Volunteers will help raise a new litter of golden retriever Labrador cross puppies.
UK charity Medical Detection Dogs is appealing for volunteers to help raise its new litter of assistance puppies.
The four golden retriever Labrador cross puppies were born on 19 July and will one day, be trained to detect serious illnesses such as bowel cancer and Parkinson’s disease, much faster and less invasively than other methods.
The dogs may also go on to provide life-changing support as Medical Alert Assistance Dogs.
Medical Detection Dogs is specifically looking for volunteers to assist with the puppies’ basic daily training, and gradually increase their exposure to public environments.
Chris Allen, head of dog supply and training at Medical Detection Dogs, said: “The arrival of this new litter is a joyful milestone for us, but it comes with a pressing challenge. To continue our groundbreaking work in the fight against life-threatening diseases, we urgently need more volunteer puppy socialisers to step forward.
“Their role is absolutely critical; without them these dogs cannot gain the vital foundations they need to one day save lives as disease detection and assistance dogs”.
Volunteers should ideally be based within an hour of Medical Detection Dogs hubs in Milton Keynes, Essex or Perth.
Socialisers should also be at home regularly with their puppy, provide them with their daily nutritional needs, follow positive training methods, and introduce them to a wide variety of everyday environments.
Image (C) Medical Detection Dogs.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
