GRIFF GOES HOME FOR SURE THIS TIME! 5 DECEMBER 2009

Paula writes: Thought you might enjoy some pics of Griff. The first one is he & Jim talking . . . The second is this morning at 5 a.m., ! ready for his long journey today . . . LET'S ROLL! What a sweetheart he is. Griff's future sister can be seen HERE. We look forward to seeing him in the 2010 DOGS CELEBRATE HOWLOWEEN CONTEST/FUNDAISER! Barbara replies: Looks like at 5 a.m., Jim & Griff are having a little trouble being awake for the trip north. I bet there is a bit of moral support going on in that conversation. It is far to early but we are ready to drive now. Spice knows there is a road trip happening. She saw her car seat harness. Griff will be transported in seven different cars, from Wisconsin thru Michigan and into Ontario. Mom, Spice & I will be meeting Griff & Ellen McGeagh sometime around 5:30 this evening. Hope that it is not too dark to take a picture or two. From there we have the border to cross and a four-hour drive to home. I will post when we are safe. The Honda CRV (Canine Recreational Vehicle) is gassed up and ready to go. At 5:30 p.m., CST, Paula writes: Just got word that Griff is with Barbara and they are on their way home. Bobbi Procyk: I just read this and hope by now Griff is in his new home with Barbara and that they arrived safely. What a lucky dog he is after all! And probably exhausted after his long day of traveling. Bob Anderson: Now, that's a trip! Way to go, Griff! Mare Moore: To everyone involved from beginnning to end helping ensure that Griff finally reached his forever home . . . BLESS YOU ALL! To Barbara, her Mom, Spice & Claire . . . Sounds like you all have quite a job ahead of you with young Griffin James, but, as with Pepper Rose (@RB) before him, I've no doubt that before we all know it, we'll hear how he's blossomed into the wonderful Airedale he was always meant to be as a result of that special 'Durance brand' of love & care. Late that evening (9:25 p.m., CST), Barbara writes: We got home about half an hour ago! The driving was dry & clear all the way. The traffic was light both going and coming home. Griff was a star. With a little help, he climbed into the back of the CRV and lay down on his bed. Quiet all the way. I have had him out in the backyard on a long light lead hoping to have him do his business, but so far no luck. He has eaten some kibble out of my hand and had a light drink of water. He is not afraid to approach me and he is a leaner. Right now he is in a crate on the main floor while Grannie reads the paper beside him. He is going to have to stay there until he is comfortable on the stairs. We will work on that tomorrow. He and Spice did a short meet & greet in the backyard. It will be better to do a real one in the daylight hours when all of us have slept off the trip. It was dark when Ellen got there, so I only took two not-so-great pictures. Mom is in the red coat; Ellen McGeagh in the sweater. Jeanne Plauth: "Mom is in the red coat and Ellen is in the sweater" . . . "and Griff is in the black and tan coat"; this was omitted mistakenly. And now a new chapter, with many wonderful pages to be filled in, begins. Bobbi Procyk: He is very pretty! I am so glad you have him. In a few days he will feel like he has been with you forever and forget his past life. Maureen Scott: Griff has to be the LUCKIEST boy! Imagine, going to live with Barbara and her mother. Such a terrific change in circumstances for a dog who so far has had little chance for a good life . . . but that is all going to change now! Maureen & the Circus (doing happy dances for Griff and his new life with Auntie Barbara) Libby Karier: Just wanted to add my 'welcome' to all the messages to Griff. He looks to be a sweet sweet boy, and I'm sure he will blossom under your love and Spice's instructions. Wishing many many many long and happy years together to you all. Jan Williams, Leda & Bounty: Yippie! for Griff and his new family. I bet by now he realizes just how lucky he is. Life will be wonderful for this boy from now on. We can't wait to hear "new guy" stories.

GRIFF AT HOME HERE