Now, halfway through his final year of school, the 18-year-old is training Beau the wolfhound as a therapy dog within a nursing home setting.

“Part of it is research, mine is split into working with Beau and Kylie [Wolstencroft] at the nursing home and submitting a proposal to get him into the school for therapy,” Mr Crack said.

Beau’s owner Kylie Wolstencroft is a psychologist and has worked with therapy dogs in Melbourne before she moved to Tasmania.

“What we are seeing is really postive things at the nursing home and days when he is at school,” she said.

“He helps to settle anxiety, he is comforting to anyone who is upset and he will go and lean on them or rest his head on them.”

She said Beau was able to have an instant calming effect but he was also able to read the room.

“He can match people’s mood, so if they are playful and excited he will play or if they are sad he will sit with them and comfort them,” Ms Wolstencroft said.

Mr Crack said the school team was at the Million Paws Walk to give Beau, and his friends, an outing and raise funds for the RSPCA.

“Working with animals just clicked into place … it’s just one of those things, I have always have that special bond with animals and especially with dogs,” he said.

Also attending the annual fundraiser were dressed-up dachshunds Sasha and Johnny.

Their owners, sisters Holly and Tenille Taylor, said the dogs held special places in their hearts.

“I just love to dress up my little baby girl, she is such a princess and it’s Johnny’s first time and he goes for Geelong so we thought he could also be dressed up,” Tenille Taylor said.

RSPCA Tasmania reported that there was a significant spike in first-time participants signing-up for the six different Million Paws Walk events across the state on Sunday.

Launceston Animal Care Centre manager Lorraine Hamilton said entertainment include musical mutts mats, like musical chairs, fetch The Examiner and a best dressed competition.

“We have the sloppiest grin and waggiest tail competition and of course the big walk,” she said.