Wow. We're really celebrating Xmas in style, writes Alfie (that's me on the left). This year has really flown by in a flurry of new four-legged, tail-wagging furry friendships thanks to the hard work of our pack leader and my ‘human’ parent, Natalie (in the round picture).

I was worried about sharing her to be honest, but over two dozen canines have had a right ball, walking, running and hunting all over Sheffield — not forgetting kipping and eating at the PUP hotel during the school holidays.

Although we are different shapes and sizes, backgrounds and temperaments, we’ve become good friends. Many have a pretty impressive pedigree - others are mix-and-match rescue dogs like me. I was fretful and unloved, nervous and anxious until Natalie saved my bacon — and introduced me to the delights of an occasional full English breakfast and a full-time diet of unconditional love.

With Xmas upon on us, we’ve been discussing on our group walks how to celebrate — my initial suggestion of a full English breakfast three times a day for each day of the Christmas holiday was resolutely rejected as some of our pack apparently prefer to chase balls or swim all day rather than gorge on delicious food……go figure! So after much discussion and a few raised hackles we collectively decided helping other dogs less fortunate than ourselves was a great gift to be able to give. We have decided to forgo Christmas presents from our beloved pack leader and instead donate the money to dogs less fortunate than ourselves who are in desperate need of a new home. Natalie has donated the cost of one walk for each member of our pack as an alternative to us receiving Christmas presents individually. All the proceeds of Alfie’s Awesome Xmas Surprise will be donated to the brilliant Wolfwood dog rescue centre in Lancaster (www.wolfwood.co.uk), my home prior to landing on my paws in Sheffield. Check out Wolfwood’s website and the wonderful dogs waiting to be loved and to give love … some of them have stayed there for several years before being rescued.

If you would like to contribute to my, Alfie’s Awesome Xmas Surprise simply donate on this Just Giving page. Remember, the more cash we raise, the better life changes we can give four-legged friends in 2019… any questions, simply fire an email to Natalie at natalie@popuppaws.co.uk.

Merry Woof-Mas everyone

Much love