Gus “The Crime Doggie””” by Mike & Donna / Mike

I lost my best friend today

It seems like only yesterday we found you at the shelter. I had already picked out another dog when Donna convinced me to look on the other side of the kennel. There you were, in the last kennel. Sitting there so well behaved. The only dog with a clean kennel. You seemed as happy to find us as we were to find you. Somehow we knew you were the one.

We brought you home that day and decided to name you “Gus”. It just seemed to fit.

Right away we knew you were very special. How could you be a stray? You were house broken, yard trained and knew basic obedience. We often wondered what your life was like before we met, but we knew you were a great addition to our family. That was nine years ago.

You picked up the added nickname of “Crime Doggie” when we noticed that every evening when you went out, you would walk the entire perimeter of the yard before returning inside. It was almost like you were saying “All is secure. My family is safe.”

Playing fetch and mugging for treats were your favorite pastimes. You traveled with us to New York to visit relatives and even spent time at Camp Spikehorn in Rockwood. Although you were away from home, you never slacked in you self appointed security duties. Thanks to you we always returned safely home.

You were always there for me with a wag of your nub and a happy spirit to lift me up. You always had time to listen to my problems, even though I know you couldn’t hear me very well these last few years, you still offered me a furry shoulder to lean on. In the last few months, when you had trouble standing, you always greeted me each morning and when I came home from work. I know you weren’t as peppy as you used to be, but I really appreciate the effort.

You are dearly missed, my friend. There will never be another like you. You’ve earned a rest. When you reach the other shore, look up Grandpa Murphy and Grandpa Keene, they both know the value of a good dog and will welcome you home. And Gus, you were the best.

I’ll leave you with this:

May your dish always be full,
May you always have cool water to drink,
May there always be a kind hand to pat your head,
May there always be a soft spot to rest
And until we meet again, know you are loved.

Gus “The Crime Doggie”
1996? – 2008

 

Goodbye my friend, thank you for your friendship,