SEVEN orphaned puppies have been saved thanks to the swift action and teamwork of Gwent vets.

The Beagle cross puppies, four boys and three girls, who were left orphaned when their mother died giving birth, were born at Budget Vets in Newport earlier this month.

Caerphilly based charity Hope Rescue put out an urgent appeal for experienced foster homes who would be willing to take on the daunting task of hand rearing the tiny pups.

Three vet nurses from Newport, Abergavenny and Caerphilly, stepped forward and all the pups are thriving in their foster homes.

Budget Vets and Summerhill Vets in Newport were able to help during the birth to save the puppies while Abbey Veterinary Centre in Abergavenny, Vets4Pets on Cardiff Road in Newport and Caerphilly Vet Clinic allowed three of their vet nurses to foster the pups.

Vanessa Waddon, founder of Caerphilly based Hope Rescue, said: “We were delighted to get such a great response to our appeal for help.

“We would like to thank Budget and Summerhill Vets for their help that day to save these pups.

“And also Abbey Veterinary Centre in Abergavenny, Vets4Pets on Newport Road in Cardiff and Caerphilly Vet Clinic for allowing three of their vet nurses to not only foster these pups for us, but for letting them take the pups to work every day to continue their regular feeds and monitoring their progress. “

However the cost of caring for the puppies comes at a cost of around £5,000.

The charity is appealing for donations to ensure that they can continue to care for other animals.