A tiny pup has provided a rare treat for sight loss charity Guide Dogs.
The female pup is not only the first to be born this year at the Guide Dogs National Breeding Centre, just outside Leamington Spa, she is also the only one in mum Ele's first litter - a rare occurrence according to staff.
Her mum Ele, a Golden Retriever - gave birth to her bundle of fur on January 8 at the centre.
The tiny pup weighed in at just under half a kilo.
She will be named when she is around seven weeks old.
Matthew Bottomley, Head of Breeding Operations for Guide Dogs, said: “Our average litter size at Guide Dogs is around seven and, although we’ve had litters of just one in the past, it is rare.
“Once an ultra-sound scan revealed that Guide Dog Mum Ele was due to have just one puppy, our team of experts were able to introduce additional monitoring to ensure both mum and pup received the best care. They received 24-hr care at our centre and both are now doing well at home, with a local family who volunteer for Guide Dogs.
“We’re following government guidelines closely in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic and look forward to continuing our vital work at our centre this year, where safe to do so.”
The centre would usually breed around 1,300 puppies a year.
Breeding had to be paused for three months in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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