The moment Mike Flanagan made the decision to open his home to a small but massive Rottweiler puppy, everyone got excited except for one person: Peggy Allen, his mother-in-law.
And when Allen, Grammy to everyone she knows, learned about Gus, she made sure the family knows how she feels.
“A Rottweiler? I must admit,” said Grammy. “I have always preferred lapdogs. I’d rather have a lapdog though I don’t hate the bigger ones”
Still, Flanagan remained cautiously hopeful that sooner or later, Grammy and Gus would hit it off. And he wasn’t wrong. During Grammy visit right after having Gus, their actions said it all.
“Grammy likes to keep her space,” said Flanagan. “She likes peace and quiet.
They didn’t seem to be the perfect match but all of us were surprised with how quickly they bonded. Grammy immediately taught Gus that as long as he is invited, he’s allowed up.”
Months passed before Grammy paid another visit, and a lot has changed. The once cute little puppy had now grown into a huge 100-pound adult dog. And Grammy recently lost her husband.
There was no way Gus had known that Grammy was in town for the memorial service. The huge dog, however, knew there was something Grammy needed. And he was determined to become the something she needs, whatever it may be.
“He stayed with Grammy that whole time,” said Flanagan. “He slept by Grammy’s bed and waited by the bathroom door. And when my wife told her, ‘Mom, Gus loves you so much,’ she replied casually, ‘We have a thing.’”
Although Grammy and Gus have a very special bond, the giant dog’s love doesn’t seem to discriminate.
“He’s a fun playmate with my boys and a cuddle-buddy for my girls. He’s a great company and watchdog to relieve my wife’s anxiety,” said Flanagan.
Photo Credits to Instagram @gus_the_rottie
Clearly, Gus has earned every family member’s approval – most especially Grammy. Now, every time Grammy pays a visit, she always makes sure Gus knows how she feels of him. “Grammy tells Gus all the time that he’s a good boy. Then she hugs him.”
