Facing the new with confidence

When a new participant arrived for their very first Happy Paws Happy Hearts session at our Wacol campus, they were a little shy but curious and excited about the program. They arrived early and were given a special tour by one of our Senior Program Trainers (and their session Program Trainer) so they could explore the space and become more comfortable. Expressing their interest to help out, this participant even began helping a volunteer prepare a dog bed for the session before the rest of the group arrived.

However, when another participant unknowingly disrupted some of the setup they had worked on, this participant immediately withdrew. They stopped engaging and chose to sit quietly away from the group as the session began.

Rather than pushing participation, the Program Trainer, supported by the participant’s Support Worker, focused on creating a calm, welcoming space with gentle invitations to join in. The participant was first invited to pat Rosie, a gentle senior American Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Mixed) who has been in care for some time at RSPCA Brisbane Animal Care Campus. This quiet moment allowed the participant to regulate in a space that felt comfortable while enjoying a special 1:1 connection Rosie. Later, the Program Trainer was teaching skills on lead training, and the participant bravely joined in, choosing to engage in a way comfortable to them without having to step into the centre of the circle.

As the session progressed, the participant had small moments of connection including when they discovered a bird mirror with bells in the donations box they were sorting for RSPCA, that reminded them of their own birds at home. This small yet meaningful moment gave them courage to gradually move closer to the group.

By the end of the session, they were smiling, calling out answers during a quiz, and engaging comfortably.

For someone who began the morning feeling overwhelmed and withdrawn, finishing the first session feeling connected, confident, and included was a powerful moment. It was a quiet reminder that progress often comes from patience, gentle encouragement, and creating space for someone to step forward when they are ready.