How HPHH helped Adrian achieve his dream of working with animals
Pictured: Adrian and shelter dog Roxy enjoying an Intensive Session. Roxy was recently adopted after 10 months at RSPCA Wacol.
When Adrian Forbes heard about Happy Paws Happy Hearts in 2022, he decided to join the In-Shelter Intensive program. Guided by his love for animals and desire to work in the animal care industry, he said to himself: “I’ll give it a go and see what happens”.
In one of his earliest sessions, Adrian worked with a beautiful dog named Rocky; he says the moment he saw Rocky was one of the most memorable moments he’s ever had at Happy Paws Happy Hearts. Rocky was known to be a bit unsure of certain new people, but when he met Adrian, it was clear that a special bond had been instantly formed.
“I was not looking to get another dog... I said to myself I wouldn’t, but as soon as I saw (Rocky), I thought ‘yeah, he’s going to end up at home with me somehow’. I worked with (Rocky) for three weeks and then I was lucky enough to take him home,” Adrian said.
Fast forward to today; Adrian is still participating in the In-Shelter Intensive program, and he has never missed a session. In this short time, Adrian says he has changed “drastically”.
“I was in a bit of a hole, and I am still digging my way out, but Happy Paws Happy Hearts has made it more realistic that I can actually get back on my feet and get to where I want to go,” he says.
“It’s the best thing that’s happened to me in the past six years.”
Since his journey with Happy Paws Happy Hearts began more than nine months ago, Adrian has taken steps to reach his dream of working in the animal care industry, enabled by the skills and knowledge he has gained during his sessions.
“I’m volunteering at Happy Paws Happy Hearts once a week... and I’m actually volunteering at Animal Welfare League as well. I’m also doing Val Bonnie’s Dog Training with Rocky... I’m also doing a TAFE Course for animal psychology and behaviour, and also a business course,” Adrian says.
“So, a lot has happened since the time that I started, but it’s all working towards one goal... to be employable and somehow, by the end of it, to work with animals. As long as I can work with animals, I’ll be happy."
When reflecting on his time at Happy Paws Happy Hearts, Adrian says his absolute favourite thing about the program has shifted.
“If you’d asked me in my first week, I’d say the animals. But if you ask me now, I’d probably say the people. The trainers make it really individual, so you can get as much as you want out of the program that you’re willing to put into it. So, it’s up to you to either take advantage of it or not take advantage of it... every trainer that we’ve had has been really patient and really knowledgeable,” Adrian says.
“Honestly, I haven’t been in an environment that’s been more welcoming. Since day one, I’ve felt welcomed. It’s been a non-judgemental environment... the way the trainers (handle) each personality (and) each individual animal... I don’t know how (Happy Paws Happy Hearts) isn’t a massive thing.”
UPDATE 10 OCTOBER 2023
Adrian has graduated from our In-Shelter Intensive Program and landed his dream job with PAWS For Hope and Understanding, training service dogs full time for veterans.
PAWS For Hope and Understanding is dedicated to providing ex-defence personnel with task-trained service dogs that offer unwavering support for those navigating the challenges of mental health, specialising in PTSD.
Adrian says he is ‘really living his dream’ thanks to everyone at HPHH.
“I have not only enjoyed my time in the HPHH program, but I have grown as a person because of it,” he says.
“Please realise what you are doing is changing people’s lives for the better. You are making a difference. I cannot thank you enough, you’ve made my dreams come true.”
From the entire team at HPHH, we wish Adrian the best on his journey and we are so proud of all he has achieved. He is such an amazing human and we are all so excited to see him continue to thrive.