Gus is a family dog, but he is especially attached to Maria. He likes to walk with her around the pasture. This morning, the two of them went out into the rear pasture to pick some wildflowers for my muse, who is always hungry for fresh flowers. The sight of the two of the walking together brings me warmth and peace.

Gus is still a puppy, and is still playful and unpredictable, but he is growing up a bit. He is ever watchful of the family, and devoted to Red and Fate. He has never shown any interest in running off, and is generally very obedient, unless there is some food or other distraction.

He walks with us off leash everywhere, including in the deep woods. He sits when asked, comes when called, and stays fairly well. Not quite there yet, we are working on it. He has also gotten impressively savvy about the sheep and other animals. He is careful around them, but not afraid of them.

We never pick him up in the pasture, he gets out of the way when he needs to get out of the way and tries to pester Red at every opportunity. He does not accept that Red will not ever play with him, anywhere. He is still trying.