09/05/2026
💙 GRIFFIN’S JOURNEY 💙
Griffin came to us as a big, scarred, anxious mess who simply didn’t know how to relax, settle or fully trust.
With time, patience, consistency and guidance, we are finally getting to see the sweet boy underneath all of that uncertainty. 💞
When Griffin first arrived, settling and relaxing just wasn’t something he knew how to do. Now? One of his favourite things is snuggling up on the couch. Believe it or not, there was a time when he was nervous just to get ON the couch!
Griffin is still unsure of men and needs time to become comfortable, but once he does, he will happily curl up beside you for a snuggle. He absolutely loves my teenagers and gets along wonderfully with my two female dogs. We have not yet tested him with male dogs.
🐾 Some of Griffin’s progress:
• His confidence continues to grow every day
• He gains even more confidence when he has another dog and a trusted handler by his side
• He recently went to the vet and did AMAZING — happily greeting everyone with a wagging tail! (All of the staff he interacted with were women.)
• He has been working on getting comfortable in my travel trailer. He’s still unsure, but he WILL get in — another little win!
• His recall is coming along beautifully
• His Place command is getting really solid
• He listens very well to verbal cues
• He is much more comfortable and relaxed in his crate and no longer feels the need to panic or try to escape
• We have started introducing some e-collar work. I suspect Griffin may have worn one previously, possibly with more of a correction-based association, so we are taking our time and building a clearer, more positive understanding of it.
Griffin can still be skittish at times, so for now, a securely fenced yard or keeping him on leash is important. Until his confidence is stronger and his flight risk decreases, his safety needs to come first.
This boy has come SO FAR, but his journey isn’t finished yet.
Griffin needs someone who understands that confidence and trust aren’t built overnight. He thrives with patience, structure, another confident dog and a handler he can trust.
Underneath those scars and nerves is an absolute sweetheart.
