Happy Birthday Gus

I was thinking today that Gus was born sometime in February so I asked Ryan which day...
February 24th is the day Agustus Running Clown was born (that's his official registered family name). He's a purebred German Shorthair.
Ryan named him after Agustus McCrae, played by Robert Duvall, from the miniseries Lonesome Dove.
We lovingly just call him Gus, although we've also been known to call him, Agustus, Gustoford, T-ford, Get off the counter, Dumb dog, and GUUUUSSS NO!

Today Gus is 42 dog years old. It's hard to believe that he's been with our family almost 6 years now (we brought him home in April '03). Who knew that cute little puppy would bring so much happiness and stress to our family. He's certainly eaten his fair share of food off the counter including a couple birthday cakes (see slide show). He's survived eating chocolate - multiple times, bee stings (you think he would learn after eating the first one) and he has a metabolism that anyone would envy! (I promise we feed him TONS)

Gus has always had a passion for hunting... he comes from a long line of hunters and he hasn't shown any sign of slowing yet! He has a super keen sense of smell that always leads him to whatever wrapper is in the trash. Lately he's also proved to be quite an effective mouse hunter... twice! - makes me nervous when he goes on point around the house.

HERE's a peek at one of his hunting episodes in the house...
And HERE's a peek at how excited he gets when he goes with Miranda to school

Gus is always ready to greet visitors with a bark, a friendly hug and let you pet him -( what a privilege for you). He is super loving and would do anything to get anyone to pet him... just don't stop or he'll nudge you to death!

And so before this day comes to an end I thought Gus deserved a little birthday tribute too since he's become such a loved member of our family -most of the time :)