GRIFFIN
a 4 year-old Shih Tzu-Poodle cross, is the recipient of the 2011 Clancy "Community Spirit" Award.
Griffin was given a second chance
by Heather Lister.
“Griffin is the most remarkable dog I’ve ever met.” Heather was initially a little hesitant in adopting Griffin (Oromocto SPCA) as she was told that he was completely blind. But when she first picked him up, it was love at Heather's first sight. Griffin ran right into her arms and he let her hold him just like a baby and he hasn’t changed in the three years and a half that she has had him.
Before getting her own private practice, Heather worked at Family Enrichment and Counselling services as a counselor working with children, teens, and families. Griffin has become her co-worker in helping children and teens deal with difficult issues they have experienced in their life. “What can I say but he’s an absolute natural!” Griffin knows when someone wants to play, and when someone needs him to sit calmly on their lap and let them pat him when they’re feeling sad. Even though he’s blind, Griffin meets people at the door when they come in and they instantly smile and bend down to talk to him. Even children, who are anxious about coming into therapy, forget their fears once they meet Griffin, and easily follow him down to the playroom to start the session. Heather always has known Griffin was special from the moment that she first met him, but one little boy, who had difficulty expressing himself, confirmed it when he said, “Griffin is my best friend, he’s always listens to me. I love you Griffin.”
