Meet Gus

Gus is happiest when the people and dogs he loves are close by. He'll run around the yard with his foster sister, settle in with a bone, or curl up for a good snuggle. He isn't particularly concerned about what's on the agenda as long as he's included in it.

That need for connection makes a little more sense when you know Gus started life on the streets as a very young puppy. We don't know everything that happened before he was found, but today he's safe in a foster home where he gets to experience the consistency and companionship he clearly loves.

The Promise We Made to Gus

When Gus came to Made a Promise Rescue, we promised him we would love him, get him healthy, and make sure he was ready for the forever home waiting on the other side of his treatment.

Right now, that means getting him through heartworm treatment while keeping this sweet, goofy boy as happy as possible along the way.

At a Glance

Energy: Medium

Training: Potty trained, smart, food motivated, and receptive to training.

Dog Friendly: 

People Friendly: Yes, though he can be a little timid when first meeting someone.

Kid Friendly: Yes. He has lived with children in the past and reportedly did well, although his size may be something to consider with very young children.

Cat Friendly: No

Medical: Currently undergoing heartworm treatment. Gus also experiences separation anxiety and some general anxiety.

Personality

Gus is funny, goofy, incredibly sweet, and very attached to his people. He's the definition of a velcro dog and prefers to be close enough to his humans to know exactly where they are. If he can't be right beside you, keeping an eye on you will have to do.

He can initially be a little timid with someone new, but it usually doesn't take long before you've been moved firmly into the friend category. Once you're there, Gus has plenty of affection to give.

He also has a nice balance to his personality. He loves to play, but he's equally happy settling down with a bone or snuggling with his foster mom and foster sister.

In the Home

Gus currently lives with his foster mom and a canine foster sister. The two enjoy playing together, snuggling, and spending plenty of time close to one another. Gus is potty trained and has settled nicely into home life.

He does have separation anxiety and some general anxiety, so having companionship and social interaction is important for him. He's happiest when he can be part of what's going on rather than spending long stretches of time by himself.

With Other Dogs

Gus loves other dogs. When he sees one, he tends to see a potential new friend and playmate.

His relationship with his foster sister is a big part of his daily life, whether they're playing together or cuddled up close. A home with another compatible dog, or even a couple of canine companions, could be a great fit for him.

With People

Gus loves his people deeply. He may be a little timid when he first meets someone, but he warms up quickly and forms strong attachments.

Once he trusts you, expect company. Gus wants to know where his people are and prefers to be close to them whenever possible. The more people around to love him, the happier he's likely to be.

With Kids

Gus has lived with children in the past and was reported to do well with them. His current foster hasn't personally observed him around kids, so that's the information we have to go on.

Because Gus is a bigger dog, his size should be considered when determining whether he's the right match for a home with very young children.

With Cats and Small Animals

Gus is not recommended for a home with cats or small animals. His instinct when he sees them is to chase, so a home without them will be the best fit.

Training & Care

Gus is potty trained and has proven himself to be a smart boy who is open to learning. Food is a great motivator, but affection works pretty well with him too.

His biggest needs right now are medical rather than behavioral training. Gus is undergoing treatment for heartworm, so his foster family is focused on getting him healthy while keeping him comfortable and happy throughout the process.

He also experiences separation anxiety and some general anxiety. A future family that understands those needs and is willing to continue helping him feel secure will be important.

Ideal Home

Gus would thrive in a home with plenty of companionship. Another dog or two would give him the social interaction he loves, and a family that enjoys having their dog close by would suit him well.

He doesn't need constant excitement. He needs connection. Give him people to love, a compatible dog friend to play and cuddle with, a bone to chew, and a place where he's included in everyday life, and Gus is pretty content.

A Note from the Foster

Gus is one of those dogs whose sweetness is hard to fully explain until you meet him. He's funny, goofy, affectionate, and truly one of the sweetest dogs his foster has ever met.

He also really loves chewing on bones and making out with his foster sister, so apparently everyone in the house gets affection.

Promise Pup Highlight

Gus loves to play just as much as he loves to snuggle, but his favorite part of either activity is having someone he loves there with him.

The Promise Moving Forward

Right now, our promise is to get Gus healthy and keep him happy while he finishes heartworm treatment. Once he's through it, the next part of that promise is finding him a permanent home filled with the people and canine companionship he loves so much.

A home where this former street puppy gets to spend the rest of his life surrounded by people who love and adore him.