We use cookies
This helps to improve your online experience and measure traffic to the website. For more information visit our cookie policy.
Happy Paws Happy Hearts builds defence family bonds
Australian Army veteran Eloise served with the Intelligence Corps from 2017 until 2021, when she transitioned to the Reserves. Now, Eloise takes part in the Happy Paws Happy Hearts' Defence Families Program, training rescue animals so they can be adopted into loving families.
But it’s not all about connecting with the animals - the group also fosters connections with other participants. Families are encouraged to join in too, creating a real sense of community that continues beyond the program.
The Happy Paws Happy Hearts’ Defence Families Program is a specially designed 10-week program. It's funded by RSL Queensland, so your support as a Dream Home Art Union VIP is invaluable, thank you.
Australian Army veteran, current reservist and animal lover Eloise read about the Happy Paws Happy Hearts’ Defence Families Program in an email from her local Sub Branch of RSL Queensland, who says, “I thought straight away, that’s for me!”
The program, run in partnership with RSPCA Queensland, trains rescue animals so they can be adopted into forever homes as loving pets.
Over the course of ten weeks, all kinds of connections are formed – between the humans and animals as well as between people.
Designed not only for veterans and current Defence service members, but their families as well it’s fully funded by RSL Queensland. There’s no cost to participants who invariably find it deeply rewarding.
“Animals can provide that connection, that social support that humans sometimes can’t,” says Eloise. “Especially if you’re feeling isolated yourself.”
The benefits extend beyond the program, with many participants staying in touch with the people they met and even, like Eloise, becoming a regular volunteer with RSPCA Queensland.
Happy Paws Happy Hearts’ Defence Families Program is one of many programs funded by RSL Queensland and supported by Dream Home Art Union, and particularly VIP Club members.
From $5 a month, you could subscribe to our VIP Club to access over $80M in prizes with flexibility to pause or cancel at any time. We thank our VIPs with automatic entry in 377 exclusive VIP-only bonus draws in a year. Subscribe now and never miss a draw!
Life always has its ups and downs. But as a veteran, or the partner of a veteran, you don’t have to face them on your own.
Whether you're looking for employment, wellness programs, or assistance with DVA claims, RSL Queensland has free programs, and people at the ready, to help you achieve your life goals.
To learn more and get assistance, visit www.rslqld.org or call 134 RSL.
How your support changes lives
Since 1956, Dream Home Art Union has been a continual source of fundraising for RSL Queensland. Each ticket sold continues to support veterans and families across Queensland and nationally, through advocacy, employment and wellbeing programs, offering new beginnings to veterans as they return from service. In 2024, RSL Queensland supported thousands of veterans and their families through a range of impactful services and programs to help in real and meaningful ways, including:
