Every Thursday Alfie and his owner Bruce Cross would visit Wingham Court to talk to the residents – their smiles a testament to Alfie's therapeutic powers.

Alfie also enjoyed the visits as there were always lots of biscuits and other goodies on offer.

He would knock on the office door with his nose because he knew his favourite office workers Joy Richards and Sharren MacKay would have a special 'edible gift' for him.

His big goofy grin and booming bark endeared him to staff and residents alike.

Alfie was also well known and loved by many Wingham people around town. He loved to go for morning walks when local school children were waiting for their buses.

On command he would bark a greeting or shake hands with them.

He also knew where all his canine friends lived and would poke his nose through the fence and wag his tail furiously.

The loveable labrador's favourite pastimes were eating (hence his rather portly figure), swimming in the river or at Old Bar beach, sleeping, and being a constant friend and companion to Bruce.

Alfie's health had deteriorated over the past few weeks and on Saturday, February 25, the heart-wrenching decision to end his suffering had to be made.

Farewell Alfie – you brightened so many lives and you will be greatly missed.

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