Alf has always had a hard time making friends. It's not because he doesn't like other dogs – quite the opposite! But many dogs don't like him.
When you're born with big eyes, big ears and no tail, you're obviously a bit hard to figure out. Especially when you also grunt like a pig, love to run at full speed and have movements that are faster than a ninja.
Overall, it has created quite a few unfortunate episodes. For example, Alf has been attacked four times. It has gradually made me a bit nervous, and although Alf is happy and friendly towards other dogs, I am very careful with who he is allowed to greet and play with.
For the same reason, we were extra happy when we moved into the new apartment last winter and immediately found a cute playmate across the street. It was Alfred, and that's how the duo Alf and Alfred were created.
The two gradually became famous and infamous in the neighborhood. We started to get into the habit of picking up Alfred several times a week, when we had to go to the field, to the beach, or to explore the forest with Alf. And as a dog owner, there is hardly a more beautiful sight than when the dog is romping around with a good playmate. That's why we made a point of taking Alfred with us whenever possible.
The weekly trips gradually became so regular that when spring came, Alfred would reliably stand out on the balcony every day, scouting for us. And the joy of reunion was equally great each time for the two who resembled each other almost to the point of being identical, yet were so different.
Because while Alf is the brave, cheeky and confident dog, Alfred was gentle, cautious and submissive. And in that way, the awkward pair fit together nicely – Alf was allowed to decide (as he wanted) and Alfred was allowed to discover new things: Like rolling in seaweed, dragging huge branches and chasing ducks. It was all something Alf taught him.
But one day when we were supposed to pick up Alfred, he wasn't there. Alf sat down on the grass in front of the balcony as usual and looked for him. But this time he didn't come.
Because Alfred had been sick for a long time. We knew that Alfred had problems with allergies and sometimes an upset stomach. But he was always happy to see Alf, and happy to play. Unfortunately, it turned out that Alfred was so sick that the vet could do no more. And so he had to be left alone. Only 1.5 years old.
And that's how Alf lost his best friend. And now, several weeks later, he still goes straight to the grass in front of the balcony, sits down, and looks up at the balcony. Because Alfred has to come.
And while he sits there waiting, he considers whether it might be time to get another dog. A playmate for Alf. But until that decision is made, it will break my heart to see the sight of my Alf waiting for his Alfred.
RIP Alfred. And thank you for wanting to be Alf's best friend.
Farewell to Alfred: About losing your best friend
Alf has always had a hard time making friends. It's not because he doesn't like other dogs – quite the opposite! But many dogs don't like him.
When you're born with big eyes, big ears and no tail, you're obviously a bit hard to figure out. Especially when you also grunt like a pig, love to run at full speed and have movements that are faster than a ninja.
Overall, it has created quite a few unfortunate episodes. For example, Alf has been attacked four times. It has gradually made me a bit nervous, and although Alf is happy and friendly towards other dogs, I am very careful with who he is allowed to greet and play with.
For the same reason, we were extra happy when we moved into the new apartment last winter and immediately found a cute playmate across the street. It was Alfred, and that's how the duo Alf and Alfred were created.
The two gradually became famous and infamous in the neighborhood. We started to get into the habit of picking up Alfred several times a week, when we had to go to the field, to the beach, or to explore the forest with Alf. And as a dog owner, there is hardly a more beautiful sight than when the dog is romping around with a good playmate. That's why we made a point of taking Alfred with us whenever possible.
The weekly trips gradually became so regular that when spring came, Alfred would reliably stand out on the balcony every day, scouting for us. And the joy of reunion was equally great each time for the two who resembled each other almost to the point of being identical, yet were so different.
Because while Alf is the brave, cheeky and confident dog, Alfred was gentle, cautious and submissive. And in that way, the awkward pair fit together nicely – Alf was allowed to decide (as he wanted) and Alfred was allowed to discover new things: Like rolling in seaweed, dragging huge branches and chasing ducks. It was all something Alf taught him.
But one day when we were supposed to pick up Alfred, he wasn't there. Alf sat down on the grass in front of the balcony as usual and looked for him. But this time he didn't come.
Because Alfred had been sick for a long time. We knew that Alfred had problems with allergies and sometimes an upset stomach. But he was always happy to see Alf, and happy to play. Unfortunately, it turned out that Alfred was so sick that the vet could do no more. And so he had to be left alone. Only 1.5 years old.
And that's how Alf lost his best friend. And now, several weeks later, he still goes straight to the grass in front of the balcony, sits down, and looks up at the balcony. Because Alfred has to come.
And while he sits there waiting, he considers whether it might be time to get another dog. A playmate for Alf. But until that decision is made, it will break my heart to see the sight of my Alf waiting for his Alfred.
RIP Alfred. And thank you for wanting to be Alf's best friend.