Farewell to Gussy - a Star!

We have read that DOG spelled backwards is GOD - in fact there are books and poems written as to why.  One outstanding theme is that a dog loves unconditionally.  A dog will accept you as you are and forgiveness is built into their nature.  

Today's post is about a special dog who made a difference in many lives.  Gussy was a rescue dog that wandered into my friend's life needing a home, food and lots of love.  Shelli provided all three and so began a ten year relationship that brought comfort, joy and companionship between human and canine.  We can all identify with a heart bond that can develop with a special critter that God brings into our lives.  Gussy happened to be one covered in fur, a wagging tail and slobbery kisses.

Gussy was a gentle dog, both large in stature and in heart.  As time went on, Gussy was introduced to Valley View Care Facility and was an instant hit with both residents and caregivers alike.  His gentle and affectionate manner even won the hearts of a few residents who claimed they didn't like dogs.  He quickly became the "star" of Valley View.
 

Gussy and Shelli became quite a team in their visits at the care facility.  Residents would love to pet Gussy and wanted him by their side just for the furry company that he could give.  They also loved Shelli as she took time with them for conversation as they both made the rounds to say hello.  Below are a few nostalgic photos of Doris while she was alive and living at Valley View.  My mother-in-law had a lot of fun with Gussy and was eager for her turn in special dog attention, both to give and to get in interaction.  Doris enjoyed being pulled around the facility as Gussy took her for a walk in her wheel chair.  Gussy gave special memories, some that I was able to capture through the lens of a camera.

The above photos were taken last December at a recent Valley View Christmas party for the residents.  Of course, Gussy had to have his photo taken with Santa and his elves and his devoted friend, Shelli.  We knew this would be the last Christmas for Gussy.  He battled cancer just as a human and Shelli became caregiver to her beloved companion.  Extra months were added to his life because of her loving care as they both bravely fought for an extension in quality of life before it was time for him to go.

We discover as we interact with all kinds of critters in varied shapes and sizes, that they become more than animal to us.  They enter our lives giving us their trust and faithfulness and we are better off for the experience.  They quietly comfort us in times of distress, an innate knowing that their human friend is troubled.  They welcome a human touch, a word of praise, a walk or a ride - anything that involves being together is joyful in the exchange of friendship. 

It hurts to lose such a 4-legged companion. We will miss you Gussy.  But there is comfort in knowing that God has a special place for our beloved pets that await us on the other side.  I can imagine that He has quite a menagerie but Heaven has room to hold them all.

In closing, I encourage you to check out this Youtube video entitled "GoD And DoG" by Wendy J Francisco, appropriate to end this post with... click on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY

See you at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, February 27.....