I have had Brussels Griffons for 30 years, since I was 19, and a sophomore at Georgetown University, in 1973. 1 had to leave my giant St. Bernard at home, but I was so lonely for a dog that I answered a classified ad and acquired a red rough, Chelsea, to keep with me at school. She lived a long and happy life and was a great companion for me and my family.
Zena and Chimney Sweep
After Chelsea, I found it hard to acquire a Griff to replace her. There are so few breeders and the Griffs tend to have small litters. There are not enough Griffs for all the good people who would love to own one. In the 1980s I met Tom Kilcullen, an esteemed Griff breeder and judge, and purchased two blacks, Zena and Chimney Sweep. My next door neighbor's child loved to play with them but couldn't pronounce the names; I can still hear her running outside and yelling, "Zero! Zero! Come here, Zero!"