Marlow family raise 3 generations of Guide Dog puppies

The family took in their very first dog, Poppy, 6 years back and trained as volunteers for the Guide Dog charity after their puppy certified to be a guide dog mum. 

Mum Sandra said she at first wasn’t sure whether to present a dog into the family due to the fact that of her kid’s worries, however rather the brand-new member of the family led her down a suddenly gratifying course.

“I have 4 kids and they were all leaving home and going off to university apart from among my children who has autism and was frightened of dogs.

“But I had actually been informed how fantastic dogs can be in assisting youths with autism and when Poppy showed up, it was love at very first sight.”

After Poppy brought to life her very first guide dog litter, the family chose to raise among the puppies themselves – Riley, who followed in her mum’s steps to likewise end up being a guide dog mom.

Sandra said: “We had mom and child – Poppy and Riley – cohabiting and Riley had her very first litter in March 2022 so we are now raising her child also, Vera.

“We have 3 generations all maturing here together and it is really wonderful!”

The experience likewise motivated Sandra’s child, Annie, to follow in her mum’s steps and volunteer for the Guide Dogs charity so she might help in the puppies’ birth and aftercare. 

Sandra has actually explained the experience as a psychological rollercoaster which had plenty of highlights, specifically seeing the small fur balls turn into the fantastic dogs they are today.

She said: “Being part of the guide dog family is so gratifying. Poppy had her last litter in December 2021 and will now spend her retirement with us.

“Riley will have another litter this year and Vera will be leaving us in a couple of months to go to school and begin the next chapter of her life as a completely trained dog – how happy we will be when she certifies!”

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Operations Manager at the Guide Dogs charity, Kelly Newton, said that more houses are urgently required for guide dog mums.

Owners ready to house the dogs will have all expenses covered by the charity, with the animals needing the exact same strolls, care and business as any other family pet. 

Kelly included: “They likewise require assistance when they have their litters of life-altering pups, normally as soon as a year, which we train our volunteers for. Giving a home to a guide dog mum is exceptionally gratifying – if you believe you might help, please do contact us.”

To learn more, readers can email [email protected] or call 08007811444.