Why HPHH is the ‘perfect job’ for Kristy Kuhnert

Kristy grew up on a farm near Brisbane. Moving away from her country town for a new adventure, she recently lived in Perth for 6 years, which she loved because she could have bunnies (which is illegal in Queensland).

“I adopted so many rescue bunnies while I lived in Perth; they even had their own bedroom,” Kristy says.

Kristy is a Senior Program Trainer at Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) at Wacol and Dakabin. Prior to joining HPHH, Kristy worked as a veterinary nurse for 12 years and in the mental health space for 2 years.

“Happy Paws Happy Hearts is a combination of both of my passions, so it really is the perfect job for me,” Kristy says.

Kristy continues to create memorable moments at HPHH. She loves it when she is about to collect an animal for class, but before she does, she gets a radio call to say they have been adopted.

“The participants always cheer and give a round of applause when I tell them that an animal couldn’t come to class anymore as they got adopted,” she says.

Her favourite thing about working at HPHH is the team. She says: “I am so lucky to be a part of such a dedicated team who are all so passionate about both animals and people.”

Kristy’s favourite animal is a seal, but because she can’t have a pet seal, she has a Staffy because “they are basically just ‘land seals’”. While her favourite animals are seals, if she could be any animal in the world, she would pick a cow.

“[Cows are] kind of goofy, happy, and they eat plants, just like me!” Kristy says.

In her downtime, Kristy volunteers with a vet clinic for people experiencing homelessness, plays computer games and goes to music gigs. In her ‘past life’, she was a cake decorator and she can tap dance.

Sharing some of her best advice, Kristy says: “Someone once told me ‘Life isn’t a dress rehearsal, Kristy’. I remind myself of that now if I’m afraid to do something; it inspires me to give it a go.”

Something that made Kristy smile recently was three-year-old Staffy up for adoption at RSPCA Wacol, Mia, who loves to carry two tennis balls in her mouth at the same time. So, she found a giant tennis ball.

“Her eyes grew so wide when I showed it to her, she was so excited,” she says.

Kristy is still waiting on her letter from Hogwarts. She already has her own set of Ravenclaw robes ready to go once it arrives. She’ll probably be sitting in her kitchen, drinking her orange juice with extra pulp, when it finally comes.

Want to join our programs and hang out with Kristy? Call our friendly Enrolment Team on 1300 077 984.