3/21/08 - Just a quick note on Gus.  He is doing fine.  He visited the vet yesterday and is now a whopping 90 pounds!  He was 60 when I got him.  He has problems with his knees in his back legs, so we started him on Ramidyl (I think that's how its spelled) we'll see if that helps him get around better.  He spends his days when I'm at work sleeping on his very own futon with a quilt on it, so I can wash it. About 8 or 9 p.m. he's ready for bed.  his crate is in my bedroom with a couple comfy quilts for his comfort.  He seems to like it as he's the last one up in the mornings!

7/27/07 - The Gus Man as I call him, is doing great! I'm planning on moving to Kentucky as soon as my  home sells, the whole "crew" is going with me.  I promise, Gary, I will keep in touch about "your" dog. ;=)Another semi-milestone, he is starting to not get so excited when the kitties make an appearance.  I tell him "down" and he lies down on the living room floor. and he and the kitty have a staring match.  I think he's decided its just too much trouble to get up and run after the blankety blank little thing.  She seems to know that, and is getting braver and braver about showing herself. Maybe some day they can actually share the same room with no upsets.  I checked with my vet about moving the animals and she said they should all be tested for heart worm and on treatment before I move down there because in the South is it much more prevalent. Other than that they are up do date on shots and should be OK.

4/25/07 - Thought I'd give another update on Gus.  He is truly a member of the "family" now.  He goes outside with the other two dogs loose and stays right in the yard. Usually when I am working out there with the horses the dogs like to be outside too.  On the recent nice days, I sat on my front porch swing and Gus was content to lie by my feet The advantages of an older dog!  He doesn't need to explore the world, he's happy to lie down when he can.  I take him for a walk on leash and when we stop, he lies down!  While we are moving he trucks right ahead.  After a mile he was happy to go slowly and sniff around a bit. That's our exercise time. My son's dog, Amy loves to play and she tries
with Gus.  He responds, but can't run and duck and dive like she can...he's much too dignified for that!  He is an eye-catcher I've noticed on our walks people stare.  His appetite is still good.  He cleans up his bowl and then checks out the other two bowls in case anything is left.  There is no food aggression.  If I hear some growling, I say firmly "cut that out" and it stops.
I highly recommend older dogs for those considering adoption, especially for some of us older people who do not want to chase around after an ambitious young one.  There is something to be said for age.

3/16/07 - Well, I took Gus to the vet for his check-up and he is doing fine. No problems. I checked and he has been microchipped, it was interesting to see them waive this little box over his shoulders and a number appared! the tech said yes, he's microchipped. He weighs a whopping 83 pounds! I think he was 61 when I got him, he jumped right up on the scale/table and was a very good boy for the Doc. Gus is now a big boy! He has some arthritis in his back legs and Vet suggested Rimadyl if it really bothers him, but I've not seen anything other than he can't jump in my truck -- I had to boost all 83 pounds of him!

3/7/07 - Gus passed a  milestone this weekend.  I was working in my barn cleaning stalls and he was unhappy tied outside and my Dinah had "company" ( her sister Amy) and they were loose and playing about.  I felt bad for Gus all tied up, so since I was right there I let him loose too.. he didn't go anywhere, just found a spot in the sun and lay down on the hay!  When I was ready to go back in the house I said, "Let's go everyone to the house!" and he headed right for the back door.  I promised him this summer if he was a good boy, he could run and play too. He and Amy are now friends, though she didn't like him a first.  She tried to play with him when I was walking him on leash...good sign.
All in all, Gus is quite settled in and at home.  He even barks at strangers who come to the house..nothing ferocious, but a stranger may think twice. He has filled out nicely and no bones show anymore.  He sleeps by my chair at night until I tell him "its bed time" and he gets up and heads for his crate, that's when the kitties make their appearance and the house is theirs till morning.

2/11/07 - I've been a bit slow getting my paperwork back to BAR on Gus and apologize for that.  He has become a member of the family, especially since I've been home for the last month all day with him. My health is doing much better, I'm back to work tomorrow!  Gus will be a little lonely, but its only for half day.  He has put on weight and filled out nicely his hip bones no longer stick up as he eats quite well...he eats his dinner then comes to check out the other two's bowls and if anything is left helps himself Gummy gives him a warning growl if she is not quite done yet and he back's off.  I usually say "no fighting guys" and they heed the warning.  Everyone remarks at what a pretty boy he is and so well-behaved.  If he would just lose interest in my kitties!  Somehow I don't think that will happen, but its not a problem.  When he goes to bed in his crate, they have the run of the house all night and can come out of their room to visit Gracie did a kamikaze run the other day to get my attention, she shot out of her room over the baby gate flew past Gus and he went in hot pursuit. I caught up with him by my guest room and got hold of him then she shot back to
her room and over the gate!  Her food dish was empty and she wanted me to fill it! geeze.  I have to get Gus to the vet for a check up.  He seems quite healthy at the moment. He needs a rabies shot, I believe.

