Nambour residents gathered at Coes Creek recently, to say thank you to local businesspeople and individuals who helped raise funds to secure a smart pup for local teen Will Bell.

The 14-year-old has a range of health challenges, including Cerebral Palsy, restricted 60% lung capacity, Autism, vision and hearing impairment, epilepsy, intellectual impairment and a wide range of issues stemming from those conditions.

Last year, community members — who raised $25,000 in just six months — helped him secure a smart pup, Tallis, to assist him and support him to him live a more full life.The new pet had an almost immediate life-saving benefit.

“Virtually in the first week, Will had a seizure and Tallis was there to save him, which was fantastic,” Terry Clark, who works with Smart Pups, said at the thankyou gathering.

Securing the right dog for Will was an extra challenge, as trainers found out he was allergic to conventional dog hair – Labradoodle hair is fine.

“Tallis is always kissing me and putting his head in my lap to let me know everything is ok,” Will said when his new friend first came into is life.

“I am so happy I have my handsome Tallis.”

Smart Pups is a local Sunshine Coast organisation — started in Pomona in 2011 — that breeds, rears and trains puppies to become help dogs for children with conditions like epilepsy, autism, those in wheelchairs, and other special needs.

The organisation started off in a bedroom of a house, but now has a training shed and office, as well as a puppy house, all donated by corporate supporters.

The day-to-day operations are all funded by donations.

Further details (including testimonials from recipients of Smart Pups assistance dogs) can be found at: www.smartpups.org.au

— Richard Bruinsma