"I feel more excited about what I will get to do in life than I did before. I'm excited to see what else I can do." — Eden

Many young people struggle with confidence. Sometimes confidence arrives when doors are opened to opportunities and begins with the courage to say "yes" to trying something new.

When Eden joined the pilot Connections Program—a partnership between Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) and Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA)—she was looking forward to working with the puppies but, like many participants, she was also carrying the uncertainty that comes with meeting new people and stepping into an unfamiliar environment.

Over the next 12 weeks, something remarkable happened.

Each Wednesday became more than just another day in the week. It became something Eden genuinely looked forward to.

"I get really anxious going to literally anything, but most weeks I couldn't wait to go," Eden shares.

Hosted at ADA’s Puppy Kindergarten in Waterfall, the Connections Program brings together participants aged 12+ to learn the foundations of animal care while working hands-on with assistance puppies in training. At the same time, participants build confidence and independence as they develop new skills and improve communication as they form meaningful social connections in a safe, supportive group environment.

For Eden, the assistance puppies became much more than learners—they became quiet teachers.

"I've always been too worried about what people think. Having my first experience doing important things in front of animals that I knew wouldn't judge made me feel more confident when presenting my work at school."

Working alongside the puppies gave Eden the opportunity to learn practical animal care and training skills while developing belief in her own abilities. The small group environment also created space for friendships to flourish.

"Being in a small group helped me feel more comfortable. We had lots of fun, made so many inside jokes and it was easy to connect with everyone. Working with the puppies made me feel important, knowing I was involved in such a significant part of their development."

As the weeks progressed, Eden began noticing something much bigger than new skills.

"The biggest change is how ready I am to do stuff. I had so many opportunities to do some super cool things before, but I was always too anxious. Now I feel excited about what I get to do in life."

That newfound confidence has extended well beyond the program itself.

Eden's mum, Danielle, has witnessed first-hand the lasting impact.

"Her increased independence has led to Eden being more open to getting a part-time job because she's learned that once she gets used to a place, she feels comfortable and that she can do a good job."

The program also helped Eden develop confidence in setting healthy boundaries—an unexpected but incredibly valuable life skill.

"Working with the dogs taught Eden that ignoring unwanted behaviours isn't being mean—it's helping them learn. We've seen that translate into her own life, where she's become much healthier at setting boundaries with friends and siblings, while also developing a greater understanding of other people's boundaries."

For Danielle, perhaps the greatest outcome has been watching others discover the person she has always known her daughter to be.

"I'm grateful the program has given other people the opportunity to see the happy, fun and incredible person I know she is."

Today, Eden reflects on her experience with enormous gratitude.

"I would do this program 100 times over if I could. I've developed skills I'll keep with me forever, all while playing with puppies. I've had great conversations with people who understood me, made unforgettable memories and learnt so much."

Programs like Connections demonstrate the unique power of bringing people and animals together. As participants build confidence, communication, independence and hope for the future, the assistance puppies they work alongside also benefit from valuable socialisation and foundational training that prepares them for the next stage of their journey toward becoming accredited Assistance Dogs.

It's this dual impact—participants discovering what they're capable of while helping prepare future Assistance Dogs for the people who will one day rely on them—that makes Connections such a meaningful journey for both hearts and paws.