Two litters of guide dog puppies born just one day apart are being celebrated by their volunteer “guide dog mum mums” as they take the next step on their journey towards becoming life-changing assistance dogs.
The puppies, raised by volunteers in Bicester and Marlow, are among the first guide dogs to be born in the South East under an expanded Guide Dogs breeding programme. This week, at seven weeks old, they leave their temporary homes and head to the charity’s National Centre in Leamington Spa.
Their milestone coincides with Volunteers’ Week (01 to 07 June), which recognises the contribution made by volunteers across the UK.
Among those being celebrated is Jacquie from Bicester, who became a Brood Breeding Dog Holder for the first time when guide dog mum Ulanda gave birth to a litter of seven puppies – four boys and three girls – on 13 April.
Jacquie said: “I was already a full-time mum of three and marketing consultant. Now I’m also a Breeding Dog Holder, or guide dog mum mum.
“I signed up the same day I heard about the role. We’d been planning to get another dog after our two sadly passed away, so it felt easy saying yes to a dog that can leave a positive mark beyond our own family, particularly since my husband and I work from home. Ulanda’s pups will hopefully go on to make a real difference for people with sight loss.”
The day before Ulanda’s litter arrived, guide dog mum Betsy gave birth to nine puppies in Marlow. While it was Betsy’s first litter, volunteer Sandra is no stranger to the role, having previously cared for Betsy’s mother and grandmother.
Sandra said: “I’d never had a dog before Poppy, my first guide dog mum. Now, I’ve got Poppy, Poppy’s daughter Riley, Riley’s daughter Betsy, and Betsy and her puppies all living under one roof.
“Each litter’s little milestones are just as special as the last. From the first time their eyes open and their first solid foods, right through to saying goodbye. Watching the mums get back to enjoying everyday dog life and keeping in touch with guide dog owners I’ve met along the way puts it in perspective and makes everything worthwhile.”
Guide dog puppies remain with Brood Breeding Dog Holders for at least six weeks before moving to Guide Dogs’ National Centre, where they begin the next stage of their development.
The charity recently expanded the role across East Berkshire, South Buckinghamshire and parts of Oxfordshire, allowing more local people to volunteer. Guide Dogs is now looking for 30 additional Brood Breeding Dog Holders across the region.
Su Price, Breeding Dog Advisor for Guide Dogs in the South East, said: “Breeding Dog Holders have a hugely important and rewarding role to play. By giving a guide dog mum a loving, long-term home, and helping her bring puppies into the world, you’ll help us provide more life-changing guide dogs to people with sight loss.
“Guide Dogs is there to support every step of the way. We ensure volunteers have all the training and equipment they need to feel well-prepared to care for our mums and their puppies when they arrive.”
Volunteers need a secure garden, access to a car, and must live within the charity’s catchment area. Guide Dogs covers volunteering and litter-related expenses, including veterinary care, food and specialist breeding equipment.
With hundreds of people across the UK currently waiting for a guide dog, the charity hopes more people in Oxfordshire and the surrounding region will consider helping to raise the next generation of guide dogs.
To find out more about becoming a Brood Breeding Dog Holder, visit the Guide Dog’s website
