Lynette Duford with Alfie

When Alfie was a puppy he contracted both Canine Parvovirus and Canine Distemper. Remarkably he survived both illnesses, which are commonly fatal for most puppies. Thanks to his remarkable will to live and the people at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary he was given plenty of care and recuperated while he waited to find a loving home.

A supporter of the rescue, Lynette Duford, saw Alfie online and knew he had to join her family. When Lynette first adopted Alfie in September 2011, he did not have use of his front legs, but after many months of physical therapy another miracle happened. Alfie can now run and play like other dogs. As Haven Diaz, caregiver at Best Friends said, he's "my little Alfie that could". What a truly amazing dog!

In the video below, Alfie runs and plays with his pal Arnold as Lynette and her familiy encourage him on. What a difference a year makes.

• adopted dog
• Best Friends Animal Sanctuary