Gryff

We are supporting our friend Vicki in her decision to offer her long time foster Gryff for adoption.   Vicki has been fostering Gryff for 8 months.  She was not in any hurry to place him, because she fell in love with him and she knew he was going to need some time to learn how to be part of a family, she was also hoping she could find him a herding/hobby home.  The long period of time in foster care has benefited Gryff tremendously.  After a very rough start in life (before rescue) he is now showing he is capable of bonding with people and is ready to find his forever home. 

John and I were hoping to be able to work him,  but given the turmoil in our pack we thought it best to allow Gryff the chance to have a forever family all his own, rather than being shuttled back and forth every weekend.

Gryff has run in two trials, novice level.  He didn't do too bad.  He has potential as a good farm dog and family pet.  He loves children, cats and men especially.  If you know of anyone in the PNW looking for a new member of their family, please consider Gryff.

Check out his bio here PNW Border Collie Rescue:  Gryff

John & Gryff

Meet Gryff

Gryff is the one in the back.   It is next to impossible to get a picture of Gryff that is in focus.  He moves too fast & my camera is too slow. 

You may remember that Beth was John's dog.  He fell in love with her when we adopted her from rescue.   I took over as Beth's handler when John started working oodles of overtime.  It was logical since I had recently become unemployed.  I had the time and she needed the attention.

I can't let her go - he can't have her back.  I am a woman who loves too much.

So our friend Vicki had a suggestion.  Maybe John would like to work Gryff?  Gryff is loaded with talent and loves men.  Why not give it a try?  On Sunday, we did just that.

I don't know...I am not sure John likes Gryff?  What do you think?  

Gryff was started by Sue MacDonald and ran Novice in a trial with Vicki a two months ago.  Gryff was badly injured this summer and required a long recovery period and was unable to train.  After being crated for almost two months Vicki entered Gryff in a trial (for grins and giggles).  He placed right behind Beth. 

At first Gryff was a little unsure of John.  Zipping around the sheep.  John kept the session with Gryff light and fun, with lots of reassurance and praise.

Once Gryff settled down he gave John some nice work.

Gryff is fast.  But he respects his sheep and is nice to them.

They are just beginning on their communication

Whoops....Gryff snuck by John

Gryff likes John

 

John likes Gryff.

Now we have a shared custody arrangement with Vicki.  Gryff will spend the weekends John can work him at our house.    I wish I had a picture of the two of them last night.  I found them both sound asleep together on the bed, Gryff snuggled right smack up against John.

This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. 

Gryff fits nicely into our pack.  All the dogs know each other already from many walks together on the river.  Beth even accepts Gryff.   Perhaps it was meant to be?

Welcome to our pack Gryff - even if it is only part-time.  Thank you Vicki for giving John this opportunity to work with this special boy.