Just Gus: A Rescued Dog and the Woman He Loved

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.

"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!

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.

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.

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.