We have a new dog. A golden retriever. And it’s with a touch of guilt that I write this post to mention it. After Merlin, our shepherd mix, passed away, I looked at adopting again. I started the search process, but grew frustrated and impatient with it. Here in Los Angeles, there are thousands of dogs to choose from. Very sad. It’s overwhelming, and makes you wonder how it’s possible that all of these dogs need homes. Humans, hmm.

Happy Griff 

I had something else to consider regarding which dog to get: my time is running out. I don’t feel comfortable believing I have loads of days ahead of me thanks to cystic fibrosis and my current health and age. Again, I’m the luckiest guy in the world. But I’m not going to count on that luck holding out forever. One bad virus or infection and who knows.

So, I made an executive decision and chose a predictable dog breed that I’ve always loved, and one that would be great for my daughter and wife, especially in the long run if I’m not around. They love cuddly, friendly dogs. And we couldn’t get another yellow lab because we already had the greatest one ever.

Enter Griffin, or Griff. Or when he steals stuff, Grifter.

He’s 34 pounds of pure fluff and fun, and working on growing into his paws, which look really big right now.

The best news: the reality of having him is better than the dream. He’s a little gem and exactly what I wanted. He’s smart and learns fast. And he’s full of mischief at times, but calm in nature. And he is friendly when meeting people and other dogs.

He draws a crowd in public. It’s like escorting a celebrity around town: “Sorry, folks, Mr. Griff has to leave. He has a meeting at the studio for Air Bud 10. You’ll be seeing him soon on the big screen.”

If you’d like to check out our future grooming headache, I created an Instagram account for him. @GoldenFluffalo.

Griff has already delivered a ton of joy and smiles to our lives. And my crazy dream is to certify him as a therapy dog and have him live with me during hospital stays. It sure would make them easier to survive. I know it’s a crazy idea, but I like thinking of him hanging out in the room.

I’ll train him to pull my IV pole on walks, retrieve my meds from the nurses, and growl at the RTs I don’t care for.

It’s nice when life gives us these little gems to get us through the hard days. I’m forever grateful.