LOVING HOMES—Madison Shubert, 17, interviews a couple who are considering adopting a dog. The Calabasas High School senior made a film about the group Friends for Pets, a nonprofit that operates a private dog shelter. The film was Madison’s Girl Scout Gold Award project. Madison Shubert, 17, wants to improve the odds of survival for abandoned pets, an estimated 4 million of which are euthanized every year in America.

The Calabasas High School senior recently completed a documentary called “One Paw At A Time” to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award. The project culminates her 14 years with the Scouts.

The eight-minute film features Sun Valley-based Friends for Pets, a nonprofit animal rescue group that operates a private dog shelter. The organization is dedicated to rehabilitating and finding good homes for sporting breed dogs that have been abandoned, mistreated or neglected.

“The group really cares for their animals and they want the best for them,” said Madison, who spent about a year developing her project.

Through interviews with volunteers and adoptive families, the aspiring veterinarian informs the film’s viewers about what they should consider before adopting, the costs of owning a pet and how they can prevent their dog from ending up at a rescue shelter.

She also answers questions about animal rescues and discusses the plight and individual needs of dogs that have been abandoned or rescued.

“A lot of people have misconceptions about animal rescue. They feel that these dogs are bad and mean, but they aren’t. They deserve a second chance,” said Madison, adding that about 34,000 dogs and cats are put to death in Los Angeles County each year.

Pediatrician Helen Lederer, who introduced Madison to the Friends for Pets foundation, said the young filmmaker did a great job distilling a large amount of information to produce a video that delivers a clear message about problems and solutions related to animal rescue.

Just one viewing of the video can help to change the life of a dog and its adoptive family, she said.

“It really is one paw at a time to make a difference. With just that one story, Madison will touch many people, and every time she does, it will make a difference,” said Lederer, who has been volunteering with Friends for Pets for about a decade.

Madison, who volunteered at the shelter while working on her film, said the project was rewarding and eye-opening.

“It really helped me learn more about the organization and get to know each of the people who work there. It was also fun to see people who had happy adoption stories. It makes me want to help out and get a bunch of people to volunteer for them,” she said.

Madison is one of 22 girls in Calabasas Troop 1754. To date, 12 of them either have completed or are in the process of completing their Gold Award projects.

Troop leader Kristi Isaac said Madison always demonstrated strong leadership and work ethics.

“ She’s just full of energy and she’s a real go-getter. She’s somebody that I know can work independently, and she’s also a very good student who takes pride in her work,” Isaac said.

All the girls in Troop 1754 are entering their senior year in high school. They began Scouting in elementary school and have been involved in many community service projects: feeding the homeless, cleaning creeks, and visiting seniors in retirement homes and children at the West Valley Boys & Girls Club.

Though many troops see a drop in enrollment when girls reach their teenage years, Troop 1754 is by and large intact, Isaac said, remarking that she doesn’t make the girls wear uniforms.

Madison said she stayed with the group for 14 years because she enjoys the activities and camaraderie.

“I loved all the girls . . . and they became a second family that I could talk to and have fun with. As the years went by, some girls decided that they were ‘too cool’ for Girl Scouts, but I was always proud to be one, no matter how embarrassing others may see it,” Madison said. To earn the Gold Award in September, Madison said project must have a lasting benefit in the community. So she’s working to generate more hits on her YouTube video and increase awareness about the plight of abandoned pets.

“I believe that it can spark a change for animal rescues by convincing people not only to volunteer at an animal rescue but possibly to even adopt an animal of their very own,” she said.

To watch the video, visit You- Tube and search for “One Paw At A Time.”