On a cold, early spring day, we drove out to a farm and got to pick out our very own puppy.
That is the kind of day any kid dreams about.
We found this sweet little boy with the perfect markings.
He was calm, content, and as sweet as can be.
When we got to take him home, he learned everything so quickly. He followed directions, followed us without a leash, and followed Charlie's guidance for a short time.
He was as close to a perfect dog as one could ever meet.
We asked a lot out of him at a very young age and he rose to the occasion while staying playful and full of energy.
Although he did have a sneaky streak in him.
He loved to steal fresh baked banana bread from the counter, take naps on the chair, eating leftover food in the garbage was one of his favorite things, the highchair tray was his golden ticket, he chewed one of my new end tables only days after purchasing it, and he was a master digger resulting in sneaking out of fences...even going as far as to tunnel his way under the fence.
His goal in life was to please his family and find those darn birds.
Hunting and fetch were his absolute favorite things in the world.
Although his family was a very close 2nd. We would throw, throw, and throw those darn tennis balls until they were covered in slobber and his tongue was hanging down to the grass.
The kids put him through a lot...but he took it all in stride. His kids meant the world to him.
He would sleep with them at some point during the night, comfort them when upset, and tolerate all their hugging.
He was a dog who had jobs and he took those jobs very seriously.
He was kind, quiet, and the absolute best communicator.
I used to say all the time that "Gus told me he had a hurt paw." or "Gus told me something was wrong."
Sometimes, I had to communicate with him..."Gus, go check on the kids." or "Gus, go get Maya."
Gus had two homes with our family but he clearly loved our current home the best.
He had friends next door, geese in the field, and plenty of running space.
He snuck away a few times to meet his girlfriend resulting in us being in a panic for a few hours. When he was done laying in the sun with her, he simply returned home.
He knew he was in trouble so he walked right into the kennel with his head hanging down but not before giving me a look saying, "that was totally worth it."
Gus and Maya were partners in crime. It was like a really good marriage: he was calm, she was crazy; he was focused, she was distracted, he was ever-trusting of others, she was skeptical. They cuddled up together, played together, wrestled, and kept each other company.
She will be sad for awhile and she misses him dearly, but we will all help her through it.
Gus had a short life, but it was full to the point of overflowing.
He loved so many, and so many loved him.
Gus spent his final days doing what he loves: playing fetch and cuddling with his family.
When it was time to say good-bye, he was surrounded by love including his favorite girl, Marie.
We are thankful for our time with him and know he is telling Charlie boy all our most recent stories in heaven.
Gus
March 6, 2013 - September 16, 2016
