A year ago we said goodbye to our special little guy, Griffin. Gone so young, but we should all be so lucky as to go doing something we loved and surrounded by our family.
When we first brought Griffin home, Tiona wanted nothing to do with him. She was actually pissed at us. Griffin though, just wanted to be her friend and cuddle. Here, Tiona jumped on the couch to get away from him and we put him up there anyway. He was so happy and snuggled right in. I think the look on Tionas face pretty much sums up her feelings on the situation.
Seven years later, we are helping Tiona up on the couch for a snuggle. She was unable to get up by herself but determined to have her cuddles none the less. That annoying little thing started to be useful and comforting a long while ago. He was very good during Tionas illness, always careful to be gentle, checked on her all the time and shared his treats with her.
He was such a sweet puppy, it didn't take him long to win her over. From this moment on, they were the best of friends and inseparable. Tiona was always the Queen Bee for Griffy, she taught him well and always looked out for him. When he was a young boy we were out at the off leash park, he had literally stopped to smell some flowers. I saw two very large Malamutes spot him, looked at each other and started his way, and their intentions didn't look all that kind. Before I could move, Tiona was on it. She stood right in their way and dared them to try something. Faced with a "momma bear" attitude, they changed their demeanor and moved off, and Griffin was oblivious to the whole incident. Poor guy, he always got picked on at the park! (See Raimi, it's happened to more that one "big lug" ; )
He even tried the "famous" blue chair once, but couldn't see what all the fuss was about. It probably feels better when you actually "fit" in the chair, rather than spill out from it.
It was impossible to have a bad day around Griffy. He was such a clown and could always make us laugh - I think you can see why!
He always knew when you needed a cuddle or a laugh.
Griffy loved stuffed toys. He would carry them around and suck on them until he would fall asleep. We used to joke they were his soothers. Then I found an actual soother shaped one, he loved it too!
Griffy playing tugs with Grandma, sporting his festive jingle collar. He loved to dress up, although it was difficult the find things in his size. He was so proud of this collar when he first got it, he asked to go out, pranced across the deck like it was a fashion runway and paused at the steps. When he realised no one was there to notice, he slunk back in the house.
Jims Dad passed away just before Christmas last year, Griffin was a real comfort to the whole family. He tried extra hard to make us laugh, cuddled harder and made sure to sit on all our laps.
Griff loved to sit on laps. This was a Christmas at Grandmas house, notice Tiona under the table checking for crumbs. I cropped myself out of this photo because I am really not photogenic and it was also tough to tell which one of us looked more drunk; me or Griff.
He was so handsome, which was a good thing as we always said he got by on his looks. He was just a uncomplicated, innocent, big fun loving guy....
He was prancy, flamboyant and sensitive (take from that what you will...) but he was so sweet and loving, we miss him to this day.
What is she doing, there's water (and bubbles) in there
Going in for a closer look.
Catching bubbles...
