With the help of volunteer Maureen Ross, guide dog mum Kim delivered her second litter on Christmas Day. The puppies were due on the 28th of December but evidently didn’t want to miss out on the Christmas fun and made an unexpected early arrival.
Kelly Newton, Operations Manager at Guide Dogs, said: “It’s very rare for a litter of guide dog pups to be born on Christmas Day, so a special thank you to Maureen and her family for changing their celebrations so they could support guide dog mum Kim and her litter.”
Maureen has been a volunteer Breeding Dog Holder for Guide Dogs for three years. Maureen said: “We were delighted it was Christmas Day when the puppies were born – it seemed apt, Kim giving birth to little Christmas miracles that will change people’s lives.
“It was early afternoon when Kim went into labour and all the puppies were born by early evening. She had seven healthy back Labrador pups, four boys and three girls. My daughter’s partner cooked us Christmas dinner and they delivered it in the evening, so they got to meet the pups too.
“It is an indescribable experience having litters of guide dog puppies born in your home, which we feel honoured to be able to have.
“As a Breeding Dog Holder, you are matched with a dog that you don’t have any expense for, and you know that the dog’s temperament is going to be great.
“You have full support from Guide Dogs every step of the way when your dog has a litter and they give you all the advice you need.”
Hot on their heels came more excitement – the first Guide Dogs litter of 2023 have also made their entrance! Guide dog mum Sylvia, a yellow labrador who lives in Leamington Spa with volunteers Gillian and Adrian Parsons, had eight puppies on the 6th of January. The puppies' dad, Hartmann, is also a yellow labrador.
A huge thank you and well done to all our Breeding Dog Holders for taking such good care of our guide dog mums and dads and for helping bring the puppies safely into the world - and a very warm welcome to our new future life-changers!
