✨ Meet Gryffin ✨

A courageous Afghan Hound fighting for his future

Gryffin is a gorgeous, soulful, golden-hearted Afghan Hound unknowingly named after a mythological being with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle (griffin) — a guardian of sacred knowledge and a symbol of strength, courage, and protection.

He was born to fly across open fields and run with grace and freedom. But today, at just 13 months old, Gryffin can barely walk.

Severe leg deformities and a painful jaw misalignment are stealing his joy — and time is running out.

✨ Your support can create a life-changing difference. Every gift, no matter the size, brings Gryffin one step closer to healing, freedom, and joy. ✨

The Full Story: Betrayal and Hope

The Recognition

From the moment I saw Gryffin in a photograph, I felt an immediate connection. Within an hour, I made the decision to bring him home. I purchased Gryffin at 6 months old as a “show dog” from what I believed was a prestigious, well-known kennel “Prestigious” Afghan hounds. His pedigree name is "Prestigious It's All Coming Back to Me Now."

The Arrival and Immediate Concerns

When Gryffin arrived in the end of November 2024, I immediately noticed something was wrong. His gait was abnormal and his legs showed clear deformities. In those first days, he seemed withdrawn, often sitting by the garden door with his gaze downcast, clearly uncomfortable.

The Deception Revealed

I contacted the breeder immediately and asked if there was any history of orthopedic issues. I was assured: nothing was wrong. I was told, "That's just the way he moves," and reassured that his paw valgus would improve over time—with care, proper nutrition, and natural growth. That it might correct itself on its own.

Within a week of his arrival, I brought him to the vet. The diagnosis was immediate—and serious: misaligned skeletal structure, severe tendon contracture, pronounced paw valgus with visible muscle atrophy, bilateral hygromas, and a painful, unnatural gait.

The Devastating Truth

Following an orthopedic assessment at Cave Veterinary Specialists, Gryffin was officially diagnosed with Short Ulna Syndrome—a severe developmental condition where the ulna bone (shorter forearm bone) stops growing prematurely while the radius bone continues to grow normally, forcing it to curve as it develops. This causes the forelegs to twist and deform, creating outward twisting of the paws (carpal valgus), bowing of the foreleg bones, and joint misalignment. The condition leads to progressive muscle atrophy in affected limbs, painful tendon spasms and contractures, chronic joint pain and stiffness, and an abnormal high-stepping gait as the dog tries to compensate for discomfort.

Secondary complications include bilateral hygromas (fluid-filled swellings) from abnormal pressure points, reduced exercise tolerance, and chronic discomfort even when resting. The condition is progressive, meaning without surgical intervention, the deformities worsen and the pain increases as the dog grows and ages.

This was a known, congenital condition that the breeder concealed.

Even more heartbreaking: Gryffin's littermate brother has the exact same condition. He arrived at his new home limping, but his owner was told by the breeder that he had simply "stepped on a metal sprinkler nozzle." Both families were given false stories to cover up a congenital truth.

Since both Gryffin and his littermate have the same condition, it's most likely both congenital (present from birth) and hereditary (inherited from parents). The fact that two puppies from the same litter have identical issues strongly suggests it came from the parents' genes.

The Missed Window

Because of the breeder's denial and delay, we missed the window for simple preventive surgery—distal ulnar osteotomy—ideally done before 6-7 months of age, before the bones fuse. Had I known the truth from the start, Gryffin could have undergone simple, cheaper, low-risk surgery with far better outcomes. Ideally, this must be done before he left the breeder at 6 months old.

Instead, Gryffin now faces invasive reconstructive surgery, full CT imaging, and long-term therapy—just to walk without pain. His growth plates have closed. The chance for early intervention is gone.

The Daily Reality

Now, his condition worsens daily. He lives in constant discomfort. His tendons spasm hourly. He softly whines through the day. His eyes are tired. Most heartbreakingly, he cannot be left alone for more than 30 minutes as his anxiety and discomfort intensify when isolated.

I'm massaging his legs nearly every hour, wrapping them in warm towels, using hydrotherapy, and doing everything I can to ease the pain. Trying to lift his spirit. Trying to keep a smile on his face. Trying to help him stay a puppy—even through the pain.

The Abandonment

I paid the full price for Gryffin as a show dog—a significant investment in what I believed was a healthy, quality puppy from a reputable kennel. When the breeder learned of Gryffin's diagnosis, he immediately stopped all communication.

Ironically, our contract states that we must discuss every planned procedure with him, yet he has completely abandoned this responsibility. Despite the contract's requirements, he has provided no support, no refunds, no assistance with veterinary costs, and not even a moral support.

I am facing this alone—the financial burden, the emotional weight, the daily care, and the fight for Gryffin's future. On top of all my monthly costs caring for 6 dogs, I simply do not have £20,000-£30,000 to cover his complex surgery and treatment.

The Hope

Despite his condition, Gryffin has shown remarkable resilience. Over time, he has begun to trust more, lifting his head and meeting my gaze. His spirit remains strong despite his physical challenges.

This magnificent dog refuses to give up. Even in pain, he continues to show the gentle, noble temperament that Afghan Hounds are known for.

The Fight Against Time

Now, at 13 months old, he can barely walk without pain. His legs have twisted further, his paws bending so severely that this magnificent Afghan Hound — born to run — can hardly go on a short walk. Resting comfortably has become a daily challenge.

