When Lori, HPHH staff member travelled to Darwin to cover sessions, she experienced a meaningful reconnection with Dave, a graduate of our Defence Families Program from our location in Wacol, Queensland, and now a highly valued volunteer at RSPCA Darwin.
When Dave first joined Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH), he was navigating a tough transition. After 35 years in the Royal Australian Air Force, the sudden loss of structure, purpose and familiar connection left him feeling overwhelmed and withdrawn. Simply walking through the doors of his first HPHH session felt impossible—but he came back, week after week, and slowly rebuilt his confidence by working with rescue animals and reconnecting with others on similar paths.
Since then, Dave’s journey has continued to evolve in inspiring ways.
Dave arrived on his day off just to welcome our visiting trainer, proudly wearing his Christmas scrubs—so confidently, in fact, he was momentarily mistaken for one of the vets!
He gave a full tour of the vet block, explaining sterilisation processes, equipment preparation, patient care, and the flow of the clinic. His genuine passion and joy was undeniable.
Dave has recently begun studying toward a Certificate IV in Vet Nursing — an opportunity he mentioned as so far removed from his past in the Defence Forces, but one he says has brought him enormous purpose and happiness. He has even adjusted his work hours to support his wellbeing and continue growing sustainably.
Dave’s journey is a shining example of what meaningful engagement, connection, sense of purpose and steady skill development can unlock.
We are so proud and grateful to continue to share Dave’s story. You can read his original story from his experience with our Defence Families Program and Intensive Program here:
