How a passion for rescue dogs led man to career with animals
Dylan is keenly interested in animals, completing his Certificate III in Companion Animals at TAFE. After joining Happy Paws Happy Hearts more than a year ago, Dylan has become more confident around people and animals. However, communication is a barrier for Dylan, who is autistic and lives with anxiety.
Still attending his weekly Train sessions, Dylan was invited to join the employment pathway program, Explore – for participants ready to take the next steps into volunteering, working or further study in the animal care industry and beyond. This seemed like a perfect fit for Dylan, who hopes to work in the animal care industry. In an invite-only selection process, Dylan is in the first cohort of people currently making their way through the successful program.
As part of Explore, participants are taught employment concepts and skills, such as how to present themselves in the workforce. The Happy Paws Happy Hearts team took Dylan shopping to buy some more ‘business’ clothes.
Dylan’s favourite thing about Happy Paws Happy Hearts is helping the animals, particularly the dogs, prepare for adoption.
Dylan in his new outfit he picked with the help of the Happy Paws Happy Hearts team
“(My favourite thing is) being able to help all the animals, all the dogs,” Dylan says.
“Helping them be happy and get a new home. (Working with them) helps them get used to people and that kind of interaction.”
One of his proudest achievements at Happy Paws Happy Hearts was preparing a socially anxious dog, Yo-Yo, for adoption. He’s seen a lot of dogs get adopted, and he’s happy to be a part of their journey.
“He's a very anxious dog, but he also loves people. So, it's very sweet to see him like bond with everyone in the group and get a lot more comfortable with everyone and connect with people,” Dylan says.
“I'm so glad I was a part of that. I feel really proud of it.”
Dylan is soon to graduate from his TAFE course and will complete a work placement as part of the Explore program.
“It makes me happy to be able to go every week because it makes me happy seeing all the animals,” he says.
UPDATE 02 JANUARY 2024
Since graduating from Explore, Dylan continues to attend our Train sessions at HVAFARC.
In his sessions, he met a shelter dog named Maverick - an extremely nervous and scared dog. When he started working with Maverick in session, he would cower at the back of his kennel, but Dylan made it his mission to win him over. He would patiently toss treats to Mackerick and, over several weeks, Maverick started wiggling and jumping with excitement when he would see Dylan.
Tara Walsh, Program Trainer at Happy Paws Happy Hearts in Hunter, said it was clear to everyone that Dylan and Maverick are ‘soulmates’.
“They would cuddle every session, and if we ever went to a part of the shelter that Maverick was unsure of, he would look to Dylan for reassurance and follow him anywhere,” Tara said.
Dylan decided to adopt Maverick. Because he is so unsure of people, he knew this would be challenging as he has a number of family members and pets at home.
“We began the process of bringing Dylans family and animals in for a number of meet and greets, and the dedicated family came at least 5 times and patiently tried to build Mavericks trust. When it was finally time for Maverick to go home, it took a long time to get him into the car as he was frightened, but he was on his way to his new life,” Tara says.
“Dylan has been so incredible with Maverick, helping him adjust to his new home. Dylan makes sure he has a safe crate to go into, and even carries him outside to go to the toilet if Maverick is too scared to walk. Dylan has had a behavioural vet come and see him, and makes sure he gets plenty of kongs, licki mats, and enrichment, as well as cuddles on the bed.”
When talking about why he chose to adopt Maverick, Dylan says it’s his most memorable time at Happy Paws Happy Hearts.
“(I love him because of) his personality, he was always happy to see me. He has a beautiful personality, and is very good looking. I like big dogs too, and he is pretty big (29kg),” Dylan says.
We wish Dylan and Maverick all the best on their new adventure together. We are so proud to see the skills Dylan has learned at Happy Paws Happy Hearts translate to his bond with his new best ‘fur-riend’.