Participant kicks goals and sets herself an even bigger challenge
Sarah Kolope volunteered with the RSPCA in 2019, but after an incident, she was unable to continue her journey for a short period. They recommended that she join Happy Paws Happy Hearts, and when we felt she was ready, she could return to volunteer with the RSPCA.
Shortly after this challenging experience, Sarah joined Happy Paws Happy Hearts in 2019 with a clear goal: to become a volunteer with the RSPCA again. While she was hesitant initially, Sarah says she grew to love Happy Paws Happy Hearts.
Levelling up through our programs over the years, Sarah was invited to join our exclusive employment pathway program, Explore. This return-to-life approach is made for those ready to take the next steps into volunteering, work or further study.
An integral aspect of the program, Happy Paws Happy Hearts secured a work placement for Sarah at Bulimba Vets – which she smashed out of the park. Inspired by the experience, Sarah set herself a new career goal.
“I’ve always wanted to work with animals, and the placement helped me realise that I wanted to be a vet nurse,” Sarah says.
Revisiting her initial goal, Sarah is proud to report that she is volunteering at the RSPCA again. She is also enrolled in a TAFE course in veterinary assistance and wildlife welfare, and she received her wildlife licence. While it is a one-year course, Sarah has completed 86% of her certification in just three months.
In her four years at Happy Paws Happy Hearts, Sarah says she has matured as a person, gaining confidence and respect for herself and the ability to stand up for herself.
“Happy Paws Happy Hearts helped discipline me in a positive way,” Sarah says.
“I’ve matured a lot since starting at HPHH; it’s helped me work out how to become less distracted.
“(I now know) how to look after animals properly and how to respect them."
Sarah says one of her most memorable moments at Happy Paws Happy Hearts was something one of her trainers Sam said – something she completely took on board and truly believes about herself now.
“One of my most memorable moments at Happy Paws Happy Hearts is when Sam told me I can do anything I put my mind to,” Sarah says.
“Happy Paws Happy Hearts got me out of my depression. They were there for me when it started, and they helped me through it. Especially Sam, she was the very first person I talked to about it.”
Sarah says coming to Happy Paws Happy Hearts “makes me feel happy”, not just to see the animals but to see the trainers each week. Sarah’s mother says that she’s never seen Sarah as happy as she has been at Happy Paws Happy Hearts.
“Sam was one of my biggest supporters, but all staff have been an incredible support. 10 out of 10 for everyone,” Sarah says.