Just Gus: A Rescued Dog and the Woman He Loved

by Laurie Williams

Gus was a lucky dog. Injured and abandoned, he could have become another of the 7 million animals euthanized every year. Then Stephanie Williams entered the picture. A successful journalist, she had been diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer at the age of 30. On medical leave and living alone, she wanted a warm four-legged companion. When she saw Gus's soulful eyes and goofy grin, it was love at first sight: she would rescue him, and he would return...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0975561812
• ISBN13: 9780975561812
• Release Date: February 2006
• Publisher: McWitty Press
• Length: 79 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.7" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Just Gus Review

I thought the book was very well done. It made a great case for dog rescue which I am sure would please Stephanie Williams who had rescued Gus. It also demonstrated how important animal companions are to the people who love them.

Not just for dog lovers! Must read!!!

"Just Gus" is the heartfelt true story of the special relationship between an adopted stray and his terminally ill owner. It describes Gus's life in terms suitable for all ages, and illustrates the type of healing that only comes from befriending an animal. "Just Gus" focuses more on the dog than the girl, showing the happy side of a sad story, although you will definitely shed a tear or two as you read. If you're already a petowner, it will make you appreciate your four-legged friend that much more; and if you're not, it will make you want to run out and adopt you're own "Gus" as soon as possible!

A beautiful lesson on living

This is a deeply touching and inspirational true story. The author gives you not just one but two characters in whom to invest your hopes and emotions. Gus's journey, from abandonment to the loving home and second chance given him by Stephanie, is the stuff of movies. He's also an extremely photogenic dog and the book's photos are in just the right balance with the text to draw you in and make you feel and identify with the characters. As for Stephanie, she's nothing short of heroic. Her example of dreaming big and never giving up is a model for all of us, regardless of individual challenges and hardships. Kind of a "what are waiting for" wake-up call. This is a really great read, perfect for animal lovers, for those who have taken life's knocks, and for all who dare to chase their dreams.

A story of true love

Touching story that would make even the hardest of us soft. The photos are beautiful, the message is powerful, and the people are far and few between. Buy this book, if not for yourself, then for someone who needs inspiriation and support.

The Human Condition

Aside from being an absolutely lovely portrait of how dogs enrich our lives, this book gets at a question so many dog owners I know agonize about: what if you pre-decease your dog? A very, very moving story.