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lonewolf7 · Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 10:42 pm Post subject:

A second Sunday out for Alfie today. It was a bit of a whirlwind day but Alfie took it in his stride. We had a quick walk to the local seafood stall when we got back and Alfie just bounced along at the perfect speed. There were visitors popping in and out of the house first thing so he sat very nicely for his treats as you can see.

He even finds cold tiles comfortable......as long as it ends in a belly rub!

Alfie craves affection. At any opportunity he will be on your lap, sitting at your feet, or with his paws resting on your knees. He is a really well behaved little dog.

Then it was off to the stables again for a nice long walk round the country lanes with two horses for him to follow. Unfortunately, I could get any pictures of them all together - because although Alfie was well behaved the same can't be said for the horses!

Alfie is so dinky and low to the ground I didn't realise he would pick up so much dirt and mud just walking on roads. When we got back to the stables his legs and belly were filthy. As we were going straight back to the kennels afterwards I didn't think it was fair to dump a dirty dog on Tina......so there was nothing for it but to hose his lower half down with cold water. He found it a bit chilly, especially on his belly, but he stood there like a man and took it. We let him dry himself off on the old sofa and after a quick cuddle he was soon warm again! I promised him that next time he comes round he will be getting a proper warm bath and shower!

Incidentally, for people who might be interested in Alfie I can report that he has been as normal as any dog when other dogs have passed him in the street. He is really non-plussed by their appearance. Funnily enough on the big group walk at Gatwick North where we walked 8 dogs in one go Alfie just toddled along with all the others. Those on the walk can probably remember the nervy moment when a man came cycling along with a huge husky tethered to his bike. The husky displayed full-on aggression towards all our dogs, nearly dragged the guy off his bike and had to be very forcibly held back. Vicky was walking Alfie and was somewhat apprehensive when she saw what was happening ahead of her, but told me later that Alfie didn't bat an eyelid......he just jogged on and didn't even look up!

Alfie is a joy to look after. He's a typical little Staffy with a big heart......and just waiting for someone to pick him up so he can show it! Double Wink

lonewolf7 · Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 12:06 pm Post subject:

Alfie came out for his first full weekend foster with us this weekend. For anyone interested in this little fella I can tell you that he is a superstar! In terms of a short summary if you are interested in fostering him or re-homing here's a few facts:

He’s completely house trained – a quick walk to the local green and he will take care of things whilst on lead (our previous foster wouldn’t go to the loo on lead so always had to go in the garden).
He’s very quiet – the only time I have heard him bark is in the kennels.
He sits and takes treats very gently.
He is very obedient.
He walks beautifully with no tension on the lead (see video).
He sleeps in his bed and didn’t move all night – I don’t think he has been allowed on beds before because he made no attempt to jump on them when let in the bedrooms.
He has no food issues and allows you to stroke him while he is eating.
He is not fazed by loud noises, very busy High Streets, cars, joggers or bicycles.
He has not had any close-up meetings with other dogs but appears inquisitive – on walks he passes other dogs with no problem at all.
He was very inquisitive with the cat at the stables and was allowed to meet the cat close-up – it involved very friendly sniffing, until the cat decided he was a little too close. Alfie didn’t react badly in any way. He does appear to have a chase drive when cats appear in the street though.
He can be bathed, showered and even hair-dried with no reaction!

Anyway, enough of the incidentals. Here’s how Alfie’s weekend panned out. He certainly went from one extreme to another in the space of a week. Last Sunday afternoon his lower half was being hosed down with cold water outside. I did promise him a warm bath this week and he certainly got it – plenty of nice warm water, aloe vera shampoo, and a hair drying session. Against my wishes my sister-in-law also bought him a coat because she didn’t want him getting chilly! He hasn’t worn it outside yet. Firstly, because it was very mild this weekend. And secondly, because I wasn’t sure about my image out on the mean streets of Orpington! However, I have agreed to take him out in it when the weather gets colder. Anyway, Alfie seems quite proud of his new coat…..I think he thinks he’s been entered for the Greyhound Derby but somehow I think his legs are a little on the short side to hope for victory!

