First, I have to apologize for the lack of pictures. I was so intent on Alf not getting loose and escaping, that I couldn't focus on much else. Also, two dogs on leash (3 with Fenway) makes operating a camera difficult.
Alf made the journey from dirtville to Vegas and Vegas to California in the same manner he has done everything: with class and like a gentleman.
He really did come to love going for a drive. When we were driving he could barely stand to put his head down. He wanted to see everything!
Civilization was a curious matter. He showed no fear, but was definitely confused by the hustle and bustle. He stood, for what seemed to be hours, his nose in the air, tasting the smells.
Mr. B did just fine at the vets. He napped while we waited to see the vet, in spite of all sorts of cats, dogs, and rodents who were also waiting.
The staff loved him and couldn't believe that a mere six months ago he was running with wild dogs. They did comment on his Houdini act and stellar escaping abilities.
We arrived in California, early Friday morning.
At about 10am Alf finally got to meet most of his new family. We kept the meeting low key and brief so as not to upset Alf with any emotions we might be feeling.
On Saturday, Alf's mom updated me and included pictures.
Alf on his new, plush bed, sitting with his 2-legged sister
Alf with his mom and 4-legged sister, Sophie.
She said, "...Here we are. He is beautiful! He whined a bit in the car, and then rested his sweet little head on my arm. He is really bonding with Brandy. Getting on fine with Sophie. She barked at him a bit, he did nothing. Then he found his voice. How can so much voice come out of such a little body? He is laying in the laundry room sleeping right now, and Sophie is out by the fireplace. We came home, took a tour and he officially christened our living room ottoman. Watched me scrub and lecture no relieving in mummies house. Looked pretty uninterested. Will keep you updated. Pulled out two sticky icky thorny things you had on your blog..."
I can't believe that boy, peeing in the house! He never once let loose in my house (that was the home of two male dogs before it became Stumpy's home. Or in my son's house where one male dog was living and another had lived up until a year ago! Then I thought to myself, "He's home, he knows it, and he's making sure the world knows it, too." Silly, I know, but I like it. As long as there are no more peeing in the house incidents.
I also can't believe he had two of those stupid, evil stickers in him. Both the vet and I went over him, completely! Also, I had promised Alf, on the way to Cali, that he would never be subjected to those evil things again!
Again, I want to express my heartfelt and eternal gratitude to every one of you for your support throughout Alf's introduction to the world of beans.
To Alf's family, there are no words. But if you ever need a dog sitter, give me a call!
Paws crossed that all the homeless/neglected/abused animals find their happily ever after home and family!
The Berner (now known as Alphonso Bernard Jacob Scout Billy Bob Berner)is/was a semi-feral dog trying to survive in the Mohave Desert.
He has a family of his own, now, and is living happily ever after and well-loved in sunny, SoCal.
If you're a new visitor to our blog, the Berner's story can be read in the posts listed below, in chronological order. Updates are posted on Saturday.
#1 Who's been sitting in my chair?
#2 Runnin' with the big dawgs
#3 There's a Berner in my living room!
#4 He's everywhere!
#5 He's gone
#6 The Berner: coming and going
#7 Berner News
#8 The Weekly Berner Report (March 28 - April 3)
#9 The Weekly Berner Report (April 3 - April 10)
#10 The Weekly Berner Report (April 10 - April 17);
#11 The Weekly Berner Report (April 17 - April 24)
#12 The Weekly Berner Report (April 24 - May 1)
#13 The Berner (aka Alphonso Bernard Jacob Scout Billy Bob Berner) Report: May 1 - May 8
#14 The Weekly Berner Report: May 8 - May 15
#15 The Weekly Berner Report: May 15 - 22
#16 The Berner Report: May 22 - May 29
#17 The Weekly Berner Report: May 29 - June 5
#18 The Weekly Berner Report: June 5 - 12
#19 The Weekly Berner report: June 14 - 19
#20 The Weekly Berner Report: June 27 - July 3 (Experts weigh in, please)
#21 The Weekly Berner Report (July 3 - July 10)
#22 The Weekly Berner Report, July 17, The Details and Boatlaods of Gratitude
#23 July 20: Vegas, Baby!
