GUS arrived at the end of September, and it really is like he's always been here.
We lost our first Lab to cancer about three summers ago, so that may explain his seamless acceptance by the rest of the animals in our household.

GUS carries his leash and his toys around to greet anyone who visits and will "speak" for a treat. Even the cats realized in just a couple of days that he's not just harmless but that he really likes them. The youngest cat, Trouble, is simply infatuated and follows him around everywhere he goes.

Gus and Tiny, our shepherd mix who is also around twelve, walk in the woods behind our home with me every morning and afternoon together, and both are wildly impatient while I'm putting on boots to take them. Both of the dogs are tracking fools and snuffle along the deer paths on their walks. Gussie saw his first deer a couple of days after he arrived, but before he could even take a step towards her, she was gone back into the woods. He looked back at me in amazement like, "So that's what that smell is!"

He had trouble with the inside stairs (which now have carpeted treads to keep him from slipping), but he uses the ones on the deck to come up to the living room level without a problem especially if a cookie is involved.

Adopting an older dog seems like a challenge because you know at the outset that your time with them will be limited, but their amazing calm and wonderful presence makes it so worthwhile.

Gus, (prior to his adoption) all dressed up for a PetSmart adoption event!