Rescue animals help Defence Force members and their families

A unique program delivered by Happy Paws Happy Hearts Foundation in partnership with RSL Queensland will help ex-serving Australian Defence Force members and their families strengthen communication, nurture positive relationships, and improve their health and well-being. 

The free 10-week program sees participants and their families team up with RSPCA Queensland rescue animals at their Animal Care Centre in Wacol to learn new animal handling and behaviour skills while building connections.

Happy Paws Happy Hearts Founder and CEO Zoe Black says the program has had a positive impact on participants and families, as well as the rescue animals. 

"Many of our participants were in the Defence Force long-term and struggled with transitioning out of service roles. PTSD was a common diagnosis which affected their lives and the lives of their families and friends every day,” Zoe says.

"Past participants describe Happy Paws Happy Hearts as a space to learn something new and see life beyond the past. The animals provide participants with the ability to smile, laugh, and feel that they have made a difference."

"We’re excited to be welcoming more families on board. We know from previous programs our veteran participants gain an improved sense of wellbeing, connection, and inclusion – and these outcomes extend to the family groups and the rescue animals involved as well. We truly believe that if we don’t support veterans and their families, that we as a community will lose talented and passionate people who want to make a difference," she says.

RSL Queensland’s Deputy CEO Veteran Services Troy Watson says he is pleased to be continuing the partnership with the Happy Paws Happy Hearts Foundation to provide veterans and their families with access to the meaningful program. 

"We know that there are demonstratable outcomes for veterans involved in programs such as this, from improved psychological wellbeing to an increased sense of connection with their family, and the broader community," Troy says. 

"Extending this program to veterans and their families is just one of many ways we can improve mental and physical resilience as well as encourage social connection."

Families and participants can sign up to join the program for free. It will run for ten weeks: every Saturday from 1-3pm starting on 19 November to 17 December 2022, and then 7 January to 4 February 2023.

Families are invited to express their interest in the program by contacting Happy Paws Happy Hearts Foundation on 1300 077 984 or via hphhfoundation.org.

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