Rescued near Clady, mum Little Gem waits for a home after all three puppies are adopted

Young whippet, Little Gem

Tuesday 29 September 2026

A young whippet who gave birth to three puppies on the night she was rescued near Clady is now waiting for a family of her own at Dogs Trust Ballymena.

Two-year-old Little Gem was found running along a road four months ago, heavily pregnant. Her puppies — Chickpea, Crouton and Feta — have since been adopted, but their mum is still searching for a home.

Staff hope to find adult adopters who can offer her an active life, time to build confidence and plenty of affection. She needs to be the only dog in the household.

A rescue just hours before giving birth

Little Gem ran in front of a van carrying Dogs Trust Transfer Co-ordinators Janine Brownlees and Caitlin McIlwee near the village of Clady.

The pair brought the frightened dog to the Ballymena rehoming centre. Local dog wardens were contacted and agreed she could remain in the charity’s care.

Little Gem says, “Hi!”

Staff discovered she was pregnant, and that evening she gave birth. Little Gem and her puppies were cared for in the centre’s puppy unit until the pups were old enough to be adopted.

Sarah Park, Manager at Dogs Trust Ballymena, said:

“We were in the right place at the right time to find Little Gem, and we truly feel it was meant to be with her giving birth that evening. After everything she has been through, she is incredibly special to us. We are blown away by her resilient, trusting, and sweet nature, which is a testament to how special she is.”

The home Little Gem needs

Little Gem can be shy around new people, but staff describe an affectionate dog who enjoys close company once she feels comfortable.

Play time with Little Gem

Sarah said:

“Unsurprisingly, given how she came into our care, she can be shy when meeting new people, but once she gets to know her new family, she will be their closest companion. She is an affectionate girl who loves fuss and snuggles, so we want to find her a home where she is the only dog and where she can enjoy all the attention to herself.”

Her ideal match is an adult-only household with active adopters. She would also love a secure garden where she can run, play and enjoy activities that keep her mind occupied.

Her enthusiasm for food and learning could help adopters build a bond through training. Sarah added: “She is a big foodie and is super intelligent, which means further training together will be fun. We feel it will be a lucky family who gets to share their life with Little Gem, as she is special in every way.”

How to enquire about adoption

Happy girl – Little Gem

Dogs Trust Ballymena is open to the public five days a week, with no appointment needed to visit, see dogs looking for homes, seek advice or apply to adopt.

Anyone who thinks they could offer Little Gem the home she needs can find out more about her and the other dogs available for adoption at www.dogstrust.org.uk/ballymena.