Trainer for a Day: Participants Lead the Way
Lori (HPHH Staff) with Seth (L) and Braxton (R)
During a recent trip to cover sessions in Darwin, our visiting Program Trainer, Lori, found herself becoming the learner.
Seth and Braxton, two participants who have been attending Happy Paws Happy Hearts for a number of years, stepped naturally into leadership roles, proudly showing Lori how things run in their Intro to Handle sessions each week.
From kicking off with how they plan the session to a tour of the facility and of course introductions to the newest members of the shelter. They introduced her to Cinnamon, the rabbit, confidently explaining daily care routines, and independently completed the full clean-out—from bedding to enrichment while Lori observed with much joy. They even explained how the rabbit bedding is recycled into their chicken garden mulch, connecting these simple shelter tasks with sustainability and responsibility.
The boys then guided her through Operation Clucker (read more via the link), taking her to the chicken enclosure where they took turns in explaining the setup, and locating equipment to demonstrate to Lori what needed to be done. They even found some surprise eggs along the way!
Lori reflected how their knowledge of every routine from feeding, cleaning, watering, to garden maintenance, showed a strong sense of ownership and how proud she was; but also the pride the boys had, in this beautiful moment of independence.
This moment captured the best of participant growth in Darwin: confidence, teamwork and connection.
Pictured: Seth and Braxton cleaning out the rabbit pen, recycling the contents for the yard, and putting in fresh food for the Rabbit.