The pitter patter of tiny paws can be heard across Glasgow as the city welcomes four life-changing puppies

The group which trains assistance dogs for physically disabled people has welcomed its newest recruits – four-month-old Tamia and Tessa and three-month-old siblings Ursa and Urban.

It comes just five years after Ursa and Urban’s mum Helena, a Labrador cross golden retriever, was trained by the charity’s West Scotland team.

Helena graduated to become one of Canine Partners’ breeding hounds, becoming a mother to assistance dogs of the future.

Now the charity is calling for more volunteers, known as puppy parents, which look after trainee assistance dogs like its four new arrivals in their homes for around a year and help with basic training, socialisation and obedience.

Ursa’s puppy parent Marjorie Johnston has been a puppy parent for four years.

The 60-year-old gran-of-two said: “I had been involved in the charity, but then I had a bit of time on my hands so decided to become a puppy parent.

“People say it must be hard giving the puppy up but you have to think about what they end up doing. When you see an active partnership it makes it all worthwhile.

“The group is friendly and a good community. We sometimes meet up outside our puppy training classes for a coffee together.

“It’s very social and it’s great to see the puppies’ progress. It’s fun taking them around the shops and introducing them to new things and places.

“The group thinks it’s nice that two of Helena’s puppies have come back. I wasn’t with Canine Partners when she was here but other people remember her because she was full of mischief – just like our Ursa.”

People can meet Tamia, Tessa, Ursa and Urban and find out more about being a puppy parent at Canine Partners’ special Big Glasgow Bluebell Walk and Fun Day.

The walk, which is supported by car dealership Arnold Clark Pollockshaws, will start at Pollokshaws Burgh Hall in Glasgow from 12-4pm on May 7 and take participants through Pollok Country Park.

The event will feature a raffle and tombola and more than 20 craft stalls selling quality handmade goodies.

There will also be a demonstration of some of the skills the charity’s assistance dogs learn which help boost disabled people’s independence and confidence.

The dogs can open doors, pick up and fetch items, help someone dress and undress and even load a washing machine. They also learn to get help in an emergency.

For more information about Canine Partners’ Big Glasgow Bluebell Walk and Fun Day call Dale Gormley on 0845 4811915 or visit caninepartners.org.uk/bigbluebellwalks.