How HPHH helped this man with confidence and connections
Robert joined Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) to be around animals, but in a short time, his confidence has bloomed, and he has been making meaningful social connections.
He loves learning about animals, and how to take care of them. His favourite animal is a horse, feeling a strong bond and connection with them. He loves to watch these gentle giants progress, heal from their injuries, shyness or fears.
“Horses are very similar to cats and dogs that have been abused. Helping them get better is something that makes me really happy,” he says.
Since joining HPHH, Robert has become friends with another participant, Kevin. They even got together and had a barbecue. Robert has struggled with making social connections in the past, so he says this has been ‘wonderful’.
An aspiring poet, Robert puts his strong emotions and struggles into words. He says they show how he has grown over the years. He shared two poems with his session, making his Program Trainers tear up.
In his time at HPHH, Robert feels he has become more patient with others and has a desire to learn about other people.
“Everybody’s different; we all have our own qualities, and we all have our limitations. It’s lovely when you get to relate to people and their character and personality,” he says.
One of his most memorable times at HPHH involves rats.
“The rat was on my shoulder, and it was really calm and comfortable,” he reflects.
Please enjoy one of his poems, A Broken Heart by Robert Gillham, that he read to the class.
Please don’t tell me not to cry
You don’t know what I am feeling, Or how much I hurt, Or the reason why.
You think I should get on with life, But life is the very reason for which I cry
You want to say forget about it and be strong, but deep down, I am just too broken and don’t see why I should carry on.
I don’t expect you to understand why
There is a very good reason why I break down and cry
Every time I meet somebody special, They soon learn what is wrong with me, then decide not to be with me
Life has always been this way for me
That is why I am not acting like the good old happy me
Please don’t tell me this can’t be
Change for the better, I will never see, not today, not tomorrow, not ever you see, Disability is just a curse to me
The best thing you can do for me, is to be here for me, just like always.
Be my friend if you would please
My broken heart is hurting bad and will not mend and make me glad
UPDATE - 15 January 2024
Since Robert’s story was originally published, he has hit some ‘paws-tively’ huge milestones!
After just shy of 1 year attending Happy Paws Happy Hearts, Robert decided to attend a session without his support worker for the first time. He used public transport to reach RSPCA Wacol and get back home, which is the first time he has caught public transport alone!
Additionally, he hit his goal of being able to swim a 25-metre lap of a pool completely underwater, without taking a breath. He can also swim 15-20 laps at once. He said that his support workers are going to have to work to keep up with him!
He is coming out of his shell and thriving at HPHH and at home. We are so incredibly proud of Robert and all he has achieved since joining HPHH.