Nine Adorable Guide Dog Puppies Born in Donegal Celebrate New Beginnings

Nine puppies born in Downings, Donegal, are set to embark on life-changing journeys as they prepare to become guide dogs, assistance dogs, or community dogs. These Labrador pups are the latest addition to the breeding programme run by the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, marking the third litter born in Donegal since the programme’s inception in the region.

The proud mother, Nutmeg, is cared for by volunteer Lesley Newberry, while the father is a black Labrador named Tatum. Nutmeg arrived in Donegal as a puppy in 2023 and was identified early on as a potential breeding candidate due to her excellent lineage. After completing her initial training, she underwent a series of rigorous assessments at around twelve months old, evaluating her temperament, motivation, and overall health. Only those dogs meeting the strict standards are selected for the breeding programme.

The nine pups, born just under two weeks ago, have been officially named, following the alphabetical naming convention for guide dog litters. This latest litter, referred to as the “Y litter,” consists of six males and three females, with names including Yumi, Yeats, Yannic, Ygor, Yelo, Yorrick, Yanna, Yosef, and Yolo. The next litter will begin with names starting with “A,” while “X” and “Z” present unique challenges for future naming.

Lesley Newberry expressed her joy in caring for Nutmeg and her puppies, stating, “I am loving looking after Nutmeg and her babies. Although I’ve been through every emotion you can think of!” This is her first experience with a breeding dog, but she received extensive support from the guide dog organization.

“The support has been unbelievable,” she noted. “The Guide Dogs sent one of their breeding staff up from Cork, a qualified veterinary nurse—almost like Call the Midwife! She got here in the nick of time because Nutmeg was four days early. Over 12 hours, the pups kept coming. We were expecting five or six, but she had nine big, strong, healthy pups.”

The volunteer community has rallied around Lesley and Nutmeg to provide assistance with the puppies. Lesley mentioned, “Everyone is already offering help to puppy sit. It won’t just be me raising these pups; it’ll be the whole Donegal branch. We are very proud of what we have done.”

The impact of puppy raising is profound, as Lesley recalls her first pup, who transformed the life of a young blind woman in Scotland. She reflected, “Seeing the independence, companionship, and confidence these dogs provide makes every moment worthwhile. I get more out of it than I put in.”

The Donegal branch of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind has expanded significantly since its inception, growing from five founding members to approximately fifty volunteers involved in various capacities, including fundraising, puppy raising, and temporary boarding.

Puppy raisers are essential to the programme, guiding pups from nine weeks to about fourteen months. Their role is to help the young dogs develop through critical stages, including socialization and basic training. According to Niamh Daly, Puppy Raising Supervisor Team Lead, “the more different places they’re comfortable and relaxed in, the more independence and mobility their future partner will have.”

To become a puppy raiser, individuals must have a secure enclosed garden, be at least 18 years old, maintain a flexible schedule, and have no children under five for safety reasons. Interested volunteers can apply online and will receive training through webinars and e-learning, along with a virtual home visit from a puppy raising supervisor. All food, equipment, and veterinary costs are covered, and a strong community network provides ongoing support, including temporary boarding when volunteers are away.

Niamh described the experience as “a lovely way to have a dog in your home without the long-term commitment and also make a massive difference to somebody’s life.”

For those interested in joining this rewarding initiative, further information is available through the Irish Guide Dogs Donegal Branch Facebook page or their website. Each volunteer plays a crucial role in shaping the future of these guide dogs, ensuring they can provide essential support to those in need.