STAFF at a Somerset animal sanctuary will be sleeping ‘ruff’ during a special fundraising event this week.
Colleagues at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, near Chard, will spend the night in kennels with rescue dogs tomorrow (October 23) to raise vital funds to support more than 300 animals through the winter months.
The group will be donning their sleeping bags and bedding down in the kennels with canines for company for a sleepover, highlighting the experiences of the sanctuary’s residents.
Ruff sleepers include chief executive officer Emma Purnell, Nikki Haddock, animal care and estates manager, fundraising manager Emma Green, and fundraising administrator, Abby Clark.
Each will spend the night with a dog who may be having a tougher time staying in the kennels or who may be finding it challenging to adapt to living in a strange and sometimes stressful environment, following a separation from their owners.
CEO Emma said: “For many years, we have held a CEO challenge around this time of year to kick off our winter fundraising efforts. This year, however, the team were eager to get involved themselves, offering to spend a night in our kennels, side by side with our canine residents, to highlight the reality of the lives we work so hard to improve.
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“The event will give our dogs a precious night of companionship and calm before they find their forever homes, while also raising the much-needed funds to keep our operations running through the winter months.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team for stepping up to take part in the Sleeping Ruff challenge. Swapping their home comforts for hard floors and sleeping bags is no small ask, and it speaks volumes about their dedication to Ferne and the animals we care for.”
Animal care manager Nikki said: “I love being able to see first-hand the incredible journeys our furry residents go through on their way to finding their forever homes. The Sleeping Ruff challenge shines just a tiny spotlight on that rehabilitation process.
“When animals first arrive at Ferne, they are often frightened and sadly lacking trust in humans because of neglect or abuse. To witness their resilience and ability to heal is truly humbling.
“The fact that we know these dogs now feel safe enough to share their kennel space with us for a night is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of the progress they’ve made during their time here.
“For me, this challenge is a powerful reminder of why the work we do at Ferne is so important. Every small step in their journey brings them closer to the loving homes they deserve.”
Emma, fundraising manager, added: “The money raised through our Sleeping Ruff challenge will be a huge help in preparing for winter. Costs always rise in the colder months, but this year is especially tough.
“We recently had to cancel our annual dog show due to the awful weather on the day, and the hot summer has stunted grass growth, leaving our hay supplies low and more expensive to replace. Alongside our usual costs of caring for and homing animals, this makes our fundraising more important than ever.”
Ferne Animal Sanctuary is a non-government funded charity that has provided refuge and rehabilitation to its animals for more than 85 years, caring for more than 300 animals on its 72-acre site.
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