A litter of two would have been fine, three a bonus and four seemed wildly optimistic so when tiny cocker spaniel Millie gave birth to no fewer than ELEVEN healthy pups, owner Tammy Payne didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
The amazing development came after doting mum Millie met her “doggy soulmate” Leo. The pair were put together more in hope than expectation as Leo has never fathered any pups before.
Leo belongs to Dot Anderson, from Kingsbarns. Love blossomed between the two hounds after Dot invited Millie to come and stay as she wanted to lighten the load on family friend Tammy, who was preparing to have a baby of her own.
Tammy (32) explained how the two star-crossed doggy lovers immediately took to each other but admitted she could never have dreamt of such a huge litter.
“Millie has the most amazing nature we picked her out when she was only three weeks old and ever since then she has been a big part of our lives,” she told The Courier. “She loves nothing more than hugs and kisses and is such a loving dog.”
Tammy said, “When she became pregnant we were told by the vet in Cupar they could see three heart beats so we were all in shock when 11 arrived.
“Millie coped incredibly even when she had to be rushed to the vets, who acted very quickly to remove a severely infected womb. Amazingly, Millie came home that same night and carried on feeding the pups she is truly wonderful.”
Tammy described dad Leo as a “very cheeky chap.”
“He is eight and has never fathered before so we weren’t really sure if anything would happen,” she said. “It now looks like he was saving himself for Millie.
“Leo is a great dad, although he does most of his watching from the sidelines. He really does love Millie though they are like doggy soulmates.”
With a family of 11 on their hands, Millie and Leo certainly have their work cut out although Tammy is already attempting to lighten the load.
“We have sold six of the pups but everyone interested is being fully vetted only the best home for these wee pups will be acceptable,” she added.
Leo’s owner Dot (53), admitted the litter of 11 came as a “huge shock”.
“We just could not believe it,” she added. “Millie is so small it did not seem possible but she has been absolutely amazing.”
While most parents baulk at the thought of coping with twins and triplets would cause terror it seems modest yet proud pair Leo and Millie are determined to take their huge bundle of joy in their stride.
When The Courier visited them at their Kingsbarns home on Tuesday, they were happy to show off the new litter and, as our pictures show, the pups themselves were every bit as keen to grab a slice of the limelight.