1,741 days in care, 1,741 seconds of making a big-hearted impact for Doug
Doug, an eight-year-old Bull Terrier with a zest for life and a heart full of love, has become a familiar and much-loved presence in our Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) programs held at Hunter Valley Animal Facility & Rehoming Centre (HVAFARC).
Having spent much of his life in care, Doug holds a special place in the hearts of HPHH participants, staff and volunteers, where each week they bring their big-hearted energy to make his (and the other rescue animals’) time in shelter as positive and enriching as possible.
In a recent Basics session, participants who hadn’t yet met Doug were welcomed into a gentle introduction of his story from HPHH Program Trainer, Tara. To help bring his journey to life and resonate in real-time with the group, Tara explored what it means to spend a long time in care.
Together, the group brought Doug’s 1,741 days in care to life by using one second to represent each day. This added up to just under 30 minutes, which was a tangible time participants could dedicate to Doug in session, offering connection, care and a small but meaningful contribution to the love he’s been waiting for.
Tara, spoke of how this activity offered a powerful and emotional way for participants to understand the length of his wait for a home.
With this understanding, the group began to explore how time in care can impact a dog’s emotions and behaviour, and even their personality and how they interact with humans. Participants then brainstormed what they could do to make a difference to Doug’s life in 30 minutes. Ideas flowed easily: taking him for a walk, creating enrichment, and simply spending calm, positive time together.
Immediately rolling up their sleeves, participants began to create some common enrichment items for Doug to help stimulate his brain and provide some physical activity to break up his time in shelter. They prepared lick mats and toilet rolls folded with treats inside. They then supported Doug in getting out for a walk on a long lead, giving him space to explore, sniff, and enjoy the paddock, complete with a swim in the dam.
With an “Adopt Me” bandana gently placed on him (which is always paired with a big tail wag of excitement and consent from Doug), the group discussed how they would help showcase Doug to potential adopters, all hopeful that his new home is just around the corner.
One participant, who is usually devoted to another shelter dog, shared that Doug has taken a special place in their heart; a small but meaningful moment that speaks to the powerful connections formed in session.
While the session focused on foundational animal care skills, the impact was clear. Participants were able to see firsthand how their actions, no matter how simple or small, can support an animal’s long-term wellbeing. For Doug, it meant a day filled with connection, enrichment and freedom, long lasting impacts from just 30 minutes. For participants, it was a reminder that their care, effort and presence truly make a difference. 💞
