Bramble (pictured right with her three pups Harper, Jasper and Hattie) is one of 26 ‘mums’ who form part of our Kennel Club Assured Breeding Scheme.
For most of the year Bramble lives a normal life as a pet dog, but when the time is right she takes on the special role of being a mum bringing a new litter of potential hearing dog puppies into the world.
This Mother’s Day we’d like to say a big thank you to Bramble (she’ll get a tasty bone), her foster mum, Kelly Willcox, who volunteers her time to look after Bramble, and all our other Brood Bitch Holders. Without your help our Breeding Scheme simply wouldn’t exist. Thanks to every single one of you.
Bramble is now three years old. She has lived in the Willcox household since she was eight weeks old when Kelly volunteered as a puppy socialiser, helping to teach Bramble basic obedience and introducing her to everyday situations such as going into shops or on to public transport.
Now – as well as looking after Bramble throughout the year – Kelly also cares for Bramble throughout her pregnancy. She is there at the birth of Bramble’s puppies and helps to raise the litter until they are brought to one of the Charity’s training centres at eight weeks old.
Outside of being a mum, Bramble loves playing with tennis balls, going on walks, swimming in the river and she's brilliant with Kelly's young daughter – a total mum at heart.
And if you were wondering about her puppies, Harper, Jasper and Hattie are all in puppy socialising and are doing very well. You may even have seen Harper on our website as she is one of the current sponsor puppies and the star of our recent Valentine’s Day campaign.
If you are interested in looking after one of our hearing dog ‘mums’, please contact the Breeding Department on 01844 348 100 (voice and minicom) or email Nicola McClure at: breeding.scheme@hearingdogs.org.uk.
Photo: Nicola McClure