Once he was dried off and ready to go we had a nice five mile walk on Saturday. I deliberately took him through the busy town centre and he took it all in his stride. He really is incredibly easy to walk and doesn’t pull at all. Once through the town centre we headed off for a more pleasant environment before looping round to the local seafood stall (a bit of a ritual for me)! You can see here how well he walks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bL_zAJ_KFyM

On the way back we stopped in the local betting shop to watch the 1.30 from Newbury…..but unfortunately I think Alfie could run faster than the horse I had backed! Back home for an afternoon on the sofa and the Channel 4 racing. None of my selections were any good so my pocket was a bit lighter and Alfie thought a nice lick might cheer me up. I was just a bit too quick for him and managed to avoid it……much as I like dogs I can live without a lick to the face!

Alfie spent the evening on the sofa as well. As long as he is next to someone he seems in his element. He prefers to lay with his head on your lap or leaning back with his back against you rather like a big baby! At bed time he stayed in the bedroom with us and spent the whole night in his bed. We didn’t hear a sound from him all night. Vicky and I took him out at about 8am so he could go to the loo and then we had a quick walk. Alfie is obviously becoming more familiar with the local area, because as we rounded the corner the betting shop appeared….and Alfie headed straight for the entrance! Fortunately, Vicky is happily aware of my liking for horse racing so Alfie hadn’t dropped me in it!

After his breakfast we visited the stables. It was a lovely sunny day and just sitting on the old sofa in the sunshine with Alfie was a perfect way to start the day. The stable cat was also enjoying the sunshine sitting on another chair and is used to having dogs around. Alfie was very inquisitive and I let him approach the cat to see what his intentions were. I’m 99% sure it was purely social as he approached quite respectfully and had a few sniffs of the cat’s back end. He then decided he wanted to sniff the cat’s nose and was rewarded with a hiss and a perfectly timed left hook! He didn’t react and remained inquisitive. I see from his thread that he has lived with a cat before so I’m sure it would be just a question of socialising a cat into his pack. He seemed more fixated when the cat eventually went on the move so he would need to be introduced in a controlled environment.

No video of him with the cat I’m afraid, but here he is at the stables. Vicky had hidden some biscuits behind her, hence the reason for him burying his head in the sofa!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO3384Q2hDo

We had another very long walk in the afternoon and when we got back he was asleep against me on the sofa within seconds. He did eventually move off and here are a few more pictures of him chilling out:

We took Alfie back to the kennels late on Sunday afternoon and he went back in with no fuss. His old pals Rocky & Tyson were back in their usual kennel opposite him so bearing in mind all three of them had a weekend out they probably have a lot to talk about!

emmajane · Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 4:23 pm Post subject: Alfie - what's it all about?

As the lucky recipient of many, many licks, handshakes and wet kisses this weekend, I'm struggling to understand how this little chap ended up in kennels. He is just lovely - very handsome too!
And he WILL need that coat when the weather turns a bit chillier....his little tummy is rather close to the ground after all. Anyway, I think he looks rather fetching in his designer ensemble Laughing

he's an absolute dear.....and very very easy to love! He's also a very easy dog to have around, no trouble at all.

I followed Colin and Vicky home from the stables yesterday and there he was in the back of the car, sitting quietly and happily looking out of the side window. bless him!!

'til next time then Alfie, WE LOVE YOU!!
XXX

The Raven · Member Joined: 24 Nov 2011 Posts: 13 Location: Kent

Kim and I took little Alfie for a walk Saturday morning with Zena and the guidance of Susiebee.

He was on his lead with a haltie only.

