Okay, one more suggestion:
I have no idea where you’re located, but here in the US, many of our television stations feature several Humane Society “Pets of The Day”, and they show them along with their handlers.
Stay with me.
You’ve told us that your parents care about Alfie as their “Empty Nest” baby.
Sorry to sound like a PR person, but this would make a great “human interest” story.
Call your local station (s).
Please keep us posted!
Quasi
Hoping you guys find Alfie.
This is a great idea!
A lot of lost dogs in my area are located because local bloggers will post a pic and your number in their list of local interest news. It’s amazing how often this works.
Any news?
Well, the people I thought might have stolen him apparently didn’t. I found some old CL postings with their phone number for AED puppies, so they are or were breeders. Otherwise, no. I am beginning to go with the “ran away from the pack to die” theory.
I’m sorry. 
I am so sorry. Here’s hoping you can meet again somewhen. It’s not going to be Heaven without my pets.