A golden retriever who’s fathered more than 300 guide dog puppies has now finally retired.
Trigger, who is Guide Dogs’ star stud dog and is affectionately – and very cleverly – nicknamed the ‘Dogfather’, has been dad to 39 litters of puppies during his nine years on this earth, including one litter back in 2021 with an incredible 16 puppies, which is a record-breaking number for the long-standing charity.
In total, 294 of Trigger’s puppies have been bred by Guide Dogs, and a further 29 pups have also been born thanks to his valuable ‘collaborations’ with other assistance dog charities and guide dog schools.
This puts his grand total at 323 puppies.
A golden retriever who’s fathered more than 300 guide dog puppies has now finally retired / Credit: Guide Dogs
The handsome goldie’s final litter was made up of five daughters named Jenny, Rita, Hermione, Sandy, and Indy, and one son, Billy, and these now eight-week-old pups will be living with the charity’s volunteer Puppy Raisers for the next year of their lives, all before they go on to begin their guide dog training journeys.
ADVERTISEMENT
But, after a long and undeniably successful career within Guide Dogs’ breeding programme, it’s officially time for Trigger to call it a day.
The charity says his legacy can be seen in the “independence and confidence” that all his pups have brought to the lives of blind and partially-sighted people all over Britain, as Trigger is the father of guide dogs working just about everywhere – including London, Glasgow, and Cardiff, and even out in Guernsey and the Isle of Wight too.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Trigger’s wonderful, gentle nature and excellent health have made him the perfect asset to our breeding program,” commented Janine Dixon, who is the Head of Breeding Operations at Guide Dogs.
“We can’t overstate the impact that Trigger has in helping us to provide so many guide dogs for people with sight loss.”
Guide Dogs’ star stud dog, Trigger, has been dad to 39 litters of puppies / Credit: Guide Dogs
So, what’s next for Trigger then?
ADVERTISEMENT
Well, he’s off to take a well-earned rest and live out the rest of his retired days with Breeding Dog Volunteer, Sarah Bryne, who has looked after him for the past seven years, and will now officially adopt him.
Enjoy your retirement Trigger – you deserve it, legend.
Featured Image – Guide Dogs
News
Former Manchester City player Joey Barton found guilty of assaulting his wife
Danny Jones
Ex-footballer Joey Barton has officially been found guilty of assaulting his wife following his two-day trial in the capital this week.
Barton, who played for Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and a number of other clubs, was convicted at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 25 March, following an incident back in June 2021.
The former midfielder left his wife, 37-year-old Georgia Barton (McNeil), with a bleeding nose and a bruise on her forehead following a drunken row at their home in London.
Barton is said to have grabbed and pushed her to the floor before kicking her in the head. Married in 2019, the two have four children and are thought to still be together.
The 42-year-old was still employed in professional football as the manager of Bristol Rovers at the time, but he was ultimately sacked in October 2023.
His wife called 999 at the time, telling police that he had hit her, but later retracted her statement.
Born in Huyton, Merseyside, the chief magistrate Paul Goldspring recognised that the one-time England has a history of violence.
He was given a 12-week suspended prison sentence, meaning he won’t serve time unless he commits another offence and has been ordered to pay £2,138.
Since dropping out of mainstream football, in particular, Barton has come under heavy criticism for allegations of racism, sexism and controversial right-wing politics; he even started an ‘anti-woke’ podcast called Common Sense with Joey Barton.
Back in June of last year, he was ordered to pay £35,000 in damages to settle a libel claim with presenter Jeremy Vine after a series of inflammatory comments made online.
The Radio 2 presenter sued Mr Barton earlier this year, after the former footballer wrote a series of posts suggesting Mr Vine had a sexual interest in children.
He also accused of threatening fellow former pro, Eni Aluko, after a torrent of abuse regarding her punditry online – the ex-England international even went so far as to say she no longer felt safe staying in the country.
Police appeal after man seriously injured in Northern Quarter stabbing
Daisy Jackson
Greater Manchester Police are appealing for witnesses after a stabbing in the Northern Quarter left a man seriously injured.
The incident occurred around 7.45pm on Thursday 20 March, on Tib Street near Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens.
Emergency services scrambled to the scene and the victim, a man in his 20s, taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Thankfully his injuries aren’t believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
No arrests have yet been made and officers are now appealing for witnesses to assist with enquiries.
DI Geoffrey Machent, of the City of Manchester Division, said: “At around 7.45pm on Thursday 20 March, we were called to reports of a stabbing on Tib Street.
“A man was subsequently taken to hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening or life-changing. He remains there for treatment.
“At this time, we do not believe the incident presents any threat to the wider public or local businesses operating in the area.
“Neighbourhood officers will be deployed to provide reassurance in the locality over the coming days, including our newly formed Piccadilly Gardens team.
“We would like to appeal to the public for any information, or anyone who witnessed this incident, to please come forward.”
If anyone has information regarding this stabbing in the Northern Quarter, contact police by calling 101, or via the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
Emily Sergeant -
11th April 2024 
