Rescue dogs don’t usually have many advantages in life (besides being cute, obviously). They often come to shelters and their adoptive parents with issues ranging everywhere from nutrition to socialization to internal health… and it’s up to the rescue organization and the dog’s future family to overcome those issues and eventually help that dog lead a healthy, happy life. That’s a tall order – it was definitely a challenge for Gus, whose previous caretakers tried to crop his ears in such a shoddy way that they botched it and caused nerve damage. I mean… if I were Gus, I’m not sure if I’d ever trust humans again – but Gus is a truly remarkable dog. He not only learned to trust again, he learned to love – and now he’s an incredibly sweet part of the family, living in La Jolla along with his parents! Now he serves as a vigilant guard dog, a constant companion, and he even moonlights as a cuddle buddy for his 3-year-old niece. I absolutely love his story, because many dogs aren’t as lucky as Gus – but his parents/rescuers helped him overcome his past and start enjoying the fabulous life of a La Jolla rescue dog. (Which, let’s be honest, is not a phrase you hear every day! “La Jolla rescue dog”? Well I think it’s a great title to bestow on any pup, and Gus can be the new ambassador – he already keeps a close eye on his neighborhood from his upstairs porch, haha!)

This is Gus! Such a good boy! (I took this photo during a brief moment in which there were no other dogs walking by… otherwise he certainly wouldn’t be looking at the camera, haha!)

Gus at home. Don’t let those big eyes fool you; he takes his role as guard dog quite seriously. If you visit, you WILL be barked at!

He loooooves his parents. And they love him.

Ashley & Tom, thank you for a lovely afternoon! I’m looking forward to seeing you again soon! :)