It was every dog owner’s nightmare: Peter’s heart sank when he realised his black flat-coated retriever, Alfie, had slipped through the open gate. Frantic, Peter called his name, scoured the neighbourhood, and even prepared to jump into his car to widen the search.
But just as he was about to lose hope, a curious sight stopped him in his tracks – a pack of stray dogs trotting past his house. And there, right in the middle of the group, was Alfie, blending in perfectly.
“I almost left him there with them!” Peter said with a chuckle. This knack for mischief, paired with an irresistible charm, perfectly sums up Alfie.
Peter’s life with Alfie began in early 2021, a bittersweet time following the loss of his Shih Tzu who had been with him for many years. Looking for a larger dog, Peter reached out to several friends and acquaintances.
“I was originally looking for a Labrador,” he shared, “but something about Alfie stood out. He was busy playing with his siblings. He came to me for a moment, but you could tell he wasn’t quite ready to leave his game.”
That playful streak has stayed with Alfie, who, at four years old, remains as lively as ever.
The name Alfie was inspired by Peter’s favourites: the 1960s film starring Michael Caine titled “Alfie”, and Burt Bacharach’s classic song “What’s it all about, Alfie?” It’s a name that carries charm and mischief, much like the pooch himself.
Indeed, mischief is Alfie’s speciality. From the day he entered Peter’s life as a puppy, the retriever made his presence known with his antics. “Leave a loaf of bread out and all you’ll find is an empty packet,” Peter quipped.
But the story that takes the cake – or rather, the steak – involves a food delivery. Peter had stepped out briefly, leaving his meal unattended. When he returned, the steak and fries had vanished without a trace. The only thing remaining? An untouched salad.
Despite his cheeky streak, Alfie has a soft and loving side. He sleeps in Peter’s bedroom, usually starting out on his own bed – but inevitably sneaking onto Peter’s during the night.
Alfie’s unique preferences add to his charm. While most dogs love traditional treats, Alfie has a fondness for bread, carrots, and human foods like ham and cheese.
On weekdays, he sticks to dry food, but weekends bring a special treat: gourmet meals from a local supplier. “He’s definitely not a picky eater,” Peter noted.
Social outings with Alfie are an adventure. He loves dog-friendly cafés and parks, where he eagerly plays with other dogs – even if his enthusiastic face-licking sometimes catches them off guard. “For some reason, he doesn’t like cats or beagles,” Peter revealed.
His favourite toy? A pickleball, which he carries around like a prized possession.
“He’s part of the family, so he joins in everything,” Peter added. Outstation trips to Dusun in Negeri Sembilan are a highlight for both human and hound: the dog-friendly retreat offers jungle walks and barbecues, where Alfie gets his share of lamb steak.
For Peter, who has always had dogs, Alfie represents companionship, joy, and an everlasting bond. “I can’t imagine life without him. He’s a big part of my life,” Peter concluded.
This article was written by Dinesh Kumar Maganathan @ FMT Lifestyle. Read more pet stories here.
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