Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/ashley-and-bertie-sleep-outside/

A 13-year-old boy from Hertfordshire, England is blowing people away with his dedication to helping dogs in need.

According to Crufts, Ashley Owens first got interested in helping dogs when he went to the shelter with his mom, Emma Owens. His family has been fostering dogs for the past 7 years and seeing the dogs at the shelter really sparked something in Ashley.

While some kids might feel sad for a bit and move on, Ashley decided to take matters into his own hands and started a fundraiser to supper Paws2Rescue.

To raise money, Ashley began sleeping outside in a tent and sharing about it on Facebook.

It’s been nearly two years since Ashley started sleeping outside and his efforts have been recognized. Ashley (along with his dog Bertie who accompanied him during some sleepouts) were nominated in the Child’s Champion category for Crufts The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award 2023.

According to the Crufts website, the Kennel Club Hero Dog Award “celebrates the unique relationship people have with their dogs, the important role man’s best friend plays throughout our lives and the support they give us in the face of adversity.”

Ashley shared on Facebook that he didn’t win the award but was grateful for the experience, nonetheless.

As of March 10, he had spent 712 nights outside and counting. He has a goal of raising £30,000. As of March 20, 2023, he’s raised nearly £22,000 on his JustGiving page.

To learn more about Ashely be sure to check out the video below, or follow his Facebook page here.

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Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog