Being “gussed” is a new verb around here, when Gus decides to kiss your face, it is like a crazed bumblebee on speed, he leaps and snorts and goes up and down the side of your face. Maria knelt down in the grass to take a photo and he came charging over and she got “gussed.” Yesterday, he jumped up on my lap and then my shoulders and climbed up and sat on the top of my bald head, leaning down to chew on my ears.

I was not prepared for this, I had been “gussed.” I made an appointment for Gus to be neutered on November 2 at the Cambridge Valley clinic. He’s ready, he’s lifting his leg and humping various toys.

It’s time to keep the mellow alive in him, although it is sad he won’t be bred. He is a great dog. A touch of mellowing won’t hurt a bit.