From Fear to Friendship: How Alfie’s “Job” with Dogs Helped Transform His Life

Alfie with Stanley

For anyone living with a phobia, the object of their fear can feel impossible to escape. 

However, Alfie’s heartwarming story demonstrates how patience, familiarity and the right support can gradually turn fear into confidence.

Just three years ago, Alfie was so frightened of dogs he would cross the road whenever he saw one. 

The encounter could leave him extremely upset, and his mother, Samantha Clydesdale, never imagined he would one day look forward to spending time with dogs.

Today, every Monday is special because Alfie, a student at Oaktree School in Enfield, attends a supported placement at local dog hotel Halo Dogs.

As far as Alfie is concerned, this is not simply a school visit. It is his “job” and Halo Dogs is his “workplace”.

“Every single Monday is the highlight of his week,” Samantha explained. “He is so incredibly proud of what he does there, and seeing that sense of purpose and happiness means the world to me.”

Alfie has even developed a special friendship with Stanley, a sausage dog he frequently talks about at home.

His remarkable progress highlights an important principle commonly used in helping people manage phobias: gradual, carefully supported exposure. Rather than being forced to confront his fear suddenly, Alfie was given the opportunity to return to the same safe environment, meet familiar people and follow meaningful routines.

Over time, the unfamiliar became familiar. Fear gave way to trust and, eventually, affection.

The placement has also given Alfie far more than confidence around animals. He has developed independence, responsibility and a genuine sense of belonging.

This is particularly significant when a new government report warns that young people with special educational needs and disabilities are around 80% more likely than average to be out of education, employment or training. In 2024/25, 29.6% of disabled young people were in this position, compared with 8.7% of non-disabled young people.

Halo Dogs founder Justin Kumaran believes sustained placements can help change young lives.

“Alfie did not need a staged experience; he needed somewhere he could return to until the unfamiliar became familiar and fear gave way to trust,” he told That's Health.

Alfie’s experience should encourage other employers and community organisations to work with SEND schools. A meaningful, properly supported placement can help a young person discover abilities that fear or lack of opportunity may have hidden.

The young man who once crossed the road to avoid dogs now cannot wait for Monday morning and another working day alongside Stanley. It is a beautiful reminder that phobias do not always have to control the future.

https://www.halodogs.co.uk/dog-rescue-rehabilitation-charity

https://www.oaktree.enfield.sch.uk