Why Dogs Make Us Happy: A Tribute to Gus

I’ve mentioned in the past few blogs that I’ve been having a difficult time finding inspiration to write. The problem has plagued me for months and, quite frankly, It occurred to me that I didn’t need inspiration so much as something worth writing about. As it turns out, I didn’t have to look far. I only had to glance across the room at my dad and stepmum’s furry companion of 13 years: Gus.

It makes sense because Gus has become the subject of many of my Instagram posts and occasional Facebook photos. He’s amazing, and his ability to make everyone in the house smile says a lot about why dogs bring so much happiness into our lives.

Meet Gus, the Happiest West Highland Terrier

Gus is a West Highland Terrier. He is probably one of the sweetest and happiest dogs I’ve ever met. He’s 13 years old, deaf, and losing his eyesight but that does not stop him from heading out for daily walks (or runs, in his case) on the beach with my stepmum where people always seem to want to stop and meet him. Watching him run along the beach with what can only be described as a joyous grin on his face, you’d think he was a young pup rather than the senior citizen he really is.

Gus despises going to the groomers and used to hide under the bed if you merely mentioned the word ‘bath.’ He’s clearly not a vain dog because even when you tell him he’ll smell better after a bath and look less like a sheepdog after going to the groomer, he still resists both. His resistance doesn’t stop either event from occurring, but baths and grooming are among the few inconveniences forced upon him. Otherwise, Gus is pretty much indulged. He’s not spoiled rotten, just well taken care of.

Gus and His Love of Cats

One of my favourite things about Gus is how obsessed he sometimes becomes with certain cats. I had a wonderful cat named John-Kelly and for years Gus would come and visit and obsess over John-Kelly. It was truly a fixation where he’d just watch this cat’s every move. He would even lie outside my bedroom knowing that the cat was on the other side napping on my bed. John-Kelly knew that Gus was obsessed and would toy with him, as cats do, but that didn’t sway Gus’ adoration.

I always told Gus he needed therapy but, in reality, it was one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen. Turns out, John-Kelly isn’t the only cat to catch Gus’ eye and the obsession continues with my stepmum’s friend’s cat.

Why Dogs Make Us Happy

The reason Gus is getting his own post is that he’s the perfect example of why dogs make us happy — and why so many of us choose to share our lives with furry friends, whether they’re dogs, cats or hamsters. Gus has brought so much delight to my dad and, especially, my stepmum. He is their constant companion and his love is unfettered. That’s what furry friends do. They love us no matter what. They love us even when we are grumpy or sad or leave them alone for hours.

There have been times recently when I’ve been sitting there feeling low and looked across the room to see Gus napping on the couch, as he does. He’ll suddenly look up, half his fur mashed against his face from where he has been lying on it, and I’ll find myself smiling because it’s simply adorable. He doesn’t know he has lifted me out of my gloom for a moment, which somehow makes it even better. He elicits smiles simply by being Gus. Thanks for that, Gus.

A note from 2026: I wrote this tribute to Gus in 2015, when he was 13 years old. He passed away a couple of years later. I still miss his sweet face and every time I see a Westie, I think of all the joy he brought us.