Mark: So Alvin, how did you come to be in Shoreham Dogs Trust kennels? Alvin: Well Mark, I am four years old and don't remember my first year, but for the last three, I lived with a family. Sadly their circumstances changed and they couldn't look after me any more, so they gave me to the Dog's Trust. Mark: How did you find the change from a home to kennels? Alvin: Very stressful to be honest. I had some separation issues with my old owners, that is to say, I hated being left alone and used to make a bit of a mess of their house when I was on my own. Not deliberately, but I was scared they wouldn't come back so I would try to put them off going out. I don't think they were very pleased with me but I couldn't help it.
When I went to the kennels I didn't understand why I was there and that was very scary. The Dog's Trust folk were really kind to me but I got a bit picked on by my first kennel mates and I wasn't very happy at all. Mark: How did you feel when you found out you were being rehomed?
Alvin: Quite apprehensive at first but a little bit excited too. My new owners (the SCR webteam's Heather and her partner Darrell) came to see me and took me for a long walk on the beach to start with. They also bought me some little sausages to eat which I really liked, so I thought they might be the right people for me. Mark: How does the Dog's Trust rehoming work? What happened to you? Alvin: Well, after they came to see me, they filled in some forms and I sent a Dog's Trust lady to their house to make sure I would like it. I was pretty excited when I found out that they had a garden I could play in and woods nearby. Then, they came for a meeting in Shoreham, where they were told more about me (I was hoping my past problems wouldn't matter and they didn't seem to mind). And then they took me home which was a bit scary but I was very brave. Especially as some more of those little sausages kept magically appearing out of their pockets! Mark: And now you are coming to work every day with Heather? Alvin: Yes, she got special permission from Nicci Holliday to bring me to work everyday as I am still frightened of being on my own, and Darrell can't take me to his work at the moment. I stay under her desk on a nice comfy bed and we go for walks around the lake and in the fields. And I get petted a lot by everyone which I really like. Mark: And how have you settled in at home? Any problems?
Alvin: Very well, I think. I have found a place in the spare room (under the bed, but don't tell them!) where I have my stash of soggy chews and bones, that I want to save. And I am making sure that I wake them up every morning at 4.30am by licking their faces and jumping on them, so they get the chance to play with my toys before they have to go to work. I know they would hate to miss out on all the fun, and they always get up and make loud noises whenever I wake them up, so I know they are happy about that too. I am also allowed on the sofa which is great, although they say I have to stay on my new throw in the middle bit (but between you and me, I never do unless they are in the room!). Mark: So what is next for Alvin? Alvin: Oh, lots of things. Unfortunately starting with a vets appointment as my ear is a bit sore...! Seriously, though, I hope to get a bit braver and I am applying for a pet passport soon so I can go to Europe on driving holidays to Italy, France and Austria. I have heard the European ladies are very keen on an English country gent with impeccable manners and a winning pant!
Heather and Darrell have also promised to help me learn to play with my toys more, as at the moment, I don't quite understand what I am supposed to do with them apart from hide them. And obviously, I am planning plenty more radio appearances here and to meet some of the listeners. But for now, I need a quick power nap before my next walk, so please do excuse me....
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