St Clair County Shelter Slumber Pawty

Working in a shelter has completely changed my perspective in ways I didn’t expect when I first started. Every day I come in, I meet animals who have been through so much—abandonment, neglect, fear—but most still find a way to trust people again. Being even a small part of their journey means a lot to all of us at the shelter.

This fundraiser, where we spend 24 hours in the kennels with the dogs, is important because it helps people connect with what life is like for them. It’s obviously different from living in a shelter full-time, but even one overnight gives you a glimpse into their world—the sounds, the environment, the waiting. By sharing that experience live, we’re not just asking for donations, we’re helping people understand why this work matters and why these animals deserve support.

Shortly after I first started this job, we experienced severe flooding in the summer of 2024. It was a tough time for everyone—staff, volunteers, and especially the animals. There was a lot of uncertainty, a lot of rebuilding, and a lot of long days trying to get things back to where they needed to be. Being thrown into that so early on could have been overwhelming, but instead it showed me how the animal welfare community rallies when there’s a need.

Looking at where we are now compared to then is honestly incredible. We’ve come so far. The animals are getting the care they deserve, the space is improving, and the support from the community has grown in such a meaningful way. We’re also just a few months away from moving into a new building outside of the flood zone, which is something we’ve all been working toward for a long time. It means more stability, more safety, and a better future for the animals and the people caring for them. This event is another step forward—it’s a way to keep building that support and making sure we can continue to be there for every animal that comes through our doors.

What makes this job so rewarding are the small moments. Watching a nervous dog slowly come out of their shell. Seeing an animal who’s been overlooked finally meet the right person. Even just sitting with them and giving them a little comfort while they wait. Those moments stick with you.

It’s not always easy work. There are hard days and emotional goodbyes. But there’s also a lot of hope. Every adoption, every tail wag, every second chance reminds us why we’re here.

We’re doing the Shelter Slumber Pawty to help our animals in a fun and simple way. It’s all about showing them some extra love and helping them find homes. Every donation goes toward things like food, medical care, and keeping them safe while they wait for their forever families. It’s an easy way to help out and make a big difference for these awesome pets that we all love so much.

Thank you for joining us in this experience and helping us give them a second chance.