My Nonprofit Reviews

I remember clearly the day that Don, my husband, happened upon the NBGR website. I walked into our office to find Don surrounded by damp tissue handkerchiefs as he read the different accounts of Brussel Griffons that were in need of a home. Together we looked at the pictures and silently read the sometimes heartbreaking descriptions of these little characters that needed some love in their lives.

It was Diane Shelby who contacted us to say that they had the perfect match for us. A beautiful nine- year-old black and tan called Gizmo. He had lived with the same family all of his life but it was now no longer possible for his owners to continue to care for him.

Adopting from NBGR is a stringent process. We provided statements from two references who were called to talk through our suitability and commitment. We also received a house visit to ensure that the home did not present any unforeseen problems. I was rather dreading this but Vikki was charming and put us at ease. She and her husband told us about their own Brussels Griffons and gave me invaluable information about some of the traits of the breed. We soon received the written confirmation that we had passed and we both treasure Vikki's final comment that, in her opinion, Gizmo had “landed his little ass in the sugar bowl!” It's testament to NGBR that they really care about the placing of every animal that comes to them.

It was a wonderful feeling holding Gizmo for the first time and the sense of pride as I walked to the car with him at the end of the lead. On our arrival home we decided to let Gizmo do his own exploring and to eat something if he chose to. I sat on the sofa pretending to read. After a little while, rather hesitantly, Gizmo walked over to me. He took a quick assessment of the height of the furniture, jumped up and snuggled in next to my leg with a deep sigh. We had bonded. I was his special human. And the sofa rule? Well it is only furniture after all.

As the days passed Gizmo visibly gained in confidence. These dogs are smart and I am sure he understands more than we imagine. He puts his head on one side and gives us his 'squint look'. Don only has to start chopping vegetables for Gizmo to slink into the kitchen and wait impatiently for gravity to occur.

It is now six years that our little friend has been with us. The added value to our lives that he has brought is immeasurable. He even indirectly helped in the process of my Green card application as I am from the UK. The frosty immigration officer who interviewed us visibly thawed when she knew we had adopted Gizmo and of all the photographs we had taken with us to the interview these were the ones she was most interested in. Gizmo has traveled with us to Santa fe for the opera season, although he preferred not to attend the actual performances. (I think my husband was of the same mind at times.) He has also been with us through the incredibly sad times when our other dogs became ill and passed away. It was touching when he did his best, in his own way, to console us through that difficult time.

NGBR is a wonderful organization. We have cared for three other dogs, that we took on knowing their pre-existing health conditions. NGBR gave us the support and advice when we needed them. They really do sterling work for this wonderful breed of dog.