All the pooches will likely be educated to assist the blind by the Guide Dogs charity, identical to their mum.
Raised in Glengormley by volunteer puppy raiser Catherine Craig, golden retriever Ellen proved a star pupil and was chosen for the organisation’s breeding programme of their National Centre.
Following a profitable match there was a really thrilling due date, as this first-time mum was anticipated to present delivery to 5 woman and 4 boy pups on Mother’s Day.
The 9 future life-changers had been too keen and arrived all through the evening beginning at 11pm final Wednesday (March 6).
Catherine cared for Ellen at her home when she arrived as a pup in early 2022, till early 2024.
“Ellen was a very affectionate, clever and serene pup,” she stated.
“She sailed through her first year with me and at the end of 2022 she was accepted into the Breeding Programme in Royal Leamington Spa.
“Ellen was closely monitored and underwent lots of health tests to ensure that she was in tip-top condition. In the New Year, I got word that Ellen was mated with a dashing black Labrador called Henderson.”
Since then Ellen has been fostered with the Windrow household, near the National Guide Dogs Centre in Warwickshire.
“Caroline constantly keeps me updated with pictures and videos and Ellen’s health and progress,” Catherine added, following the supply of her child canines.
“Ellen’s resting now. I’m so appreciative of Caroline’s input — puppy midwife extraordinaire. Ellen was always in safe hands as Caroline previously worked as vet nurse in the Guide Dogs National Centre.”
Last yr, in a ceremony at Parliament Buildings, Catherine was honoured with the Princess Alexandra Lifetime Achievement Award for her devotion of now 12 years, to serving to information canine puppies begin their life-changing journey.
Ellen the star Guide Dog
Catherine added: “To play my part in a guide dog’s journey is such a special undertaking which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Knowing the pup you have raised for a year or so has gone on to change someone’s life for the better, giving them independence and confidence to go live the life they want, makes the whole experience, one that I’m extremely proud to be a part of.”
Puppy raisers are volunteers who present a home, basic coaching and socialisation from when a information canine puppy is eight weeks old till it goes to superior coaching from round 14-16 months.
Puppy improvement advisor for Guide Dogs NI, Emma Steele added: “This role is full on — but it is a rewarding and humbling experience for our puppy raisers. Catherine and Ellen are the proof of what amazing things our NI Puppy Raising team can achieve, and I hope others are inspired to sign up.”
Guide Dogs NI are at present in search of new puppy raisers to broaden their scheme in Northern Ireland, in addition to fundraisers, with every canine costing over £55,000 throughout its lifetime.
For extra info and to enroll go to guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer
