Ten healthy puppies have been born in Birmingham - the first of 2025 for Guide Dogs. They were born on Thursday 2nd January, arriving from 8.15pm in the evening.
The pups belong to proud parents Rebecca, a three-year-old golden retriever who has become a mum for the second time, and two-year-old Labrador Danny, who is a first-time dad.
Now just a week old, these pups don’t yet have names, and their sole focus is getting milk from mum and snoozing.
Guide Dogs Breeding Dog Volunteer Sue Davy, who looks after mum Rebecca and the pups, said: “Rebecca is a fantastic mum. She absolutely dotes upon her puppies and has taken everything in her stride.
“I’m really excited to see these puppies grow and develop their individual personalities over the next few weeks. It’s been the most wonderful start to the new year.”
Both parents, Rebecca and Danny, were handpicked to join the Guide Dogs breeding programme as they were considered top dogs, chosen for their intelligence, calmness, confidence and good health.
Next month, these puppies will take the next step and make their way to the Guide Dogs National Centre outside Leamington Spa, where they’ll receives vaccinations, microchips and health checks – and plenty of cuddles. They’ll then make their way to one of Guide Dogs many hundreds of volunteer Puppy Raisers all over the UK.
Janine Dixon, Breeding and Welfare Lead for Guide Dogs said: “Even though they haven’t yet opened their eyes, Rebecca’s puppies are at the very start of a long journey to becoming life-changing guide dogs of the future.
“They will be raised and trained with all the love and support they need to give them the best chance to qualify as a trusted partner to a blind or visually impaired person.
“Guide Dogs is aiming to breed 1,200 puppies in 2025, and it all starts here. This would never be possible without the support of Breeding Dog Volunteers like Sue, who give loving homes to our guide dog mums year-round, and then devote a huge amount of time and energy when a new litter is born.
“We’re always on the lookout for more help, as we’re looking to place 100 new guide dog mums like Rebecca in homes throughout 2025.”
