Why Rocky-Joe is ‘a lot happier’ thanks to HPHH

Rocky-Joe was born in England, moving to Darwin, Australia when he was 7 years old. He joined Happy Paws Happy Hearts in Darwin 6 months ago because he loves animals, particularly dogs.

“I love dogs, and I’ve been learning a lot more about the behaviour of dogs, their language, how they speak to you, and what everything they do means. It’s helped me a lot,” Rocky-Joe says.

His favourite thing about HPHH is interacting with the puppies.

“They’re so full of energy and excited. They lick you; they eat treats out of your hand. They are amazing,” he says.

“Every time I come here [to HPHH], it’s memorable because every time there’s animals and dogs. That’s the thing I like most in the world.”

Rocky-Joe is proud of everything he has learned at HPHH, particularly about animal behaviour.

“I think that’s been the most useful thing I’ve done because I can use that at home,” he says.

"If I ever get a job [in the animal care industry], I’d know about animal care and interaction.”

Rocky-Joe says he is ‘a lot happier’ since joining HPHH, not just because of interacting with the animals but the people he has met along the way.

“Socialising with people and animals, I really enjoy it,” he says.

“I’m excited every Saturday because I get to go and see all the animals. It’s just amazing.”

He would recommend HPHH to anyone who loves animals.

“It’s been great for me. It’s giving me something to do on Saturday rather than just sitting down, watching TV or playing on the computer. You get to go out and do something and, it’s really fun,” Rocky-Joe says.

“It’s much better than doing anything else on a Saturday. You’re helping out and making the animals feel better and helping them get adopted.”