Before joining Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH), Jeremy “Jax” Moore was searching for a new sense of purpose.
What the 32-year-old didn’t expect was that a group of rescue animals – and one special pup named Rocket – would change everything.
Over the course of six years with HPHH, Jax has gone from feeling socially isolated to achieving incredible outcomes including building deep connections, growing his confidence, finding companionship, moving out into independent living, and turning his hobby into a small business, something he once only dreamed about.
When he linked with Happy Paws Happy Hearts as one of its very first participants back in 2019, he quickly became a dedicated participant, regularly attending both the Train and “Explore” Employment Pathways sessions each week.
As part of the job readiness program, Jax honed his leathermaking skills, turning what was considered a small hobby into building his own business.
With the help of his case manager Alana, together they created a flyer for his venture and worked on nurturing his confidence in self-promotion.
“Explore helped me realise I don’t need to fit into society’s expectations,” he said.
“I feel empowered to live life my way and run a business that works for me.”
Throughout his time at HPHH, Jax has made a remarkable impact on the dogs, having worked with many nervous and anxious canines at the Hunter Valley Animal Facility and Rehoming Centre (HVAFARC) in Neath, helping them re-build trust in humans.
It’s when Rocket entered the picture.
The two-year-old male cross breed arrived at HVAFARC in 2022 in desperate need of socialisation.
With Jax’s calming presence, patience and understanding, he began to change.
“When I first met Rocket, he was shy and unsure, a lot like I used to be,” he explained.
“Now, he gets excited to see me… and is always up for training.
“Watching him come out of his shell has been amazing.
“Working with Rocket has brought together everything I’ve learned at HPHH.”
The focus of Happy Paws Happy Hearts isn’t on matching participants with animals.
It’s more about fostering connection for people and dogs who find themselves disconnected.
Sometimes, rare and extraordinary bonds form that are impossible to ignore.
When Jax celebrated the incredible milestone of moving out independently earlier this year, the prospect of being able to adopt a companion, specifically Rocket, became a reality.
“I felt ready to take that next step and be the calm, steady person he needs,” he reflected.
Jax’s journey reflects the broader impact of HPHH, where participants not only build confidence and skills but also form lasting connections.
Founded in 2014 to address social isolation, the program has grown into a national initiative alongside location partners such as HVAFARC, RSPCA Queensland and other centres.
With over 1.2 million Australians facing loneliness and more than 87,000 animals waiting for adoption each year at RSPCA shelters alone, HPHH recognised the opportunity to create meaningful change.
Its programs not only help animals find loving homes but also empower people by fostering confidence, resilience and essential life skills.
“Our participants don’t just help socialise and train animals,” HPHH founder and CEO Zoe Black said.
“They develop real-world skills that give them purpose and independence.”
Each week, more than 500 participants engage in HPHH’s programs, with the Explore Employment Pathways Program playing a vital role in preparing individuals with job-readiness skills.
The 2023/24 impact report highlighted remarkable improvements in their mental health, social aptitude and confidence.
“The animals provide real-time feedback,” Ms Black said.
“When a dog, like Rocket, learns to trust or a participant, like Jax, steps into the workforce, it’s proof that these connections create lasting change.”
For Jax, HPHH has become more than just a place to spend time.
It’s a community.
“I used to be anxious around new people,” he shared.
“Now, I can talk to my support workers, I’m making friends and even help others in my group.”
As HPHH looks to the future, the goal is clear: reach 10,000 participants by 2032, creating even more life-changing opportunities for people and animals alike.
Participants like Jax prove that with the right support and the right four-legged motivators, breaking down the barriers of social isolation is possible.
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