Rescued blind rottweiler became foster dad for orphaned pups

By Adam Dutton via SWNS

A blind dog that won the nation's heart after being rescued from a park last Christmas has become an unlikely foster dad to orphaned puppies 12 months on.

Rottweiler Oliver was just three months old when he was found wandering around London's Hyde Park and taken in by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

It is believed he was cruelly dumped by his owners at the time because he was blind, which would have made it harder for a breeder to sell him on.

Staff nicknamed him Oliver after Oliver Twist due to his adorable habit of bringing his food bowl over-demanding “more" after meals.

And despite a rough start to life, Oliver managed to find a new home just in time for last Christmas with a family in southeast London.

A year later, the pooch's heartwarming tale has taken another twist after he became a foster father to two abandoned puppies rejected by their mother at birth.

One-year-old Oliver has been helping raise motherless mongrels Peter and Chris for the last two months despite being completely blind and giant in size.

Staff at Battersea say thanks to Oliver’s gentle nature, love and devotion both puppies are thriving and have now found homes in time for their own first Christmas.

Rebecca Lodder, rehoming and welfare manager at Battersea, said: “As a disabled dog, who found himself abandoned as a helpless puppy at Christmastime last year, there is something really special about Oliver helping to raise these abandoned puppies ahead of their own first Christmas.

“Oliver isn’t the most likely candidate to become a foster father.

"Not only is he completely blind, but he also is a very impressive 50kg (7 stone) in size; more than ten times the size of his foster puppies.

“He really goes to show that looks can be deceiving as he’s been so gentle with Peter and Chris, teaching them how to play and curling up with them for regular nap times."

Puppies usually stay with their mother until they are at least eight weeks old, where they will get fed and learn valuable life skills, such as how to socialize.

As the pups were rejected by their mum, Oliver stepped into the role to provide around-the-clock care and well as teaching them how to play and interact with other dogs.

Two orphaned pups sleep. (Photo by Battersea Dogs & Cats via SWNS)

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Rebecca added: “Rescue dogs may not have had the best start in life, but Oliver’s story really shows how much love they have to give; not just for their humans, but for each other too.

“Last year, Oliver had the best Christmas gift of finding a home, and now he’s given that same gift to these defenseless puppies- he’s Battersea’s very own Father Christmas.”

Oliver first hit the headlines last November after his plight touched the hearts of Britain's animal lovers.

His new owner Suzanne said previously: "Although Oliver is blind, he's such a confident boy.

"He's now fully settled, and with the help of his new big sister, Izzy, it took him no time at all to happily find his way around his new home.

"He's really bonded with Izzy, and the two now spend all of their time together; they love to go on country walks together and then have a snuggle in the evening.

"They're the best of friends.

"He's such a big character and he really goes to show that while rescue dogs aren't always perfect, they are definitely worth it.”