In my life - Introducing Alfie

Graham and I spent the past weekend in Sydney. The mission was to choose a new doggie family member and bring him home.Georgie had been rather sad and lost since Ruby didn't come back from the vets.

We thought about a new puppy but I didn't think we could stand the chaos. I also worry that some breeders make lots of money from designer cross breeds with very little thought towards the welfare of the dogs. My thoughts go out to Georgies poor little maltese mother, I wonder how many puppies she will be expected to produce in her life.... (I never got to meet Georgies parents - the breeder would not let us come to his kennels and the whole transaction took place in the Bathurst tourist information centre carpark! In fact he wouldn't even let me hold the puppy until he had the cash in his hand... He is still breeding, but for a dog like Georgie the price has gone up to over a $1000)


Even before Ruby had gone for her long sleep I started researching how to get a small adult dog. I found that there are lots of organisations that do great work re-homing dogs that have been surrendered or abandoned. It upset me that so many dogs are put to sleep as they can't find a home and there are too many people in this world who feel that pets are disposable.

I tried to find a little dog closer to home, but all the dogs here are big or working dogs. Then I found a wonderful website - Monikas Doggie Rescue - and Monika was really helpful in trying to match us with the right dog. Here is the link if you wish to have a look at it ......... http://www.doggierescue.com

We visited the rescue centre on Sunday morning, the place was very busy with lots of volunteers coming to walk the dogs. We were introduced to our 3 doggie "finalists". And then we had the difficult decision of which dog to take - Graham liked a dog called Albert straight away - I liked Fletch--- - but Graham was able to talk me around and he was right - Albert was the sensible choice.



We were going to call him Bertie, but then changed our mind as soon as we got him in the car. His foster Mum had been calling him Alby so we felt Alfie was very close in sound to that and he liked it!! Alfie is approximately 2 years old, weighs a little more than 5 kg and has lots of personality. He was apparently terribly neglected and rescued from the pound..

Alfie was absolutely a perfect angel on the 6 hour car trip home! When we did get him home he spent the first hour weeing on everything! Not accidents, but marking all the furniture with his scent........... Horror............. BUT, since yesterday morning (when he did a wee in Graham's shoe, bless him) he's been perfect. Even today when its cold, miserable and wet we haven't had any mishaps.

Georgie Girl was actually a little bit horrified about the whole business - this was a surprise to me as she has always luvvved being with her cousin dogs. So it just goes to show that Millie and Seth must be family and must be special.

GEORGIE GIRL & ALFIE EARL

But they are starting to bond and I'm sure they will become good pals after awhile. He's a delightful little fellow.

This is a photo from a few minutes ago - Alfie helping me to write this blog! In his new coat that I made him this afternoon... Don't know If we'll be able to find him in the backyard now he's in camouflage gear,,, ha ha.


Until next time...... Kim