A Goodbye with Purpose

Enzo, known as ‘Snorty McSnortface’

Enzo, affectionately known by Dogs’ Homes as Snorty McSnortface, a long-haired French Bulldog, was a class favourite to work with in Happy Paws Happy Hearts’ (HPHH) Intro to Handle program. After only a few sessions of working with Enzo, the participants fell in-love with his quirky personality, full of loud snorts and big smiles.   

Enzo’s with his new family on adoption day

It was a bittersweet moment for the group one Thursday, when they learned that Enzo had just been adopted!  

Perhaps the sweetest part of this story, was when Enzo’s new family was told about his involvement in HPHH programs and quickly learnt about some of the beautiful bonds he had formed with participants. On hearing this, the mother generously offered to take Enzo to say goodbye to the participants! It was a ‘right place, right time’ moment, as the participants were just finishing up their weekly Thursday session. They were so grateful to have the opportunity to personally say goodbye to Enzo and share their experiences of working with him with his new family.  

It was a deeply meaningful and celebrated moment by all. Participants often build resilience through working with animals and celebrating their adoptions from afar, rarely getting the chance to farewell an animal they’ve supported. This moment was meaningful not just for the group, but also for the adopting family, who got to meet the people behind Enzo’s progress and hear firsthand how their new companion was prepared for a fresh start through connection, training and socialisation.