Marlow family raise three generations of Guide Dog puppies

The family took in their first dog, Poppy, six years ago and trained as volunteers for the Guide Dog charity after their pup qualified to be a guide dog mum. 

Mum Sandra said she initially wasn't sure whether to introduce a dog into the family because of her son's fears, but instead the new family member led her down an unexpectedly rewarding path.

"I have four children and they were all leaving home and going off to university apart from one of my sons who has autism and was terrified of dogs.

"But I had been told how amazing dogs can be in helping young people with autism and when Poppy arrived, it was love at first sight."

After Poppy gave birth to her first guide dog litter, the family decided to raise one of the puppies themselves - Riley, who followed in her mum's footsteps to also become a guide dog mother.

Sandra said: "We had mother and daughter - Poppy and Riley - living together and Riley had her first litter in March 2022 so we are now raising her daughter as well, Vera.

"We have three generations all growing up here together and it is truly magical!"

The experience also encouraged Sandra's daughter, Annie, to follow in her mum's footsteps and volunteer for the Guide Dogs charity so she could assist in the puppies' birth and aftercare. 

Sandra has described the experience as an emotional rollercoaster which was full of highlights, especially watching the tiny fur balls grow into the amazing dogs they are today.

She said: "Being part of the guide dog family is so rewarding. 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 few months to go to school and begin the next chapter of her life as a fully trained dog - how proud we will be when she qualifies!"

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

Owners willing to house the dogs will have all costs covered by the charity, with the animals requiring the same walks, care and company as any other pet. 

Kelly added: "They also need support when they have their litters of life-changing pups, usually once a year, which we train our volunteers for. Giving a home to a guide dog mum is incredibly rewarding - if you think you could help, please do get in touch."

To find out more, readers can email lisa.cooke@guidedogs.org.uk or call 08007811444.