Another year with Gus

We honestly did not believe when I posted a blip of Gus on this day a year ago, that he would still be with us a year later. Today we celebrate ten years of sharing our lives and home with him. And here he is, 16 months after his vet told us he might last another three months. He just keeps going - with the help of his monthly Librela injection for his arthritic joints, otherwise the description I wrote a year ago still applies perfectly. It was last January that we found out he is two years older than we were originally led to believe, which makes him seventeen. It was also last year that his brother Rock from the same litter died suddenly a week after the two collies met for the first time in nine years.

He is a very old dog now, but somehow in his frail old age he is more beautiful than ever. Looking after him has been like caring for an ageing parent, it takes time, dedication and some sacrifice and yet is ultimately so worthwhile. We’ve hardly been anywhere this year, travelling more than a few miles is uncomfortable for him and there is only one good friend who we feel we can ask to look after him for a night or two. He has stayed with Sue twice this year when we have both had to go to Yorkshire. We had to miss my sister’s and my nephew’s significant birthdays during the summer to stay with him.

In January we need to go to East Yorkshire for a couple of days, and this time we will take him in the back of the car with as much space and padding as possible. And then at the end of the month we shall all be moving over there.

Thanks again to Julie and Steve for the gift of Gus ten years ago, the best Christmas present ever.