We purchased Gus because my wife is allergic to dogs and after a dander and saliva test, she had no reaction. Our kids were off at college and I convinced her that instead of having another baby (I didn't want to go to his/her gaduation after picking up my Social Security check) we should get a puppy. The best decision of our lives. I never had a dog and my grandmother always said a boy can't grow up until he's eaten a pound of dirt, well, I think a man can't go to heaven until he's had a dog (I think you'd agree that this applies to women as well). He is so smart (he adores me, after all) and energetic. You can swim with him anytime, although he prefers mud much to our consternation. He was supposed to be a pet (they don't give out show gogs to first time owners). But the groomer kept saying that we should show him. Well, we tried it and in no time he became a champion. Now he's a gigalo, can you believe they pay him $1500 so he can get lucky in our backyard? He already has sired 17 puppies. It takes great restraint on our part to not keep one. Anyway, thanks again for the kind words and hug your dog for me.

Toph