THE five survivors of an eight-strong litter of Mastiff puppies were treated to a first birthday party by Cheshire Dogs Home, Grappenhall.

The dogs, called Maddy, Aston, Bo, Otto and Kayto, were born by Caesarian to mum Georgia on February 7, 2009.

Unfortunately Georgia was too ill to look after the pups, having come to the home as a malnourished stray two days before giving birth, and three of them died shortly after.

The remaining dogs were hand reared by staff members Samantha Birchall and Samantha Hill until they were old enough to go to new homes aged 12 weeks.

Georgia was brought back to health after suffering from a bronchial infection. She was also rehomed but did not attend the party.

The boisterous one-year-olds met at the Knutsford Road home on Sunday and puppy carer, Maz Simon, said: “It went really well. The dogs were really excited and it was lovely to see them again. We gave them cake and presents and they were really well-behaved.”