Vet Cage, Alf, Sad Little Crossbreed Gent

[Becky]

Please whisper a gentle hello to Alf



This old boy was very unsure of coming out for some "get to know you" time today but his Aunty Cheryl managed to coax him out. He is clearly very upset at finding himself homeless at his age, and really wasn't interested in us or the treats we had on offer Alf just wanted to keep himself to himself on his blanket and wouldnt even make eye contact with us



We dont know how long Alf has been straying but I think its fair to say, his coat has seen better days and it must be a while since he has had a bath or even a brush Poor boy



We had Alf out for about 30 minutes, and he spent the whole time on the bed shaking. It was absolutely heart breaking. This must be such a bewildering time for him. He is lost and alone and doesn't understand what is going on or where his family are. You are in safe hands now lovely boy





Kennels are no place for older dogs. They have given their best years to their family's and they deserve the absolute best in their twilight years. They deserve good food, tasty treats, a warm comfy bed, a soft sofa to stretch out on, a kind and loving hand to stroke them to sleep. They don't deserve a concrete kennel.




Alf is availble for rehoming on 11th July. If you'd like more information on him, please phone the Dogs' Home: 029 2071 1243 or visit Cardiff Dogs' Home, Westpoint Industrial Estate, Penarth Road, open 7days a week, 10.30 - 4pm.

[cherylW]

This poor boy absolutely broke my heart today, it was just so sad to see him so bewildered and confused.

I'm sure he'll be feeling a bit happier soon, but I really hope someone can offer him a lovely home very soon

[Baglady]

Aw Alf, poor baby. Where are your owners? How could then do this to you?

Coming down later for a bit of a cwtch Alfie

[toby]

Oh hello fella. .. can't bear to think of my old boy in this position. .. give him a big cwtch from me. Jan

[debs91067]

My heart breaks for this old boy, just hope he's reunited with his family soon poor love

[Baglady]

Debs, I met him this afternoon. He looks like he has been 'living rough' or in a shed for a very very long time. He certainly didn't take a walk from a loving home anytime recently. His coat is in a shocking, dreadful state. He saw the vets this morning, they de-flead, wormed and vaccinated him, but he was so stressed, doesn't seem in any obvious acute pain, so they are hoping that he will feel a little better in a few days and will give him a more thorough exam on Wednesday. As he is so shut down, the staff have agreed that he could spend a few days with Becky, in the hope that he will come around in a quiet, calm home with Becky and her dogs padding around. He looks for all the world as if he has just given up

[sarahkd]

What a dwt. I'm sure he won't be waiting long for a new loving family - he needs someone to put a smile back on that handsome face. I hope he's already found that by the time we come back down at the weekend but if he hasn't....can we, can we take him out for a little trot around and some hugs please. Can never resist a terrier boy xx

[Becky]

I know this boy has been on a lot of people's minds so thought I would do a little update. I picked Alf up yesterday evening and he was still very withdrawn. When I got him home I settled him into a crate with a bed and some blankies but left the crate door open in case he fancied a wander but he didnt move all night and didnt want to eat (I couldnt tempt him with chicken, steak or cheese ) I left the food in the crate with him overnight in the hope he would eat some of it and he did, the bowl was empty this morning I took him out for a toilet break and he did a wee straight away - good man!! We went for a gentle stroll and although he is a little bit unsteady, he seems to enjoy being out and is as light as a feather on the lead. I cooked him some more chicken for breakfast and he ate the lot (hand fed though I have to admit ) He seems much perkier today, is taking an interest in what is going on around him and enjoys watching what my dogs are up to from his bed. He even got up earlier and took himself out of the crate for a wander around the room and kitchen

I know he's not out of the woods yet but he really has improved a lot in just 24 hours. I am so so grateful to the staff for letting him come home with me for a few days, I know its not usual practice but I really think its helped Alf pick himself up a bit. He's popping back to CDH tomorrow to see the vet and hopefully he can come back with me until the weekend!

Alf is a lovely boy, you really wouldnt know he is there. He hasn't toileted in the house once and I haven't heard him bark yet. He is happy to be picked up as long as he knows you are there and what you are going to do. He is going to make a lovely addition to a nice, calm, quiet home

Trying out all the beds in the house



Afternoon nap next to his foster sister Betty



Quite possibly the cutest dog in the world



Come on Alf, you can do this! Everyone is rooting for you fella xxx

[janeto]

Thanks for all you are doing Becky - fab to hear that Alf is slowly responding to the love he is obviously getting x

[Becky]

My pooches sleep in the kitchen at night (Alf has been having the luxury of the living room ) but their beds go back in the living room during the day. I stacked them up this morning to carry back, went and got my shoes on ready for our walk, returned to the beds and this had happened



Are you quite comfy there little fella??? I think Alf is going to be a real character to have around once he is feeling himself again x

[belle]

I'm so relieved to see Alf starting to feel his way in a proper home. Dread the thought of him going back to kennels, so bless you Becky! No doubt he will find a very loving home soon. xx

[tracyj]

Is he still all set for going to his previous owner at the weekend? x

[lovelymumof3]

Hi there me and my husband are picking him up at the weekend
Becky could you please let me know how he is doing today

[Baglady]

Alf's picture has been shared far and wide over social media, and we have been inundated with messages from people who believe him to be their dog. Alf does have some very distinctive markings, which for obvious reasons we have not put in the public domain, and so far he hasn't been a match for any known lost dogs. We are heartbroken for their owners, some of them have been searching for their lost pet for many years.

We do know of instances where long lost pets have been reunited with their families, and for anyone who has been a member on this page for over 3 years, you may remember the heartrending story of two schnauzers, who were stolen from their elderly owner, and turned up at CDH 4 years later!

We would dearly love for Alf to be reunited with his long lost family, and hope for his sake that events on the weekend go well, but in the event that Alf is not the missing dog they are looking for we would not want to discourage rehoming offers. Whatever happens, this little guy needs to be in a home environment, not in a kennel, as soon as possible.

Here are some of the pics we have been sent by grieving owners, of dogs similar to Alf.



We would urge all owners of lost dogs never to give up hope.

[Becky]

Just a quick update, Alf is managing to eat small amounts of chicken at the moment, not a lot but little and often seems to be suiting him. He is still extremely withdrawn bless him and he would prefer to be left alone as much as possible, although he is comfortable being around my own dogs (and totally ignoring Betty's grumpy tones if he gets too close to her ) I spent a good 4 hours sat on my living room floor last night in the hope that he might fancy curling up on my lap but no chance We'll never know what has happened to him, but this boy really needs time and patience to learn to trust and love again. He still looks like he is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders but for him, he probably is

lovelymumof3 - I hope all goes well on Sunday