Gus the Dog

Did you, kind (or unprintably unkind) reader, ever meet Gus the Dog? He was the deeply lovable wire-haired pointing griffon at Ivy's Books. Ivy's has seen better months. I met him several days ago, and although he didn't seem to care for me--he barked when I tried to pet him (from the sweetest dog I'd met in years, this gave me pause)--and looked forward to seeing him again.

When returned to the store Saturday, Gus was not there. Saturday I learned the store is closing end of the month.

Today's visit brought the sight a photograph of Gus, with "1995-2006" underneath the image. At first I thought it indicated the closing of the store, because He Had Just Been There Days Before. Could not bring myself to ask about more than the meaning of the photograph.

A storekeeper on Broadway told me Gus had been hit by a car.

No more Gus, and no more Ivy's.

Some people like a chance to say good-bye. Some people don't.

Not to sound like Oprah channeling Cindy Adams by way of Gordon Gekko's WASP clients but: a milkshake toast to Gus, tonight. Cheers.