Alfie is a clown! There is simply no other word for it. He is the most charming and engaging little pup, who, to my eyes at least, looks rather like a pink and white sugar mouse on steroids! His determination and curiosity seem to know no bounds and in spite of his deafness he is extremely good at his job.
Living in the country as we do, there are field rats all around, who are tempted by the bird feeders and, if given the chance, I was sure they would consider the chickens’ food a delectable treat. We didn’t want to use bait (for humane and ecological reasons) but felt that a good ratting terrier would be the perfect addition. So young Alfie came into our lives. He constantly patrols our boundaries and garden and, in spite of his youth, inexperience, and disability has made several kills. We don’t see rats any more which is great – but earlier this week we couldn’t see Alfie either!
He wasn’t in any of his usual spots – not asleep on his (slightly chewed) bed, not hiding behind the sofa, not annoying Rufus or pulling the fur on Ted’s tail. Then we spotted the freshly excavated hole beneath our fence and into the field next to the house where maize has been planted that is currently around 3 feet high. He’d gone, probably in pursuit of a rabbit or rat! The next couple of hours were awful – the Engineer, Rufus and I all went out looking for the little fellow, whilst Ted kept watch at home. We couldn’t call him of course, as he wouldn’t be able to hear us and in the maize we had very little chance of seeing him. Still, up and down we went, across the field, along the lane and into the railway sidings – but hope was fading as it grew dark.
When it was almost too dark to see we returned home and stood in the front garden feeling worn out and very despondent – until I looked across at the porch window to see not one, but TWO furry faces looking out at us – one giant black dog and one small, grubby, and very pleased with himself, little white dog. The wanderer had returned through the same hole he’d left by. The happiness, the relief, the instant filling in of the hole!! And since then a complete inspection of all our boundaries to ensure (we hope) no repetition of his escapade!
I am pleased to report, however, that NICE exciting things are also happening here. In less than a week’s time a special pattern bundle is being released…..
I was amazed and delighted to be asked to contribute a pattern to the new Makers Bundle collection that will go on sale from13-17 July – just under a week’s time. The bundle includes patterns from nine incredibly talented designers (and me!). The bundle of patterns will be available for $20/£15.70 approx and has an approximate total value of $95/£75 which makes it unbelievably amazing value. The bundle goes live on 13 July for just five days and I’ll be back in touch before then to let you know how you can grab your stitchy bargain!
Congratulations on your invite to the Makers Bundle. 😊 your designs are exceptional. Your little scamp, Alfie, keeps me entertained. But how frightening that he got away from you. Our 10 year old long haired Chihuahua, Sammy, suddenly went deaf 6 weeks ago and that’s my biggest fear plus there is some traffic on our road. It has been a confusing challenge for him. I’m trying to teach him hand signals as he adapts. How goes that with you and Alfie? Did you follow some program or just make up your own?
Hi Pamela
Oh no, very sorry to hear about Sammy, but I am sure your love and care, that he’s known for so long, will carry him through – dogs are amazingly adaptable after all! Our experience is a bit different in that Alfie has been deaf from birth so he knows nothing else. There are a few websites out there that offer advice and support for owners of deaf dogs from which we took some basic commands – sit, wait and come, but of course none of these work unless he’s actually looking for us. He does wear a bell now which is great for knowing where he is as if he’s out of sight we can’t call him of course. He is intensely visual and very tactile, during the day he likes to touch one of us when he’s sleeping so he knows if we move. He also follows Rufus, our labrador almost constantly when he’s awake, and takes his lead from him, we call Rufus his assistance dog! The only thing we need to be careful of is how we wake him as – a gentle paw-tickle works best as he can become very alarmed if woken suddenly. Hope this helps xx