Get to know Sam Frye: Why HPHH was her ‘calling’

Sam Frye says working at Happy Paws Happy Hearts as our Advanced Trainer is her source of inspiration and fulfilment.

Over her 6 years of dedicated service to Happy Paws Happy Hearts, Sam has become a familiar face for our participants and a supportive person to lean on for our program trainers. As our Advanced Trainer, her role involves providing support, education and training to our Program Delivery team.

“It aligned with my core values, ignited my passion for helping others, and allowed me to witness the remarkable transformation that can occur when humans and animals come together in a spirit of compassion and empathy,” Sam says.

“In 2017, my mother became unwell. She passed away from Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) within six weeks of being diagnosed. She was my inspiration to follow my dreams.”

Growing up surrounded by farmland and nature, Sam was a creative and imaginative only child. She always had a deep passion for helping sick and injured wildlife.

“This dedication to the welfare of animals shaped my identity and purpose, and it continues to be a central part of my life journey,” Sam says.

When reflecting on her time at HPHH, there are many standout memories, from playing tug-of-war with a crocodile at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to travelling to regional locations like Hobart and Mackay.

“One of the most remarkable and unforgettable moments was the opportunity to help and deliver content through videos,” Sam says.

“When COVID-19 hit, we found that several participants were unable to attend in person. This sparked the idea to create online content for all participants.”

Proudly wearing the title of ‘guinea pig queen’, Sam has 10 cute little fluffy potatoes at home who all live together in a 10 x 3 metre enclosure and have ‘the best life ever’.

If she could be any animal, she would be a hippopotamus: “Being a hippo would offer a unique perspective on the simple pleasures of life, allowing me to bask in the sun on the riverbank and gracefully glide through the cool water with fellow hippo friends.”

Sam’s favourite part of working at HPHH is the smiles and laughter and the strong human-animal connections formed during sessions.

“These experiences not only brighten the lives of those involved but also serve as a testament to the incredible impact of the work we do, creating positive and lasting change for both humans and animals,” she says.

Early on in her career, Sam got an opportunity to work for a disability company in Massachusetts, USA. At 18, she packed her suitcase and set off on an 18-month adventure that ‘changed her life’.

“During my time in the USA, I had the privilege of witnessing the beauty and diversity of the country, exploring numerous amazing sites, and immersing myself in its rich culture. However, what made this experience truly extraordinary was the opportunity to work with dedicated and wonderful individuals in the company,” she says.

“I was inspired by the passion and commitment of my colleagues, and the exchange not only broadened my horizons but also deepened my understanding of the disability industry and its global reach. It was a chapter in my life filled with personal and professional growth, unforgettable experiences, and lasting connections.”

In her downtime, you can find Sam camping with her friends and family or somewhere in nature. A piece of advice she likes to live by is to ‘stop and smell the roses’ due to its simplicity yet profoundness to enrich life, reduce stress, and find a sense of wonder in your everyday life.

“I tell myself this each and every day. Life is precious and, as my late mother told me, ‘Life is not a dress rehearsal. This is it. Wake up each day excited and make every moment count’,” Sam says.

On a recent trip to HPHH Toowoomba, she recalls a heartwarming experience with a participant who she had never met in person before and had previously engaged with our online sessions.

“Upon opening the door, she exclaimed ‘It’s Sam!’” she says.

“Having followed all our online content and regularly joining our livestreams, we had engaged in numerous conversations virtually. However, this was the first time we met face to face. Witnessing her genuine excitement, and finally meeting in person was an incredibly touching and memorable moment that put a BIG smile on my face.”

Sam is an integral member of the Happy Paws Happy Hearts crew. She has been along for the ride through many changes – from new locations to adapting online content – and her passion and dedication is undeniable.