#24 The Berner Report: New Beginnings, July 23, 2010
#25 The Berner Report: August 7, 2010 Update
31 comments:
What an odyssey this has been. Congrats for engineering such a successful happy ending! I know there had to have been times when you had doubts about how this all was going to turn out. Great job!
Hooray for the Handsome Alfy! At first I had my doubts that he would ever be anything but a runner, but you convinced him, didn't you!
A big thanks to his new family and my very best wishes for a wonderful future for all!
Jo and Stella
Rejoicing and sad at the same time, Stumpy and mom. How exciting, how heartfelt. I think marking his territory is an OKAY thing - but JUST ONCE! No more! If Alfy's new mom starts a blog, let us all know. He is truly a reflection of your hard work and LOVE. Hurrah to you both! And a big ear rub for Alf.
Mom started leaking as soon as she saw the khrossed paws pikh on the sidebar -
And now it is a full(moon)blown khry -
Be happy Alfy -
Woo've touched many many lives and shown that kharing and trying khan make a difFURence!
As I've known fur one month short of four years now: THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE A FUREVER HOME!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
I've got a lump in my throat, but know how well this has worked out. He is a lucky boy.
My boy Bill walked into my house the first day here and promptly lifted his leg. The first and last time he did that. I believe you are right, Alf marked his territory.
Oh man - what a journey this dog has been on - I'm yet another person sitting here with a lump in my throat - THANK YOU for helping this dog - now you get to watch him grow in to a beloved pet in his forever home.
What a beautiful story!
We are so happy that Alfy has made it to is wonderful forever home and he is now with a very loving family. No more walk abouts..
We know you will miss him but you can feel better knowing he has a great forever home..
Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie
DG, I really feel it was a community effort getting Alf to a safe palce. i couldn't have done it without all kinds of help and support!
Stella, I did a lot of doubting, myself. If alf wasn't the dog he is, I don't know if it would have turned out so perfectly.
Brenda, Alf's mom promises lots of pictures and updates, so we'll be hearing from our Berner Boy.
Khyra, that pictures perfect, isn't it? It's the first time I've seen him really cross them. Call me crazy, but I am sure he knows!
Sandra, his new mom thinks the same.
Sam, it's kind of fairy tale-esque, right? I'm telling you, I now believe!
Heelers, we will miss him. but more than that we are so happy for him. and a little jealous, too! How did he escape dirtville before us????
OP Pack Mom here - you made me cry when I read this. What a wonderful and remarkable story/adventure/experience for you and for all of us who came to love Alf through your eyes. Thanks.
Oh my goodness what a lucky lucky boy to have ended up in such a wonderful home! Way to go Cyndi!!! I am so happy to hear he is safely in his new home and has christened it well for the world to know :)
Heehee!
Big hug your way!
xoxo
It is going to be kind of quiet in Dirtville now and Stumpy is an only dog.... :(
Aire-hugs
Wyatt and Stanzie
Well, mom's eyes got all kinds of leaky again. We're both SOOOO happy for Alf and he most definitely knows that he's home for good. He just looks so...content. We're sending him (and you) lots of happy snuggles!
Wiggles & Wags,
mayzie
Whoo Hoo Alf!!! Great news about your forever home. Wonderful news & you are a very handsome & lucky pup!!!
Tailwags
Ernie,Sasha,Chica
Yayyyyy for alfy!! I have fallen behind on my blog reading lately so this is a lovely surprise! I can't believe how far he has come since You found him!
That is such a wonderful story! I wish you'd write a book about the whole experience!
Also FYI, yesterday I tried to visit and the side bars on your blog were present, but nothing else! Today it's fine. ????
