Alfie : Chief Security Officer par excellence
Of course, the first sight visitors to Dodlands Steading meet is our
Chief Security Officer - none other than that 'master of the inquisition',
namely our Jack Russell terrier named Alfie!
All come under the watchful eye of this suspiciously-minded dog, who
approaches visitors cautiously, never losing eye contact even for just one
second.
However, what follows
next belies the role and responsibility of one who
bears the tag 'Security Officer'!
There are 2 outcomes.
Either Alfie slowly approaches the visitor, finding a boot or an extended fingertip
to lick.
The other reaction, is for Alfie to do a swift about-turn and head for the safety
of the environs of the trainer's bungalow.
Can it get any better for Alfie?
Free to inspect the nooks and
crannies of the stable, and roam the vast areas of the gallops. It's
a dog's life sure enough!
Hamish : Trainee Security Officer
With the number of horses at Dodland's Steading on the increase,
it had been crossing our minds for some time that the
responsibility of ensuring the safety of the equine inhabitants
was too much for just one guard.
Our Chief Security Officer agreed and set about sorting through
the C.V.s of applicants and cut this down to a small shortlist
of those to be interviewed.
It was a difficult choice in the end, with three strong
applicants in particular, but Alfie eventually did reach a decision, and we
can now introduce his Trainee Security Officer - Hamish.
Equally at home roaming the yard and bounding over the gallops,
totally ignoring any horse or human that should cross his part,
he's ideal for the job (?).
His favourite ride is most definitely on the rear of Donald's
quad bike on the regular trip to the gallops, but he usually gives
way to rank and relinquishes this prime spot to his superior officer.
Hamish has also been known to respond to the name 'Moffat' but, truth
be told, whether this is a term of endearment or a jibe at his
place of birth, remains a bit of a mystery.