Must Be A Guy Thing...

You know, it's an interesting thing about Alphini...that out of all the pups we've either raised or puppysat for GDTx (and it seems like that number adds up after a while!)...Alfie just has this most special affinity for, and bond with, my wonderful husband Tim.  Don't get me wrong -- they've all liked Tim and he enjoys them too -- but Alfie just has a special devotion for him.  It's gotten so that in the mornings, Alfie won't leave with me to go outside without first going over to Tim's side of the bed, nuzzling up, and getting a few pats. 

Well, yesterday morning Tim, who had to jet out early for some meetings, was already up having breakfast when I got up and let Alfie out.  I opened the bedroom door and called Alfie so he could go outside, but he was having none of it -- he had to see Tim first!  When the usual nudging of the covers didn't get him anything, Alfie escalated to jumping on his hind legs and scratching the bed with his front feet -- I'm standing at the door a bit sleepily, but knowing that this isn't acceptable guide dog behavior, I tell him firmly, "NO, Alfie, OFF!"  He grudgingly gets off with an apologetic wag in my direction...only to go over to MY side of the bed and repeat the performance --maybe Tim was tricking him by hiding over there?!  "NO, Alfie, OFF -- let's go OUTSIDE!" I called again, but he was having none of it!  Where was his beloved Tim?  So he rushes around again, getting all agitated and starting to growl and woof in frustration -- at last I call out to Tim where he's having breakfast, "Hey honey, would you mind telling the dog where you are?" Tim walks over and enjoys the show for a couple of seconds before he says really quietly, "Hey, buddy, who are ya looking for?" ...You should've seen Alfie's face!  I don't think I have ever seen a dog so relieved.  He really thought his world had come to an end!

We guys just have to stick together, that's all!