The charity Guide Dogs has welcomed its first guide dog pup of 2020 into the world. The yellow labradoodle pup was born at 15:08 on 2 January at the home of a Guide Dogs volunteer in Hanbury, Warwickshire. The as–yet unnamed male puppy is one of over 1,200 new guide dog pups expected to be born this year.
The pup and his eight siblings were delivered safely by their mother, Emma, under the care of the volunteer. Exclusive footage and photography give a first glimpse of them settling in with mum in their first home.
In about eight weeks’ time, the pups will go to the homes of other volunteers, where they’ll learn and grow for the next 12-16 months. They will then begin training and continue their journey to become a fully qualified guide dog.
Brood Supervisor, Tim Bloomfield, said: “Being a part of the journey of a guide dog is so rewarding. Knowing that these pups are coming into the world to make such a huge difference to the lives of people living with sight loss makes it an incredible experience to be a part of.
“There are many stages to ensuring a guide dog pup becomes a fully qualified, working guide dog and our supporters and volunteers are essential in making this happen. We couldn’t do it without them!”
Guide Dogs are calling for the public to sponsor a puppy through their journeys to become fully qualified guide dogs. For more information or to sponsor a puppy, visit: guidedogs.org.uk/sponsor