Golden Retriever Guide Dog Nicknamed 'Dogfather' Set to Retire After Having 300 Puppies
Guide dogs greatly enhance the lives of people with visual impairments and one dog from the UK has certainly done his share of contributing, after fathering over 300 puppies. The dog, named Trigger, was part of the Banbury Guide Dogs breeding program, and he is now set to retire.
The charity hopes that one of his sons, named Billy, might continue his dad's legacy.
The nine-year-old golden retriever fathered 39 litters, including one in 2021 with 16 puppies which was a record-breaking number for Guide Dogs.
The BBC reports, "Trigger's final litter is made up of five daughters named Jenny, Rita, Hermione, Sandy and Indy, and one son, Billy. The charity said that the eight-week-old puppies were about to start their guide dog journeys and would be living with volunteer "puppy raisers" for the next year of their lives. Trigger will retire in Banbury, where his breeding dog volunteer for the past seven years, Sarah Bryne, will officially adopt him."
Related: Guide Dog Makes History As First Canine To Walk the 'Golden Globes' Red Carpet
This is such an amazing legacy and Trigger, who is nicknamed 'The Dogfather', has done so much to help people all across the UK navigate the world around them. What a good boy he is!
How To Interact With A Guide Dog
Before petting a guide or service dog, you should always ask their owner or handler. Even if you see a guide dog not wearing their service harness, you should always ask for permission before interacting with the dog, so that the handler can maintain control.
Always give guide and service dogs the right of way. Practice good etiquette by moving to the side and allowing the handler and dog to pass. Never attempt to grab or steer the person while the dog is guiding or attempt to hold the dog's harness. You should ask if the handler needs your assistance and, if so, offer your left arm.
Never feed a guide or service dog without their owner's permission.
Speak to the handler, not the dog, and never give their service dog commands.
Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), people with disabilities are allowed to be accompanied by their guide or service dog in all places the public is permitted.
If you would like to make a donation or find out ways you can help including volunteering, you can visit the website for GuideDogs UK here.
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