Helper, guide, ambassador and friend
Gryphon and Cathy Varidel are honored with the Anvil T.R.U.E. Medallion.
When
Gryphon, an 8-year-old Rottweiler, isn’t working, he enjoys being outdoors, chasing tennis balls and watching America’s Funniest Home Videos. But when he’s on the job he’s just as happy. Gryphon (and his owner Cathy Varidel) were recently awarded the Anvil T.R.U.E. Medallion in recognition outside the realm of competition. T.R.U.E. stands for therapy, rescue, utility and education.
The award was bestowed upon the Rome duo by the American Rottweiler Club, a national organization that promotes the breed.
Cathy and Gryphon also received the Mirko Medallion which reflects the American Rottweiler Club’s desire to promote and encourage activities which present the positive aspects of the breed.
That’s because Gryphon is exceptional at what he does — which is helping people in ways most of us can’t even imagine.
“One of his jobs is that’ he’s a therapy dog with Compassionate Paws,” Cathy said.
The organization takes pets into hospitals and nursing homes, churches and other places where people need the comfort and love of gentle animals.
Gryphon’s size may seem imposing to some but his sweet, gentle nature suits him perfectly to visiting the sick and elderly.
Cathy and Gryphon also visit local colleges during finals week. Gryphon will sit with students who are stressed and studying for their exams.
“He has a calming effect on them,” Cathy said. “It relaxes them and makes them smile. And some students even say they miss their own pet back home and Gryphon steps in for a little while to comfort them.”
Once a week, Gryphon visits Glenwood Primary School where he participates in a very unusual practice. He sits and listens to the children reading. Cathy said some of the children may have learning difficulties or are simply just too shy or afraid to read in front of a class full of their peers. But they have no problem reading to Gryphon. He doesn’t judge them or laugh at them. He doesn’t snicker if they mispronounce a word. He simply sits and listens as they practice their reading.
“He’s even been requested at funerals,” Cathy said. “Some people just want his calm nature and his presence there and we’re happy to do that.”
Cathy said the recent awards from the national club came as a surprise and she was amazed and honored to be recognized for the work she and Gryphon do. But there’s an equally important aspect of their recognition she wants to emphasize.
“Gryphon is an ambassador for his breed,” she said. “Rottweilers get a bad reputation as aggressive, scary dogs. Gryphon educates the public whenever we go out. Wherever we are, people of all ages see that the breed can be sweet and loving and gentle.”
But it’s not all work and no play on Gryphon’s calendar. His public appearances also include fun events that Cathy says Gryphon really enjoys.
Each year he puts on extra large ears and an extra long tail to play the donkey in the live nativity at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. and Gryphon has numerous first place awards for his costumes in the annual St. Petrick’s Day parade on Broad Street.
Though working and being in the public eye are in Gryphon’s blood (his grandfather was Cathy’s first show dog and his father was Cathy’s first therapy dog) at 8 years old, Gryphon is considered a senior and Cathy believes he has a couple good years of work left in him before he retires.
“He won’t like that very much,” Cathy said. “He knows exactly where we’re going when I tell him. He knows if we’re going to church or school or out for a walk. He loves people and enjoys being around them so he won’t be happy when he can’t do this work anymore.
But whenever that day does come, Gryphon will have earned his rest. Until then, he’ll visit any place where he can bring comfort and peace to those who need it most.
To find out how Gryphon or other Compassionate Paws pets can visit your school, church or organization, email Cathy at rotticat1@yahoo.com.