Saturday, February 19, 2011

Home to Stay


Yes...Alfie made it home!

Alfie wriggled and licked my face so hard he knocked my sunglasses off!

Doesn't he look happy?



Alfie was thrilled to see the girls again. 
He just leaned into them, snuffled, and wagged himself silly.

 Many, many thanks to Larry Gelvin and all those at GDTx who helped make Alfie's adoption possible.  We appreciate you ALL so much!  Alfie's a special boy and we're so happy to have him!!

At home in Missouri.

A couple of days into his new life with us, he seems to be relaxing and settling in well.  Our days usually start off with an hour's walk/jog through the surrounding neighborhoods, woods, country roads, and even a nearby cemetery.  He's still good about keeping a loose leash, which is nice, although we no longer stop for every overhanging branch and manhole cover in our path!  For the most part I am very thankful for his guide dog training and plan to keep it up.  There are several areas, however, that I've loosened up on -- much to Alfie's delight.  One of those is that now he's no longer working, I've started allowing him to greet people who want to pet him on our walks.  He loves this new attention and has been very well mannered about it.  This morning, we had a nice chat with an elderly gentlemen who wanted to pet him, as he'd just recently had to put his golden retriever to sleep.  Alfie seemed to know that he just needed some extra love and laid his head gently on the man's knee. Sweet... 

He has also discovered the formerly forbidden toy...RUBBER BALLS!  Guide dogs aren't allowed to play with them but in his new civilian life, Alfie has discovered that they're great for chewing and fetching! 

It's interesting that although we're in a new house in a new state, Alfie remembers all our little routines and seems to be picking up right where he left off.  For example -- when I put the kettle on for a cup of tea, he will come nudge me with his nose to alert me right before it boils.  I've always thought he just must not like the sound of the whistle, who knows?  Funny boy!

Alfie seems happy and relaxed, even at grooming time.  I pick him up, put him on the grooming table, and go to work...he just flops down and closes his eyes.  He's not asleep, just relaxed.  Nice, because there's a lot of fur on this dood!  The next pictures you see, he will be sporting a shorter haircut...

...For now, we're just glad to have him back!

Lovin' my new life!  Woof!

11 comments:

Shelly :) said...

Welcome home Alfie! :) His tail is sure wagging and he is smiling away when he sees all of you!

Brandon - The dog with a blog said...

WELCOME Alifie!!!
I bet you’re happy to be home, we've really missed you - and I know your whole family did too :)
Enjoy doing all those "no no" things guide dogs weren't allowed to do, I know Rudy hates the rule "no playing with balls"...

I love the pictures!

Rudy's Raiser

Lisa and pups said...

YAY!!!! Welcome back Alfie! Sounds like you're where you always were meant to be!!! :)

Wonky Girl said...

I am thrilled for your family and Alfie.
Have you thought about working on his CGC certificate? He could maybe go on from there to visit nursing homes and such. My old Macho earned a CGC certificate and we visited nursing homes and rehab centers in FL. Out of seven poodles I don't have one I can do all that with! LOL Oh well, still love them all.

L^2 said...

Awww... what a happy boy! Welcome home Alfie!

Partners in Crime said...

Welcome home Alfie!!!!!!

Unknown said...

I'm so happy for all of you! =)

Infrequent Flyers said...

I'm so happy for your family and Alfie! Looks like the perfect reunion--and I hope all that dog food in the back of that car is for you to keep! It's pretty hard not to spoil them, now that he's a pet. Enjoy all those fabulous "firsts"!!

1000 Goldens said...

Those are the sweetest reunion photos :)

Becky Andrews said...

Oh sweet. Welcome HOME Alfie!! Love your quote at the top of your blog, too.

Rebecca, Ely and Joe said...

Love the pictures! Alfie will love the life of being your pet!