‍When Stephen joined the Connections Program, he was filled with excitement and a little nervous anticipation. As someone with a passion for animals, he hoped to find connection—not just with the assistance puppies in training, but with a new group of people too.

Within the first 10 minutes, his carer Jay could already see him relaxing, gaining confidence, and feeling accepted.

“I was a little nervous meeting new people, but once I met them, I quickly felt accepted,” Stephen recalls. “The first thing that stood out was how amazing PJ [HPHH Program Trainer] was and how the learning modules were taught and catered for us participants.”

Throughout the 12-week program, Stephen discovered that training assistance puppies involved much more than he imagined. From learning commands and understanding canine health to hands-on enrichment activities, each session became a milestone of growth.

“My favourite parts were interacting with the dogs, and the group—those interpersonal connections were really special,” Stephen shares. “Once I achieved the commands and all the skills I learnt, I felt very proud.”

The Connections Program not only nurtures participants growth in skills, but also strengthens the bonds they share with each other in the form of new relationships, and oftentimes, their support networks. For Stephen and Jay, it was an opportunity to grow as a team, or as Stephen put it ‘the dream team’.

HPHH Program Trainer Penelope (PJ) shared that Stephen and Jay were “amazing partners for one another—a true demonstration of ‘it takes two’”—where the support Jay brought to Stephen’s interactions and experience in the program enabled them both to flourish in different ways, and helped Stephen grow in ways he didn’t think he could.

“Working with Stephen in this program brought more trust and understanding between us,” Jay reflects. “Pretty much the whole time I was proud of Stephen, but seeing his smile at graduation—that was amazing.”

Together, they navigated each week, with Jay observing the continuous growth of Stephen’s independence and confidence. Working alongside the assistance puppies provided a calming influence, helping Stephen express his feelings and take on responsibility in a safe, supportive setting.

By the program’s end, Stephen had not only gained new friendships and practical skills but also a renewed belief in himself.

“I feel I’ve developed a lot with things I never thought I could do, and it’s impacted me in a positive way. I’ll always remember the friends I made, the skills I learnt, PJ and everything she taught me, and Irvan—my favourite dog,” says Stephen.

Stephen now has a clear goal for his future, hoping to expand on his animal training skills and attend an advanced training course, volunteer at shelters, and one day work in the animal care industry.

Jay adds: “This program was professional, well-run, and life changing for building confidence and skills. I’d definitely recommend it to other clients—they’ll always be smiling with everything they learn alongside the participants.”

Programs like the Connections Program showcase the unique power of bringing people and animals together. As Stephen and the puppies learned from one another, both developed confidence, independence, and meaningful connections. An added benefit was the way the dynamic duo of Stephen and his Carer strengthened their own relationship, creating a lasting positive impact well beyond the program. Thanks to the passion and dedication of participants like Stephen and their supports—who invested their time and care each week—this group of puppies are now ready to progress to their next stage of Advanced Training and, in time, become life-changing Assistance Dogs for vulnerable people.

It’s this win-win model—hearts and paws growing together—that makes the program so impactful.

The Connections Program is a co-created program with Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA) at their Puppy Kindergarten in Waterfall, Southern Sydney.

This program is designed to create a social inclusion hub where individuals aged 12+ living with a disability can engage, connect, and develop skills. This 12-week program provides hands-on experience in training, socialising and caring for assistance puppies while equipping participants with social and vocational skills that aims to support them on their journey of change.

If you are, or support a participant, in the Southern Sydney region who could benefit from engagement and connection with others while learning animal care and training skills, head to the Happy Paws Happy Hearts website to find out more and enquire about next upcoming programs at https://www.hphhfoundation.org/hphh-updates-and-notices/assistancedogs

*HPHH is not an animal therapy program and is fee for service.

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