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 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.

“Last year I spent 24 hours experiencing life in the kennel, the same as any other shelter pup or cat. I thought it would be fun and easy, and it was at first. As the hours ticked by I found myself becoming frustrated, I wanted to get out,” Anton said. “After the 24 hours I went home, but the dogs who were my neighbors continued to sit in the kennel. It wasn’t a day for them, it was days. I wanted to go back into the kennel this year as I continue to advocate for adoption and these animals. It’s also a reminder to me what my own two HSEP dogs experienced while they awaited their adoption day.”

As a leader within the organization, Anton’s decision to step back into the life of a shelter animal will be impactful in the decisions he continues to be part of at 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,” Robert Shamy, HSEP Executive Director, said. “While it seems simple on paper, it’s no easy experience as Anton knows first-hand. His dedication and efforts to advocate for the animals who call HSEP their temporary home by spending a day in their paws shines a light on the realities of a shelter.”

Join us on Facebook and Instagram when we kick off Early Giving Week on October 10, 2024 to learn about some of our long-time residents who will call Anton their neighbor for a night. Then you can join us on our social media platforms (@humanesocietyep) on October 16 and 17, 2024 as we lock Anton in one of our kennels for 24 hours or until we hit our $25,000 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 17.

A special thank you to the Melinda and Meyer Marcus Family Foundation for selecting the Humane Society of El Paso for a matching gift this El Paso Giving Day.

Together, we can raise funds and awareness for shelter residents in the El Paso community. Together, we can create happiness in the lives of homeless animal.