A litter of rescue puppies are now ready to go off to their new homes - thanks to the help of their foster mums on Dogs Trust’s Home From Home programme.
The four male Lurcher cross puppies arrived as part of an unplanned litter, when their owner, who realised they could not take care of them, acted responsibly and brought them into the care of Dogs Trust West Calder.
The pups were immediately placed with volunteer foster carer Janet, who hand-reared them during the pivotal first weeks of their life.
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After three weeks, another fantastic foster carer, Linda, took over as foster mum and continued to give the puppies all the love they needed, including much-needed socialisation and regular vet check-ups.
Thanks to the care and love they received from Janet and Linda, the puppies are now almost eight weeks old and ready to start new lives in their first – and hopefully final - homes.
Linda, who has been caring for the foursome alongside her husband Michael, said: “I’ve definitely felt like a surrogate mother over the last month or so, and like any parent will say, even though my babies might be a lot of work, I wouldn’t change them for the world!
“The puppies have been a joy to look after and it has been a fantastic experience, being able to see their little personalities shine through as they grow. It is sad to see them go but I love knowing how much of a positive impact I’ve had on their lives and it is so rewarding to think they are going off to be part of a family that will cherish them as much as I have.”
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Stephen Thomson, Home From Home co-ordinator at Dogs Trust West Calder added: “Both Janet and Linda have provided all the motherly love and care the pups needed and now all four of the playful little lads are thriving and are ready to move in with their new families this weekend.
“Although it might be the end of their time in foster care, they are just beginning their exciting adventure as part of a permanent family.
“There are still plenty of dogs at the rehoming centre who could benefit from a loving new home or time in foster care, so we would love to find lots more surrogate mums and dads to take on a pet, either on a permanent or temporary basis.”
Dogs Trust’s Home from Home Foster programme was developed to give dog lovers who are not in a position to adopt on a permanent basis, the opportunity to experience the rewards of dog ownership on a temporary basis; helping homeless hounds experience life in a home environment.
All foster families receive full support and advice regarding the dog in their care.
If you would like more information on becoming a foster carer, or are interested in adopting a rescue dog, please give the West Calder centre a call on 01506536840 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/our-centres/west-cald
