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Gus is gone

Thanks, guys, for all your prayers and good wishes. I’m more sorry than I can tell you to have to say that Gus is dead. His kidneys shut down entirely, and there was no choice but to euthanize him. Doug and our younger daughter (who lives in town) came down to the hospital, and we spent a good (if tearful) hour with him, petting him and telling him how much he meant to us–what a good dog. Then the kind doctor gave him a shot, and we brought him home and buried him out back, under a big eucalyptus tree, beside old Ajax, our doberman who died a couple of years ago. We buried him with a MilkBone between his paws (his favorite), and a small bouquet of fragrant herbs from my garden–rosemary (for remembrance), lavender, and sage. He always loved to help dig in the garden.

We’re very sad, but relieved that he’s out of his trouble. It’s been a bad few days.

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60 Responses »

  1. I’m so sorry about your Gus, Diana. It was so nice to “meet” him through you.

  2. God Bless Gus.

    Losing a pet is like losing a family member. My thoughts are with you.

  3. I am so sorry, poor you.

  4. I am so sorry for your loss.

  5. Thinking of you.

  6. Oh God, Diana, i´m so sorry…

  7. I’ve searched and searched for the source of this poem. The only credits I can find indicate the author was Majorie Staats.

    It’s hard to lose the ones we love,
    To see them pass away,
    The sweetest and the kindest gone,
    While others are left to stay.

    But if we had a garden,
    With roses fair and bright,
    We’d often Pick the loveliest,
    And think it to be right.

    And so as is with Jesus,
    In His Heavenly garden here,
    He often picks the fairest flower,
    The ones we love so dear.

    The flowers that are picked by Him
    Will never fade away,
    We know they’ll live forever,
    And we’ll see them some sweet day.

    Give my love and condolences to your family.

  8. So sorry about Gus, pets are a real part of our family. I have always seen pets as God’s way of sending his physical unconditional love to us on Earth.

  9. I am so very sorry for your loss. I really liked Gus a lot, he was a great character and will live on in your heart and in your books. And he was a very lucky doggie to have such a loving family.

  10. Oh Diana,
    I’m so sorry! Losing a pet is so sad. my thoughts are with you! Tke care!
    Ashley

  11. Diana, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Gus was a great dog!

    Sending a few hugs and warm thoughts your way…

  12. My sympathy to you and your family. Gus will be missed.

  13. Dear Diana,

    So sorry that you’ve lost your Gus. Thanks for the photos you’ve shared with us, and for including him in Brotherhood, where he lives on.

    Sincerely,

    Teddie

  14. So sorry to hear about Gus. I’m glad you had time to say goodbye, it is always so hard to loose a loved pet.
    Lisa

  15. My condolences on the loss of Gus! You and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time! ((((((Diana))))))

  16. My thoughts are with you and your family. =(

  17. Diana,

    I am so sorry for your loss. A pet holds such a special place in our hearts.

    I hope you find a place of peace over your loss.

  18. Sorry to hear about your Gus. It is a very tough day I know. Pets are such a part of our families, bring much love and have a special place in our hearts. We have three pets under our “tree” and a couple dogs aging way too quickly.

  19. Diana,

    I am saddened to hear that Gus has died. I know how painful it is to lose a pet. Our pets are a part of our family.

    Thank you for sharing Gus with all of us in Brotherhood. I am grateful that I got a chance to know him!

  20. I’m so, so sorry for your loss.

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