Alfie was originally meant to be a sheep dog on a nearby farm, but as he was deaf, the farmer couldn’t teach him to herd the sheep properly and offered Alfie for sale. From the minute I saw him I knew we were going to be friends forever and adopted him straight away.

Because Alfie is deaf, he can’t hear commands like other dogs, so I have been teaching him tricks using hand signals, actions and face expressions. For example, if I want him to lift his paw, I cannot just say “paw” like other owners. I touch his paw and his natural reaction is to lift his leg up. Of course I have to give him a treat after!

He is doing so well with his training that I am now teaching him to dance at our local dog class - The Wizard of Paws in Glasgow – where we live. I think he is so brilliant, that I have now entered him into a national competition to find Britain’s best pet. He loves the camera and because he has been through so much, I think he might have a chance of winning!

Having a dog like Alfie has changed my life. When I grow up I want to be an animal psychologist and help other animals just like Alfie.