Alfie

Alfie came to me when he was already six years old but he settled in immediately and we became firm friends. Soon, we were buddies and, as Alfie’s quarters changed from the initial outdoor shed to the living room to the bedroom, we became inseparable. We went everywhere together: in the car, on boats, in the woods, to work in our bookshop, you name it. Alfie became a favourite with children and adults alike and, with his calm, sage-like temperament, a councillor to other doggies. Being spoiled, he gained weight over the years but remained fully active and energetic (except when sound asleep and snoring) until he left me at the age of thirteen. Since then, I keep a lock of his fur in a miniature funeral urn on a chain round my neck so he’s still with me daily.