Kennel owner wears shorts all winter until his legs go numb — all to send one powerful message to pet parents

The heartwarming cause failed to keep his legs from freezing, making the challenge difficult with every passing day.

PUBLISHED 3 DAYS AGO

(L) Man Wearing Shorts in Snow, (R) Dogs behind bars at the animal shelter. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Johannes Kroemer, (R) Valeriy Volkonskiy)

A local kennel owner froze his legs to numbness for a powerful cause that urged pet parents to reconsider their comfortable lives. Jeff Campbell, who owns Campbell’s Boarding Kennels, wore shorts all winter as a fun challenge while working in his kennel full of animals. It eventually led him to realize a heartbreaking reality, and he embarked on a mission to create awareness and raise funds through his fashion statement, which undoubtedly benefited the furry companions we share our lives with.

A man wearing shorts. (Image Source: Photo by Robert So/Pexels)

Campbell spoke with the Mount Vernon News (@mountvernonnews) about the cause behind his unusual campaign of wearing shorts in freezing temperatures. “Two days into this, I started thinking about all the dogs and cats that were outside and freezing,” the kennel owner said. His effort turned heads and became a fundraiser for Knox County Animal Shelters, which were always in need of help. “I know they’re taxed beyond belief. Right now, they are getting hundreds, if not thousands, of calls, and it was an easy decision to go and help the local shelters.” The heartwarming cause failed to keep his legs from freezing, making the challenge difficult with every passing day.

A man and dog playing in the snow (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Barnabas Davoti) — A man and dog playing in the snow. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Barnabas Davoti)

Campbell admitted that his legs were “numb” even during the interview as he stood in a snow-clad yard wearing a warm jacket and shorts. “I can’t really feel them. So, they get cold quickly,” he said, adding that the blowing winds only made it worse. A GoFundMe set up by him had raised about $1,140 out of the $5,000 goal. The campaign that was trending on the crowdfunding platform displayed a picture of Campbell’s frozen legs wearing shorts in the frigid weather. There’s no doubt that this campaign will help local animals at the Knox County Humane Society and the Knox County Animal Shelter.

Young kittens in a cage in an animal shelter. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Mariia Zotova)

Kelly Spencer, the director of the Knox County Humane Society, emphasized that shelters are always in need of money and financial assistance. “If they can donate to their local shelters, that’s how we keep our doors open,” she said. Campbell strives to encourage a degree of empathy among people, noting how harshly some pets are treated nowadays. “People think they’re disposable,” he expressed. The kennel owner counted his blessings as a privileged human who sleeps in warm bedding and can protect himself from the ruthless winter. However, these strays and rescues cannot, and that should concern everyone.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cats and dogs must be kept indoors during cold weather to ensure their survival. While many people believe that these animals are “more resistant” than humans because of their fur, it’s unlikely they could comfortably survive dropping temperatures. Animals are also susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia, with long-haired and thick-coated dog breeds like Huskies being the exception. Regardless of their instincts, leaving pets outside during winter is a careless move no pet parent should consider. Cold weather also worsens pre-existing conditions like arthritis, and should be checked by a veterinarian before winter arrives.