Helping Out ABGA

Tuck is the center of my Universe.  She makes me laugh every day… just by looking at her.  Obviously, this means that I am also obsessed with the Brussels Griffon breed, in general.  
 

Griffons are so rare that there is only one rescue organization dedicated specifically to the breed (that I have ever been able to find).  That group, called the American Brussels Griffon Association (ABGA), seems to pop into our lives every few years.  More than eight years ago, when Scott and I first started looking for a Brussels Griffon we hoped we might adopt a rescue from ABGA and submitted an application.  We didn’t hear anything back and eventually purchased Tuck from a highly-reputable breeder.  Then, several years ago, I submitted a new application in hopes of becoming a foster home for Griffons.  We didn’t hear anything for nearly a year and then I got a phone call out of the blue.  Before I could return the call, another foster had stepped in. 
 
This week, they came into our lives again.  ABGA has an adorable little guy, named Brandon, currently in foster care in Mississippi.  He received an application from a couple in King (about thirty minutes North of where we live).  When ABGA receives an application, they process all of the paperwork, perform reference checks and Vet evaluations.  If an applicant passes all of that, a home visit is required.  However, they cover the entire nation and cannot physically visit every possible home.  Therefore, they rely on other local rescue organizations for help.  On Sunday, they emailed AARF to find out if we had an Adoption Counselor that could do perform a home visit for Brandon. 

 

Knowing about our love for the breed, Erin with AARF, passed the email to me.  Scott and I were ecstatic to finally be able to help ABGA and immediately agreed.  Last night, we traveled to King for the visit.  I was so relieved to find a very warm, welcoming and friendly home when we got there.  The older couple (applicants) was wonderful.  We went through the home visit checklist, asking questions that covered everything from diet and exercise to discipline and travel.  We also snapped photos of the home/family to send back with our full report (which is glowing). 
 
Scott and I especially enjoyed talking with the applicants because they are former Griffon owners.  Their little girl, Sprout, passed away a few months ago.  (Her papa got teary eyed when he talked about how much he missed her.)  With such a unique dog, it is rare to find anyone that even knows what Tuck is (twice I have been asked if she is a cat), much less anything about her breed.  It was so enjoyable to talk with another family about their Griffon experiences, their funny little personalities and all the quirks that make them so special.
 
Last night was a great night and it feels so good to know that we had a little part in helping a Griffon find an amazing home.