Gus Goes to Market

by Frank
(Ottawa, Ontario Canada)

We live in the Ottawa area and we are blessed to have a Farmers' Market a short 15 minute drive away in the village of Carp. I say we are blessed because we truly are. Not only does this rural Farmers' Market have the freshest produce "right from the land" but it is also very dog friendly. As a result it is a very popular place to bring... yes your guessed it... your dog, and well... your mother-in-law too if you are so inclined!

All dogs are on leash and respectful of vendors' stalls as well as those visitors who may not be so inclined to love canines. I know, it is hard to believe, but such people do exist.

There are hundreds of people and dogs every Saturday throughout the spring, summer and fall. It is an amazing place to socialize a new puppy and to keep an adult dog entertained. Plus you get to meet other dog folks just like you that you would have never met otherwise.

Our Great Pyr, Gus (Pyrennial's One of a Kind) has been a regular visitor to the market every year since he came into our lives as a puppy in 2006. We hardly ever miss a week.

The routine is quite the show. He really knows what is up. On Saturday morning, after breakfast Gus gets his grooming with the rake, pin brush and the slicker. Can't look too good to show off can we? As soon as the tools come out he is ready to go. C'mon Dad get me ready... I wanna go!

Then it's into the back of the SUV or should I say "the Gus Bus" and off we go to the market. He loves it!

And it appears that market folks love the visits too. Everybody knows Gus. And I mean by name. He wears me like jewelery on his leash. I am a nobody when he is there.

Friend of mine went to the market and asked: "Has Frank been here today?" "Frank?" replied the vendor. "The guy who has Gus." he replied. "Oh yes, Gus has been here and left already." was the answer.

Yes Gus is a big hit at the market. It never ceases to amaze me that we never seem to run out of people that stop to talk about Gus and pay attention to him. From babies in strollers to folks in wheel chairs and everything in between, it is a constant flow of interest and admiration.

Of course Gus has his regulars as well. There is Randy the Apple Guy and John the Hot sauce Guy and his favourite... Andrea the Organic Dog Cookie Lady. She always has special loving for Gus... and great cookies too!

It has been three and a half years now and the market has closed for another season, so we have no more socialization for Gus there until the spring. But there is great news!

Gus has proven himself to be so good with other dogs and strangers at the market that we have taken him to Saint John Ambulance where he has just passed his qualification test as a Therapy Dog. A Great Pyr with a job that allows others to share in the luxury of his coat, the gentleness of his character and the caring that he gives naturally to those in need.

Gus has opened so many doors and introduced us to so many people that we would have otherwise not known, it is hard to describe. Once we begin our therapy work so much more will be discovered and learned.

God gave us cats to learn about cats and gave us dogs to learn about ourselves.

Thank you Lois and Ann for the great breeding.