Well… hello there. My name’s Griffey. I’m a 6 year old English Bulldog and I guess I’m supposed to tell you why you might want a dog like me around. I didn’t exactly have the easiest start. I was out there on my own for a while, dragging around a pretty awful tumor before somebody finally noticed I could use a hand. The tumor’s gone now, which is nice. They also found some other disease stuff in my belly. It’s doing better these days, though nobody really knows if it’ll come back or not. I try not to worry about it too much. Doesn’t seem productive.
What I do know is that I like people. I like being nearby while you do your thing. I enjoy pets and gentle attention, but I’m not one of those dogs who climbs all over you or hogs the couch. Frankly, couches seem like a lot of effort. I’d rather nap beside one. I’m housebroken, though because of my medical issues I dribble urine sometimes, so I wear diapers. I also have dry eye, which means I’ll need eye medication for the rest of my life. I sit still for it, though. No sense making a fuss.
Now, toys? Those are important. Balls especially. I may move at the speed of a tired shopping cart, but I do enjoy carrying toys around and hanging out outside with them. I can get a little grumbly if another dog tries to take my toy away, but I’m not possessive about food or people. Just seems fair that a fellow should keep hold of his favorite ball.Other dogs are alright if they’re calm and respectful. The young, zooming tornado types wear me out just watching them. I can’t really keep up anymore, and honestly, all that running around indoors seems unnecessary. Cats are probably fine. I doubt I could catch one even if I tried. My top speed is more of a determined trot.
I know “sit,” “stay,” and “paw,” which people seem very pleased about. Loud noises don’t bother me much either. I’ve been through enough that thunder and commotion don’t feel particularly impressive. I shouldn’t live somewhere with stairs. My body’s not built for all that climbing these days.
Mostly, I’m looking for a soft place to land. Somebody kind. Somebody who understands that not every good dog comes shiny and easy. Some of us leak a little, move slowly, and carry a few extra worries around. But we still love our people the best we can.
And I think I’m pretty good at that part. Off to find a soft spot to nap. -Griffey
