it was a good story as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s great to read about a thirteen-year-old doing good things, John. ❤ Thanks for telling us about the good heart of Eben.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is good to hear, Tim. Thanks.😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
A fine young man already at only 13 years old. This is wonderful. Thanks for the good news, John.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I always like good stories, Lois.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a clever and kind young man. Love his doghouse design!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree, Monika.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an admirable young man! I hope other Eagle Scouts model his charitableness. He’s going to be a great adult with a good heart! Good news!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think so too, Noelle. Thanks for the lovely comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He has a big heart…and a keen eye seeing a need he could fulfill. Great story, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Bruce. I agree.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This ROCKS! How wonderful for all involved. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Annette. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a fantastic kid. Can you imagine what kind of an adult he will become? What an inspiration. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story, John. Happy Friday to ya!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Dale. You are so right. Happy Friday to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Merci Patron! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
De rien
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
This makes my heart so happy. What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a great story. Thanks, Mar. I’m glad you liked it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A good story from Texas for a change.!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I agree. Thanks, Jo. I hope you have a grand weekend.
LikeLike
I love he did this and I know the dogs appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The dogs will for sure. Thanks, Denise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great feel-good story, John. Thanks for passing it along!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy to do it, Debbie. Thanks for reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A fantastic feel-good story, John. A win-win situation for everyone, especially all those dogs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true, Mae. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Action does make the difference. And with our future in the hands of boys like this, we are in good shape.
LikeLike
Three cheers to Eben for living your JohnKu!!
LikeLike
Wonderful news, dear John. It’s a joy to see so compassionate youth.👍👍👍🍤🍤🍤🍻
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Maria. He will turn out to be a super adult.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I recently stumbled upon your blog and truly admire your style.
LikeLike
Well thank you, Ricardo.
LikeLike
This guy has a kind and generous spirit. Thanks for sharing the story, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great kiddo! Thank you for sharing.
LikeLike
Cheers to the adults in this young man’s life. They made him believe he was capable and he proved he was. Love this so much! Fantastic news for Ebon and the Texas area. Thank you for the call towards action in our own lives and causes. ♡
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think he had some super parents. Thanks, Audrey.
LikeLike
That’s great. Good for him. Also, I’m glad the Good News Network exists. Thanks for sharing highlights from it for us, John. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good news deserves to be shared. Thanks, Betsy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed. We need more stories like that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I keep hunting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good man.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Look at his big smile! Such a great story, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, he does look like a pretty contented teen.
LikeLike
What a wonderful young person!
I wonder where he’s going in life? If he keeps going. the way he’s started, he could be great president one day.
Yes… your JohnKu applies, and then applies to more.
Thank you John!
🐂🐂🐂🐂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank yo, Resa. I agree he will go far in life. He has a caring attitude that will hold him in good stead.🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂
LikeLiked by 1 person
II think so, too!
🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊X
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a lovely article, John. Thanks for sharing. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Teagan.
LikeLike
A wonderful share John. It’s the younger gen that will end up saving the world. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think so too. Thanks, Debby.
LikeLike