By Margaret Maccoll
It’s hard to resist the cute appeal of a golden retriever puppy and Smart Pups Assistance Dogs charity store at Noosaville had a few on hand on Saturday to lure in potential foster carers.
With nine puppies born six months ago and another nine born on Saturday, the organisation is keen to find some more foster carers.
The not-for-profit organisation trains service dogs to improve the quality of life for children with autism and seizure-related syndromes.
Since launching in 2011, the organisation has placed about 34 dogs with families and had a profound effect on their day-to-day lives.
Foster manager Kate Taylor said foster carers were always needed for full and part-time roles to look after puppies until they were 12 to 14 months.
“You have to teach the dog good manners in the house and socialise the dog by taking them to a variety of places,” she said.
“We give you some training initially and then you can take them out and about with you. We provide everything in the way of food and medicine.”
The dogs are specially trained and matched with a child.
Giving up the puppy may be the most difficult part for some foster carers, but they can be satisfied knowing how much it is helping a child.
Kate said fostering dogs suited people who liked to have a dog for a year, but then wanted to travel.
She said part-time carers were always available to look after puppies if someone wanted to go away.
To find out more about becoming a puppy foster carer, call 5485 0031 or email enquiries@smartpups.org.au
