Puppy love seems to work for Tom
A DOG named Zeus has given a Noosaville doctor a good reason for a 5.30am wake-up call.
The 16-week-old black labrador is a Smartpup-trained dog - a specially chosen puppy trained to help nine-year-old Tom, who suffers from epilepsy and severe learning difficulties.
Tom's dad, Noosaville-based Dr Stephen Grandison, is hoping to raise money for this extraordinary dog training program by entering his first competitive run, the Noosa Winter Festival half marathon.
Dr Grandison said the dog's training meant it could detect behaviour outside of the child's normal behaviour pattern, track wandering children and even pre-empt seizures.
"Most families do not receive their Smartpup until they have graduated at around 14 months of age, but my wife Sarah and children Ben, Tom and Katie took on the pup at just six weeks old and are helping with the training," he said.
It looks like the Grandison family's new member has found himself a home.
"It seems the program is working, as Zeus has already bonded with Tom and the rest of the family," Dr Grandison said.
"And more than anything it is constant companionship for Tom."
If you would like to sponsor Stephen in his run, call in at Noosaville 7 Day Medical Centre or visit givenow.com.au/smartpups.
