The Pawprints That Stay Long After the Shelter
The memory poster for Crunchie at HPHH Hunter Valley
At our Hunter Valley location, many of our participants spend week after week showing up for the long-term dogs at Hunter Valley Animal Facility and Rehoming Centre—dogs who hold a truly special place in their hearts.
These participants look forward to coming to Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) each week, knowing that even the smallest moment of care, comfort or connection can make a big difference while these dogs are in care.
Recently, one of our much-loved long-term residents, Crunchie, was adopted after spending 1,319 days in care since he was a pup. After receiving some loving pictures of Crunchie in his new home, the participants celebrated this special moment and milestone by printing photos of him in his new home and each person wrote down their favourite memory from their time with him in the shelter.
They added these memories with the keepsakes they’d created for him during his time in care: a bright, heartfelt painting and a handcrafted adoption card.
It was a beautiful moment where participants were able to celebrate, reminisce and share stories together, despite the bittersweet moment of having to say goodbye to one of their long-term friends. They each reflected how for many of them, the bonds they create with the dogs in shelter doesn’t end when a dog leaves but continues on in a special place in their hearts.
This activity is a true testament to the commitment, compassion and heart our participants bring to every animal interaction each week, and to the powerful connections formed with the animals who touch their lives. The love our participants hold for these animals doesn’t end when adoption papers are signed—those pawprints stay with them long after.