2/16/07 - Gus has been adopted

1/17/06 - Welcome Gus!  I have recently been ill spending 3 days in hospital and  Gus and I have been spending whole days home together.  We have been bonding quite well!  He is a gentle soul and loves it when I cook dinner and he gets a whiff of all those food smells!  I take him for his evening walk.
Gus is such a SNORER!  He was so bad one night I told him he snored just like my ex-husband!  His mouth dried out and he gagged himself!  I had to laugh at that one!  I've had lots of company since I've been ill and he welcomes all with a friendly wiggle.  He woo-woo'd at my neighbor's husband who did look a bit weird with his stocking cap on and winter clothes.  Gus is actually starting to recognize his name when I say it to him and listen to me, especially when I caution him about "no Kitties!"  When I say "its bedtime!" he heads straight for his create in my bedroom.  The other morning I was looking for Gus and he went back to bed!  I can totally relate!  Rainy cold drizzly days are just for that!

1/9/07 - I am "in love" with Gus and plan on adopting him.  Gus is doing good - he spent 3-4 day at my son's house recently.   Gus managed to become part of the family of furry critters.  He's put on weight and his poops are looking good as of yesterday!  He still has an "issue" with my kitty cats!  They are getting braver around him an know our routine now.  My younger one was sleeping on my bed the other night.  She knew Gus was in his crate, I guess.  He is no problem.

12/30/06 - Gus is doing just fine.  He is socialized with my other two dogs and they are getting along well.  It took a while for them to accept him, but he was good, even with my little pomeranian who thinks she is a pit bull.  His manners are really great...he walks on a leash the best, as Gary has said.  I use a tie-out and that's working well too!  He's only out long enough to do his business and then he is back and if I don't get to him fast enough, lets me know with a woo-wooo bark.  We also take a walk before I leave for work and again in the evening when I return.  My other two girls follow along, so all 3 are really getting a walk.  Gus is not a kiitty lover.  He gets way too interested in them, but we have worked out an arrangement.  He gets the house in the days and they get it in the nights.  During the days they stay in their room behind a baby-gate.  Gus goes to bed in my room in his crate and with lots of soft bedding he is very content.  Oh, and Gus LOVES to sleep in...! 
I've taken him to my son's for a visit and that went pretty good.  My son's dog wasn't sure she trusted him, but they tolerated each other and by the end of the evening all was well.  He loves company and welcomes them.  Though now that he's at home here, he does bark when someone comes and he "checks them out" before melting into a mush.  I had a houseful of company Christmas night and Gus fit right in.  My son brought his dog, so there were 8 people and 4 dogs!   He slept on the living room floor around everyone's feet.  My son roughhoused a bit with him on the floor and he loved it! (as most boxers do)  I do believe he is putting on a little weight. I don't see his ribs and his appetite it good.   He is finished with his meds and his poop is normal shaped and I guess he needs to have his urine tested to see if its cleared up.  I love his manners...no counter surfing, no begging for food and he is constantly at my side, but if he is locked out like now (cats are in my computer room), he whimpers a bit then goes and lays down.  I can take a rawhide bone right out of his mouth and he doesn't care.  I have gotten after him about some things, like barking at my horses and he is getting better.  I bring him to the barn with me and if he is in the barn too, he usually is quiet.  I can't let him loose around the horses because I'm afraid he'll be too pushy and get kicked.  I do believe Gus is here to stay! 

12/15/06 - Gus has moved to a foster-to-adopt home.  Wish them luck.

12/11/06 - Just wanted to give a quick update on my Gus man. Last night I took him out for a nice, one on one walk. Gus and me, no other dogs or people. Since Gus was in isolation for his 1st week in rescue, and while at my home is crated while I am at work, I want him to have some special time. And since I have seen how wonderful he is on leash, I thought it would be nice to take a long walk together. He is feeling almost all better, so I figured now is the right time for him.
We walked for over 1 mile, with an occasional jog in between. (if I were in better shape, we would have jogged more :o)) I am sooooo impressed with this guy. Not one correction during the entire walk. Gus was by my side both when we were jogging, and when I was walking slow to catch my breath. He was ready for anything I could hand out. I really have not experienced a better leash walker in all my years of fostering.
When we got home, I had Gus out in the big room I call foster land, and he was totally as ease with all the little dogs and one of my boxers. My Boxer can be a bit “funny” at times, so I watched each time Gus went over to sniff him, and reassured my boy that everything was ok. Gus was totally at ease, I just wanted to make sure my guy did not start something.
He even came over to me and gave me my 1^st kisses, the big mushball :o))
I know this boy cannot possibly be with me much longer, now that the secret is out on him. Someone is going to have the pleasure of this strikingly gorgeous  guy…if you were smart, you already positioned yourself to be that someone.

