From Isolation to Purpose: How Dave Reclaimed His Confidence Through Connection and Canines
After more than three decades of service in the Royal Australian Air Force, Dave Neilson was used to structure, fast-paced logistics, and being constantly on the move. As a Flight Sergeant in air movements, he deployed both nationally and internationally, supporting disaster relief and military operations. But when his ADF chapter came to a close due to medical reasons, he faced an unexpected and overwhelming transition.
“I basically shut down,” Dave recalls. “I went from a hectic schedule to sitting on the couch, unable to leave the house. I just withdrew.”
That’s when he was introduced to the Defence Families Program by Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) — a program he first joined at the Wacol campus in Brisbane, which brings together current and ex-serving ADF members and their families to build new skills and purpose by working with rescue animals.
“I didn’t go into it expecting anything,” Dave admits. “I just wanted the confidence to be able to leave the house.”
It wasn’t easy at first. “The first session, I drove there, walked up to the front door… and turned around and went home,” he shares. “It is hard to face new things, new people and work up the confidence to face that discomfort, but the next week I went back, and I haven’t looked back since.”
A New Path Through Paws and Purpose
By incorporating animal care and handling as a therapeutic and practical approach, the Defence Families Program promotes social connection, skill development, and purposeful engagement. For Dave, the shift in focus from his own struggles, to helping rescue animals, was powerful.
“It got me out of my own headspace. It reminded me that life isn’t just about me. These animals had been through their own traumas and social isolation in ending up at rescue centres. While they are well looked after in the kennels, it helped me feel empathy—for them and for other people.”
The program also gave Dave something to look forward to each week. “It helped me settle mentally and gave me direction. I started to focus better through completing the small tasks required in the program, and that helped me with the rest of my transition.”
Though he completed the Defence Families Program solo, Dave believes strongly in the value it holds for families too.
“If you can do it with your partner or your child, it’s a great way to reconnect,” he says. “You grow together and bond. It’s a chance to find each other again after the distance and deployments.”
Going Deeper with the Intensive Program
Dave’s journey didn’t stop there. After relocating to Darwin, he decided to build on his experience and skills by enrolling in HPHH’s Intensive Program — currently running in Darwin and also offered at Dakabin and Wacol in Brisbane.
“The Defence Families Program sparked an interest; the Intensive Program lets me take that further—it’s more hands-on, and I get to work directly with the animals every week,” he says.
Now halfway through the program, Dave says the learning curve has been rewarding. “I didn’t think it was possible to teach a dog a new skill in such a short time — but it is. It’s given me confidence that I never thought I had.”
And the impact goes beyond animal handling.
“I still struggle with depression and anxiety,” Dave shares honestly. “But this program is another steppingstone giving me the confidence I need to do daily routine things. On days I don’t want to get out of bed, I think to myself if I don’t go, maybe that dog won’t get a pat. It gives me a renewed purpose.”
He’s also rediscovered a sense of connection with people.
“Beyond working with the animals, it’s helped me get out of my shell again. The group is small, which is perfect. We’ve built friendships and a sense of safety which has extended outside of HPHH programs. We’re all here for the same reason.”
Dave’s message to other Defence members or families considering either program is clear:
“Just check it out. You don’t have to be ‘fixed’ before you come. That’s the whole point — it’s a place to heal, to connect, and to rediscover your confidence. You are in a place to learn and it’s a really good environment to get you out of that headspace and learn another skill”
“Having spent 35 years in the Defence Force, there is a whole new world out there that I don’t really know about. So this has given me the confidence to get my foot in that door to experience something different”, Dave concluded.
We're so grateful to Dave for courageously sharing his journey with us. It's been a privilege to have him as part of our Defence Families community in Brisbane, and now as a valued member of our Darwin Intensive program.
Both the Defence Families Program (fully funded by RSL Queensland) and the Intensive Program (fee-for-service) are currently open for enrolment at HPHH’s Wacol campus.
Whether you're a veteran navigating transition, a currently-serving member looking to reconnect, or someone seeking to rebuild confidence and find new purpose — these programs could be the first step.
To find out about either programs and enquire, head to our webpage for Defence Families at https://www.hphhfoundation.org/defence-families or our In-Shelter Intensive Program at https://www.hphhfoundation.org/intensive-shelter-program.
Alternatively, you can contact our friendly enrolment team on 1300 077 984 or hello@hphhfoundation.org
David pictured on Right, with fellow program participant Robin on the left
David enjoying puppy cuddles with rescue pup in-session
David (right) playing with kitten in the cat shelter with fellow participant