Not a mean one
The Grinch and sidekick Max step out for holiday
The Grinch and his loyal dog, Max, have been making the rounds in the region, entertaining fans of the beloved holiday classic.
Underneath all of the green fur are Jason Dunkle of Washington and his Italian greyhound, Greyson.
“We’ve been doing the Grinch since 2023,” Dunkle said. “Technically, Greyson plays the part of Max, the Grinch’s dog, but is usually wearing a green, furry outfit. I call him Greyson the Grinch. There’s a few other people around who do the Grinch, but not quite like us. I’m the only Grinch around that has the dog in his act. Everyone loves to see Greyson dressed up in his Grinch outfit.”
Dunkle sports a specially designed mask that enables him to speak and quote memorable lines from the 2000 movie, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” starring Jim Carrey as the protagonist.
The pair enjoy visiting local businesses while decked out in their “greenery,” and have made businesses at Route 40 Classic Diner in Grindstone, Red Fox Winery and Lounge in Hickory and Kopper Kettle in Washington. This past weekend, they could be found at the Hilton Garden Inn in Uniontown.
“We did an event on Friday night at their Tipsy Grinch Pop Up Bar and Saturday morning at a breakfast event,” Dunkle said. “Between both events, there were easily around 200 people. Everyone’s heart grew three sizes when they saw Greyson.”
Greyson is a celebrity in his own right and can be found on Instagram and TikTok at @jasonandgreyson.
Dunkle revealed that this will be Greyson’s last year doing the gig, as he is retiring.
“He just turned 11 in October and has had a few health issues this year,” Dunkle said. “He’s doing well right now, but I think it’s time for him to retire. He’s done so much for his fans and local community these past few years. He’s really made a name for himself and gets recognized everywhere he goes.”
Greyson has enjoyed the limelight and accolades during his career. He was voted top dog in an online pet calendar contest in 2024 and won first place in a costume contest at the Pittsburgh Pet Expo in 2023.
“I’m so proud of him, and he’s such a good boy,” Dunkle said.