Griffin, a little hairless pup with a broken spirit, was one of twenty dogs rescued from a severe case of animal cruelty and neglect in North Carolina. His story began with unimaginable hardship, but it took a hopeful turn when Angela Marie, the compassionate founder of a rescue and sanctuary named “Angela’s Ark” in Charlotte, NC, saw his picture online.
Angela was scrolling through her Facebook feed when she saw Griffin’s face. He was sick, hairless, and curled up in a ball on the shelter floor, desperately awaiting better days or someone to come save him. The desperate look in his eyes prompted Angela to act quickly. She drove to the shelter and brought Griffin home, marking the beginning of his new life.
Griffin’s Journey To Overcoming Trauma
Due to spending the first couple of years of his life in extremely cruel and inhumane conditions, Griffin’s physical health was severely compromised. He was malnourished, battling several severe skin infections, and suffering from hair loss and an ear infection. Additionally, he required surgery to remove 14 badly infected teeth. As you can imagine, his mental state wasn’t any better. Griffin was a grumpy, confused, and overall terrified pup with a deeply broken spirit who wanted nothing to do with humans.
Source: @angelas_ark
On his first day at Angela’s home, poor Griffin couldn’t stop shaking from fear. That’s when she realized he was going to be a very complicated case. “Griff and I have experienced more firsts together than any rescue to date. Basic life skills like walking up and down stairs, wearing a collar, even being touched were foreign to him. For weeks, simple daily routines were a struggle,” Angela wrote in a Facebook post.
Throughout his short life, Griffin had never been handled, nor had he ever experienced the loving touch of a human. His view on humans was deeply flawed due to the abuse he experienced. The first couple of days at Angela’s Ark were extremely stressful for both Griffin and Angela. She wanted to help, but he was terrified of her. According to Angela, Griffin was her biggest challenge to date but also the most rewarding one. While looking after him, she learned to cherish and celebrate every little moment and appreciate even the smallest signs of progress, or “small wins” as she likes to call them.
Finding The Perfect Forever Home
Source: @angelas_ark
Slowly, Griffin started to relax and venture out of his comfort zone. It was baby steps, but steps nonetheless. “So, there were a few milestones with Griff that I held onto in the beginning, just knowing that we were seeing some progress,” Angela told The Dodo. Something as simple as getting him to eat out of her hand or getting a leash on him was a huge step for both of them.
At first, he was absolutely terrified of going outside – now it’s his favorite pastime. “He loves to circle the backyard, slowly strolling, and then he’ll always find a spot in the sun and he’ll lay there for hours if we let him,” Angela said. The biggest milestone, though, was teaching Griff to overcome his fear of walking up and down the stairs. Once he conquered that, there was no doubt that he would eventually be okay.
Although the thought of leaving Griff brought tears to her eyes, Angela knew he was ready for the next phase in his journey – his forever home. Thankfully, Griff found the perfect forever home where he continues to thrive. He simply adores his new mom and likes to follow her around. He went from a dog that hated any human interaction to purposely seeking love and affection, and that has to be the most beautiful thing ever. His new mom loves making memories and taking pictures of her precious babies, and even has an official Instagram account dedicated to Griff and his progress, so feel free to follow it.
Griffin’s Transformation and New Life
Source: @griffin__the__great
Griffin’s transformation from a terrified, broken pup to a loving and affectionate dog is nothing short of miraculous. His new mom provides him with the love and care he never knew before. Griffin now enjoys cuddles, playtime, and exploring his surroundings with a newfound sense of curiosity and joy. His days are filled with sunshine, both literally and metaphorically, as he spends hours basking in the sun, feeling the warmth he once never knew.
Griffin’s journey has not only changed his life but also touched the hearts of many who followed his story. Angela continues to share updates about Griffin’s progress on social media, inspiring others with his incredible resilience and the power of love and compassion. His story serves as a reminder that with patience, dedication, and a lot of love, even the most broken spirits can heal and thrive.
Source: @angelas_ark
The Ongoing Mission of Angela’s Ark
Angela’s Ark continues to rescue and rehabilitate animals in need, providing them with the care and love they deserve. Angela’s dedication to helping animals like Griffin is unwavering, and she remains committed to her mission of making a difference in the lives of these vulnerable creatures. Through her efforts, many animals have found their forever homes and a second chance at life.
Source: @griffin__the__great
Griffin’s story is just one of many that highlight the importance of rescue work and the profound impact it can have on both animals and humans. It reminds us all of the incredible transformations that can occur when we open our hearts to those in need. Griffin’s journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of animals and the transformative power of love.
