By Erin O’Boyle

To those that know me, you find the fact that I’m writing about Griff as no surprise. For those of you who don’t know me, you should know one very important fact about me: I am possibly Griff’s biggest fan.

Some find it charming the way I love Griff; others find it altogether odd. Let me break it down for you. Just as Drake students have been known to over-commit themselves and go above and beyond in organizations and clubs, so too does our loyal and loving mascot. Griff and his owner Erin Bell volunteer their time at Delaware Elementary school, Orchard Place and New Horizons Adult Day Care with ARL therapy pets. His calming presence and tolerance for a lot of petting make him the perfect therapy dog to ease anyone’s anxieties. I personally love seeing these photos of Griff interacting with kids and adults who adore him just as much as we do. Another awesome thing that Griff and Bell do is the #griffgivesback campaign in the spring. This spring, 8,802 pounds of dog and cat food was donated to Pet Project Midwest that serves families who don’t have enough money to feed their dogs and cats. It’s an amazing cause that most people often forget about, but with the wide reach that Griff has on social media, thousands of pounds of food were donated to help feed animals all over the Midwest.

Griff’s wrinkly face and compact little body make him almost irresistible to squeeze. Even if you’re not a bulldog person, Griff will make you smile: if not for his almost always disdained facial expressions, then certainly for “his” hilarious captions on Instagram.

Here are 10 of the most relatable Griff captions to date:

1. I need a weekend to recover from my weekend
2. I get no time off … fell asleep folding laundry tonight
3. Wait, what? It’s only Tuesday????
4. This wall is holding me up right now. I’m not even kidding.
5. New Tinder profile pic
6. I’ve been dieting. Hopefully, you’re able to tell.
7. Oh hey! I was just finishing my 23rd nap. Did you pull the car up for me?
8. Summer thigh chafe is real people. #airingitout #icanteven
9. This meeting is on my last nerve.
10. I hope I don’t look as tired as I feel…

Now go match these captions with the photo and I promise your mood will improve 100 percent. If you ever need a pick-me-up or something to distract you from homework, look no further than @DrakeUGriff on Instagram. On his page, you’ll see everything from photos with Drake students, athletes, faculty and oh, let’s not forget Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis whom Griff met at a charity event last year.

So, if you didn’t think a dog could be cooler than you, think again. Griff doesn’t just meet celebrities, he is one in his own right. During the 2016 Iowa Caucuses, Griff received national media attention after announcing his own campaign for president.

In short, Griff is no ordinary bulldog and we’re no ordinary school. I wouldn’t want any other wrinkly face as the face of Drake University!