Fourteen years ago I walked into a 7-11 and found a cute puppy wandering the candy aisle trying his best to sniff all the sweet things on the bottom shelf. That funny little guy soon became an important part of our household, bringing us smiles, laughter and so much love.
Last week, with great sadness, Wayne and I had to say goodbye to that sweet, grown-up puppy. Gus was such a good boy and so very patient with the other dogs. He was the last of the original gang of five (Bogey, Annie, Gus, Buster & Hobbit). Losing him was like losing the others all over again. It's the end of an amazing part of our lives. For several years those five dogs made our home crazy, chaotic, messy, loud and busy - and we loved every minute of it. And, oh the joy and laughter they brought us!
Every single dog had his/her own unique personality and quirks. Gus was the sweet and sensitive one. We'd had him longer than any other dog. At 14 1/2 he still managed to wag his tail, have a good appetite [granted, we fed him rotisserie chicken with warm broth], enjoy periodic walks down into the woods to smell "woodsy" things, and even enjoy playtime with puppy Doc. What he loved most was being with us and taking naps on our bed.
After losing Hobbit and Buster last year, we were concerned about Gus. He was thirteen years old and limped around with arthritis. We knew we wouldn't have long with him. But the blessing was that he ended up having his best year yet! He seemed to thrive knowing that he was now Top Dog. Although he slept a lot, he appeared happier and more relaxed. He started enjoying his stuffed toys again and lavished in the extra one-on-one time DogDad and I were now able to give him.
When we brought Doc home four months ago we weren't sure how Gus would react. If he didn't like Doc, then we would've just considered it a foster situation and looked for a good home for the pup. Much to our relief, Gus loved that little frisky puppy! We noticed Gus was more alert, taking fewer naps, wagging his tail more and even playing and nuzzling little Doc. Gus was so patient with him and you could tell that Doc just thought he was the best!
When we brought Doc home four months ago we weren't sure how Gus would react. If he didn't like Doc, then we would've just considered it a foster situation and looked for a good home for the pup. Much to our relief, Gus loved that little frisky puppy! We noticed Gus was more alert, taking fewer naps, wagging his tail more and even playing and nuzzling little Doc. Gus was so patient with him and you could tell that Doc just thought he was the best!
It was a good year for Gus, indeed. For that, as well as having fourteen years of looking at that sweet face, DogDad and I are very grateful and blessed.
Dear Gus,
You finally get to meet Lindsey, our first dog. He was so very sweet, too. You will like one another. Please tell Lindsey, Bogey, Annie, Buster, Hobbit & Huck we miss them. We will see you all again someday.
We Love You,
DogMom & DogDad
Gus was a gentle, sweet soul and we will miss him dearly.
Beautiful Gus.
Gus sleeping on our bed. His favorite!
Such a sweetheart!
Gus & Abby at sunrise, Pawleys Island, September 2013
We have a very similar picture taken 10 years earlier of Gus and Annie.
I will post it as soon as I can find it.
DogMom & her sweet Gus, November 2012
DogDad and his big boy Gus, Christmas 2003 or 2004
Gus had a beautiful smile.
A happy Gus enjoying one of his favorite toys.
Our sweet angel boy.