Veterinary specialists have confirmed that Gryffin is battling congenital skeletal and jaw developmental issues. Without urgent intervention, his condition will continue to deteriorate, leading to permanent disability.

✨ Despite everything, Gryffin's spirit remains radiant. His eyes sparkle when he gazes toward the open fields — where he longs to run with the grace and freedom he was born for. ✨

He holds onto hope — and with your help, he can have a future where he can soar across the fields as his spirit was meant to.

Comprehensive Medical Assessment

Orthopedic Issues

As previously diagnosed, Gryffin suffers from Short Ulna Syndrome, with his littermate brother having the same condition.

Dental Abnormalities:

Gryffin also suffers from a misaligned jaw that results in teeth malocclusion and rostral crossbite. Veterinary dental specialists have diagnosed him with a rare and severe Type IV maxillomandibular asymmetry along with a rostral crossbite. This condition is causing him difficulty eating, discomfort and pressure within the jaw and on the teeth even when resting, as he cannot close the jaw and position the tongue properly in his mouth.

⚠️ Why Time Is Critical

Gryffin just turned 13 months old and urgent surgery is needed to prevent further damage to the joints and tendons and secure the best possible recovery.

Recommended Treatment Includes:

Critical Growth Stage

At just 13 months old, Gryffin is in a crucial phase of development. His veterinarians have emphasized that immediate action offers the best chance to guide his skeletal and dental development. This critical window is rapidly closing. Delaying treatment could lead to irreversible structural damage, lifelong pain, and permanent disability.

Current Support While Waiting for Surgery

The Costs

TOTAL TREATMENT COST: £19,600 - £32,200 Plus ongoing hydrotherapy: £360/month

All veterinary estimates and medical documentation are uploaded on Gryffin's Facebook page for full transparency: Gryffin's Golden Recovery

Veterinary facilities providing treatment estimates:

Cave Veterinary Specialists: https://www.cave-vet-specialists.co.uk/

Win Clinic: https://www.winclinic.co.uk/

Four Paws Rehabilitation: https://www.fourpawsrehab.co.uk/

Here is the breakdown of what Gryffin needs for his surgeries and treatment:

Immediate Needs - RIGHT LEG:

TOTAL RIGHT LEG: £8,550-£12,550 (LEFT LEG - same costs in second stage)

Ongoing Care:

Hydrotherapy sessions: £45/session × 8/month = £360/month

Physiotherapy needs: £1,000 total

Dental/Orthodontic care: £2,200-£4,500

Specialist Consultations:

Ongoing Rehabilitation:

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TREATMENT COST SUMMARY

Major Surgery Costs:

Both legs combined: £15,100 - £25,100

Additional One-Time Costs:

TOTAL ONE-TIME TREATMENT COSTS: £19,600 - £32,200

Plus ongoing hydrotherapy: £360/month

This represents the complete investment needed to give Gryffin the chance to run across the fields he dreams about - transforming his life from pain to freedom and joy.

Without timely action, this window to change Gryffin's future may close forever. But with your help, we can turn this story around.

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✨ How You Can Help

Every donation, share, and kind thought will move Gryffin closer to the healing he so deeply deserves.

Your generosity will directly support:

✨ Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions to relieve painful tendon spasms

✨ Comprehensive care: including preoperative CT scans and surgical corrective procedures

✨ His full recovery journey, helping Gryffin regain comfort, mobility, and joy

A Personal Promise

✨ I promise to use every penny donated with the utmost care and transparency

✨ All donors will receive early updates over this platform

✨ All details of Gryffin's therapy sessions, milestones, and golden moments will be shared through our dedicated social media channels

Even if you cannot donate, sharing this fundraiser will mean the world.

✨ From the bottom of my heart — and Gryffin's — thank you for believing in second chances and healing miracles. ✨

With hope and gratitude,

Maya

Follow Gryffin's Journey

Facebook Page: Gryffin's Golden Recovery

YouTube Channel: Gryffin Universe —Crown of Stardust

Subscribe for updates on therapy sessions, surgery plans, golden moments, and victories.

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Photos & Videos: Photos and videos showing Gryffin's leg bandages, paw deformities, and dental misalignment are available. These are difficult to share, but necessary to show the reality of his daily struggle. More photos and videos are updated regularly on his Facebook page: Gryffin's Golden Recovery

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About Me

I'm Maya, and for more than 30 years I've been living and caring for my precious Salukis and Afghans who are my family, and true gifts from heaven. I'm currently caring for 5 more precious sighthounds:

My days are filled with medicine, pain, and hope—and during nights until 6am, I work on art, coloring books, and a book for Gryffin that I am editing now. I'm doing everything I can to hold it together.

Gryffin's courage moves me daily. But I can't do it alone anymore.

We're both hurting, and I'm simply asking for help—before this story ends too soon.

To follow our story more closely, including behind-the-scenes updates on Gryffin's care, you're warmly invited to connect with me here:

Facebook: Maya Bolic

✨ Thank You ✨

Thank you for being part of this golden circle of healing, hope, and love. You are the golden keys unlocking Gryffin's light—helping him heal, shine, and rise into the soul he was always meant to become. ✨

Your help can change this story from a struggle to a triumph. Please share, donate, or simply witness his truth. It means more than you know.

Disclaimer : No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.

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