When storms forced the cancellation of Ferne Animal Sanctuary’s beloved annual dog show, a crucial £5,000 of winter funding vanished overnight. Yet from this setback emerged a deeply moving initiative—a campaign that not only helped close the financial gap but also offered a unique glimpse into the lives of the sanctuary’s dogs.
Called “Sleeping Ruff,” the campaign invited staff to spend a night sharing a kennel with rescue dogs, experiencing life from the dogs’ perspective: cold, noisy, and restless. Emma Purnell, CEO of Ferne Animal Sanctuary since 2018, spearheaded the initiative. She embraced the chance to connect deeply with the animals the sanctuary dedicates itself to protecting.
“Our dog show was a major part of our fundraising, and when it was canceled, we had to find a new way to fill that gap,” Emma explains. “Sleeping Ruff gave us that opportunity, but more importantly, it helped us understand the dogs’ daily experiences, which informs how we care for and rehome them.”
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On the night of the sleepout, Emma was paired with Scrumpy, a lively Labrador cross just a year old, rescued from the pound barely in time. Full of playful energy and potential, Scrumpy embodied the spirit of many dogs waiting for a second chance.
Preparation for the event involved bonding sessions with their canine partners, bringing bedding, and plenty of treats to build trust. The kennels, warmed by underfloor heating, provided refuge from the elements, though Scrumpy ultimately claimed the comfort of Emma’s bed.
A storm rattled the kennel’s hatch during the night, a reminder of the vulnerabilities some dogs might feel in shelter conditions. “It made me realize how much more needed to be done to help nervous dogs feel safe,” Emma reflects. This empathy was at the core of the campaign—to improve sanctuary life through firsthand experience.
Throughout the night, Scrumpy’s playful spirit shone through, from late-night sprints with his squeaky toy to cuddling moments with Emma at dawn. Yet the bittersweet part came with morning’s light: parting ways. “I wished I could have taken him home, but my cats would never forgive me!” Emma laughs.
Other team members participated, each pairing with different dogs like Shadow and Dandy—residents with their own stories and needs. The shared experience fostered camaraderie among staff and brought individual dogs’ personalities to life for supporters.
So far, Sleeping Ruff has raised over £3,600, with donations still coming in. Funds are crucial to cover ongoing care for dogs like Scrumpy, from neutering to vaccinations, and to support other vulnerable animals at the sanctuary.
The challenges facing sanctuaries like Ferne are mounting with rising vet bills and cost-of-living pressures. Emma underscores the importance of community support: “Without our fundraisers and the kindness of donors and volunteers, Ferne wouldn’t exist.”
More than just raising money, Sleeping Ruff aimed to spotlight the realities of dogs awaiting adoption, encouraging greater awareness beyond Somerset. Emma hopes the campaign’s success will lead to more initiatives that deepen public understanding and support.
For Emma, the experience was a poignant reminder of what drives Ferne: “Spending focused time with Scrumpy brought joy and renewed my commitment to the animals we serve. He has so much love to give.”
Looking forward, the sanctuary is considering making Sleeping Ruff a regular event, continuing to find innovative ways to engage supporters and improve animal welfare.
Supporters who can’t spend a night in a kennel can still contribute by donating, volunteering, shopping in the charity’s stores, or simply spreading the word. The sanctuary also welcomes ambassadors eager to champion their cause—every act of kindness makes a difference.