THE Clarke family, who have kept golden labradors for years, had a wonderful present on Christmas Eve when their pet Tessa produced nine beautiful puppies.

Peter and Ginny Clarke, from St Martin, kept a watchful eye between 2.15 am and 10.36 am on 24 December while the puppies were being born. The births went without a hitch, with a little help from the Clarkes’ daughter Marguerite, a student home on holiday from university, who acted as midwife.

This is Tessa’s first litter, but for the proud dad Merlin, who is also owned by the couple, this is the third time that he has been a father. There are five dogs and four bitches in the litter, and they are all doing very well, with Tessa taking to motherhood very naturally. No strangers to dealing with litters of puppies, Peter and Ginny are planning to keep one of the dogs, which they have called Rudi after Rudolph because of his festive arrival.

Asked why the family were so fond of golden labradors, Peter, who has kept them since 1965, said they were docile, affectionate and intelligent. ‘Tessa is typical of the breed as she is very gentle. She is also being very patient with her puppies,’ he said. Within a week or two, the puppies will be given porridge to start weaning them before they go on to puppy food. As for Merlin, he is a very modern dad who is taking a great interest in his sons and daughters.

• Picture above: Peter and Ginny Clarke and below the puppies

• Words: Diane Simon                                 • Pictures: Rob Currie

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