Hobart’s First Dual-Location Participant: Finding Connection Across Cats and Dogs

In Hobart, one of our participants, Zac, has become the first ever to attend both the Ten Lives Cat Centre program and the Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania program, experiencing the full breadth of our animal-focused purpose-led programs.

When asked why Zac wanted to join Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH), he shared,
“I like cats and dogs, and all animals actually”. Beyond this simple love of animals, he was eager to explore how he could build on his calm approach with dogs that he has experienced with his own at home and out in public, to help the rescue animals feel safe and supported; while also learning more about cats, such as the subtler cues required when working with them.

We also asked Zac what he loves most about working in each of the sites. At Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, he enjoys discovering how special each dog is, learning how to help them relax and increase their chances of adoption. With cats at Ten Lives, he loves the comfort they bring, meeting new cats, and developing relationships with both the animals and his fellow participants in the group.

Observing the differences in animal responses has been a key learning point: while dogs often approach him excitedly, cats move at their own pace, requiring patience and trust-building. Zac’s Support Worker, Jon, has noticed changes beyond his animal interactions: he is more patient with people, thoughtful about others, and increasingly willing to push past his comfort zones to engage with the animals and group activities.

Working across both programs, Zac has also begun to build a unique set of animal training abilities: dog sessions have taught him when not to approach, while cat sessions reinforce the importance of waiting for the animal to be comfortable. This dual perspective allows him to better understand animal behaviour overall and support them in ways that benefit their wellbeing and adoptability.

While in the early days of attending HPHH, some of his favourite moments so far include building an obstacle course for a dog in the yard at Dogs’ Homes and building a gradual bond over weeks with a shelter cat Casey, at Ten Lives.

He recalls a particularly proud moment: seeing Bonnie, a dog he spent time with, get adopted—a tangible reminder of the difference he and his fellow participants can make in sessions each week.

Beyond animal skills, he has formed friendships at both locations, making the experience rich in connection, learning, and personal growth.

Zac at the HPHH x Dogs’ Homes Christmas event 2025

Zac in session with his support worker at Ten Lives Cat Centre