I just spent the last 24 hours in a cage with a shelter dog as a fundraiser and because I thought it would be so fun. Got out to eat, go to the bathroom, move around a bit, take the dog for a walk, and cuddled a whole bunch! I was lucky enough to have a snuggly pit bull and it doesn’t get much better than that! It WAS fun but at one point it became more of a lesson. When it was time to leave today I was seriously overcome with emotion. At first I thought you’re tired, you’ll be back tomorrow and so will Jasmine, my roomie. Then I thought oh it’s just my “normal” emotional self but then I looked around and saw the rest of the sleepover folks in tears too. I have seen literally tens of thousands of dogs in cages, yes I love on them, treat them, provide them with enrichment, and watch our staff take incredible care of these animals. But wow, looking from inside the cage out-the first time ever for an extended period of time gave me a whole new look at what a shelter animal has to withstand day after day, hour after hour, minute after minute. Just about to fall asleep and someone barks, get back up, a beagle lets it rip, (I love beagles but they can get it going) move over to one side of the cage, a person goes by, move again. People stop and look, they go to the front “look at me!” One group passed by and one of the women looked at my Jasmine and said “oh she’s old” and literally turned up her nose. Then a dog goes by, get up and bark, the another, more people, more beagles, the ventilation humming non stop. Jasmine is real nice, she’s very polite and does some cute parlor tricks! Yes she’s “older” if you think 7 is old but she has a lot of good years left I’m sure. After all this time of working with shelter animals I will now look at these guys with even more amazement for the bravery, courage, perseverance, and the will to live and love in those conditions. Still feeling very emotional, I can’t stop thinking about Jasmine and how beautiful she is and what precious creatures these animals are. Jazzy taught me a huge lesson in the last 24 hours – she’ll never know what effect she had on me. Be brave, be happy with what you have, show everyone some love even if they scowl at you, make people smile and laugh just by being you. If you or family and friends are thinking of adding a pet to your family, please think of a shelter animal, there are a whole lot of Jasmines out there who would love to have a home. Thanks sweet Jasmine, I loved being your roommate and thank you for showing me what YOUR life is like. I can only hope to be as brave as you. ❤️