Dogsey

A litter of puppies who survived despite their mother dying during labour are searching for a new home.

The seven canines were handed into the Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre in Glasgow shortly after their mother died while delivering them.

Against all odds, every member of the tiny crossbreed litter have survived after receiving weeks of round-the-clock care from staff.

The six-week-old puppies, all black and white, have been named after the popular Jim Henson TV Muppet characters because of their excitable natures.

Despite being the only girl, little Miss Piggy lives up to her feisty namesake as she vies to be the centre of attention.

Her brothers are called Kermit, Gonzo, Rizzo, Fozzie, Beaker and Animal. The group will be able to go to new homes on October 30 when they reach eight weeks old.

Emma Louise Livingston, Dogs Trust supporter relations officer, said: "It is a miracle that the puppies survived after being without their mum from day one, meaning staff had a real challenge on their hands keeping them alive.

"We took it in turns to take the puppies home and bottle-feed them every hour throughout the night to give them the best possible chance of survival."

She added: "It's been a real team effort and though we are all shattered from weeks of sleepless nights, it's been heart-warming to watch them get bigger and stronger every day; we feel like proud parents now that they are ready to find loving new homes of their own.

"They can live with young children and would suit an active home with calm, patient owners who have the energy to keep up with their boundless enthusiasm for life.

"We hope our little Muppets will pull on the heartstrings of potential owners."