Thursday, October 1, 2026
For Ethan Moskowitz, the inspiration for his Eagle Scout project was never far from home. Seven years ago, Ethan's family adopted Chip, a beagle from Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation off Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh. The experience left a lasting impression on him, not only because Chip became a beloved member of the family, but because it taught him responsibility, compassion and the value of animal rescue.
This spring, the recent Wantagh High School graduate turned that gratitude into action.
As part of his Eagle Scout project with Wantagh Troop 96, Ethan organized the creation of 40 "Go Home Kits", 20 for dogs and 20 for cats, that will be distributed to families adopting pets from Last Hope. Each kit includes essentials such as food, bowls, toys, blankets, bedding and educational materials designed to help adopters care for their new companions.
"Chip's kind of just been a really big part of my life ever since I got him," Ethan said. "Getting him from that shelter taught me so much about loving animals and giving back. It taught me how to take care of animals, have responsibilities and really be a better person."
Because Chip came from Last Hope, Ethan said he wanted his project to serve as both a thank-you and a way to help the organization continue its mission.
"Most of them are volunteers," he said of the rescue group. "They don't get paid or anything, and they do it out of their time. For me, it was a great deal to give back to them almost as a thank you, but also as something that would help them in the future."
The project required months of planning. Ethan began developing the idea in January and spent more than three months securing approvals, fundraising and organizing volunteers. He ultimately raised roughly $2,000 through donations from family, friends, community members and local businesses.
According to Last Hope, the kits represent a significant upgrade from the smaller adoption bags that many pets traditionally receive.
"It was like getting a gift for your new baby from the hospital," said Joanne Anderson, Last Hope's outreach coordinator. "Not only are you adopting a pet, but you're getting something that's organized, complete and helpful."
The kits included practical supplies and informational guides to help families navigate the first days with a new pet.
"There are different levels of pet responsibility and savviness," Anderson explained. "Some people know exactly what to buy, and others don't. There might be something in there they wouldn't have thought of, like the right collar or leash. Ethan also included information on how to care for a new pet, which was wonderful."
While fundraising and logistics presented challenges, Ethan said the most difficult part of the project was stepping into a leadership role.
"The sole thing that you need to do in an Eagle project is exemplify being a leader," he said. "Trying to be that leader for everyone and show them how everything should be done was probably the hardest part."
To prepare, Ethan drew on leadership training he received through Scouting, including a weeklong National Youth Leadership Training program.
In mid-May, he coordinated more than 70 volunteers, including fellow scouts, Eagle Scout alumni, family members, friends and community supporters, to assemble the kits at Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church. Once completed, the boxes were delivered to Last Hope's adoption center.
The experience left an impression on the rescue organization.
"It ensures that we'll have another generation of rescuers," Anderson said. "You can't just assume that a child will grow up and be kind. When they are kind, you encourage that every way you can. Seeing young people support animal rescue is incredibly important."
For Ethan's father, Michael Moskowitz, watching the project come together was especially meaningful.
An Eagle Scout himself, Michael said he understood the amount of work required to reach Scouting's highest rank.
"It's only a small percentage of kids who start Scouts that get to this point because of the amount of time, effort and leadership that's necessary," he said. "As a parent, you want to help, but you also want to let them succeed on their own, and he really pulled that off."
Michael said the project reflected both Ethan's love of animals and his growing leadership skills.
"I thought it was a great idea because it put together his love of animals and giving back to the animal community," he said. "I've seen him get a better handle on what it takes to organize people and things to reach a goal."
Ethan, who will attend the University of Rhode Island this fall and plans to major in entrepreneurship, is still awaiting his Eagle Scout board of review. He said earning the rank will represent the culmination of years of work and growth.
"I think it's just going to be another milestone and representation of all the hard work that I've put in through the years," he said.
Looking back, however, Ethan said his proudest accomplishment isn't a badge or a project.
"I think I'm most proud of being there with my troop and spending such good time with great people," he said. "Working with each and every one of them and growing along the way with them."
For dozens of future pet adopters — and the dogs and cats heading to new homes — that growth will leave a lasting legacy, one box at a time.
