At Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH), some connections are formed quickly—and others grow slowly, week by week, through patience, trust and meaningful moments of connection.

At our Toowoomba location, one such connection belongs to Tammy.

Tammy is a vibrant, energetic young Kelpie/ American Staffordshire Bull Terrier who has been in care at RSPCA Wellcamp for over 100 days (as of 29 January 2026). During this time, she has become a familiar and much-loved presence within our Happy Paws Happy Hearts programs, particularly the Handle sessions.

The Handle program is designed to support participants to develop more in-depth animal handling skills within a real shelter environment. For Tammy, this has meant additional time out of her kennel, consistent positive human interaction, and opportunities to practise calm behaviours in varied environments, all complementing the exceptional care already provided by the RSPCA team and volunteers.

From the moment Tammy arrives with participants to the Exercise Yard, her zest for life shines through. She adores people, so thrives in the company of participants, whether that’s playing a game of fetch, eagerly joining in on enrichment activities prepared by the participants or just stretching out with a big sploot on the grass after playtime.

For our participants, working alongside Tammy has provided invaluable learning opportunities. Her playful nature, responsiveness to training and affectionate personality has brought many moments of joy, while also building courage, patience, confidence and sense of responsibility among participants. All essential life management skills our programs aim to foster.

Through regular participation in sessions, Tammy has continued to strengthen her training foundations. Each week, participants support her ongoing learning and skill development, reinforcing cues such as sit, four paws (standing confidently without jumping up), recall, and directional cues including wait and on the bed.

She has also shown calm focus when preparing for walks, confidently waiting as her harness is fitted—all important behaviours that support her wellbeing and readiness for adoption.

Long-term dogs in care like Tammy hold a bittersweet, yet special place in our sessions.

Participants often experience mixed emotions—the sadness of seeing a familiar face still waiting for a forever home, alongside gratitude that they are able to spend another week together. These moments open space for meaningful conversations around empathy, resilience and hope, reinforcing the meaningful role participants play with their weekly interactions with the rescue animals.

As Tammy continues her journey toward a forever home, we delight in the joy she sparks in participants each week, and in the tender moments of care, affection, and connection that they give back to her while she waits for the family she deserves.