12/10/06 - Gus has come back for a short stay at the Wings and Halo Haven (his 1^st foster home) as Jackie had plans for the weekend and would not be able to watch him. It’s like he never left :o)) He quickly picked up on our schedule and routines after a 1 week absence  :o))
Gus’s health continues to improve, and he has now finished his 10 days of antibiotics. No more colored discharge from him nose, just occasional clear, but in a few days I am sure that he will be 100%. His appetite is as strong as I have seen in a dog. Yesterday he ate 2 cups in the morning and 3 1/2 cups at night. In addition to the kibble, which I added several cups of warm water (he seems to like that) I added ½ cup of canned food, 3 table spoons of fat free vanilla yogurt, and fresh turkey, roast beef and ham slices/chunks. Well, he downed that whole bowl and looked like he was still ready for more, but I figured that was enough for one sitting. I fully expect this gentleman to weight closer to 85 lbs when he is fully filled out and recovered from his days on the street.
As with a lot of rescue dogs, I am still figuring out why a boy like this was even avail for adoption at the shelter. Some moron let him go or did not look for him, and lots of people at the shelter passed him right by. Well, their loss is going to ultimately be your gain. This boy is superb. He is very eager to please, and keeps his eyes on you to see if you want him for anything.
You can walk this boy with your pinky if you wanted to. Walk fast and he picks up your pace. Slow it down, and he will still stay by your side, mindful to not walk ahead of you. Someone worked with Gus for a while it would appear. Sorry, I can’t take all the credit for how well trained he is :o))
This Sunday was a very nice day on Long Island, and I still had a bunch of yard work to do, so I let Gus out in the yard with a crew of 8 dogs. Most are small (pugs, pekes, shih tzu’s. I also let out one of my boxers. We also had a very rambunctious 8 month old Boston terrier, jack russel terrier mix puppy staying over for the weekend. Well, this puppy was making most of the dogs nuts with his high level of activity and his desire to play rough. So I figured that Gus might enjoy that. When Gus put his paw on the pup, the pup lunged at him, as I think he got nervous with such a big boy that he didn’t know playing with him this way. Well, Gus got startled and backed up. He got inquisitive again, and the pup did the same thing, and Gus decided he did not want to play with this boy. I have seen on a few occasions now with Gus, he likes to play a bit rough, but if a dog protests, he will back down. He needed a few gentle reminders that the little pekes and pugs don’t like his big paw on their back being forced to the ground and being held :o)) He listens beautifully. So Gus spent several hours exploring the yard with all the other dogs, and I know he totally enjoyed it.
When in his crate he will occasionally bark. I open the door when he does that, sternly tell him “KNOCK IT OFF, NO BARK” and that is it, he knows what is expected. He also goes in his crate without even being told…like I said; he picks up on the routines quickly.
This boy is, and I repeat myself, a real gem! Don’t let the fact that he is a bit on the older side deter you from asking for him. Believe me, this is what you want I a dog, and he will give you years of loyalty and love, as I know you will do the same.

12/2/06 - Gary (one of BAR's Directors) had the pleasure of taking care of Gus for several days after pulling him from the shelter. His previous update is right on point. Gus is an absolute gentlemen and extremely stunning!!! Gary came over with Gus on Thursday evening. I didn't get to spend too much time with him that night other than playing for a few minutes and taking him out to do his business. The next morning Gus ate his breakfast and we went for a few walks before I left for work. Gus is a dream on a leash (as described below) and he is not picky when it comes down to where he goes #1 and #2....he'll even go on concrete. When I came home from work I found that he did have an accident in the crate. It seems Gus had ample opportunity to go out and take care of business while at Gary's house so he was not used to holding it in while I was at work. Today was much better. I took Gus out several times and I'm happy to report there have been no accidents.

Gary came over today with his recently acquired FOB (Friend of BAR) Julianne and his very own boxer Shotzi. Full introductions between Shotzi and Gus were done the Cesar Milan way by taking them for a long walk one in front of the other allowing them to smell each other from behind, then slowing bringing then side by side. The walk went GREAT! Couldn't have asked for better results from Gus!!! The last step of this introduction is the have them together in the back yard and watch the interaction between them. They apparently had a ball. They went full out with their play by pinning each other. Then is was time to introduce Julianne, who by the way is much smaller. Julianne who is sooo sweet just walked right into the mix. Gus thought he could play the same way with Julianne as he did with Shotzi, but Julianne told him he couldn't. Gus still didn't get the message so Gary gave him a quick correction and resolved that! Gus can display dominance when playing, but once a correction is made he listens! Who ever is lucky enough to get this wonderful boy will need to make sure that they stay strong in their pack leader skills, enforcing who is the boss. Once that is demonstrated, Gus will easily take a step back and follow. I took a photo of Gus and the gang to post on the site. The picture of them is way too cute not to share with you guys! The last part of the day was to give Gus a bath. No fuss from Gus...he actually seemed to enjoy it!

Our boy Gus is very skinny, but has a great appetite which should resolve that soon. His nose is still running and remains on medicine to clear that up. His spirits are great and so is his temperament. Gus is such a sweetheart and one look into his eyes will absolutely make you melt!!! I just can't imagine this guys staying available for too long!!!