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Monday, April 01, 2013

A is for Awesome Alfie


Who better to jump the first A-Z hurdle
than
Awesome Alfie.



Al is a mixed breed dog rescued from a puppy mill in the States. 

Our best guess is that he is a Chinese Crested/Border Terrier mix; he weighs in at a whopping six pounds. Al was rescued with his brother, Fogel, and spent six months at the Dhana Metta Rescue Society

The folks at Dhana Metta Rescue Society were having a tough time finding a home for little Al because he looked like a malnourished waif that could barely stand. Those that thought of adopting him couldn't see beyond his exterior appearance thereby overlooking his incredible potential.

My daughter, Courtney, stepped up to the plate and took in this little sweetie giving him lots of love, to the point where he now feels safe and well cared for. 

Alfie has filled out, as much as a little waif can, and just loves to run...and I mean run! This little guy outruns the big dogs when they head over to a neighbourhood park.

Courtney takes Al to Agility Classes where he shines! In fact, his recent class is full of girl doggies. As the only boy he loves showing off for the girls; they in turn just adore him as they vie for his attention. 

However, the girl doggie that remains his favourite is Lucky - they love hanging out together.



You can find Alfie hanging out at Daily Bark, his really cool website.

Alfie and his Ma, Miss Courtney, are taking part in the A-Z Challenge with some really awesome posts - so drop by and give Al a big High Five!  (he loves giving the High Five for treats too)

What do you think about rescuing pets? 
Is it something you would do?


Cheers, Jenny

57 comments:

  1. Alfie is absolutely adorable! It was so nice of your daughter to rescue him, and it looks like she's taking wonderful care of him.

    Julie

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    1. Thanks Julie - my daughter is a trooper with little Al - he had lots of anxiety issues when she got him...he's much more relaxed and confident now. I think he feels secure and safe with her.

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  2. Hi Jenny - yes I rescued a dog in South Africa .. just amazing that your daughter, Courtney, gave him a home .. and boy does he look a happy dog ... Hi Alfie .... cheers to you all! Hilary

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    1. I love reading that you rescued a dog too - hugs to you, Hilary!
      Yes, Alfie is a happy little camper...but it took some doing as he was quite anxious when Courtney first got him. :)

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  3. Hello

    Blog hopping and stumbled upon your wonderful blog.
    Great blog !

    Best of luck !

    Rajiv
    www.magicalpresent.blogspot.com
    www.magnificentdewdrops.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome to Pearson Report! Enjoy your visit. :)

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  4. Yay for Alfie! Love his little blue shirt. :-)

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    1. Al does have quite the wardrobe! He is relatively short on hair (the Chinese Crested part of him does that) and he needs a little tee to keep him warm. :)

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  5. Aw-w-w-w...what a sweetie! And those who rescue pets are awesome.

    Great way to kick off your A to Z. Good luck with the rest of your month!

    Best,
    Barbara

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Barbara. I agree - "awesome" they are! :)

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  6. Adorable Alfie! And a friend too :)
    Looking forward to B

    Rhonda @Laugh-Quotes.com
    AtoZ #42

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    1. I call him "my pal Al" - he's so loveable. Whenever I visit my daughter he's so happy to see me...what a cutie! :)

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  7. I think that rescuing pets is honestly a great idea. In all honesty I would rather get a dog that's in serious need of help before buying one as a pet that's perfectly normal and has no pressure to find an owner. Great post, your daughter is awesome and Alfie is too!

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    1. Awesome is definitely the word for Miss CP and for Al too! They make such a great team. :)

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  8. Awww! Isn't he a cutie-tootie...?

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    1. Isn't he though...a real cutie-tootie! (a big smile is on my face with that word combo of yours)

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  9. That's FANTASTIC! I couldn't even do that with a stepladder.

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    1. He jumps higher...quite the little bouncer! :)

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  10. What a little guy. Courtney could be one of those people that has a bag to carry Alfie around in.
    We have done our own kitty rescues, so to speak. Sparkle came about because her mother rejected her at a few days old. Currently we have Stanley, who got dumped. A few other cats got dumped along our road.

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    1. Courtney does have a carry case but not one of those ridiculous (purse size) ones you see all those silly movie stars with.

      I can so see you as a rescue gal, it's in your nature! Good on you for helping the kitty contingent.
      My girlfriend rescued a bengal cat - I'm it's godmother! True story! :) :)

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  11. What a great idea for A, will check the suggested site :) good luck with the challenge

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    1. Thanks Claudia - who better than this sweet little guy to start the A-Z ball rolling. :)

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  12. Anonymous7:45 am

    So sweet. I love Alfie!
    Laura @ The Sweet Simple Things

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    Replies
    1. Laura!!! So good to see you - thank you for dropping by!
      Yes, Alfie is sweet...and oh so cuddly! :)

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  13. I love that you rescued Alfie! My cat Violet was a feral cat that I rescued from the women's death row facility in Texas. She was the tiniest cat I'd ever seen when I first got her. She is the most loving cat I've ever known and I can't imagine my life without her. I wrote an essay about her adoption that is in this month's Witness magazine.

    Good luck with A to Z!

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    Replies
    1. I can't take the credit for the rescue - that's my lovely daughter's doing! Although, I'm her greatest supporter in these things! I have Lucky, a fourteen year old sweetie of my own so having a second dog, at this time, isn't an option. Sharing is!!!

      Thank you for being a rescuer too - I would love to read your essay...can you link me to it! Or can I find it by going to Witness magazine? Maybe you can leave me the title. :)

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  14. Rescue pets make the best pets!!! great topic!!