Pat
www.critteralley.blogspot.com
I have to say - like Pat above, I have had that happen to me as well. I refresh the page until it cooperates. Have to have my dose of Stumpy (not so much Dirtville.)
Woo Hoo Alf and new family! I know you will all love each other in a very short time and never want to be parted. The crossed paws picture is priceless.
Hugs to Stumpy and mom - moving him on, even to a wonderful place, tugs at the heartstrings.
On to new adventures. There is traveling in your future and new sights to see.
Your fans await.
What an amazing time you have all had! We are so glad that you cared enough to tend to Alfy. We are very glad Stumpy acceted him and that he had the good sense to keep comong back!!!!! Bless all of you who took care and continue to take care of this fine woofie!!!!
Oh, by the way, Khyra sent us over.
Be careful on your trip back to the desert Stumpy. You and Mom have a good trip...
Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie
I am so happy Alfie has a noo home! Yay for adoptions. I is happy for ur other goggies too. :)
It's good to get these updates. I was really, really hoping he'd stick around, but this way we don't have to miss the boy so much...
Stumpy and Alfie and Fenway and MOM!
You are amazing! I hope Alfie keeps in touch! Is he keeping his name? Oh... sigh... we will miss his adventures with stumpy! Safe travels to you
norwood
OP Pack, Alf's journey is amazing, to me, too! I know I'm a better bean for having had him in my life.
DVR, I'm the lucky girl, because Alf chose me to help him find his way!
Wyatt, both Stumpy and I will miss Alf. It's hard to tell if Stumpy will mind being an only dog, again. She's such a jealous um...itch! We're busy arranging some playdates, now!
Mayzie! I'm sure you know a dog can never get enough snuggles. His new family will be sure to make sure he gets them.
Junior and Orion, We're so grateful Alf found us and deemed us worthy to return to day after day. Each day was a challenge, but the rewards were far greater.
Heelers, we're home safe and sound now!
Keisha, We're happy for all the dogs that have found safe, happy, forever-loving homes!
LWD, No one wanted Alf to stay here, more than me. I knew from the beginning it wasn't possible. He's got a family that will love him and keep him safe forever. Plus, he's out of this ruthless climate!
Norwood, Stumpy and I miss him, tons! Each time we get a little sad we remind ourselves that he's in a wonderful home with a loving family and safe. As long as I live in dirtville I would not have been able to provide the safe factor; HUUUUGE in this environment!
Thank you thank you thank you for passing on Atlas's information!!
Licks,
Kylie
Stumpy you and Mom should have stopped by for a trip to the lake..
Glad you are home safe and sound...
Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie
Woof! Woof! WOW!!! What a wonderful journey ... Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
Woot woot- Alf is going to live the dog's life now! Laguna Beach..woo did good Stumpy! (hey, find me a home like that?:)) funnie, he does the paws khrossed thing too! we miss him already.. but, so happy for Mistah B.
wag wag,
tula
So when are you heading East?
Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie
Woof Woof!!!! yeah!!!!!! Alf is near me!!! wait.....why didnt you come and visit us??? Maybe one day!!! I'd like to meet Stumpy!!
Mom and i are so glad he has a forever home!!!!!
Woof
velcro
I haven't visited for a long time. What a wonderful story overall. Alf definitely had the choice to leave and not come back, but he stayed and now he is safe.
You did a wonderful thing and saved his life!
Miss Kylie, I hope Atlas is home, now!
Heelers, we haven't been by yet... I'll email your mom!
Velcro, I brought your phone number in case there was an opportunity. It was such a quick (and emotional trip) We see many trips to California in our future, now that we have a vehicle that can go beyond the cattle guard. We'll catch you the next time, for sure!
Phyllis, I'm pretty sure we were walking on a two way street. Alf was VERY good for my soul!
Thank you guys sooo much for posting about Atlas... Paws crossed they can find him soon. Unfortunately he was not lost from home, he had been at a dog sitters house!!! So he has NO idea where he is. He is from about 20 miles from home!!
Licks,
Kylie
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