Puppy love - romantic proposal at Warwickshire Guide Dogs centre

Matthew Wilson pawsed and got down on one knee to propose to his girlfriend of eight years, Kate McDonald - while they were on a tour of the Guide Dogs’ National Breeding Centre near Bishops Tachbrook.

And he picked the best place for the life-changing question - a room full of cute puppies and dogs.

Matthew was like a dog with two tails when Kate accepted, and he gave her an engagement ring with a diamond originally set in a ring belonging to his grandmother. The couple have yet to set a date and find a venue for their wedding, but they are hoping to tie the knot in December somewhere in London, where they both live.

Matthew and Kate were visiting family in the area for the Christmas break and were at the National Breeding Centre on 27 December. While Kate had guessed they might be visiting the centre, she had no idea that Matt would propose. It’s a first for the centre, which opened in May 2011.

Kate, said: “The puppies were undeniably adorable and such good fun! We both felt very privileged to spend time with a new litter and it was an amazing surprise to be proposed to – I think Matt must have known it would be a guaranteed ‘yes’ in those surroundings!

“I’ll be following the puppies we met and hope to be back for a visit again soon… maybe for forthcoming wedding anniversaries!”