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.
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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.
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“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?
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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
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Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
Emily Sergeant -
11th April 2024 
