Every day, thousands of shelter animals across the country sit alone in their kennels: watching potential adopters walk by, volunteers walking, or spending time with other shelter residents. It can be difficult for people to understand what these animals are going through. This El Paso Giving Day, HSEP’s Vice President on the Board of Directors and Golds Gym CEO, Anton Conlon, will spend a day in the life of shelter resident and learn what they experience in the kennel.

“I think it’s important to have first-hand experience of what life in the kennel is like, to understand what our residents go through while they wait for their forever home,” Anton said. “As a member of the Board of Directors and HSEP adopter, I want to understand what my dogs went through while they waited for their Gotcha Day.”

As a leader within the organization, Anton’s decision to step into the life of a shelter animal will be impactful in the decisions he will be part of for the future of HSEP.

“By spending a day as a shelter resident, Anton will experience everything our animals do in their day-to-day life. He will be fed at feeding times, go on walks with handlers, and enjoy enrichment activities,” Deb Benedict, HSEP Executive Director, said. “We’re excited for the opportunity for our Board of Directors to learn first-hand what our animals experience day in and day out through Anton’s eyes.”

Join us on Facebook and Instagram when we kick off Early Giving Week on October 12, 2023 to learn about some of our long-time residents. Then you can join us LIVE on our social media platforms (@humanesocietyep) at 7:00 pm on October 18, 2023 as we lock Anton in one of our kennels for 24 hours or until we hit our $12,000 goal for this year’s El Paso Giving Day (EPGD). Follow Anton’s experience online, or stop in to chat with him on Thursday, October 20.

Together, we can raise funds and awareness for homeless animals in the El Paso community.