Monday, January 4, 2010

Gus....Jan 4



A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will do just fine.
A dog doesn't care if your rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb.
Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about?
How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special?
How many people can make you feel extraordinary?

by John Grogan from Marley & Me (2008)

After  eight trips outside, one walk down the snowpacked driveway to get the mail, chasing three squirrels from the birdfeeder and one rabbit from the shrubs, Gus lies sound asleep across my lap. He's relaxed in only the way a dog can relax....with complete trust, head propped on a blanket rolled beside me, eyes closed, but ears tipped to hear the steps of anyone passing close to his treat cupboard.  This is the only dog we know that can tell time...each night at 8 pm, he stands at attention on Joe's chest, doggie drool dripping slowly onto the face he adores, in anticipation of his nightly greenie.  It is uncanny how he knows when it becomes 8 pm...but he does.  This is a dog that sings to entertain the grandchildren....and has his own favorite songs to sing.  He went on a mini vacation over Christmas (we were afraid we wouldn't make it home from work to him)...and with the assistance of Kim and the kids, he even called to sing Jingle Bells to us on Christmas eve.  I can't imagine what our days would be without him....nor do I ever want to.  Like Marley, he's our own little "discount dog"....a Sheltie returned and offered up cheaply.  Like Marley, he's not always the best little dog.....can't stand the neighbors cats, hates bicycles in his yard, and rabbits..beware!  But what a job he does for our entire family....grandkids included...at making us all feel extraordinary! 

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