Perhaps you recall the 60's hit, Alfie. It was a song that questioned the meaning of life and love. Our 18 month old Hav/Poodle mix may have also had his own concerns about life's difficulties and hard knocks until HRI became a part of his.
You see, he was found by animal control, wandering the streets and lakeside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin matted, dirty and smelly. After initial personality testing it was determined that he had possible separation anxiety issues and he was labeled un-adoptable via conventional means, and, most likely headed for euthanasia.
When our trusty Milwaukee volunteer found out about Alfred she headed to the facility to check him out. HRI was his last chance. Long story, short, Alfie was vetted, cleaned up, and jetted to his foster home in Pennsylvania at the end of May.
Like the song, Alfie began to believe in love, lots of love. His first week as an HRI foster was filled with long walks and lazy summer days on the front porch with his new family of four humans and three Havanese. He didn't care much for the homemade veggies with cod the other dogs ate, but enjoyed brisket and kibble much better. Initially nervous and shy around men, Alfie proved just to be wary and soon warmed up to everyone, spreading his sweet love and affection to the family's teenagers as he visited their rooms for cuddles.
When the family headed south for vacation, Alfie headed west for his week of sun and Havanese fun at the home of another HRI volunteer who also has three Havs and runs a small doggie care business in her home, complete with a huge fenced backyard. Alfie has truly come into his own in the past week. He has enjoyed long romps and puppy wrestling with lots of dogs, hugs and smoochies from nieces and nephews, cuddles from his foster mom and dad, and even a swim in the pool!
Alfie is crated during those brief times when the families are out and he does very well. For now, that's what his foster moms would suggest, as there was a chewing incident in his first foster home. But, this is the only issue of any anxiousness we have seen.
Alfie has come so far in a few short weeks. While initially a bit hesitant - who wouldn't be - he has come into his own and is a happy and playful young dog. Our sweet boy is headed to an ophthomologist this week for an exam because he has microphthalmia. We haven't mentioned this, until now, because with Alfie, it's really no big deal. His right eye is smaller than his left and he is blind in the eye but it doesn't slow him down a bit. Those around him have to be careful when they swing doors to his right and that sort of thing, but that's little sacrifice for such a loving dog.
Alfie has certainly opened his heart to all the HRI families he has touched and will be the perfect addition to the perfect family. As the song concludes, this line rings so true for this special boy. When you walk let your heart lead the way and you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie.
Here's Alfie before he got his haircut:
Alfie is being fostered in PA.
A donation will be requested to adopt this dog. The recommended donation amount will be based on the dog's age, and medical and behavioral issues, if any.ࠁ completed application is required if you are interested in adoption. Thank you for considering a rescue dog!