This is "Gus" - adopted in Boulder CO from the local shelter, originally from Utah (he ran out of time in Utah and was transported to Boulder when his time at the shelter was "up" - we adopted him from Boulder). Here he is atop the mountains in Park City (pic #1)...this is the most difficult dog I've ever had (he'd give Marley from the book/movie "Marley and Me" a real run for his money) - he's spent almost two years in the pound and has the attitude to match, but he's also the most needy, most cuddly, most emotional dog I've ever had. Acts like a real tough guy, hardened by living in the shelters and on the streets, but ..he actually moans and cries when you rub his tummy. Cries like a little baby when you give him some love and attention. I have never had such a difficult dog to deal with - in fact, when we adopted him from the pound, they (the shelter) were calling us every few days to see "how we were doing..."
Gus jumped six foot fences, stole a whole roasted chicken off the stove, got into run ins with porcupines, broke three leashes in the first 24 hours after we adoped him - you get the idea. In fact, the very next morning after I adopted him from the shelter, I plodded downstairs in my slippers, intending to make some coffee - I don't have my glasses on yet, and I'm not even awake - and here's 'Gus' (named by the shelter and we kept his name) standing on all fours on the dining room table, the chandelier swinging wildly from the ceiling!!!
Thing is? If you rub his tummy and give him a cuddle, he *cries*.
I would say that Gus is an "unconventional beauty" - not so much for his looks but for his personality.
The shelter we adopted him from seemed surprised that we kept him and kept on calling for weeks on end to see how we were doing. Yes, he is most definitely a challenge, but as tough as he thinks he is - he is so appreciative of love, care, affection and attention. I've never known another dog who cries when you give him a pat or a snuggle.
Bonus pic of Gus with porcupine quills in his mouth ...(he just can't leave well enough alone...).
From my calculations, he spent most of the first two years of his life in a shelter. So, by the time we adopted him, he definitely had some issues. That said, I've never known a dog to be so appreciative, and so emotional - the toughest, smartest, hardened, daring, macho guy...but the thing is, if you lie down next to him on the floor in the living room and rub his tummy, he starts to moan and tucks his head underneath your chin.
eta: that's Gus in my profile picture too...lounging on a white overstuffed chair - spoiled doggie!
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