Charlie Brown’s positive presence

Santa’s furry, four-legged helper was busy bringing festive fun to the children’s ward at Dunedin Hospital yesterday.

Every month, SPCA dog squad volunteer Jay Nixon brings her bichon-Maltese-shih-tzu cross dog Charlie Brown to the children’s ward to entertain staff and the hospital’s youngest patients.

But yesterday, to get into the holiday spirit, Charlie Brown was dressed in a colourful elf outfit.

Junior doctor Jon Anderson said the staff were in love with Charlie.

"We always love having him here because he takes our mind off work," Dr Anderson said.

Enjoying Charlie Brown’s visit yesterday were (from left), staff members Angela Anderson and Dr Anderson, patient Archer Barton, and staff member Nic Allis.

REPORT: VALU MAKA