IT IS a week of mixed emotions for me this week; Daisy’s puppies are eight weeks old and starting to go to their new homes.

The last few weeks have been full on, nine Labrador puppies running round the house is a lot – and do not even get me started on the weekend of Storm Eunice when I had no power for 52 hours! But at the same time, it has been such a pleasure to see them grow, develop personalities and generally win over the heart of this seasoned vet.

But eight weeks have passed, and it is time for them to go onto their new homes. Luckily, I could not be happier with the homes that I have found for the puppies. A group of nine lovely families – some with dogs already, some not, some with children, some not – the overriding feature of all of them is that they are great people, super excited to be getting their new puppies and that makes it all worthwhile.

So, this week I have been microchipping, vaccinating and worming in preparation for departure, I have tried to start the process of house training a little and these puppies have certainly been well socialised for the first 8 weeks of their lives – they have had a steady stream of visitors since birth.

Having been used to sleeping with their eight siblings there will be some lonely nights initially and I predict some crying at first, but they will soon settle into their new homes.

Despite having been a vet for nearly 25 years it has been a real learning curve to look after a litter of my own – and I have definitely learnt more about breeding legislation – but more of that next week.

*Alice Moore is a vet at Castle Veterinary Clinic, Dorchester and Weymouth. Tel 01305 267083