A beautiful litter of puppies born at Princess Alice Hospice in their Richmond owner’s final week need rehoming.


The eight collie-labrador crossbreed pups had a very special entry in to the world on Wednesday, June 13, and their birth at the Esher hospice was the final wish of patient Oliver Pereira. He died of liver cancer two days after the puppies were born.


Doctors diagnosed Mr Pereira, from Richmond, with cancer in March this year, aged just 30.


He had a fulfilling job as a climate change consultant, a recently renovated home and an adored wife, Mariel, who he married in August 2010.


The young couple had been making great plans to cycle 6,000 miles around Asia, and in the week Mr Pereira received the news they had sought permission from their bosses to have a sabbatical.


That wish was put on hold and, due to a rapid worsening of Mr Pereira’s condition, they never achieved their travelling dream.


It was then that his second wish of seeing the birth of the pups became so important.


Mr Pereira had always wanted a dog, but his head ruled his heart and the practicalities meant they always put it off.


All that changed after the cancer diagnosis and, in May 2012, they brought home rescue dog Pepi.


Pepi made a huge difference to Mr Pereira during his treatment and the couple realised they were due a litter of mini Pepis when she started to gain weight.


Mrs Pereira said: “I was in shock at discovering Pepi’s pregnancy and very shocked when eight pups came along.


“But, what shocked me the most was that our Princess Alice nurse was able to help us fulfil Oli’s wish.


“She told us that when he went on the ward, Pepi could go with him and that together the hospice team would ensure the pups were born safe.


“Being able to make a final wish a reality is very special, I am so grateful that the hospice enabled me to do that for the person I loved.


“The pups are very special, they mean so much to us and they meant so much to Oli. I am very keen that they all find great homes. Four of the eight are being taken by our family members. I really want the others to find caring loving homes.”


The puppies will be weaned and ready to leave their mother after Friday, July 27.


Email Mrs Pereira at monalisa201@yahoo.com if you would like to help rehome them.