My first baby boy, Griffon

by Max
(Bradenton, FL)

On Thanksgiving day,2012, I had to unexpectedly say goodbye to my 12 year old Retriever/Sheltie/Chow mix, Griffon.

Griffon has been by my side through thick and thin, since he was 6 weeks old when we rescued him from the humane society. My x-partner actually officially adopted Griffon, but it became very clear very quickly who he gravitated to, which was me. Now, he wasn't afraid of my partner, just not as attached.

Griffon was my sometimes only support through a lot of the worst times in my life, starting when he was three months old. I lost my first grandparent, followed by another 8 months later, and another 3 years later. I remember getting home after being at the hospital, and Griffon was right there by my side, through all the tears.

He stood by me through the end of my 11 year relationship, then a move to Florida, then to dealing with three other large dogs on a cattle ranch, to being diagnosed with leukemia. That dog was the one thing that got me out of bed every morning, and if it weren't for him, I don't know if I would have survived.

Luckily I did, and even as I had to make the tough decision to put Griffon down that day, he still consoled me at the vet just minutes before receiving his injection. My one comforting thought is that it was fast, and he never suffered with pain. I will never forget this special baby boy in my life! He truly was my baby boy.

The good news is that Griffon's 3 year old baby brother Stewie (a chi) now has another companion at home!! On X-mas Eve I welcomed a 7 week old male chi, Evan, to the family! He and Stewie are getting along famously, and they play non-stop!!

I will always miss Griffon and will never forget what he meant to me during these last 12 years. I couldn't have done it without him. Daddy truly misses his beautiful baby boy. Rest in peace Griffon (1/8/2000-11/24/2011). Daddy loves you!

Daddy Max