From Fear to Safety
Life had not been kind to Mr. Snufflufugus. The American bulldog mix was spotted wandering the outskirts of Copperas Cove, Texas — abandoned, confused, and searching for a friendly face. For days, he had no one to comfort him, no soft bed to rest on, and no idea what would happen next.
Thankfully, local animal control officers stepped in. They carefully brought him to Copperas Cove Animal Control, a small shelter with a big heart. For the first time in a while, Mr. Snufflufugus felt safe. And the way he chose to express his gratitude surprised everyone.
Hugs That Melted Hearts
It didn’t take long for shelter staff to realize that Mr. Snufflufugus had a very special love language: hugs. The moment he warmed up to Tamara Hall, the shelter’s animal control supervisor, he wrapped his paws around her in a tight embrace.
Hall recalls the sweet moment vividly:
“He decided he needed a hug,” she said with a smile. “While he loves everyone, I happen to be his favorite person. That means I get the extra-special hugs and kisses.”
Another staff member, Victoria Watkins-Killebrew, captured the heartwarming scene on camera. Within minutes, the photo showed the world what staff already knew — Mr. Snufflufugus was a dog overflowing with affection.
A True “Cuddle Bug”
It soon became clear that hugging wasn’t just a one-time thing — it was Mr. Snufflufugus’ signature move. Whether staff were sitting on the floor, standing nearby, or even trying to take a break, he found a way to sneak in snuggles.
“[He’s] a cuddle bug for sure,” Hall said. “If you sit down, he’s in your lap. If you stand, he’s leaning against you with those sweet eyes, begging for attention.”
When he isn’t snuggling, Mr. Snufflufugus enjoys short strolls outside, but he’s happiest when he can just relax. “He loves going for a quick walk,” Hall explained, “but deep down, he’s a couch potato. He wants company and comfort more than adventure.”
From Viral Star to Adoption Hopeful, A Forever Home
Once the shelter shared his photo online, Mr. Snufflufugus became a local celebrity. His picture, showing him clinging to Hall in a warm hug, quickly spread across social media, and with it came an outpouring of adoption applications.
The small Copperas Cove shelter was overwhelmed with interest but also determined to find the right forever home for such a special dog. To make sure he has the best chance possible, staff began preparing to transfer him to a larger rescue organization. With more resources, the new team can carefully match him with the perfect family.
For now, Mr. Snufflufugus is still at Copperas Cove, spending his days wrapped in the love of shelter staff and volunteers. He’s learning, playing, and — of course — hugging everyone who lets him.
Soon, though, he’ll meet the people who will become his forever family. Whoever they are, they can count on one thing: the moment he steps through the door, Mr. Snufflufugus will be ready with the biggest, warmest hug imaginable.
Because for this big-hearted pup, love isn’t something to be kept inside — it’s something to wrap around you, one paw at a time.
