Return to the world of devoted working dogs and the humans they love
in a new book from the best-selling author of Stella.
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 to visit the farm, and Gus immediately
connects to 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.
Wounded, Gus needs to rest and heal away from his sheep, so he doesn't
risk reinjuring his leg. Diego suggests Gus come home with them to the
North Carolina coast.
Suddenly, Gus is thrust into a new world of saltwater and sand and
neighbors who don't appreciate the presence of a large guard dog, like
the neighbor who reminds Gus of his first 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. If he can't protect the farm or his boy, Gus worries he
might never find his place in the world.
Just Gus is a tender story of belonging and of two friends who learn
they are better together than they were alone.
