Two mums, two litters and three generations under one roof. At Purpose Dogs, a very special family story is unfolding. Fleury and her daughter Lotus became mums almost at the same time and are raising their puppies together at the home of Sylvia and her family.
Having two litters in one home at the same time is already quite extraordinary. But when the two mother dogs are also mother and daughter, it becomes an even more unique story.
Fleury is a breeding dog within the Purpose Dogs breeding programme. Before giving birth, she came to stay with Sylvia and her family. As a maternity host family, they welcome her during the final weeks of her pregnancy and provide Fleury and her puppies with a warm home throughout the puppies’ first eight weeks of life.
Fleury gave birth to four puppies. And while her little ones were growing and beginning to discover the world around them, her own daughter Lotus was also preparing to become a mum.
From mother to daughter
Lotus was born in one of Fleury’s previous litters and was later selected as a breeding dog within our programme herself. Her permanent home is with Sylvia and her family. Op 11 september beviel ook Lotus van 6 pups.
Suddenly, the house is home to not one, but two litters of future assistance dogs. Fleury and Lotus are raising their puppies at the same time, bringing three generations together under one roof.
A remarkable family story that quite literally shows how our mission continues from one generation to the next.
Two litters under one roof
For Sylvia and her family, this means quite a few extra family members at home. As a host family, they are already familiar with the ins and outs of raising a litter of puppies. But having two mother dogs raising their puppies almost simultaneously is an exceptional experience for them too.
“It’s incredibly special to see Fleury here with her puppies while, at the same time, watching Lotus become a mum herself. Our home is pretty full right now, but it’s wonderful to see those three generations together. It also reminds you why you do it. In just a few weeks, these puppies will each leave to begin their own journey. Hopefully, one day, they will play an important role in the life of someone who needs an assistance dog.”
— Sylvia, host family and board member at Purpose Dogs
After their first eight weeks, a new chapter begins for the puppies. They will say goodbye to their mother and host family and leave for specialised assistance dog organisations, where they will continue their journey towards becoming assistance dogs.
Today, they are still tiny puppies growing up together under one roof. But what starts here on such a small scale may one day grow into something much bigger. Each of these puppies has the potential to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life and independence.
Would you like to be there at the beginning of a story like this too?
Host families play an essential role during the first weeks of our future assistance dogs’ lives. That is why we are always looking for warm and welcoming families willing to open their homes to a mother dog and her puppies.
Curious about what being a host family involves and which type might suit you? Find out everything you need to know about becoming a host family.