MARCH

AT EIGHT weeks, the puppies are big enough to leave mum Lily — who has had enough of their mischievous ways and insatiable appetites. After running amok in the house and causing plenty of trouble in the garden, they are ready to start their new lives. While Claire takes Tala and Nel, only Tala will live with her. In time, he will be trained as a bio-detection dog. Nel, earmarked to be a medical alert assistance dog, is placed with one of the charity’s expert puppy socialisers. ‘These volunteers take our puppies in and prepare them to be an assistance dog,’ says Claire. It’s an emotional moment for everyone.