Alfred, the 12-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier cross pit bull that has lived at Hout Bay’s Domestic Animal Rescue Group (Darg) for 10 years, longer than any of the other animals at the shelter, has finally found a home where he can retire.
Alfred was found wandering the streets of Hout Bay, malnourished and in poor condition, according to Faustina Gardner, Darg’s managing director.
The stoic mutt featured often on Darg’s Facebook page as the organisation sought a home for him over the years, saying that he needed to be an “only pet” but would make “the most loving and doting boy if someone opens their heart and home to him”.
Darg says Alfred loves to cuddle and thinks of himself as a lapdog.
“While he is a senior citizen in dog years, he loves toys. At one of our markets, he picked a toy at one of the stands and decided that it was his so his volunteer had to buy it for him,” said Ms Gardner.
Darg is a pro-life, non-profit organisation that rescues, cares for, sterilises and re-homes previously abused, neglected and abandoned cats and dogs in the Hout Bay area (“Caring for Hout Bay’s abandoned, abused cats and dogs,” Sentinel, July 15 2022).
Alfred’s guardian, Irene le Roux, who subscribes to animal welfare organisations said, “His face spoke to me”.
When Ms Gardner took Alfred for a home inspection, the house in Somerset West ticked all the boxes especially the large garden from which he could not escape.
Ms Le Roux said Alfred is very active and loves sniffing and digging in the garden, playing with his many toys and eating. Our phone conversation was interrupted when Alfred decided to chomp a plastic box.
Darg has a garage shop, book store and an online store that the public can support. The centre also accepts books, second-hand clothing, kitchenware and other bric-a-brac. Darg’s monthly market includes entertainment for children, and the public can meet the dogs and cats. The next one is planned for Saturday August 3.
