Emma & Kimberley: a friendship that has endured years, life changes, and new chapters

For over four years, Emma has been a much-loved member of our Wacol Care group, along with her Support Worker, Robin. Over that time, Emma has built confidence, explored new things, met new people, and found something truly special: a long-lasting friendship.

Emma first met Kimberley at Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) back in the early days of attending their Care group. At the time, both were looking for connection with others and of course spending time with the shelter animals at RSPCA Brisbane Animal Care Campus. What neither of them expected was a special connection which would extend beyond the walls of HPHH.

Each week at their Care sessions, Emma and Kimberley bonded over the rescue animals they met, discovered shared interests and began to form a connection that was new and meaningful for both of them. Unfortunately, after some time, Kimberley decided to leave Happy Paws Happy Hearts. Despite this, Emma and Kimberly’s friendship didn’t fade—it grew.

Today, they still see each other regularly, often every two weeks, and their bond has become a steady and treasured part of both their lives.

Together they’ve shared so many ‘firsts’, including their first holiday away together. In 2023, the pair travelled to Tangalooma, where they went snorkelling, kayaking, sandboarding and took their very first helicopter ride. It was a trip filled with adventure, joy, and special memories shared with one another.

Over the years, they have gotten together for special times of the year including Halloween and Christmas where they have enjoyed baking and all things festive and fun.  

An incredible moment in 2025 marked a new chapter in their friendship. In November, Kimberley welcomed a beautiful baby boy, and as her best friend, Emma planned the entire baby shower a few months prior—creating the invitations, organising inventive baby-themed games, selecting decorations, and making the day truly special and heartfelt for her dear friend.

From lemonade-filled baby-bottle chugging competitions to a very creative nappy-sniffing game involving Vegemite and peanut butter, Emma put extraordinary love and effort into celebrating her friend. This celebration also marked a personal milestone for Emma, showcasing her growing confidence, independence, creativity, and sense of purpose.

Robin shared a heart-felt moment recently between Emma and Kimberly, when Emma said to Kimberly, no matter what, she will be there to support her.

Now, with Kimberley welcoming a baby boy, Emma proudly carries the new title of “Auntie Emma”, seeing her stepping into a meaningful role that extended her impact beyond the program and into the life of a friend she deeply values.

Their story speaks so beautifully to what can happen when people find genuine connection in our programs. Social connection is one of the core outcomes of our work at HPHH, but what Emma and Kimberley created together goes far beyond that—it’s a friendship that has endured years, life changes, and new chapters.

We feel incredibly grateful to have held the space where their friendship first began, and deeply thankful to Emma and Kimberley for allowing us to share a glimpse into their special friendship. Their story is a reminder of why connection matters, and how life-changing it can be when two people find a friend who truly understands them and gifts them the space of care and belonging.