BY Brody WooddellTAMPA Bloom Living Local
TAMPA, Fla. (BLOOM) — Peter P, a 14-year-old Boy Scout from Tampa, completed his mission on October 5, 2024, to help some of the most overlooked dogs at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay find their forever homes. Inspired by his experiences volunteering with the shelter’s teen program, Peter created “Puppy Rescue Packs” as his Eagle Scout project, aimed at encouraging the adoption of older, health-challenged, and harder-to-adopt breeds.
Peter’s connection with the dogs grew as he spent time cleaning kennels, walking, and playing with them. It wasn’t long before he noticed that while younger dogs were adopted quickly, certain dogs — often older or with special needs — stayed behind, week after week. “He kept talking about these dogs, like Zeus, a beautiful deaf dog, and Molly, a sweet mixed breed that struggled to get adopted,” Peter’s dad, Tom Palermo, explained. “Peter has such a big heart for them and wanted to do something to help.”
Peter’s solution? He developed the idea of “Puppy Rescue Packs,” which provide new dog owners with everything they need to welcome a rescue dog into their home. Each pack includes a dog crate, bed, food bowls, leash, collar, toys, and even treats — all designed to make the transition easier for both the dog and the owner. The goal is simple: remove as many barriers as possible so potential adopters can focus on bonding with their new pet.
Peter initially set a budget of $3,000 for his project, but soon realized he needed more funds to create 50 high-quality packs. He raised money through a combination of a GoFundMe campaign, a lemonade stand at the Humane Society, and direct outreach to local businesses. Notably, Peter secured donations from companies like PetIQ, which was moved by the project after learning Peter was an aspiring Eagle Scout. Max and Neo, a dog gear company, contributed leashes, while Wufers, a gourmet dog treat company, donated special “Gotcha Day” treats that resemble human cookies.
Support also poured in from friends and family, with 78 people contributing to the cause. “It was amazing to see so many people rally around Peter’s project,” Tom said. “He even exceeded his budget and was able to add more expensive items like dog crates.”
A Personal Connection
Peter’s love for rescue dogs runs deep. He grew up with rescue dogs, starting with Winston, a dog his aunt found abandoned and starving in Miami. The bond between Peter and Winston was immediate, with Winston often sleeping by Peter’s crib as a baby. Today, Peter shares a special bond with Apollo, a rescue dog who sleeps next to him every night. This project is Peter’s way of helping other people experience that same joy and companionship.
“He wants people to feel the way he does with Apollo — that sense of loyalty and connection,” Tom explained. “Too many dogs need homes, and Peter wants to be part of the solution.”
The Big Day: October 5, 2024
On October 5th, Peter oversaw the assembly of the Puppy Rescue Packs at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Joined by his fellow Scouts, volunteers, and family, Peter organized the production of the kits, ensuring that each one was packed with care. Volunteers even had the chance to meet some of the dogs that the kits were designed to help, reinforcing the ultimate goal of the project: finding homes for these deserving animals.
The community rallied around Peter’s efforts, with the Humane Society helping promote his lemonade stand and local businesses providing essential support. Peter’s family couldn’t have been prouder. “He really put his heart into this,” Tom said. “I’m just so impressed by how much he’s accomplished.”
Peter’s hope is that the Puppy Rescue Packs will make a meaningful difference for both the dogs and the families who adopt them. For those interested in supporting Peter’s mission or adopting a dog, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay has set up an adoption page where visitors can see the dogs currently available for adoption.
How to Get Involved:
- Support Peter’s project: GoFundMe for Puppy Rescue Packs
- Adopt a dog: Humane Society of Tampa Bay Adoption Page
Peter’s project serves as a reminder that, sometimes, all it takes is a little extra love and effort to change lives — both human and canine.