To say he was laid back is an understatement; he was horizontal on his walk.....no pull on the lead whatsoever......and even waited for your truly when crossing the bridges so that I could keep both feet flat on the ground.

Can see he has been around Stable as we passed a lone horse in the field and he seemed to want to wonder over and say hi....no pull....just a casual wonder towards. To which he changed line when we walked on pass and came with us again no pull.

He is an absolute diamond of a dog; and whilst was knowledgeable of Zena on the walk, got close a couple of times but did not jump or launch at her....just strolled, no fuss or bother.

A great little fella; I can see why he has a fan ban base. angel12

lonewolf7 · Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 10:03 am Post subject:

We looked after Alfie again this weekend, and without wishing to sound repetitive he was perfectly behaved once again and a joy to be around. I genuinely think we enjoy our weekends as much as he does. As soon as Monday comes around we are thinking ahead to the following weekend!

We picked him up late on Saturday afternoon, as I was losing more money horse racing (again!), but we took Monday off work so that he could stay for the full two days and nights.

Alfie just settles straight in as soon as he walks through the door. He's the most sociable and affectionate dog I know. He wants to be on you, or laying against you ALL the time. I've actually made sure that he can't always get attention when he wants it, because he actually lays back against you as if to demand affection. Don't worry folks.....he's not being deprived in any way as you can see:

On Sunday I took him to meet my parents and he was walked by my mum who has had two knee replacements. She walked him with ease and he didn't pull at all. We even passed the grumpy local councillor (don't ask.......it's a bit Last Of The Summer Wine down there!) and he had two barking, growling dogs and Alfie just strolled along without looking at them. Both my parents were amazed at how calm and well behaved Alfie was. My mum loved him and my dad, who is non-plussed by dogs, actually deigned to give him a few friendly pats!

We didn't get that many pictures this weekend but we got quite a few videos where you will be able to see his size and personality a bit better. As you can see he's quite inquisitive at times:

We had quite a few shortish car journeys this weekend. Alfie travels well in the car. He's quite alert in the back and constantly looking out of the windows and wagging his tail, but he's not overly excited or aggressive. I still haven't heard him bark except when he's in kennels. At night time he sleeps in our room but is very obedient and stays in his bed all night. All you hear from him are a few Staffy snores and groans!

Yesterday the weather was fantastic. I hate hot weather and it was perfect for me yesterday - blue skies and and nice frost. Alfie and I had a 6 mile walk in the morning through the woods. And, yes Sharon, we got lost a couple of times but it didn't really matter....we got back in the end!

At the end of the walk the woods become more high-density in terms of numbers of dogs. Alfie was approched by a number of dogs quite quickly at certain points and I was very cautious about not letting them get too close. As some of the dogs approached Alfie quite rudely he stood up tall so I was cautious and made sure I stood between them. I am amazed, and quite annoyed, at the number of people who wander around with off-lead dogs with no control over them. At one point a Schnauzer came sprinting towards us out of nowhere and I made sure he didn't get too close. As I stood in front of Alfie shooing the dog away his owner came strolling along on his mobile phone and didn't even stop or look in our direction! It took all my self-control not to shout at him!

Anyway, once back home Alfie had his first venture into the garden. Alfie has been cooped up for so long it was great to see him running around with a smile on his face. Check out how athletic he is as he jumps up onto the patio. He just suddenly bounces and flies through the air in slow motion!

