Dalmatian Named 2022 Pleasanton "Ambassadog"

PLEASANTON, CA — Pleasanton’s first 2022 election results are in: Gryphon Benn, a 3-year-old Dalmatian, was proclaimed the city’s “Ambassadog” during the April 20 City Council meeting.

Gryphon’s humans were the highest bidders at an October Tails at Twilight Galley to benefit the Valley Humane Society, a Pleasanton-based animal shelter.

As the city’s official canine representative, Gryphon will receive a City proclamation, be featured on an episode of the Tri-Valley Community Television program, and be the subject of a feature in Pleasanton Weekly. He and his family will also march in the city’s annual Hometown Holiday Parade.

“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,” Assistant City Manager Pamela Ott said in a statement. “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.”

Gryphon is the youngest of Kathy and Fred Benn’s three pets, which also include a 15-year-old dog named Bella and a 7-year-old cat named Zazzles. Though he’s the youngest, he’s also the biggest, at 75 pounds. But owner Kathy says he’s still the most loving dog her family has ever had. “He’s a lovable goof,” she said in a news release. “Gryphon loves playing keep away…sometimes with things he shouldn’t have!”

Perhaps his new role and future aspirations will calm him down. In addition to serving as the Pleassanton Ambassadog, his owners say he hopes to become a pet therapy dog and work with children through Valley Humane’s Canine comfort Paws to Read program. He has already earned a Canine Good Citizen certificate from the AKC.

Perhaps one day he will become a Senadog or Presidog.