Hunter Valley Meets Hobart: Participant David takes an interstate HPHH adventure
This quarter, Ten Lives Cat Centre had the pleasure of welcoming a very special visitor—HPHH interstate participant David, all the way from our programs in Cessnock, Hunter Valley.
David with his take-away card to take home
David, who regularly attends Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) programs at our site with Hunter Valley Animal Facility & Rehoming Centre (HVAFARC), was visiting Hobart on holidays and decided there was one place he simply had to visit: HPHH at Ten Lives Cat Centre.
While joining a new group, meeting unfamiliar people and walking into a different environment can feel daunting for many people, David embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm. The Thursday afternoon group had been eagerly anticipating his visit and immediately demonstrated the welcoming hearts that make HPHH so special.
Participants Lisa, Tia and Jassy made David feel right at home, sharing stories and learning about the HVAFARC animals that have become such an important part of his HPHH journey. David proudly introduced the group to some of his favourite Hunter Valley animals, including long-term Cattle Dog duo Coffee and Porridge, who he had spent time with before heading off on his holiday.
David also spoke proudly about Crunchie, a dog he had helped build trust with during his time at HVAFARC before getting adopted after 1319 days in care. Learning to enjoy the company of men had been a significant challenge for Crunchie, making it especially meaningful for David to reflect on the role he played in supporting Crunchie’s confidence and journey toward a brighter future.
It was a wonderful reminder of the meaningful contributions participants make to animals in care right across the country.
The kittens at Ten Lives were equally delighted to meet David. During his visit to adoptions, he quickly found himself at the centre of a playful kitten pile-on, with curious kittens climbing over him, chasing toys and competing for his attention. Reflecting on the experience afterwards, David shared that one of his favourite moments was simply having the kittens play with him.
What made this moment particularly special was seeing how naturally David became part of the group. Within a matter of minutes, he was sharing stories, laughing with participants and experiencing the same sense of belonging that exists across all HPHH locations. This moment was both credit to the social confidence David has built over time but also to the welcoming hearts of our Ten Lives participants, who too, each week build confidence in their interactions with others.
His visit was a beautiful reminder that while our programs may operate in different states, we are one community—connected by animals, shared experiences and courageous hearts.