Dog lovers brought their pooches to Smartpups at Noosaville on Saturday to visit Santa, celebrate Christmas and spread their message about Smartpups therapy dogs.
Smartpups founder Patricia McAlister said the organisation had placed 100 dogs with children with special needs including autism, diabetes and epilepsy across the country since she started it six years ago and had 50 more currently in training.
The organisation grew soon after Patricia began training dogs for children with special needs.
“The demand got so much I started up a charity,” she said.
“It was the first organisation to train dogs for special needs. I never imagined it would take off like it has. It’s been hugely successful.”
Now volunteers help by fostering the Labrador, Golden Retriever and Labradoodle pups and assist with their training and more are neede.
For more information visit www.smartpups.org.au
