“Each night, we make sure to go around to each dog, tuck them in, remind them that they are safe and loved, and wish them goodnight,” Munden said. “Then we turn out the lights and turn on the moon nightlight.”
The length of goodnight routine varies depending on how many dogs are currently staying in the barn. If there are more dogs, each dog gets a traditional but still very genuine and heartfelt goodnight. If there are less dogs, the goodnight routine may include a few extra steps, like a special bedtime story.
“Around Christmas time I read a pit bull named Diego ‘The Night Before Christmas’ bedtime story, on a different night I read our long-time resident pit bull Sally a poem one of our followers wrote about her miracle story,” Munden said.
With this special bedtime routine, every dog feels like they’re wanted and appreciated, which for a shelter dog really does mean so much. They go to sleep knowing that they’re so loved, and they wake up feeling exactly the same way.
“In the mornings, our owner starts the day bright and early and it’s always a crazy wiggle butt fest as everyone is excited to start the day and eat breakfast,” Munden said.
Of course, the hope is always that every animal at the sanctuary will eventually find a forever family who will love them for the rest of their days. Until then, though, everyone at Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary will continue to make sure they’re all happy, healthy and safe, and that they’re reminded every day of just how loved they really are.