Gus has already touched many people, he has challenged many of own stereotypes, and opened my eyes to many things.

Small dogs are working dogs, but their work is people and families, and they take it seriously and are good at it. Gus is already doing much good.

I appreciate the way he loved my granddaughter Robin this weekend, and keeps an eye on Maria. He has lifted the hearts of the Mansion residents and staff and has many friends and admirers all over my town, from the vendors at the Farmer’s Market to the dental techs to the staff at the Round House Cafe.

I am especially touched by his friendship with Bob, a worker at the town recycling center (the dump) and one of the most loved men in our community. Bob is what of those men – very rare in my experience –  who radiate good will and love, he is a generous spirit. Still, he is a big tough man in a truck,  a skilled hunter, as at home in a tractor as in a car.

I couldn’t list all of the people who know Bob and love him, he has done so many good things for people here.

My friendship with him is so far limited to the dump, where he is always waiting with a biscuit for Fate, and now, for Gus. Since my open heart surgery, which he read about on my blog three years ago, I have not been able to haul a trash can from the car to the big garbage bin. Bob is right there, brushing me aside. I have never asked him to help, and I insist I can carry the can myself, but when he is around, there is no chance of that.

Fate starts squealing with joy when we get a mile from the dump, and Bob is especially sensitive not to leave her out because Gus is there. Both of them dogds are crazy about Bob, and it is worth a lot to see Bob’s face when I take the puppy out of the car and hand it to him. If a big touch man could melt, Bob would be all over the ground.

He loves dogs and animals, and I smile at the way he always goes and gives Fate another biscuit after he cuddles with Gus. “You know I love you, honey,” he tells her and she is beside herself, wagging and flirting with him. She certainly isn’t left out.

I have always been more comfortable in the company of women than men, I just do not make a good regular kind of guy. I don’t like sports, I hate to talk politics, I’m bad at small talk and have never understood how the mechanics of the world are put together. Men usually have to educate me or help me.

I am completely at ease with Bob, I think it is fair to call him a friend. I give him copies of my book and other books, and he keeps me informed of things I ought to know about in town. He  always tells me when pheasants are hiding in my meadow, or when a Bald Eagle is flying near the farm. He also warns me when bad weather is coming.

He is an Army of Good all of his own.

Seeing him with Gus lifts my heart, though, I see them as two men who know how to love and do good for people. A natural friendship. In our small rural town, we know one another, we find community even at the dump. It makes all of the difference.

We may not all love one another, but we know one another. Now everybody knows Gus.