Patricia's Shelter Slumber Pawty Fundraiser

I never imagined I’d willingly sign up to spend 24 hours in a kennel—but here I am, counting down the days to April 18 at noon, when I’ll do exactly that for the Shelter Slumber Pawty.

This isn’t just a quirky challenge or a fundraiser idea I thought would get a few laughs. For me, it’s personal. Every time I’ve walked into the Adams County Humane Society, I’ve been struck by the same feeling—the mix of hope and heartbreak in those kennels. You see wagging tails and eager eyes, but you also see animals waiting. Waiting for someone to notice them. Waiting for a second chance. Waiting for a home.

I keep thinking: what if that were me?

That question is what pushed me to say yes to this experience. Spending 24 hours in a kennel isn’t meant to compare my life to theirs—but it’s a small way to step into their world. No freedom to come and go. No familiar comforts. Just waiting, relying on the kindness of others.

And that’s exactly why I’m doing this.

The Adams County Humane Society gives these animals so much more than just a place to stay. They provide medical care, warmth, safety, and—most importantly—hope. They show up every day for animals who have been forgotten, abandoned, or never given a chance to begin with. That kind of compassion deserves to be supported.

So I’m trading my bed for a kennel, my routine for uncertainty, and my comfort for a cause that matters deeply. If spending one day in their world helps even one animal find a home, or helps the shelter continue its work, then it’s more than worth it.

On April 18, I won’t just be sitting in a kennel—I’ll be standing up for every animal still waiting for their person.

And I hope you’ll join me in making a difference.