Video: Alfie enjoying the garden with Vicky, Emma and Colin
We also decided to see if he had a liking for pig's ears. In the next two clips you can find the answer:

Video: Alfie dainty with his Pigs Ears
Video: Alfie with his Pigs Ears
I didn't get a clip of it but Alfie will chase a ball.....getting it back from him is proving a little more difficult however! Work in progress..... :xmas cheesygrin:

For a final clip you can see his tail wagging exploits. I think Alfie's tail is controlled by a strange force that we can't comprehend. I'm not sure he has any control over it either:

Video: Alfie oh my being loved Roll on next weekend.........

emmajane · Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 2:30 pm Post subject: Alf

to give another slant on Colin (lonewolf)'s comments - Alfie is indeed a dreamboy. Love him to bits already.......I actually think he might be part-human...he definitely looks like a little old man when he's asleep!

bless him.......roll on saturday! love you Alf xxxx

oh, and he's now my screensaver at work, which has invoked many oohs and aahs and "what a handsome chap"......

emmajane · Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2011 12:07 pm Post subject:

Colin's picking the boy up again on Friday afternoon......yay!! if its cold enough this weekend, he can wear his little coat! Xmas Kick

can't wait to see his little face!!
xx

lonewolf7 · Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 6:31 pm Post subject:

I picked Alfie up on Friday this week and there was enough time to join Sue and Charlie on a walk. Well, Sue anyway.....Charlie's dog was reluctant to walk and got carried back to the kennels! Alfie walked very well with Blue. It seems as though Alfie associates any walks at GN as being with his "pack" and he strolls along with whichever dog happens to join him.

It was a typical weekend. Plenty of walks and Alfie behaving perfectly. I decided to try leaving him alone in the house for a short period for the first time this weekend. It was only for 25 minutes whilst I went to pick up a take-away but there was no problem and everything was in order when I got back.

I was actually struggling for inspiration for this weekend's update because Alfie is so easy to look after. He's also great when you are looking for inspiration for a story..........

On Saturday afternoon I was preparing to take Alfie out on a long walk. It was a very cold day and Emma & Vicky insisted I put his coat on because it was so cold. Reluctantly, I agreed. They went off to Bluewater and Alfie (looking splendid) and I headed out, except that he kept stopping and wouldn't walk. Every time he stopped he looked at me with sad eyes as if to say, "I don't want to go out. I want to stay in the warm." I thought that maybe it really was too cold for him. After 10 minutes I gave up and took him home but called in the betting shop to pick up some rare winnings. When we went to leave the betting shop he planted his feet in there as well and didn't want to move. The guys behind the counter were laughing, saying that Alfie wasn't stupid and wanted to stay in the warm. Anyway, I managed to coax him home and then for some reason I wondered if it was the coat. Once indoors I took it straight off him and asked if he wanted to go out. He went straight up to the door and out we went and he toddled off back to normal. We went out for an hour in the freezing cold and had a really nice walk. I don't know if it was the feel of the coat, or the look, but he didn't want to wear it! I called back into the betting shop with him to explain the story and the two guys behind the counter were rolling around with laughter! They said that for a tough Staffy he was too self-concious to be seen out in a coat!

It just goes to show that Rescue Remedies dogs are made of stern stuff. They are proper dogs who get on with life come rain or shine. Well done Alfie......that's my boy! Positivo

Here's a few pictures of super-tough Alfie (although admittedly a couple of them don't really play up to the image)!

I also bought him an Extreme Kong to see if he would be interested. Looks like that's a "Yes":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUYWsu6_dH0&feature=related

xxlynne · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 6:20 pm Post subject:

Alfie is in Xmas foster dont worry...they are just all too busy enjoying themselves New Year Smile

to remember us all waiting on glorious pictures. Have fun Alfie and please forget us Snowman

_________________
You can't train the terrier out of a terrier..they are their own persons!

Rescue Remedies Statistics
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lonewolf7 · Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 10:51 pm Post subject:

Just a quick note to say that Alfie has been fantastic for the whole Christmas period. We picked him up on 23rd December but we had to bring him back to kennels this afternoon (back to work tomorrow unfortunately)! Taking him back was really difficult but we are trying to focus on the bigger picture of helping him find his forever home. He's had a great time and a full update, plus pictures and videos, will follow in the next day or two.

lonewolf7 · Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2012 11:32 pm Post subject:

As promised here are some pictures and videos of Alfie's time with us during his Christmas foster. I can't speak highly enough of Alfie - he has been the perfect dog the whole time he has been with us. Taking him back to kennels yesterday was really difficult to do. We so much want to help him, but in some ways feel like we have let him down by taking him back. If our work situation were different Alfie would be a permanent fixture in our lives without doubt. No matter how much people tell you that you are doing good things by fostering, and we know we are, it's still a rotten feeling to have to walk away from his kennel door.

