WPHS Raise Awareness & Funds Through Annual Shelter Sleepover

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Usually, the dogs at the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society sleep alone. But, for one day, they had a companion.

"We spend a day like they live it. And it's very humbling to be in their shoes," Melanie Crockard, of the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society, said.

Crockard said shelter volunteers brought small comforts, like a pillow and blanket, and nestled into the dog kennels and the cat room.

"We spend 31 hours in the kennels here to raise awareness for homeless pets," Crockard said.

Holding Wally, a Chihuahua mix up for adoption, Crockard said the volunteers also raise money to help the animals in need at the humane society.

"I think our volunteers have done a tremendous job. A lot of them did fundraising efforts outside of the kennel," she said.

Before the event on Saturday, over $12,000 had already been raised.

"It's just been a very positive experience both times I've participated," she said.