Rusty's story: How a rescue dog changed lives through Happy Paws Happy Hearts

For some animals, their journey through RSPCA Queensland is a short stop on the way to a loving home. For others, their story takes a few unexpected turns before they find where they belong.

Rusty, a 12-year-old Basenji x Kelpie, is one of those special animals whose journey has touched the lives of many people along the way.

Originally surrendered to RSPCA Queensland as a puppy, Rusty was adopted into a new home. Sadly, a few years later, circumstances changed, and he found himself back in RSPCA care at just three years old, once again searching for a family to call his own.

Like many animals in our care, Rusty spent time in foster homes while he waited for the right match. During this time, he also became involved in something that would not only help him on his adoption journey but would go on to change a person's life as well.

How Happy Paws Happy Hearts helped Rusty prepare for adoption

While waiting for his forever home, Rusty became involved in the Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) Intensive Shelter Program at the RSPCA Queensland’s Animal Care Campus at Wacol.

The 12-week program brings together veterans, first responders and people processing trauma with rescue animals in a shelter environment. Participants help care for, train and socialise animals while developing confidence, routine and meaningful social connections themselves.

One of those participants was veteran Tom Kunst.

Originally seeking an assistance dog to support him after his military service, Tom joined the program while waiting for a placement. What he discovered was something far more powerful.

"Before I found Happy Paws Happy Hearts, I was really struggling with my sense of purpose," Tom said.

"It gave me a reason to get up each day, a sense of belonging and a real connection with the animals that I hadn't gotten anywhere else. That experience has had a lasting impact on my life."

During the program, Tom formed a strong bond with Rusty, spending time helping him develop important skills and positive behaviours that would support him in finding a home.

For shelter animals, these interactions are incredibly valuable. The extra training, enrichment and socialisation help build confidence, strengthen positive associations with people and prepare animals for life beyond the shelter.

Finding a forever home

As Rusty continued his journey through foster care, someone else was beginning to fall in love with him.

Justine Hickey, who was Chair of RSPCA Queensland's Board at the time, volunteered to foster Rusty while he waited for adoption.

What began as fostering quickly became something more.

Before long, Rusty had firmly secured his place in the family, and Justine made the decision to officially adopt him.

Eight years later, Rusty is still enjoying life as a much-loved family member.

What Justine didn't know at the time was the important role Tom had played in Rusty's journey before he arrived in her home.

Veteran Tom reunites with rescue dog Rusty

Years later, while visiting RSPCA Queensland's Animal Care Campus, Justine noticed a poster featuring a familiar face.

"I remember seeing the image and thinking, 'that's a lovely dog' before realising, 'wait, that's my dog,'" she said.

"I had no idea where his training had come from, so learning about his journey and Tom's role in it made it incredibly special."

The discovery led to a heartwarming reunion between Rusty, Tom and Justine - bringing together the people whose lives had been connected by one rescue dog.

For Tom, seeing Rusty again after all those years was an emotional experience.

"It gave me goosebumps and really brings everything full circle" he said.

How animal-assisted programs benefit rescue animals and veterans  

Rusty's story highlights the incredible impact programs like Happy Paws Happy Hearts can have on both people and animals.

For participants, the program provides connection, purpose and opportunities to build confidence and wellbeing. For rescue animals, it offers valuable enrichment, training and positive social experiences that help prepare them for their future homes.

In just one month at RSPCA Queensland's Wacol campus, Happy Paws Happy Hearts participants contributed approximately 346 hours of animal training, enrichment and socialisation, resulting in 692 interactions with animals in care.

These moments may seem small, but for animals waiting in shelters they can make a profound difference.

For Rusty, those interactions helped support him on the path to adoption.

For Tom, they helped restore a sense of purpose and belonging.

And for Justine, they ultimately led to welcoming a wonderful dog into her family.

Rusty's journey is a reminder that rescue animals don't just change their own lives when they find a home. Sometimes, they change ours too.

Inspired by Rusty's story? Whether you're looking to adopt, foster, volunteer or support programs that help animals in need, there are many ways to make a difference for pets waiting for their second chance.