PLEASANTON NAMES NEW AMBASSADOG
Valley Humane Society 2022 Auction Winner Takes Title
PLEASANTON, California—April 25, 2022—Pleasanton once again has a sitting Ambassadog! On April 20, the
Pleasanton City Council proclaimed Gryphon Benn the City’s 2022 Ambassadog. The title was auctioned at Valley Humane Society’s annual Tails at Twilight gala last October. Former title holders include Red Haas, Amber Hall, and Jeffrey Williams.
“Valley Humane Society has been saving animal lives and supporting our community for more than 30 years, so we are pleased to have the City participate with them in recognizing the Pleasanton Ambassadog,” said Assistant City Manager Pamela Ott. “Having an official canine representative highlights our dog-friendly community, while
recognizing a valuable local non-profit organization and its efforts to save and improve the lives of Tri-Valley
companion animals.”
The City of Pleasanton recognizes that creating a livable community means supporting the entire household. For
those canine family members, City parks have dog-friendly policies, trails, and parks, including a 1.5 acre dog
playground called Cubby’s Dog Park.
Gryphon’s favorite spot in town is Peet’s Coffee on Main Street, where he meets his pals for “coffeedog” day every Monday. “You’ll know us by our polka dots,” says guardian Kathy Benn of the 3-year-old Dalmation. Gryphon is the youngest of Kathy and Fred Benn’s three pets, which include 15-year-old Bella, a puggle, and 7-year-old feline Zazzles—though as the largest of the playful crew, Gryphon usually leads the way. His size is no deterrent to cuddling, either: as a 75 lb. lapdog, Gryphon is the most loving dog the Benn’s have ever had. “He’s a lovable goof,” says Kathy. “Gryphon loves playing keep away…sometimes with things he shouldn’t have!” Also a well-traveled pup, he spends half his week visiting the family’s grandchildren in the Monterey area, where he enjoys chasing balls on the beach. Gryphon hopes to become a pet therapy dog someday, working with children through Valley Humane’s Canine Comfort Paws to Read program; he has already earned a Canine Good Citizen certificate from the AKC.
In addition to receiving a copy of the City proclamation, Gryphon and his family will also enjoy special attention on a Tri-Valley Community Television program and a featured article in the Pleasanton Weekly. The City of Pleasanton has also designated a place of honor for Gryphon and his family in the City’s annual Hometown Holiday Parade.
Envisioning a world in which every animal is loved and every person knows the love of an animal, Valley Humane Society (VHS) creates a brighter future for cats and dogs by encouraging and strengthening the bond between people and pets. VHS rescues and rehabilitates companion animals, champions responsible caretaking, shares pets’ soothing affections with people in need of comfort, and supports and preserves existing pet-guardian relationships. Whether you’d like to adopt an animal, share your passion for pets, or meet like-minded people, VHS is Your Means to a Friend™.