Anyway, here's the good stuff. What can I tell you about Alfie's character? In some ways he's a bit of a contradiction. On the one hand he seems so calm and confident in himself. He has settled in to every situation that he has faced without fuss or any problems. And on the other hand he's a dog who craves the attention of those in his pack. He wants to be close to his pack all the time - either walking with them, or resting with them. Any time you sit down Alfie is there putting his paws on your knees and just wanting a cuddle. When you relax on the sofa he wants to be on you, against you, or with his head resting in your lap. Equally, Alfie is completely respectful of his leaders. If you want to read the paper or eat some food all you have to do is point to where you want him to sit on the sofa and he will stay there. When you are finished and ready for him just a nod of the head will do and he will be snuggling up to you again.

Other information we can give is that Alfie is fine to be left alone. We hadn't left him alone before but we decided to bite the bullet on New Year's Eve and go for it. We were visiting family with two terriers so decided taking him wasn't a good idea....especially as the terriers aren't fond of other dogs! We weren't sure whether to shut Alfie in the kitchen, but my mother-in-law just said, "Let him have the run of the house as normal. What's the worst that can happen?". Anyway, we left him on the sofa at 8pm and returned five hours later. I expected him to be at the door when the car pulled up but when I walked in there was no sign of him. Once I called out his name though he came thundering down the stairs! The house was exactly as we'd left it and Alfie had decided to take himself upstairs to bed. During the night he normally sleeps in his basket in the bedroom but when we got back Vicky said that the pillow on the bed had a nice warm dent in it! Xmas Wink

To give you an idea of his preferred position of relaxation here he is on Christmas Eve preparing for the big day......

Christmas Day arrived and the house was full with 8 people. Alfie took everything in his stride and here he is looking for a small Christmas treat before dinner was served:

Here's a short video showing how relaxed and calm he is with a house full of people on Christmas Day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbNa1p_1o-M

This is him with his eyes on my Christmas turkey! I love the different colours coming through in his fur:

Oh okay......I admit it. I caved in and let him sit on my lap when it was time for Christmas pudding.....

I think you can tell from the next two pictures how everyone feels about Alfie. He spends most of his time in a cold kennel so on Christmas Day everyone else seemed content to sit on an alternative chair, floor or cushions so that he could enjoy the sofa. Well I say everyone.....it looks like Auntie Mag was oblivious to the whole thing!

Still, it wasn't all relaxation.

Video: Alfie is definitely a Cockney Staffy......he loves a bit of Chas & Dave! He's conducting with his tail....

Here's a couple more pictures of him relaxing. In the first I like to think that he's saying, "You're mine now. Please don't go anywhere!"

Alfie spent some of his time at the stables over the holiday and New Year period. Here he is out walking behind Gina, and you can see how relaxed and easy he is on his walks.

Video: Relaxed and easyon his walks

And finally here are a couple of pictures of him watching the horses in the exercise ring. I love the last picture. It shows up his gorgeous little face so well!

If you are looking for a relaxed, obedient, and loving Staffy.....this thread is for you. Alfie is waiting for his forever family to come and scoop him up. Is that you?!!! What a start to 2012 that would be!

emmajane · Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2012 9:47 am Post subject: Super Alf!

