Hi, my name is Gus and I am a goofy and sweet boy looking for a new home!
Quick Facts:
- Breed: Vizsla/ Bassett Hound Mix
- Gender: Male neutered
- Age: 5 years old
- Size: 60 pounds
- Good with…
- Dogs? No
- Cats? Unknown, needs to be tested
- Kids? 9+ Yes!
Gus is not a CDR dog. This is a courtesy posting for Gus’s current owners, who will make all decisions about his adoption. To apply to adopt Gus, fill out an online application and we will forward it to his current owner.
History
My mom and dad adopted me when I was just an 8 week old pup! My dad knew I was the right dog because I was so friendly and came right to him. He could tell I was a good kisser too because I gave him a big wet one right away! I lived in Florida with my parents and canine older sister until we moved to NY a couple of years ago. My family has recently gotten bigger with two new human boys—one is a 2 year old and the other is just 1 month old!
Why am I looking for a new home?
Well, when my doggy sister turned about 2 years old, she decided that she was the boss of the dogs. This was quite a surprise to me, because I have always considered myself to be the boss of the dogs, so troubles ensued. Even though most of the time we get along just fine (even really well), once in a while we would fight. In the beginning, it wasn’t too serious, mom or dad could break it up and the injuries would be minimal, but over time they got more serious, until we were really hurting each other. Mom and dad have been working with trainers and a behaviorist, and have set super careful and rigid routines around food, but we just can’t work it out fully. It’s not safe to have fighting dogs in a house with a baby and a toddler. Also, the toddler doesn’t understand how to give me my space, and that is getting riskier as well. Our family wants everyone to be safe and happy and though it is breaking everyone’s heart, we can’t do that if we all stay together. Mom and dad love me enough to do what’s best for me – and promise to find me a spectacular new home where I can be the only dog!
Personality
I don’t want to brag but I really am an awesome companion! I am the perfect combination of a dog who likes to play but also loves to relax. My mom thinks the name Gus suits me because I am so silly and a total goofball. I am always making my family laugh!. I love to put on a show … If you scratch my bum I wiggle and do a cute little howly sound. If my mom and dad are sitting together on the couch, instead of the open seat I like to pick the inch worth of space between them. Hey! I like to be close! I also do these silly tricks with my frisbee… I either throw it up with my nose and try to catch it, or push it backwards with my front paws so it goes behind me. I guess you gotta see it. My mom says goofy but I say awesome!
My favorite thing to do is cuddle on the couch with my mom and dad. I like to be really close and often snuggle my nose under your arm, behind your back and simply lay my head on your chest or lap. I also really love kisses; my favorite spot to get you is by the ears! It’s ok if you need some space sometimes too. I am happy to curl up in a ball next to you.
Although I enjoy napping and cuddling most of the day, I need daily exercise in a fenced yard or on a walk. Two 20 minute walks and/or two sessions out in the yard running playing catch are enough for me, I’m a pretty chill guy. I am used to a fenced backyard and I love to play frisbee or catch with a ball. I also enjoy walks, but I have a hound nose so I need a leash for sure. On walks I use an easy walk harness that really helps me walk with my person. I walk pretty well but other dogs walking by can trigger me to lunge and bark.. I’m going to blame my sister… she usually starts it and then I chime in. I think with some practice, I can do better without her influence!
Like most hounds, my nose can lead me to investigate countertops and garbage cans for food, so my new owners need to help me by keeping these things out of my reach! My parents rule is… if you have food out and you say to yourself “Gus can’t reach that”… know that I will find a way to reach that!!! I just love food!!! I have a hound howl as well as a hound nose, but my howl is actually pretty cute… I only use it to let you know if someone is at the door or if I hear people outside. My sister and I sometimes howl when my family leaves, we love them so much!
Besides my, ahem, “deep appreciation” of food, I am extremely well behaved… so much so that my parents let me have free reign of the house when they are away. I never chew anything up (that’s soooo immature)! Unless it’s food, I am not interested in human stuff, which everyone says is absolutely terrific of me. I am completely housetrained, however my family has only lived in homes with tile and wood. At friend’s houses I have at times peed on this thing called carpet, which looks and feels like grass (if you ask me)! SO if you have “grass”… I mean carpet… in your house, I will just need a learning period. No worries though, I am smart!
Like I said earlier, I am a people “person” and I am devoted and super loving to my family. I am kind of nervous about being alone sometimes in my new home. Even though my sister and I fight she is always there with me and that helps me to feel secure. I have not spent much time all by myself so will need to get used to being an only dog. If you’re patient with me, I’ll get the hang of it in time!
Cohabitation
I really love all adults and tend to lick new people with a joy that makes everyone laugh and say what an awesome boy I am!
While I like the baby in my house, the mobile toddler makes me nervous (and snippy when he bothers me when I’m resting or gets in my space). You never know what those crazy toddlers are going to do next! I would do best in a home without younger children.
I have always enjoyed older kids on walks and on visits to other homes.
I cannot be in a home with any other dogs. I also cannot visit a house with other dogs, go to dog parks, or interact with dogs up close when we are out on leashed walks.
I have no experience with indoor cats so we would need to check that out!
Favorite Activities
- Cuddling!
- Ball Toss!
- Walks!
- Fetch with a frisbee (this cloth frisbee I call a “flippy flop” is my favorite)!
- Chewing on bones!
- Gentle wrestling around with you!
- Lots of petting and kisses!
Medical
Healthy boy! Just clean my floppy ears from time to time please!.
Summary
Basically everyone who meets me falls in love with me. I will provide endless cuddles, kisses and giggles with my sweet and silly disposition.
I hope to meet in you soon, my pictures just don’t do me justice!.
XOXO
Gus
If you are interested in adopting me, please fill out an online adoption application and the rescue folks will forward it to my current owner, who will make all decisions about my placement!
