A BRAVE dog rescued from a puppy farm, celebrated Mother's Day last Sunday with a surprise litter of 10 puppies.

Lara the miniature schnauzer, was rescued by Diana Brimblecombe Rescue Centre (DBARC) in Binfield in January, after enduring filthy conditions and showing signs of poor health.

Staff became concerned for her after her stomach was visibly expanding day by day, realising that she was heavily pregnant.

Without being rescued, Lara would have had her puppies sold for profit, with no regard to their health or wellbeing.

Janet North, DBARC manager, said: "This is such a happy outcome to a story that so easily could have had a very different ending.

"Lara would not have survived this and it is unlikely her puppies would have either."

The dog gave birth via c-section and suffered post-birth complications which required life-saving surgery.

Due to this, Lara was unable to feed her pups, so the team at DBARC took on a 24-hour feeding regime, every two hours a day.

Following the high demand and pressure, Schnauzerfest charity stepped in to help support the rescue centre team, who worked round the clock to support Lara and her vulnerable puppies.

Janetta Harvey, creative executive of Schnauzerfest, said: "We could not believe it when we found out Lara was pregnant and that her, and her huge litter are now safe from the awful conditions of a puppy farm.

"DBARC have been wonderful, doing every single thing that could be done to ensure they all get the care and love they need and we are proud to say the money we have raised has gone towards helping her.

Schnauzerfest is a nationwide charity set up to raise money for dogs at DBARC, with over £140,000 raised and donated to the rescue centre in just over 5 years.

Each year, in October, thousands of schnauzers and their owners gather at walks all over the UK to raise money and awareness of animal cruelty and puppy farming.

The puppies have all been adopted and will soon be heading to their loving new homes.

.