Happy Paws Happy Hearts launches ‘pup-tastic’ program to support the Darwin veteran community
29 May 2023: Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) launches its powerful Intensive Program in Darwin to help people and animals living with trauma embark on a recovery journey together.
The unique experience of ADF service can result in many veterans experiencing health and welfare challenges1. Darwin is home to the Robertson Barracks – one of Australia’s major army bases – which means a large veteran population needing support.
HPHH is thrilled to launch its successful Intensive Program from 2 June 2023, designed specifically for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, first responders and injured workers living with trauma.
HPHH is a not-for-profit organisation on a mission to connect socially isolated people through group sessions where they learn to care for and train rescue animals. In a unique twist on traditional animal therapy, HPHH brings people in need to animal shelters, providing much-needed hands-on time for the animals as they await adoption.
Intensive is focused on helping participants build foundational dog training skills, confidence and connect with people from a service background. Participants work closely with shelter animals on their recovery journey, creating positive associations with people and places, setting them up for adoption success.
Happy Paws Happy Hearts Co-founder and CEO, Zoe Black, says launching the program wouldn’t have been possible without the support of their location partner, RSPCA Darwin.
“Almost a third (30%) of people injured in service or at work find it difficult to return to life. With this in mind, we’re thrilled to launch Intensive to support the veterans, first responders and injured workers living in Darwin,” Zoe says.
“The Intensive program truly encapsulates the magic of the animal-human bond. Witnessing the trust built between our participants and the rescue dogs they work with, as they navigate through their trauma together is unlike anything I have ever seen – it’s indescribable.”
“We have seen incredible success stories from this program, currently running from Dakabin and Wacol in Queensland. Our participants have seen improvements in psychological well-being, life management skills, and an increased sense of connection with themselves, their families and the broader community. We’re excited to work with RSPCA Darwin to create positive social change for people and rescue animals.”
Veterans, first responders and injured workers are eligible for a free place in the 12-week program. To register your interest in joining Intensive, please enquire via the form https://www.hphhfoundation.org/participant-form-intensive
ENDS
For interview opportunities with Happy Paws Happy Hearts Co-founder and CEO, Zoe Black please contact:
Rachel Horan | Rachel.Horan@hphhfoundation.org | 0480 393 775
Notes to the Editor
1 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2018). A profile of Australia’s veterans. https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/1b8bd886-7b49-4b9b-9163-152021a014df/aihw-phe-235.pdf.aspx?inline=true
About Happy Paws Happy Hearts
Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) began in 2014 when co-founder Zoe Black had an amazing idea to flip animal assisted therapy and bring socially isolated people into shelter environments to help animals and meet new people. From the first visit, she saw the instant connections formed, and how these interactions brought a smile to the faces of people and animals alike.
Since then, HPHH has grown into a national program, rehabilitating animals and people across Australia.
Working hand in hand with the RSPCA and with the support of our amazing partners, HPHH provides a community for vulnerable people to come together and share a mutual love of animals, learn new skills, and give back in a meaningful way. It also provides much-needed support to many rescue animals waiting for adoption in Australia.
Education and connection happen within the context of a larger community. Our approach takes participants out of the training room and into shelters and wildlife sanctuaries, ensuring participants have the necessary support, environment, and “hands-on” opportunity to do their best development and learning.