A mighty name

ByAndrew Richards
Curly-haired Andy laughs as a black-and-tan Rottweiler puppy with a short docked tail gently licks his open hand. Gus watches unseen with affectionate amusement in an ivory suit, halo and white feather wings. The illustrated lesson reads: Look for the kindness in others. A gentle heart matters more than a mighty name.

“Andy suggested ‘Thunder Jaws.’ The puppy replied with a lick. A very gentle opening argument.”

A Little Heavenly Perspective

In Gus the Guardian, Andy suggests “Thunder Jaws” while his family searches for a name for their new Rottweiler puppy. They eventually choose Mädchen. This original reflection imagines Andy’s grand suggestion meeting a wonderfully gentle reply: one little lick. Gus watches unseen, amused by the difference between a mighty name and a loving nature. Andy’s enthusiasm is part of the fun, but the puppy’s kindness says something no impressive name could. Getting to know someone means looking beyond the first label.

The simple lesson:

Look for the kindness in others. A gentle heart matters more than a mighty name.

— Gus

Gus · Original Gus-ism by Andrew Richards

Discover Gus: The Guardian — the original novel by Andrew Richards, available in paperback and Kindle

Explore all Gus-isms

Similar Posts

  • The mitten truce

    ByAndrew Richards

    “Andy’s snow fort could withstand a siege. His mittens requested a cease-fire.” A Little Heavenly Perspective In Gus the Guardian, the winter of 1978 turns Andy and Dudley’s yard into a kingdom of snow forts, with red cheeks and soaked mittens part of the adventure. This original reflection imagines Andy finally stepping inside to warm…

  • The sound of home

    ByAndrew Richards

    “Andy could lose track of time in five acres of woods. One dinner bell—and suddenly his hearing was excellent.” A Little Heavenly Perspective Andy and Dudley could turn five acres of woods into a whole kingdom. Keeping track of the two explorers was another matter, so their father, Homer, put a cast-iron bell on a…

  • After the home run

    ByAndrew Richards

    “Andy called it a home run. The picture frame called it a direct hit.” A Little Heavenly Perspective In Gus the Guardian, the boys’ indoor baseball game ends with a shattered picture over the mantel. This original reflection imagines Andy facing what comes after the crash: putting down the bat and owning his mistake. Gus…

  • The willing broom

    ByAndrew Richards

    “Andy brought enthusiasm to sweeping. The dust brought reinforcements.” A Little Heavenly Perspective In Gus The Guardian, Andy loves spending time at his father Homer’s service station. The manuscript finds him sweeping the garage floor with more enthusiasm than skill. This original reflection imagines his determined effort meeting a little dust that refuses to cooperate….

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *