Gus Grisum was born on August 7th, 1997. My wife rescued Gus in 2001 and took care of him until his passing on May 31st, 2009.

My first memories are of him in my wife’s small apartment before we were married – he once got into some red food coloring and it looked like a scene from CSI. I remember the “happy tail” events – Gus was very happy to meet you at the door and brighten your day. My wife and Gus eventually moved in to my home where I had a nicely manicured lawn that quickly turned into a greyhound race-track. Gus also found ways out of the yard as he was determined to mark his territory in other neighborhoods. I remember him bringing us his dinner in our living room while he ate. I remember the velvety ears that he loved to have rubbed. No other dog loved being tucked in more than Gus. He would also position his body to maximize sun exposure.

We rescued another grey – enter Pat C Betsy (aka Patti). Gus and Patti turned into the best of friends. She followed him around like any little sister would a big brother. Patti would try to get Gusman to run and play with her in the yard, but he never really wanted to and let her know that – but she still persisted. The best memories of Patti and Gusman together are of their howling sessions. You never heard a peep out of Gus until Patti got him to howl – to this day when Patti howls I can still hear Gusman in background.

As time went on Gus had a harder time and it seemed he had a lost a step. We knew he was getting older and we feared we were getting close to the time where we would have to say goodbye. We moved to a bigger house in March 2009 and the new place rejuvenated him. It took him a few weeks to figure out which turns to take, but Gus’ love of lying in the sun meant that the sun porch was “his room”. He would run to the porch when he realized that the door was open. The memory of the joy in is trot still brings a big smile to my face. He also had to sprint up his hill while walking around the yard.

My most vivid memory of Gusman is not one but all of my memories of his graceful gait. I cannot say I have seen a more regal or graceful dog in my life. He had something about him that exuded a kingly stature – for this I had absolute respect for him.

We will miss him for the rest of our lives and we promise to hold onto the memories that we shared with one very regal, graceful, and retired greyhound – our irreplaceable Gus “Gusman” Grisum…we love you Gus!

Gus

August 7, 1997

May 31, 2009