Guide Dogs: Worcestershire pooch finds forever home

Lottie is cared for by her breeding dog volunteers, Avril and Brian Lancaster from Rubery, and helps play a vital role in bringing future guide dogs into the world. 

She is one of nine guide dog mums whose dad is Guide Dogs 'Dogfather' Trigger, a prolific stud dog who has fathered 39 litters totalling more than 300 puppies before his retirement last year. 

Most of the time, guide dog mums are like any other pet dog, but during their time on the charity’s breeding programme, they will have litters of pups who are born in volunteers’ homes.  

Lottie and her father Trigger (Image: Guide Dogs)

Brian Lancaster said: "During lockdown, we saw a local newspaper article about signing up to look after a guide dog mum and we thought we’d give it a try.  

"Lottie has had one litter of seven puppies so far and is due to have her second litter next year. She is a fabulous dog, and she is the absolute perfect mum – she really did look after her little ones. 

"It was a great experience having a litter at home. It was hard work at times, but such a joy as well. We ended up having to make up a diary to book people in for time slots because everyone wanted to meet them. 

"The best thing about the role for us is the pleasure of knowing that we can help others by doing what we do. It’s also lovely to have Lottie with us as effectively a family pet when she isn’t having a litter. "

Lottie's litter (Image: Guide Dogs)

Volunteers can enjoy the company of the puppies for around eight weeks before they move out to start the first stages of their guide dog training. 

The charity covers all the costs involved with having a guide dog mum living with you including food and bet costs and when the dog retires from the breeding programme, they can enjoy their retirement with you. 

Mr Lancaster said: "We tell everyone that Lottie’s dad is the famous Trigger, who you may have seen on the TV.  

"Guide Dogs give you all the help you could ever need. It's just so rewarding for us.”  

Lottie's puppy (Image: Guide Dogs)

Sam Smith, Guide Dogs Breeding dog advisor covering the local area, said: "Lottie is one of several life-changing guide dog mums we have living across the Midlands.  

"She’s a natural mum, and she’s helping to carry on the legacy of our world-famous guide dog dad Trigger. 

"We’re currently looking for more homes for our guide dog mums across the Midlands and we provide our Breeding Dog Volunteers with expert training, so they are well-equipped to care for their doggy mum, and her litters.  

"If you’d like to find out more about this rewarding volunteering role, please do get in touch." 

Lottie has already had one litter of seven puppies (Image: Guide Dogs)

The charity’s national centre is just outside Leamington Spa and you need to live within an hour’s drive of this site to do the role. 

For more information on providing a home for a guide dog mum contact volunteering coordinator Verity O'Donnell at voluntermidlands@guidedogs.org.uk or call 0800 781 1444.