How far would you go to understand the struggles of someone else? How close would you get? Consider the sacrifice of Kris Rotonda. Many thought he was crazy. His girlfriend, family, and friends tried to talk him out of it. But once Kris Rotonda became aware of the struggles the Humane Society of Pasco County faced—a lack of funding and a limited number of volunteers—he knew something had to be done to shed a light on the conditions.

So, he packed rice cakes, protein bars, pre-packaged meals, an ample supply of water, a pillow, blanket, and three lanterns, and barricaded himself in a cage with different dogs at the shelter for 10 nights.

Rotonda said, "(Shelters) are often overlooked. I kind of wanted to wake up … the community a little more and put myself in the position of these animals to understand how solitude gets to you and how to deal with it. It’s very difficult, and it gives you a different perspective.”

Staff employees treated him like a dog, (as he asked them to), taking him outside only for an hour and a half to play and use the bathroom. He said, “I told the shelter, ‘Don’t give me any special treatment. Treat me like a German Shepherd.’” It was hot. He couldn’t shower. There were bugs. The smell of urine filled his nostrils. And the loud barking of up to 50 dogs kept him up at night.

Possible Preaching Angle:

By putting ourselves in the middle of another person's struggle, their loss, their cage, we can better identify with them as individuals. It will not be easy; it will be loud and messy. And it will reflect the work of Jesus. He left the comfort of a heavenly home to live with a bunch of strays. not for 10 days, but for 33 years.

Source:

Monique Welch, “Man stays at Pasco animal shelter for 10 nights to help pets get adopted” Tampa Bay Times (1-8-20)