In 2014, Jack Barron, my mentor in all things dog therapy, called to ask if we had room for another dog. A family needed to rehome a Teddy Bear Doodle who was adorable and sweet-natured. There was no shortage of people who wanted him, but Jack felt that Cedric, his name at the time, was meant to be a therapy dog, like Charley and Elbee.
We met him, fell in love, changed his name to Gus and introduced him to the pack. The rest is history. The woman who was giving him up said, “I just want you to give him a good life.” Gus has had a great life so far.
ELBEE Even though Charley’s Uncle Riley was a slacker, I was very fond of him.
He’s turned nine last and has surpassed my expectations. He charms everyone with his positive energy, wagging tail and smiling face. He has affectionately been called “cloud,”and “cotton ball,” and even “angel.”
Looking back at his accomplishments fills my heart. Not only did he pass his Pet Partners test at a year and a half and begin going into the hospital, but he worked so many special events with his “brothers.”
For instance, he and Charley met with an anti-bullying group from Compton to teach a class of sixth graders about kindness. At a candlelight vigil for a UCLA professor who was murdered, they comforted countless mourners.
On a lighter note, Gus was part of the interactive exhibit, “Dogs! a Science Tail,” at the California Science Center. Gus and Elbee had the honor of being at the party for the tenth anniversary of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Charley was at the opening ten years earlier!
He has had the chance to meet Laker girls, former Lakers and a few Dodgers including Clayton Kershaw and Dodger manager, Dave Roberts.
ELBEE Guess who used Gus so she could meet Dave Roberts!
Above all, and I think that anyone with a therapy animal will tell you this, it’s the quiet one on one moments with Gus that have been the most profound. I can still picture the young woman hugging him and crying as she assured me they were “happy tears.” I can hear the teen in Resnick, who had cuts all over her arms, telling me that Gus was the first thing in a long time that she wanted to live for.
I could sense a real sadness in Gus as he gradually lost his first pack. It was fortunate that by the time Elbee left us, Stanley had arrived. Henry was a bonus and Gus bonded with him instantly.
Gus & Stanley
Gus & Henry
ELBEE Gus was so confused when they kept growing
I’m so very grateful for this copacetic pack and for Gus’s original pack. Above all, I am grateful for the wonder that this huge hearted precious dog has shown me over the past nine years. Happy birthday little giant!
