Some of the most meaningful friendships begin quietly.

When you visit Hugs For Harry, you are not just meeting a dog — you are meeting a heart that has been waiting for safety, kindness, and someone to believe in them again.

Many of our dogs have been lost, forgotten, or hurt in the past. Because of that, the first meeting is not about instant excitement — it is about gentle introductions, patience, and trust.

And when that trust begins to bloom, something beautiful happens.

Step 1: Schedule Your Meet & Greet

To make sure every dog receives calm, focused attention, visits are by scheduled appointment only.

📧 Email: anthony@hugsforharry.org
🕐 Meet & Greets: Monday – Saturday, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

When you contact us, please include:

• The name of the dog you are interested in
• Whether you are hoping to adopt, foster, or sponsor
• A few times that work for you within our visiting hours

We will help arrange a time for you to come meet them.

Step 2: Your First Meeting

When you arrive, we will introduce you to the dog you’re interested in and give you time to walk together and get to know one another.

This first meeting is meant to feel relaxed and natural — more like a quiet introduction than a formal evaluation.

You may notice that some of our dogs are:

• shy or cautious at first
• curious but unsure
• quietly observing you before approaching

This is completely normal.

For many rescue dogs, meeting new people can feel overwhelming. They simply need a little time to understand that you are safe.

Step 3: Let the Dog Set the Pace

The most successful meet-and-greets happen when visitors allow the dog to approach in their own time.

A few gentle guidelines help the dog feel comfortable:

• Move slowly and keep your voice soft
• Avoid reaching directly over the dog’s head
• Let them come closer when they feel ready
• Offer your hand low and allow them to sniff first
• Sit or crouch if the dog seems nervous — this feels less intimidating

Often the moment of connection comes quietly — a soft tail wag, a curious nudge, or a gentle lean against your leg.

Step 4: Take a Walk Together

Walking together is one of the best ways for a rescue dog to relax.

A short stroll allows the dog to:

• release nervous energy
• explore a new person at their own pace
• begin building trust beside you

Many adopters tell us that the walk is the moment they knew.

Step 5: Give the Relationship Time to Grow

Sometimes the bond is immediate.
Sometimes it unfolds slowly.

Both are wonderful.

Dogs who have experienced instability often form extraordinarily deep attachments once they realize they are safe.

The quiet dog who seems unsure during the first few minutes may become the one who follows you from room to room, sleeps peacefully beside you, and fills your home with love.

What We Hope For

Every meeting we arrange has one simple hope:

That somewhere in that quiet introduction,
a connection will happen.

And that the dog who once felt forgotten will find the person who was meant to find them.

📧 To schedule your visit:
anthony@hugsforharry.org

We can’t wait to introduce you.