International Dog Day: Celebrating Alfie’s Very Special Journey
This International Dog Day, we’re celebrating the incredible difference dogs make to our lives and sharing the story of one very special Barking Mad dog who is learning how to bring that joy to even more people.
Anyone who shares their life with a dog knows just how much they give us. Companionship, comfort, laughter, unconditional affection, and occasionally, a little chaos!
At Barking Mad, we’re lucky enough to see those special relationships every day. And this International Dog Day, we wanted to celebrate one dog whose natural love of people is taking him on a particularly heart-warming journey.
Meet Alfie, the two-year-old dog of Barking Mad Devizes franchisee Marie Cranfield, who has been undertaking training to become a therapy dog.
A natural people-dog
Alfie has always been friendly, confident and happiest when he’s around people. Seeing those qualities in him inspired Marie to explore whether he could put them to rather wonderful use.
Marie explains:
“The main reason I chose to explore therapy dog training with Alfie was because I wanted him to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Alfie has always been a very friendly, confident and people-oriented dog, and I felt that his natural qualities could be used to bring happiness and companionship to others.”
And that’s exactly what they’ve been working towards.
More than learning commands
As part of his therapy dog journey, Alfie and Marie have completed both theory and practical assessments.
The practical assessment looked at a range of important skills and behaviours, including loose-lead walking, staying when asked, responding to “leave it” and, importantly, being able to remain calm and interact appropriately with people in a care-home environment.
Of course, Alfie also had the chance to show off some of his tricks – something he is apparently more than happy to do!
But behind the fun is an important point. Training a well-rounded dog isn’t simply about teaching commands. It’s about building confidence and consistency, helping them experience different environments and teaching them how to behave appropriately around different people.
For a therapy dog, those qualities are especially important.
Bringing smiles to the care home
Perhaps the loveliest part of Alfie and Marie’s journey has been the bond Alfie has already developed with residents and staff at the care home he visits.
He loves seeing them, and they’ve certainly taken to him too.
Whether he’s offering affection, companionship or entertaining everyone with his tricks, Alfie has found a place where his naturally sociable personality can really shine.
For Marie, watching him develop has been incredibly rewarding.
“I’m hugely proud of how far Alfie has come. He’s still only two, and watching him develop into such a confident, well-socialised and adaptable dog has been extremely rewarding.”
Celebrating the dogs who make a difference
International Dog Day is a chance to celebrate dogs of every shape, size and personality. From the dogs who share our homes and adventures, to those who take on special roles supporting and enriching the lives of others.
Alfie’s journey is a lovely example of what can happen when a dog’s individual personality is combined with thoughtful training, positive experiences and plenty of socialisation.
It’s also a reminder of something the Barking Mad community already knows very well; dogs have an extraordinary ability to bring people together
and make our days that little bit brighter.
We’re incredibly proud of Marie and Alfie and will be cheering them on as they work towards completing the final stage of the process.
As for Alfie? He seems rather less concerned with qualifications and much more interested in his next important assignment: charming the residents, making people smile and showing off his latest tricks!
Happy International Dog Day from everyone at Barking Mad – and an extra special paws-up to Alfie!
