Meet the Volunteer ‘Grandparents’ Behind the W Litter: Marg & Jeff

When long-time See Differently volunteers Marg and Jeff heard that brood dog Eva was due to have her first litter, they jumped at the chance to help.

Not only have they been whelping litters for six years, but this particular litter – known as the W Litter – holds special meaning. Eva is the daughter of Ava, a dog they raised from just eight weeks old, and who went on to have three litters for See Differently and is now their “forever dog”.

That makes them, in their own words, “semi-grandparents” to Eva’s nine gorgeous pups, who are now beginning their journey to become life-changing Guide and Assistance Dogs.

“We have the pups for eight weeks, and we make sure that the mother dog is well fed and hydrated and all of her needs are met,” Marg says.

“And we also help her with the caring of the pups by providing a clean environment, and a safe environment, and an interesting environment.”

All See Differently puppies are whelped in a home environment, which is vital for their early socialisation as future assistance dogs. Being exposed to the everyday sights and sounds of a house, like the kettle boiling, doors closing, the TV, the vacuum cleaner, and general household activity, helps prepare them for the real world. Just as importantly, being around people all the time helps them build the confidence and calm temperament essential for their future roles.

Marg and Jeff’s volunteer story started as newly retired dog lovers looking to give back. After the loss of their own Labrador, they began volunteering as Puppy Educators, caring for young pups and preparing them for formal training.

“We saw the flexibility in puppy educating in that we could care for a dog and do all the things that were required, but should we decide to go away for a short holiday, there would be other volunteers who could mind that pup,” Marg says.

When Ava, their third pup, was chosen as a breeding dog, Marg and Jeff transitioned to whelping, helping dogs give birth and raise their litters in the earliest, most critical stage of life. The W Litter is now the fourth litter they’ve whelped.

“We took Ava on as a pup, and from eight weeks old we did all of her puppy educating right up to the stage where she was nominated to be a breeding dog,” Marg says.

“When she was chosen to be a brood, we liked the idea that we could help her through that. She was comfortable with us, and the idea of helping her with a litter of puppies was very appealing.”

Despite the round-the-clock care, Marg and Jeff say it’s always exciting to see a litter born and watching the puppies grow.

“You have all these beautiful little puppies, and I find it fascinating the way nature takes over,” Marg says.

“Eva is a first-time mum, and yet she took to doing all the things like cleaning them, feeding them – I love watching the puppies start to feed on their mum for the first time. It really is special.”

The couple also loves observing each puppy’s development and emerging personalities.

“Every day is a new stage in their development,” Jeff says.

“It gives you a real buzz.”

Whelping may be behind-the-scenes work, but for Marg and Jeff, it’s a deeply rewarding experience.

“The ultimate thing is knowing that they’re going to help someone, somewhere in some way, shape or form in their life,” Marg says.

“Eight weeks out of your life is nothing really, and the rewards are just fabulous.”

What makes it even more special is seeing the impact years down the line, when a puppy they helped raise graduates as a working Guide or Assistance Dog.

“We’ve met several of our puppies that are now out as working Guide Dogs and that’s pretty special,” Marg says.

“You hear from a client how thrilled they are to have them and what a difference they’re making in their life.”

As Eva’s nine puppies will soon embark on the next stage of their journey, Marg and Jeff will no doubt be cheering them on – with all the pride of grandparents watching their family grow.

Thinking about volunteering? Now’s the perfect time to get involved and make a real difference. We’d love to hear from you >> https://bit.ly/SeeDifferentlyVolunteer