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Thursday, November 12, 2026Nov 12

Ooltewah Scout makes beds for shelter dogs

William Hazell displays one of the dog beds he and other volunteers made for dogs at McKamey Animal Center. / Staff photo by Emily Crisman
William Hazell displays one of the dog beds he and other volunteers made for dogs at McKamey Animal Center. / Staff photo by Emily Crisman William Hazell displays one of the dog beds he and other volunteers made for dogs at McKamey Animal Center. / Staff photo by Emily Crisman

Since he was born, Ooltewah resident William Hazell has shared a home with at least one rescue dog.

Hank is his family’s most recently adopted dog. They opened their home to Hank when his previous family decided they no longer wanted him.

“Rescue dogs have been put in bad situations, and they need homes more than [purebred dogs],” said William, as to why his family chooses to adopt dogs rather than purchasing them.

The Hunter Middle School eighth-grader and Boy Scout hopes to earn his Eagle Scout award in January, and for the required project he chose to help something close to his heart – rescue dogs.

He met with McKamey Volunteer Coordinator Karen Wilson, who told him the shelter needs elevated beds for dogs to use in their kennels and in the graveled area outdoors where they like to relax in the sun.