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    1. Too true, Lass, too true. They seem so appreciative, like they really have a sense of being saved.

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  15. Anonymous8:42 am

    Alfie is so cute!! I used to watch those Animal Rescue shows a lot. I think those people who work with it are amazing. I would cry all the time.

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    1. It is a topic that does bring tear to one's eyes, for sure. When my daughter talks to me about the many sweet, little dogs waiting for homes I get so sad.

      People that rescue pets and love them unconditionally are angels. :)

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  16. Hi Jenny. Can't believe that the A - Z April Challenge is here again already. How brave of you to be taking it on again! Little Alfie is so cute and he must feel very honoured to be taking the lead in this Challenge!

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    1. Yes, where did the year go! As you know I love challenging myself, Diane, so doing this A-Z is a bit of an adrenalin rush. I will pace myself as I do have extra responsibilities on my plate this year.

      As always, thanks for your support and encouragement. :)

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  17. well, well.... look at Alfie jump, we recused our dog from a mean ol' family member... great to see you in the 1590-ishes...

    Jeremy [Retro]
    AtoZ Challenge Co-Host
    Oh No, Let's Go... Crazy

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    1. Hi Jeremy - thanks for being a rescuer too - I bet your dog is one happy camper. Dogs (and all rescued pets) know when they've been given a second chance at happiness.

      1590ish was a good year!!! :P

      Good luck with your co-hosting duties...lots of work, but lots of fun too!

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    2. same old stuff... lots of the bugs worked out from last year... still interesting... here is my doggie...

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

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    3. Isabel is adorable - sooooo cute! Love the way she hops! All she needs is little bunny ears and the Easter bunny would be out looking for a new day job!

      Thanks for sharing the video - it's always fun to see pets in action. If you get a chance to visit little Al, over at Daily Bark you will see some fun agility stuff he does with Courtney. They make a great team.

      I'm glad you're still co-hosting...I love seeing familiar faces! (yours is in deep thought!)

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  18. although it is not something i am doing at this time--i am very thankful for people that do this wonderful service--thank you!

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    1. Just being aware of the process is so important - so often people by designer dogs, or purchase a pet from a pet store because they don't really think about the options and what it would me for a dog (or cat) that still has a long life ahead itself.

      I'm proud of my daughter for going this route - Al is such a treasure! :)

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  19. Hooray for Alfie! He truly is Awesome!!! Happy A-Z from a fellow participant.And a total fellow dog lover!!! xox jean yates

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    1. Hi Jean - welcome to Pearson Report! I hope you are enjoying Day 1 of the A-Z and I thank you for dropping in to check Awesome Al out! :)

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  20. I could never rescue a pet because they always end up rescuing me.
    Three cheers for Alfie!
    The High Cost of this Low Living

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    1. You've got a point there...sometimes we are rescued by them, without even realizing it.

      Thanks for dropping in...and....LOVE THE SIGNATURE! It looks great! :) :)

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  21. Oh, he's adorable! I've rescued the unrescueable myself and it's amazing how they can bounce back. What miracles a little love can do, right?

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    1. Hi Em...it's is amazing the resilience all creatures have when given love. My daughter has seen this with little Al - poor chap was in really rough shape when she got him. It warms my heart to see him bouncing and running around with a new lease of life.

      I'm thinking of you this Easter weekend - sending you some cyber hugs. Be Happy, dear Em. :)

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  22. Just wanted to drop by and thank you for hosting/editing the A-Z Challenge. And I like your new picture.

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    1. Hi loverofwords - Sadly, I cannot take any credit for this year's A-Z - I was a co-host last year but due to the responsibilities of an ageing mother I bowed out of co-hosting this year.

      The tremendous success is due to the incredible Arlee Bird and his awesome team - I was honoured to have had the experience - I am in awe of them as I know the effort it takes to pull such a massive event off.

      And...thanks for liking the new picture - I'm fond of it too! :) :)

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  23. We have two rescue dogs. They are the best!

    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com

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    1. Hi Joyce - welcome to Pearson Report.

      I love reading when good folks have rescued dogs - my gratitude to you.
      You are right - they are the best! This little fellow just lights my daughter's world up...mine too!

      Thanks for dropping in! :)

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  24. That is so cute! And how timely - we're thinking of adopting a puppy!

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    1. Hello Deniz, welcome to Pearson Report.

      I wish you the same joy and happiness my daughter is feeling with this wonderful experience of adopting a sweet little dog that otherwise would have been left to die in a puppy mill. I feel her happiness too - he is the best little guy!

      Please come back and let me know what you and your family decide. :)

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  25. Replies
    1. :) :) :) I agree, Andrea! He's a little charmer.

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  26. Anonymous7:42 pm

    So many revelations for us to experience when we look beyond the external. Alfie is one lucky dog and blessings come in all shapes and sizes. Best wishes. Jeff.

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    1. How true, Jeff - if only we were required to see with our eyes closed what a world it would be!

      Funny thing is, we're the ones that are lucky...Alfie has brought such calm, contentment and happiness into my daughter's life that it resonates with everything she does, which makes me a happy and contented mother! These little rescue pets are the true gift givers.

      Thank you, Jeff, for stopping by - so good to see you. I hope all is well in your world. :)

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  27. This dog is simply charming. I am so touched by his background. Rescued pets are amazing and I live with two of them. A terrific and wonderfully cheery way to begin this challenge. I will have to stop by the Daily Bark ASAP.

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Thanks for sharing your thoughts.