Day 27

6/7/22

It was time for Gus to face that surgery that no male dog would ever want to have! We waited until his growth plates were mature and watched for any signs of dominance...it was time.

Now this pup is a handful, a free spirit and also independent to a fault. Taking him in for his neuter was a challenge for this puppy mama, but he went gladly and never looked back as the tech took him through the door. I cried all the way home!

That was yesterday. When we picked him up, he wore the "Cone of Shame" and was still a bit groggy. However, it seemed something had changed. Our Gus had a new aura about him...as if he had somehow connected. He looked at me with that one good eye and all but said, "I need you."

Home we went and into the back bedroom, where a veritable hospital had been set up. He seemed glad to settle in on his cushy bed, surrounded by toys and love. Again, I felt something had shifted in our boy. When I would move, he would move to make sure he was touching me. When I tried to leave the room, he would whimper. When I was scratching his back or rubbing his head, he would immediately calm down. I truly believe he finally bonded with his people.

It made me stop and think about the people I need in my life and the strong bond I feel with friends, family and loved ones. It's a give-and-take relationship, along with a feeling of love and safety that makes me need them in my life. What a gift they give!

Now, tonight, I will settle Gus down on his bed, snuggle into the guest bed again and trail my hand down onto his head as we drift off to sleep. I know we will both feel same and loved...and that's the best feeling in the world!