Connection That Continues—Long After Sessions End

In September, we said a bittersweet farewell to Cheryl, a long-standing participant at our Hunter Valley location, as she moved into residential care.

While she could no longer attend programs, Cheryl’s bond with HPHH—and the people and animals who shaped her journey—remains beautifully alive.

The HPHH team continues to visit her regularly, keeping her updated on which animals have found homes and how participants are growing.

During a recent visit, our Team Leader, Nina, shared some of the latest adoption news, including dogs Cheryl had known and loved over the years. Tears of joy filled her eyes, especially when she learned that fellow participant Jax had finally adopted Rocket.

Jax had waited every single day for two years for both himself, and Rocket, to be ready for adoption, holding onto that hope as he worked toward independent living. To Cheryl, hearing that this special match had come true, made her heart sing.

In true Cheryl fashion, she handed Team Leader Nina a handcrafted cut-out she had made—her way of sending love back to the community she still holds close. Nina later gifted it to Jax, creating a full-circle moment that honoured both their journeys.

This touching exchange is a reminder that at HPHH, the connections built don’t end when someone leaves the program. The bonds with animals endure beyond their adoption—and the friendships formed between participants continue long after sessions have finished.

Cheryl’s wall dedicated to HPHH in her facility’s room