Gus Tails - Episode 62
Security is everyone's job and a look at Athena, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's resident owl.
Welcome to the 62nd episode of Gus Tails where we look back at the life of Gus the Basset Hound. Our last episode (Episode 61) addressed some concerns from Louise, our Terrier/Dachshund mix.
Every episode of Gus Tails contains a link to the previous and, once it is published, future post. This makes it easy to walk back and forth through the life of Gus and his friends.
If you are new to Gus Tails and want to start at the beginning then Episode 1 of Gus Tails is for you!
This week’s episode is a day late due to my allergies going completely out of control this week. It is Thursday morning and I’m able to breathe without sneezing or itching for the first time in several days.
The following photos, save for one, are from the spring of 2018.
Louise taking a brief break from her duties as security director.
Later that same morning you can see she is on the job.
Gus can rest easily because he knows Louise is up to the task.
Here’s a rare photo of Louise in listening mode. She is not actively watching the neighborhood but is intently listening, ready to react to anything that seems out of place. That’s Curry watching Louise’ back.
At the end of a long day on the job, Louise takes a well deserved rest.
Even when resting, Louise is intent, alert and ever ready.
Even when relaxed, Gus is on duty and is ready for anything that comes his way.
This is Athena, an owl that returns to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center every spring. This photo was taken in March of 2018.
This March 2025 photo is of Athena a few days after her annual return to the Lady Bird WildFlower Center.
If you want to learn more about Athena’s visits to Austin go to: Meet Athena - the Wildflower Center's resident owl.
While Louise focuses on neighborhood security Gus liked to keep an eye on a larger horizon. In this case he was investigating the state of the Blanco River in March 2018.
Dyna the feral cat is also involved in homeland security. Her focus is on all packages delivered to our house. Many inspectors forget the ever important inspection after the box is opened and when the shipped contents have been removed. Dyna made sure all empty boxes were safe.
Next week in episode 63 of Gus Tails, Gus makes some new friends on a stroll, Louise and Curry aren’t quite ready for the new day, and Dyna strikes a lovely pose.