A 32-year-old woman's quest to adopt a dog led to an unforgettable moment of connection at a renowned Essex animal shelter, a story that has since captured the hearts of thousands online.
The Instant Bond at Dogs Trust
Emily, keen to welcome a canine companion into her home with her partner, made a visit to the Dogs Trust rehoming centre in Basildon, Essex in January 2026. This facility is famously featured on the television show For Dogs' Sake, presented by Pete Wicks. While there, her attention was captured by a scruffy little puppy, a crossbreed known as a Doxiepoo—a mix between a dachshund and a poodle.
In a now-viral Instagram video, the nine-month-old pup, later named Buzz, can be seen making direct eye contact with Emily from his kennel. He wagged his tail enthusiastically and bounced onto his back legs, scratching at the glass with his front paws as she approached.
A Viral 'Soulmate' Story
The footage, which Emily shared with the text "When your soulmate is waiting for you in Dogs Trust Basildon," quickly resonated with dog lovers. It shows Buzz's cautious first steps from his travel carrier into his new family's car, followed by a clip of Emily cuddling him tightly.
In the caption, she wrote "Everybody who knows me, knows you," a sentiment that deeply touched viewers. The video amassed more than 160,000 views and 10,100 likes, flooding the comments with well-wishes and shared stories. One user commented, "I found the love of my life at Dogs Trust Basildon too," while others celebrated Buzz's adorable nature and his new beginning.
Buzz's New Life and a Plea for Adoption
Speaking to Newsweek, Emily explained that Buzz had been at the shelter receiving treatment for a skin infection before getting the all-clear for rehoming. She described falling in love instantly with the "scruffy little boy." Now, Buzz is described as a cheeky, expressive, and intelligent character with "human eyes" that "look deep into your soul," embodying both poodle cleverness and dachshund stubbornness.
Emily's joyful experience underscores the profound benefits of adopting from rescue centres. This story emerges against a backdrop of rising shelter populations. A September 2025 RSPCA press release revealed it was caring for 1,646 dogs in July of that year—the highest number on record and more than double the figure from July 2020.
"We were very lucky to find him," Emily said, a simple statement that highlights the life-changing magic that can happen when someone chooses to adopt.
