When the annual dog show at Ferne Animal Sanctuary was canceled due to severe weather, the charity faced a £5,000 shortfall in winter funding. Yet from this setback emerged a deeply moving initiative that not only helped bridge the financial gap but also illuminated the everyday experiences of the sanctuary’s dogs.
The concept was simple but profound: staff would spend a night sleeping in kennels alongside the dogs, gaining firsthand insight into their environment. Dubbed “Sleeping Ruff,” the campaign offered an immersive experience that fostered empathy and connection.
Emma Purnell, Ferne’s CEO since 2018, led the charge. “After the dog show cancellation, we needed to find another way to raise vital funds while deepening our understanding of our dogs’ lives,” she explains. Emma saw this not just as a fundraiser but a chance to bond with the animals her team works tirelessly to protect.
READ MORE: Bridgwater MP Demands Parliamentary Debate Over Town’s Traffic Gridlock
READ MORE: Tunes, Tacos, and Jewellery: Celebrating Local Artists and Businesses in Larkhall
On the night of the event, Emma shared a kennel with Scrumpy, a lively Labrador cross who had narrowly escaped euthanasia. Scrumpy’s youthful energy and affectionate nature made an immediate impression. “He’s a typical young dog, playful and full of potential for a loving home,” Emma shares. Prepared with bedding and treats, they settled in for the night in a warm kennel equipped with underfloor heating—a comfort the sanctuary provides to its residents.
Though a storm rattled the kennel’s hatch in the early hours, Scrumpy remained unphased, but the experience underscored areas for improvement in the dogs’ surroundings. “It showed us how we can make their environment more soothing,” Emma reflects.
Their night was filled with quiet moments and playful interruptions, with Scrumpy often choosing Emma’s bed over his own. Despite occasional restlessness, the shared experience deepened Emma’s connection with him. Morning brought the lively chorus of the kennels waking and a bittersweet farewell. “Leaving Scrumpy behind was tough—my cats wouldn’t have approved if I’d brought him home!”
Other staff members also took part, each paired with dogs of varied personalities. Shadow, a gentle long-term resident, and Dandy, an affectionate cuddle-seeker, helped reveal the diversity of dogs awaiting homes. The team checked in on each other throughout the night, strengthening their communal bond.
The public responded generously, with Sleeping Ruff raising £3,688 and counting. Funds are dedicated to essential veterinary care, including neutering, vaccinations, and treatment for newly arrived animals. In a year of rising vet costs and living expenses, such support is crucial.
Emma emphasizes the importance of community in sustaining the sanctuary: “Every donation, volunteer hour, and purchase helps us care for animals relying on us.” Beyond funding, Sleeping Ruff raised awareness about the realities faced by rescue dogs, highlighting their personalities, needs, and readiness for loving homes.
For Emma, the campaign was a powerful reminder of why she leads Ferne Animal Sanctuary. “Focusing solely on Scrumpy for that night was a privilege and reinforced the compassion that drives our work.”
Looking ahead, Sleeping Ruff may become a recurring event, continuing to build empathy and expand support for animal welfare. The sanctuary encourages ongoing involvement—through donations, volunteering, shopping, or simply spreading the word—to champion the wellbeing of their furry residents.