Gus-ADOPTED!!!

update 2/16/10 Hello everyone! I am still here, waiting for that most special family to walk through the doors any day now. I have just completed my 6 week obedience course using the clicker training method and I LOVED it! Going to school really helped me out. I have gained the confidence that I need to meet and greet new people everyday, along with also gaining the skills to help me think my way through if I find something a bit overwhelming. There are moments that I am still shy and will need that little bit of encouragement to help through. But please understand that I have been in a shelter most of my life and your patience can really go a long way. I have two volunteers that come and walk me through out the week. One of my volunteers is my obedience instructor and she just thinks the world of me. She loves me so much that she is willing to help my new family with any questions they may have about my personality and how to develop a really wonderful bond with me. I love the company of other dogs and would really enjoy the company of having another companion in my new home. I treasure the time that is spent with my dedicated volunteers, but unfortunately they are not able to be there with me everyday and I miss them terribly when they leave. I know that when I hear their voice or see their car pull up, I know that they are there for me and nothing else. When my special family finds me I will no longer have to worry about being left behind again. I desperately want to find my special family. I will do the best I can to make them happy and love them dearly. All I ask in return is your patience, a kind heart, and your understanding. I love all my volunteers, but I have been here long enough. My sister has been adopted and all of my friends get adopted. I am tired of having a broken heart. I will do what I can to show you that I am a loyal and loving gentlemen. If I could describe my perfect family, it would be a family who would enjoy taking me for hikes and car rides. I would love a family who would like to continue my training and introduce me to more of the wonderful things life has to offer. I also have a playful side to me too and would like a family who could show me how to play with toys. I also love quiet time with my special people and although I may be 70 lbs, no lap is too small for me to curl up on. You see, I have all the qualities and characteristics of becoming a really happy dog, I just need to find that special family. A note from Gus's volunteer: Gus is truly a wonderfully special dog. I have developed an amazing bond with him and treasure all of the precious time I have spent with him. It has been so special to watch him turn into this beautiful dog over the past several months. Life does not have to be so lonely and worrisome for him. Gus will still need time to adjust to his new home. He will need a home that will allow him to come into his own at his speed. If you are a family who has ever owned or volunteered with a shy dog, then you know what a remarkable and rewarding experience it can be. It is time for Gus to move onto the next phase of his life, a permanent loving home. He needs a home give him a quiet environment and regular routine. Gus takes several walks through the neighborhood each week, along with also attending local charity events. Each time Gus really gets better at adjusting to new environments and experiences. Gus will give you all that he can. We just need to find that perfect family who will give him that chance. AHR is posting Gus as a courtesy listing. If you are interested in learning more about Gus or meeting him please contact PAWS in Calais Maine at 207-454-7662 or at [email protected].

Gus is an 8 yr old Shephard/Husky mix, who weighs approximately 80 lbs. Gus has spent most of his years living in a shelter with his sister, who was just recently adopted by a member of PAWS. Since his sister has been adopted, Gus's personality has just blossomed by leaps and bounds. Gus is everything a family should be looking for in a rescue dog. He is adoring, extremely tender hearted, and most importantly extremely grateful for any attention that he receives from volunteers and visitors. Gus's personality is shy at first, as living in the shelter environment has been very stressful for him, so please do not let your first glance at Gus be the determining factor. Give him the opportunity to show you what he really is all about by asking a volunteer to visit with him and to be patient with him. It really does not take any time and once you have made that connection with Gus, you realize what a gift he is to have.

The best way to really bond with Gus quickly is to take him for a nice long walk. During his walk Gus is really able to open his mind to all the wonderful things around him and approach you in an environment that is not so stressful, like the shelter. Gus looks forward to his walks so much and is progressing so well with all the new surroundings. Since Gus has a shy personality, he would be best suited for a home that is nurturing, quiet and has a consistent routine. Gus would really thrive with a family who can give him positive reinforcement, patience and understanding. Gus would rather receive affection as a training reward than food. It is hard to tell if Gus would be housetrained at this point since he has lived in a shelter for so many years. But he keeps his indoor kennel very clean and uses the bathroom outside, so house training should not be all that difficult for Gus. He would most likely just need a refresher, as he once lived in a house with a family when he was a young adult. Gus should also not live with a family that has cats or other small animals due to a stong desire .

Since Gus has had a volunteer who comes to spend time with him throughout the week, Gus has really taken a different perspective on life and is just a whole different dog. He loves his walks and seeks me out as soon as he hears my voice. He is working on basic obedience and has also had the chance to go visit and socialize at the homes of friends and family. When visiting he is anxious at first but after about 15 minutes he is sitting quietly close by and seeking out attention. Gus just needs patience when adjusting to new situations. He desperately wants to please and be part of a family.

The shelter is really working hard at seeking out the perfect family for Gus, because he has waited so long and for no good reason. We would hate to see him go through another long and cold winter in the shelter kennel. This dog is ready to finally live out the rest of his years in a safe and loving home. He is gentle, affectionate, and really enjoys being close to his people. After each walk Gus is so grateful that when we return to his kennel he always curls up onto my lap and gives a gentle kiss. Gus is so deserving of this opportunity. If Gus sounds like the perfect pet for your family, please inquire about him. We encourage you to come and visit him. All the volunteers adore Gus and would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

PAWS contact information is 207-454-7662, e-mail is [email protected] (transportation help is available to get him to his new home if in central/southern maine or nh or mass)