By A. Campbell

Don’t run away! I am not a bear cub, but a happy, friendly puppy! My name is Gus and I’m a four-and-a-half-month-old ‘Eurasier.’ Never heard of it? You’re not alone. My parents and I get stopped constantly by locals while we’re out on our daily walks. A Eurasier is a mix of Chow Chow, Keeshond, and Samoyed breeds all rolled into one ultra-floofy, double-coated, smiley package. But, given my appearance, I’m often mistaken for a bear cub, lion, or even a chonky wolf.

I am happy to report that I’ve quickly become accustomed to life in the city. On the weekends, my parents and I will stop by Solid State Coffee on the corner of Columbus and West 71st for their morning caffeine jolt before venturing into Central Park. We’ll head east so I can pay homage to my fluffy forefather, Balto. I also like to stop and smell spring flowers or sit down to gaze at the birds as they hop around finding worms and building nests. Now that I’m fully vaccinated, it’s safe for me to explore famous pup-friendly haunts like the Bull Moose Dog Run outside the American Museum of Natural History. I love to play with other dogs almost as much as I love saying hello to their adoring parents.

We’ve been blessed with spectacular spring weather these last few weeks and I’ve enjoyed the fresh air and head pats from passersby as we dine al fresco at neighborhood establishments like El Mitote or Bin 71. My parents are proud to say I live up to the Eurasier reputation for being calm, even tempered, gentle, loving, and intelligent. High praise indeed!

While most of my Upper West Side neighbors have found me delightful, there is one whom I haven’t yet won over. My canine neighbor Walter – of @this.is.golden.walter Instagram fame – seems to be less in love with me than I am with him. I sense he’s concerned I may hone in on his reputation for being the neighborhood’s resident heartbreaker, but I’ve reassured him – in no uncertain terms – that there’s room for more than one adorable pup in this neighborhood. In fact, there can never be too many!

Read all of our Pupper West Side interviews here!

If you think your pup deserves a shot at neighborhood fame, we encourage you to reach out to Audrey at pupperwestsideuws@gmail.com to be considered for a future profile on West Side Rag and follow your fellow Pupper West Sider’s adventures on Instagram at @pupper_west_side_uws

If readers are interested in becoming pet owners, we encourage you to consider adopting or volunteering to be a foster parent with one of the many shelters and nonprofits based in and around New York City. These include but aren’t limited to Muddy Paws Rescue; Animal Lighthouse Rescue; Animal Care Centers of NYC; NYC ASPCA; Humane Society of New York; Bideawee; Social Tees; Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue and Animal Haven.