all about griffin and his work as a guide dog

Griffin was born 2nd November 1998. He was one of the smallest in the litter, if you could see him now you would be surprised. He weight is about 77 to 80 lbs or approx 37 Kg. His father is a black Labradore Named Lloyd, and his mother Spangle a Golden Retriever.

He went for his advance training at the approximate age of 14 Months, he stayed with his Puppy Walker for about a year learning the basic social skills and mobility skilss that he would need for his owner/me.

I came in to his life when he was about 18 Months old and we have not been parted since.

My only regret in life is, that I did not use Guide Dogs earlier in my life.

Like us, Griffin has good and bad days mostly I am glad to say more good than bad.

His awarness is exterordinary and his judgement I do not question.

Over the years being just over 5 years now, I have learnt so much about dogs and people.

The biggest problem today is, and I am sure other Guide Dog owners would agree, is members of the public who distract our dogs while they are working. It appears to have got worse over the last few years.

If Griffin could talk I am sure he would say that he is also getting fed-up with the situation.

Sometimes I have to correct him and it is not always his fault. When working I have had people call him across the road, have had people stroking him when I am working him people giving commands to him, and many many other distractions.

The other problems that come up are members of the public that make unjustified complaints about Guide Dog owners without getting the full facts.

The last concern that Griffin and I have is the conditions that he has to work in these days. such as: Cars parked on pavements, Wheely-bins, Over hanging hedges etc., Broken Glass on the pavement and much much more that Griffin has to deal with on a dailly basis.

This year, I put Griffin's name forward for the Guide Dog of the Year 2005, and did not think any more about it. I recieved a phone call early September to say that he has won a Certificate (Highly Commended) for his work. We are all very please although, he did not make the finals we still think that he is a very special dog.

He gets me about all over the place and enables me to continue studying Martial Arts and other things that I enjoy doing. I am certain that he enjoys all the attention too.

THIS PAGE IS DEDICATED TO GRIFFIN AND THE WORK THAT HE DOES AS A GUIDE DOG.

If you want to know more about the work of Guide Dogs please visit the Guide Dog s link on the Links for Norfolk and Norwich shin-gi-tai on the welcome page.