Colin has said it all really. He is an absolute delight and we all are rather in love with the little fella. He's so giving and loving, its an absolute pleasure to have him around. Must admit though, I find it very difficult to resist treating him....sshhh, don't tell colin, but that's likely why the turkey seemed to disappear faster than usual! :xmas cheesygrin:

Happy New Year everyone! xx

Hoonercat · Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 10:52 pm Post subject:

First time we ever walked Alfie today, what have we missed out on? He is such a lovely calm dog, he gives the impression that your company comes first, walks come second, I love the way his tail wags ever time you call his name no matter what he's doing Mr. Green

He went back into his kennel without any fuss and gave me a big face lick as I was taking off his harness then slumped on his bed for some serious belly rubbing. I can see why Colin & co are so smitten by him, such a lovely lad.

emmajane · Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:18 pm Post subject:

he's a fussy little [moderated by Admin!] forsure. Puddles and rain are definitely not on his wishlist!....he's a home comforts boy forsure!
(I've still not forgiven him for turning his nose up at the coat I bought him............the cheek!)
love him dearly.
xx

lonewolf7 · Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 12:29 pm Post subject:

It’s been a little while since we posted but Alfie has been continuing to visit us for weekend breaks. For anyone reading this that is unfamiliar with Alfie….YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE MISSING!!!

Alfie is just a brilliant little Staffie. We pick him up on a Friday night and he jumps straight into the back of the car. We’ve learned that the best thing to do is completely ignore him when we drive off, otherwise at any comment, wink, look, or mention of his name he sees it as an invitation to climb through to the front. I tend to put on a bit of music (Rockabilly is his favourite!) and he stands in the back taking in the sights as we head off.

As soon as he’s back at the house he steps back into the old routine. Here are some points of note:

He likes more food in the evening than he does in the morning.
He is fully aware of which member of the household is more likely to give him a treat!
His toilet training is superb – I even know the exact distance he likes to be walked in the morning before he’s ready to go to the loo!
His obedience is excellent. Training basic commands is something I would like to practice with him more but he understands “Wait”, and communicating with him using body language is a doddle. A click of the fingers and he will jump on or off the sofa, into or out of his bed, or onto the towel where he is going to be dried post-bath!
He is really easy to bath and he has now realised that the warm hair dryer is his friend. Next time I’ll try to get a video of this.
He is the easiest walk you can imagine – the leads are completely loose in your hand and he’s right alongside you.
If you DON’T want a lapdog he’s not for you – Alfie loves to be with people, and he loves to be ON you. If you like a dog that likes affection look no further!
Alfie is quiet – he doesn’t bark. The loudest noise you will hear from him is either a deep sigh as he lays on your lap or a deep snore when he’s in his basket at night.

Just as an indication of his intelligence I’ve noticed that every time we take him back to kennels he realizes that he’s going to be there for a few days at least. Normally he will go to the loo in the morning and later in the evening, but when he goes back to kennels he always goes to the loo just before we get back there. It’s as if he thinks to himself that he’ll give himself just a little longer before he has to go to the loo in his kennel again!

Anyway, this weekend just gone we decided to take him to the coast for the day. We went to Hastings and although we could quite easily have climbed the cliffs ourselves Double Wink

we decided he might like a ride in the East Hill Cliff Railway:

He loves to look out of the car window when driving along so I’m sure he appreciated some of the views from the cliffs:

After that we took him down to the beach. As one of the other walkers has mentioned, Alfie doesn’t seem too interested in getting wet. He dipped his toes but seemed more content to stroll along enjoying the fresh air. Here’s a video of him walking along. I like the way he changes direction a couple of times as the water comes in:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr...XhHw&index=1&feature=plcp

By that time we had worked up a bit of an appetite and he helped us with our fish & chips:

I think the day took it out of him a little because he usually likes to look out of the window in the car. However, on the way home he just curled up on a blanket in the back and slept all the way. After the following pictures his snoring was louder than ever when he went to bed!

We are getting used to taking him back on a Sunday but it’s still really hard, especially knowing the weather is getting colder. Alfie has got so much to give and he deserves a warm home to give it to.