A Pawsome outcome story: Ziggy's Bravery Award

Ziggy, a Staffy X with a big heart, arrived at the Hunter Valley Animal Facility and Rehoming Centre (HVAFARC) in January 2024 after a tough start to life.

She’d just had puppies and was underweight and clearly in need of some TLC—but even then, her tail never stopped wagging.

It didn’t take long for Ziggy to steal hearts. With her goofy energy and big Staffy smile, she quickly became a crowd favourite at Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH).

Since joining HPHH sessions at HVAFARC, Ziggy has thrived from the regularity and routine. She slowly began to build trust and blossomed with the help of our patient and compassionate participants, volunteers and trainers.

Just as things were turning around, an unforeseen incident occurred which resulted in serious injuries for Ziggy. She needed time, care, and an enormous amount of love to heal—both physically and emotionally. The HVAFARC team, with support of HPHH, did everything possible to support her recovery, including Gabby, one of our long-term participants who returned as a volunteer after graduating from the HPHH programs.

The incident left a lasting imprint on Ziggy, whose trust in the world had once again been broken—through no fault of hers or anyone else. Understandingly so, Ziggy no longer wanted to return to her kennel. She’d freeze on the way back, sometimes lying down and refusing to move. Despite every effort—treats, toys, encouragement, and even peanut butter on the kennel walls—it could take 40 minutes to coax her the short 15-metre walk.

Our Program Trainers and participants—each deeply dedicated to the animals at HVAFARC—adapted and restructured sessions, always showing up with patience to support Ziggy’s emotional and physical recovery. In fact, they were so committed to her positive reinforcement training that Ziggy may have ended up with a few too many treats along the way…she’s now on a weight-loss plan (sorry, Ziggy—but you are the goodest girl!).

One day, another unforeseen yet amazing thing happened. One of our HPHH participants went to sit in Ziggy’s kennel—and Ziggy slipped out. Instead of running away, she zoomed straight to the HPHH doors and waited to be let in. From that moment on, her confidence began to grow again.

Ziggy now makes her way to and from her kennel with confidence at the start and end of each HPHH session—a true sign of how far she’s come. For that, she’s earned her very own Bravery Award.

Ziggy’s story is a true testament to the power of patience, love and consistent care—and to the persistence and dedication of everyone involved. From our Program Trainers to participants and volunteers, (and of course the amazing team at HVAFARC), each person played a role in helping Ziggy heal. Their commitment to enriching the lives of shelter animals like Ziggy not only transforms the animals’ futures but uplifts their own wellbeing in the process. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we show up with heart, not just for people but for paws too.