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Australian Dog Lover
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While most of us were toasting to the New Year, one very special Labrador named Lena was busy delivering some of the most important arrivals of 2026. On January 1st, Lena welcomed a "nonuplet" litter—nine gorgeous yellow puppies (five females and four males)—marking the first Guide Dogs NSW/ACT litter of the year.
A Milestones Update: Eyes Wide Open
At just two weeks old, these tiny recruits are reaching their first big milestones. They are currently spending their days napping, drinking lots of milk, and—most excitingly—starting to open their eyes to the world for the first time.
Guide Dogs Whelping Adviser, Rachael Jones, says the New Year litter always feels extra special.
“Welcoming a new litter into the world never ever gets old here at Guide Dogs, but there is something extra special about the first litter of the year – it is the start of another beautiful year ahead of working with these amazing dogs to help them take on a life changing role in our community.”
Meet the “K-Team” (and Charlie!)
There is a long-standing tradition at Guide Dogs where every puppy in a litter is given a name starting with the same letter. This year, it’s all about the letter K, with one very special exception.
The litter includes Kit, Kirby, Kira, Kendra, Kendall, Kakadu, Kaiser, and Kiki. Joining them is Charlie, who was given a unique name because he is a sponsored pup!
Rachael says Lena has been a superstar mum: “Lena is an absolute natural at looking after her nine little pups and has been really attentive. Soon they’ll be little balls of energy, running around and playing.”
The $50,000 Journey
It’s hard to believe these "little balls of energy" will one day be the eyes and ears of someone living with low vision or blindness. After spending six weeks being looked after by volunteer Home Whelpers, Charlie, Kit, Kirby, Kaiser, Kira, Kendra, Kendall, Kiki, and Kakadu will embark on a two-year training journey.
They will spend a year in the homes of volunteer Puppy Raisers before heading to the Guide Dogs Centre for formal training. It takes over two years and costs more than $50,000 to raise and train each of these pups. That is why this summer, Guide Dogs is encouraging Australians to support their Summer Appeal.
“These nine little puppies may only be two weeks old, but each one has the potential to grow into a highly skilled Guide Dog who will change someone’s life," says Rachael. "We know it’s getting harder for people to give, but every single donation no matter how big or small plays such a vital role in helping pups like these reach their full potential.”
“The generosity of the community is what makes journeys like this possible. From their first days with their mum through to formal training and graduation, these nine pups will rely on public support every step of the way, and the lasting difference that support creates for people living with low vision or blindness cannot be overstated.”
Could You Open Your Home?
With even more puppies due to be born in the coming weeks, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is also on the hunt for Puppy Raising volunteers across New South Wales who are willing to open their heart and home to a little puppy.
Rachael concludes: “Our volunteer Puppy Raisers and Home Whelpers play such an important role in a Guide Dog’s journey, helping the puppies develop the skills they will need to one day become life-changing companions. The work we do simply wouldn’t be possible without their dedication and care. For anyone who isn’t able to donate but has ever considered giving volunteering a go, the start of a new year is a wonderful opportunity to try something new and make a difference.”
Guide Dogs provides all training, veterinary costs, and equipment for their volunteers.
Want to help the K-litter on their journey? To find out more about how you can support Guide Dogs NSW/ACT through donations or as a volunteer, visit the website here.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT provides essential services to Australians of all ages—from children to seniors—who are blind or have low vision. Their mission is simple but life-changing: helping people gain the freedom and independence to move safely and confidently through their communities and reach their individual goals.
To learn more about their work, visit www.guidedogs.com.au
