Member-only story
Gustaf
Because … Dogs
They found him during a snowstorm
An older fellow — and a little on the overweight side
But there he was, soaking wet, cowering in a ditch and hiding from the blinding headlights of cars
They took him home, gave him some leftover Shepherd’s Pie, and set him on a cushion by the fire
He looks like your Uncle Gustaf, she said
You’re right, he said. Especially around the eyes
The next day, they nailed FOUND signs on hydro poles and the notice board in the grocery store’s parking lot
They searched online, but no one ever showed up to claim Gustaf
Guess we’re stuck with him, he said
Guess we are, she agreed
Gustaf was flatulent, stole food off plates, snored, and chewed holes in expensive shoes with no remorse
He really is a bad dog, he said
I know, she said. We’ll get a better dog next time
Gustaf lived another four years, and after he was gone, they did get another dog, which they loved almost as much
The new dog was better behaved and had a much more reliable digestive system
But they never forgot Gustaf or the look of relief on his face the night they picked him out of that cold, slushy ditch
He had bad habits, they say when they tell his story… but a good heart
