Just Gus: A Rescued Dog and the Woman He Loved

by Laurie Williams (Contributor), Roslyn Banish (Photographer)

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 she would rescue him, and he would return the favor.
Just Gus is about how much one dog did to make a dying woman happy — giving tireless love, comfort, and support. This extraordinary story shows how one dog brought joy and hope to a woman's last days.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Dogs

80 pages, Hardcover

First published February 9, 2006

Reviews

[Carole Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful for anyone who has loved a dog! Remarkable that Ms. Williams would share it with others who have also loved that special one.
May we all adopt one like Gus. He was really loved. And loved back.

Carole in Ohio

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sniffle

[Christie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nice story about a good dog, rescued from a very bad situation, who finds the perfect home. Very short, lots of great photos, but mostly a story that shows the rewards of rescue from both the perspective of the dog and the dog's new person. If you are looking for a novel, this is not it - too short. Instead, if you are thinking about rescue, or you know someone who is, and you want some positive reinforcement along with a some background of what happened, look no farther. I only wish it was a full novel because there is so much of this story waiting to be told.

[Laurla2]

read this in less than an hour, a lady with terminal cancer rescues gus. its listed as adult nonfiction but seemed more like a childrens book with not so many words and lots of pictures. and of course someone died so i cried.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crying! What a beautiful story.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

reading this book made me cry because I can not see how someone can abuse dog or child. this book was amazing.I really did joy the story and the photos also. Very amazing book.

[Pamela Pickering · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet book that illustrates a great friendship between a dog and his owner. It definitely shows the affect of the power of love on those who may be lost in some sort of way. As a big dog lover I really liked the emphasis on pet rescue and as a member of the medical field I enjoyed the effect the attention given by an animal has on those who are ill. I frequently see this in the hospital when the therapy dogs are brought in to visit patients. I only gave it 3 stars simply because I thought it would be a novel and instead it was more in the style of a children's book yet made for adults and young adults. Can be read in about 15-20 minutes. The perfect type of read to take when you are waiting for an appointment.

[Sherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet wonderful story about a 30 year old woman, with terminal breast cancer, who adopts a scared, lonely shelter dog who she calls Gus. She rescues him, but he also rescues her. Just Gus is about how much one dog did to make a dying woman happy — giving tireless love, comfort, and support. This beautiful story shows how one dog brought joy and hope to a woman's last days. Such a wonderful story with lovely photographs. We all make a difference in each other’s lives. Warning: read it with a hankie. Book #57 of my 2006 Book List, finished reading it on 12-1-06.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sad book about a woman dying of cancer and the dog she saved. It is worthy of 5 stars, but I only gave it 4 because it could have been much longer. It is only 80 pages long and can be read in about 10-15 minutes. I wish that the author would have went more in depth about the relationship between Gus and his owner. It is worth a read though and you will come away realizing all the amazing things that we as humans can do for animals and what they can do for us.

[Laurie (barksbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, did this book ever make me cry. I have to pass it along because every time I look at the back page containing a picture of Gus and Stephanie I go all teary again.

This book chronicles the story of Stephanie, a young woman battling cancer, who decides to save the life of a homeless young dog named Gus. The book tells their story in both prose and photography and is both beautiful and heartbreaking. I can't bear to read it again so will be setting it free sometime soon.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book!!!!

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Heartwarming book about a dog no one wanted and the story of his life. A quick read and took a turn I didn't expect at the end.

[chambejd / Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great heart-warming, yet sad story. Both Gus and Stephanie were lucky to have a wonderful time together.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully touching true story about the strong loving bond between a dog and a woman. They both prevail through difficult circumstances.

[Carol Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young woman with terminal breast cancer adopts a stray dog who survived getting hit by a truck. Let the tears begin!

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and heartbreaking story. It warmed my heart and made me cry. It made me sad yet lifted my spirits. Simply written with gorgeous full color photos throughout, this book is a joy!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really sweet book. This is written like a children's nonfiction book but I found it the adult nonfiction section so I'm not sure who this book is geared to.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very sweet - so very sad - be sure and have your tissues handy when you read this.

[Glenda Terrill]

Great short read

Excellent human interest story. Makes you think about who are your friends and who depends on you at any given minute

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sniff..Sniff...what a heartwarming story. Of course, I am a sucker for any dog story.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet book, but more of a coffee table book than a sit down and read it book.