2008 Woodie Awards
Gus made the Honors House a home
Susan Neltner
Issue date: 9/1/04 Section: Features
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"Gus was such an incredibly friendly dog and he sort of became a symbol or mascot for the honors program," said Robert Detmering, a 2003 graduate with a minor in honors from Northern Kentucky University. "Whether trotting along next to Dr. Zaniello or mingling with faculty and students at social events, Gus was always an integral member of the honors community."
Gus, a standard poodle belonging to Dr. Tom Zaniello, the honors program director, died Aug. 3 after a three-month battle with throat cancer.
"I don't think Gus was more intelligent than any other dog, but he trained himself to give attention to people when they were speaking," Zaniello said.
Zaniello added, if a person was talking in a group setting, Gus would have his head turned toward the person as if he was following the conversation.
On days when he went for a walk, if he came across another owner and his or her dog, Gus would greet the person first and then the dog. "(He) was more interested in people than other dogs," Zaniello said.
Gus' love for people carried over into an appreciation for human entertainment. "Gus was a big fan of musicals," said Jodi Ferner, a freshman specialist for the first year honors programs.
"He particularly liked Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. He appreciated their grace and style...he was a dog of grace and style. Gus had Astaire's easy going class, and knew a good tuxedo when he saw one."
However, Gus did not like all films, Ferner said. War movies particularly disagreed with his gentle nature. "He found the violence and shooting hard to take," she said.
Gus' peaceful nature reflected on the students who came in contact with him.
Katrina Lauer, a junior speech communications major, remembered the first day she ever saw Gus. "When I was an incoming freshman, my first class was in the honors building," Lauer said. "I was extremely nervous and worried about college, but when I walked in the house and saw a big white dog waiting to greet me, I felt like it was home."
Gus had that warming affect on many students. "I don't think Gus ever met a student he didn't like," Ferner said. "In fact many students chose to come to my office hours only when Gus was available as well."
She added Gus' ability to cheer up any student was always a gift, in more ways than one. "Many of my students brought dog treats at the beginning of each semester, and Gus thoroughly enjoyed that."
When he wasn't eating, watching a movie, listening to a conversation or sleeping, Gus could be seen engaged in other activities.
"Gus was very energetic," said Liz Comer, a senior history major who worked in the honors program last year. "Sometimes I would take him for a run and he would jump up at me and was very playful."
Zaniello added that Gus' playfulness was evident during one of his favorite games.
"Gus loved to chase squirrels, but of course, he never came close to catching one," Zaniello said. "One day, at the park, he was chasing a squirrel when it climbed up a pole, ran along a wire, but then fell off the wire just above Gus, and hit him in the back and rolled off. They stood looking at each other and then they continued the chase."
That's how it was when he became sick. He would have his bad days, but he still made an effort to rebound and continue his life just as he did the chase, Zaniello said.
"We knew he was sick in April, but we couldn't figure out what it was, and he made a lot of comebacks until we finally found out it was throat cancer" Zaniello said.
When those associated with the honors program learned about Gus' struggle, many learned how much he meant to them.
"Gus knew he was loved, and he gave a lot of love in return," Ferner said.
"He's left a huge hole in our hearts and at the house, but every student who's e-mailed or stopped by to talk about him agrees that we were just lucky to know him. There won't be another like him."