The first year of a dog's life is much like a baby's - super precious and exciting.
For Guide Dog puppies, it's an important time to socialise and train them correctly, so they can grow up to support blind or partially sighted owners.
Barbara, Cheryl and Ellie are three generations of ladies who play vital roles in this process.
They all work voluntarily as Guide Dog puppy raisers and say it's the "best job in the world".
Cheryl Morgan, 49, from Stafford, spoke to The Mirror about what it's like to become a puppy raiser and how her mum started the family tradition.
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When Cheryl was in primary school, her mum Barbara Connor, 76, saw a poster advertising a puppy walker in Bolton and decided to sign up.
"We had a busy and noisy household so it was perfect," Cheryl said.
To date, Barbara has had four Guide Dog puppies and Cheryl has also had four of her own.
"About five years ago, my daughter was nagging for a dog. We had cats and a rabbit and I knew a dog would be a big responsibility," Cheryl said.
"Then something just clicked and I realised I could become a puppy raiser instead."
Cheryl works as a self-employed private English tutor to pay the bills, and wanted to do something "worthwhile" in her spare time.
She tried Guide Dog boarding for a few nights, and like her mum, fell in love with the role so applied to become a puppy raiser.
Her first dog was a retriever Labrador named Kemp, who went on to work as a Guide Dog in Ireland.
"His owner still sends me updates and pictures now," Cheryl said.
Next was a black Labrador named Sparky, who became a breeding dog for the charity, and third was a black Lab named Cait, who had a naughty streak and retired as a normal pet.
The family currently have seven-month-old golden retriever Aura, who may become a breeder one day.
"Ellie was besotted with the first puppy we had. She did a lot to help at home, like playing and grooming the pups," Cheryl said.
It was no surprise when Ellie turned 18 and decided to follow in her mother and grandmother's footsteps.
"We are dual-raising Aura now and I'm really proud of Ellie for doing it. We both agree it's the best job in the world," Cheryl said.
The charity provides food and support and pays for veterinary expenses, though Cheryl says she can't help but spend her own money spoiling the pups.
"It's all volunteer work but you get so much out of it. Knowing what they go on to do makes it entirely worthwhile," Cheryl says.
"It's awful saying goodbye. You get so attached - you shouldn't but you do - and you'll always miss them.
"Then when you see pictures of them working, it's worth every single tear."
Cheryl explains there are so many amazing moments being a puppy raiser.
"It's all the little things - like raising a child - when they finally crack recall or put their jacket on well," she said.
Having a Guide Dog puppy is all about getting them used to the world around them, and learning to fit into your routine.
Cheryl takes her pups to appointments at the doctors, dentist and hospital, and they accompany her on food shops and even concerts.
She added: "We do lots of playtime and positive reinforcement training. They know if the jacket is on then it's time to settle down."
If you would like to become a Guide Dog puppy raiser like Cheryl, Barbara and Ellie, you can visit Guide Dogs website to find out more.
Do you have a dog story to sell? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
