"Gus" My Best Friend by Lorellee McIntyre

"Gus" My Best Friend

by Lorellee McIntyre

He was like a huge black baby bear cub when we brought him home. We bonded immediately. I felt so bad taking him from his family, he came from a large litter of brothers and sisters, all so playful. We actually intended to adopt Gus's brother. We sat in the yard and here he comes all fuzzy and furry, lays his head on my husband's lap and that was it...he was our Gus! I remember holding him like a baby and rocking him in our living room, he loved to listen to the Disney Tunes, "Someday my Prince will come" was his favorite. Of course my husband thought I was crazy...maybe I was. It would take me reams of paper to write and remember all of the wonderful stories and memories from the last 11 years. All I can think of now is, he is gone and I miss him so much. I hear him, I smell him,I can't bear to take up his water bowls. Fortunately I knew this day would come sooner than I wanted and I prepared a special picture of Gus in my hearts mind. This winter we had a beautiful snow, Gus loved to roll in it, side to side on his back, I was watching and laughing at him from the kitchen window, he must have sensed I was watching and he looked up at me with the most loving face, snow all over his nose. I remember telling myself to cherish this moment, this picture of him, I knew then I wouldn't have Gus next winter. Good-bye my friend, how I miss your beautiful spirit!

Comments would be appreciated by the author, Lorellee McIntyr