Brownies visit Osan animal shelter Published March 27, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Matt Summers 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- They came bearing gifts. But in the end, according to Christine Michaud, co-leader of Osan Girl Scout Brownie Troop 7, "I'm not sure who had more fun, the dogs or the girls." Five members of Troop 7 delivered toys, collars, blankets, towels and nyla-chew bones to the Osan Animal Shelter March 22. The Brownies purchased the items with money raised during their annual cookie drive in January and February. "The girls vote on how to spend the money and they chose to do something to help the animals," said Mrs. Michaud. Animals at the shelter include strays, abandoned pets or pets relinquished by their owners. The shelter runs solely on donations, with no paid staff, and gifts like those from the Brownies are critical to the shelter's continued operation, said Danni Armstrong, volunteer coordinator for the Osan Veterinary Treatment Facility and Animal Shelter. Mrs. Armstrong said scheduled visits from groups can also be a learning experience. "It lets the kids know that some animals don't have a home," she said. "It shows them that this is how we as responsible people in a caring society take care of unwanted animals in shelters. "While it may be a negative, we turn it into a positive," she added. The Brownies agreed they learned while having fun. "I think the dogs really liked the things we brought," said Kaitlin Clark. "They are so cute and very playful." Nicole Michaud said she would tell her friends "about all these wonderful dogs." The shelter currently has eight dogs, ranging in age from three months to three years available for adoption. For more information, call 784-6614.