Just Gus
(Juvenile Book on CD)

Compact discs.

Gus is a livestock guardian dog with one job--protecting his farm from coyotes and foxes. He likes keeping the sheep, the chickens, and his humans safe, and he's very good at it. One day, Diego and his dad come visit the farm, and Gus immediately connects with the small boy. They both like to sit still and enjoy the quiet, and Gus can tell that Diego likes being around a gentle giant of a dog, that it helps relieve the boy's constant worry. When Gus detects the scent of a bear in the woods, he rushes to protect his flock, injuring his leg in a fight with the dangerous beast. Diego suggests Gus come home with them to the North Carolina coast. Suddenly, Gus is thrust into a new world of a saltwater and sand and neighbors who don't appreciate the presence of a large guard dog, like the neighbor who reminds Gus of his former owner--the junkyard man with the heavy boots. Gus realizes Diego might need a friend as much as his sheep need a protector, but if he can't learn to control his instincts, like barking and patrolling the neighborhood, Gus might lose his chance to stay in his new home. 'Just Gus' is a tender story of two friends who learn they are better together than they were alone.