Why HPHH was a “positive and rewarding experience”

After 33 years in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), specifically the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Kelley began her medical transition from the Defence Force in early 2023.  

Kelley says her mental health was in a ‘particularly bad state’ as she began her journey of transitioning out of the ADF. 

“I had become very anxious, depressed and socially withdrawn. My RAAF coordinator reached out and asked if I would be interested in taking part in the [Happy Paws Happy Hearts Intensive] Program,” Kelley says. 

At first, Kelley was hesitant to join the program, but after learning the focus was on helping the shelter animals at the RSPCA Darwin, rather than people-focused as this felt overwhelming, she decided to give it a go. 

“At that point, I was only leaving my house to attend medical appointments and for food shopping, and I knew I needed to do something to break [out of] the rut and have something to really look forward to,” Kelley says. 

Enrolling in the In-Shelter Intensive Program at Happy Paws Happy Hearts Darwin in June 2023, Kelley learnt to train rescue dogs while building social connections and self-confidence. 

The Intensive Program is designed for ADF personnel and veterans, first responders, and injured workers living with trauma. Participants in this program have seen improvements in psychological wellbeing, life management skills, and an increased sense of connection with themselves, their families, and the broader community. 

“I was nervous going into the first session, but the small group environment was really comfortable,” Kelley says. 

“I left feeling happy and excited to go back.” 

After 8 months in the program, Kelley is now looking to become a volunteer with Happy Paws Happy Hearts. During her time in the Intensive Program, she loved seeing the positive difference in a dog’s behaviour by working with them over time and having this behaviour improve, resulting in their adoption. 

“Spending time with the dogs is therapy in and of itself and feeling like you’re doing something for their welfare... even on rough days, I’d leave every session with a big smile on my face,” Kelley says. 

Specifically, Kelley remembers working with a beautiful dog who was not coping with living in the shelter environment, and her fear response was considered aggressive - barking, growling and cowering in the back of her pen.  

“[In our sessions], we focused a lot on learning a dog’s body language and getting a read on the dog when approaching them. Just by sitting with her quietly for a few minutes at the enclosure fence, she slowly warmed to me, to the point where she would take treats from my hand, wag her tail and get as close to me as she could,” Kelley says. 

“She was such a sweetheart. It was amazing to feel that you’ve connected with a dog in that way.” 

Kelley says completing the Intensive Program was “such a positive and rewarding experience”. 

“I felt like a bit of a flight risk going into the program, and I’m so glad, proud even, that I stuck with it,” Kelley says. 

“I think caring for someone or something [other than yourself] gets you out of your own head and thinking about others. Feeling like you have something to contribute during a time of such uncertainty and knowing that you’re helping provide the best possible adoption outcomes for the dogs, [is amazing].” 

We are so excited to hear more about Kelley’s adventures with her family and HPHH community. We are grateful for her continued support and advocacy of HPHH, she is amazing! 

For more information on Happy Paws Happy Hearts Programs, please call 1300 077 984 or visit www.hphhfoundation.org and speak to one of our friendly team members.