Every Night, Shelter Workers Say Goodnight To Each Dog Individually

Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary has a section called “the tiny red barn” where the dogs may socialize and run about freely, exactly like they would when they find their forever homes. The majority of the animals at the sanctuary have come from large, overcrowded shelters, so providing a peaceful, home-like atmosphere in which they can relax is quite important.

Having dogs in a home-like setting should aid with the transfer once they’ve been adopted and are on their way to their permanent homes. Everyone at the sanctuary has worked hard to make the place as warm and inviting as possible, and the dogs appear to appreciate it.

“There’s a kitchen area (full of peanut butter and spray cheese), a laundry room (constantly running), a doggy door that leads to one of our four large fenced yards, and, of course, the open living area, which is full of dog beds, kennels, and donated leather couches (easier to wipe down),” Munden explained.

It’s essential to everyone that the sanctuary seems like home to all of the animals that reside there, so each dog is tucked in before bed and given a customized goodnight – every single night — in the tiny red barn area.

“Every night, we make sure to walk around to each dog, tuck them up, and assure them that they are secure and loved,” Munden added. “After that, we turn out the lights and switch on the moon nightlight,” says the narrator.

Depending on how many dogs are presently residing in the barn, the length of the goodnight routine varies. If there are more dogs, each one is given a conventional but still sincere and heartfelt goodnight. If there are fewer dogs, the nighttime ritual may contain a few more stages, such as a special bedtime story.

“Around Christmas time, I read a pit bull named Diego ‘The Night Before Christmas’ bedtime tale, and on another night, I read a poem one of our followers wrote about our long-time resident pit bull Sally’s miracle story,” Munden added.

Every dog feels desired and valued as a result of this particular nighttime routine, which means a lot to a shelter dog. They go to bed knowing how much they’re loved, and they wake up with the same sensation.

“Our owner starts the day bright and early in the mornings, and it’s usually a wiggle butt fest because everyone is ready to start the day and have breakfast,” Munden commented.

Of course, every animal at the shelter hopes to find a permanent family who will adore them for the rest of their lives. Until then, everyone at Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary will make sure they’re all happy, healthy, and safe, and that they’re reminded of how much they’re loved every day.