Gus is a Mastiff cross, possibly a Japanese breed of Mastiff known as a Tosa Inu, according to Professional Dog Trainer Shan Foster. According to Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter Executive Director Jill Moriarty, Gus was surrendered to the shelter for killing chickens sometime in December.
A shy, skittish dog when he arrived, Gus showed signs that he didn’t care much for men.
“We often don’t get the entire picture when people surrender their pets,” Moriarty said. Staff learned that Gus was not aggressive but showed he is very clever and a bit of an escape artist.
Gus went on a trial adoption on Jan. 3. The potential owner already had a calm Mastiff at home. But Gus had other plans. Before reaching their destination, Gus managed to escape the vehicle. He also managed to evade authorities and was eventually sighted near South Park.
Staff searched and days passed. Calls flooded the shelter with sightings of the large dog.
The Sheridan Police Community Service Officers set the largest traps they had at the department, but according to Moriarty, Gus’ size is only one of his fantastic traits, he’s also a very smart dog.
Now back at the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter, Gus plays in the yard.
J. Moriarty
Moriarty said her desire to capture Gus and bring him back to the shelter became a borderline obsession. For over two weeks she and her staff searched for Gus. She purchased game trail cameras, a staff member spoke with experts and learned that fried chicken would lure most animals. She then called on some friends and constructed a larger trap.
Moriarty’s trail-cam shows Gus after escaping the homemade trap before changes were made.
J. Moriarty
The trap worked, mostly. The spring and door worked well, but Moriarty arrived to find that Gus had broken a series of large zip ties that attached the bottom of the cage to the chain link siding. Multiple adjustments were made to the cage after each escape. After 17 days of eluding capture, Gus, who had become known in the area as the “South Park Mastiff”, was captured.
Moriarty found Gus in the cage in the early morning of Jan. 20. He growled and gave warnings at first, but once Gus realized it was Moriarty approaching, he returned to his more friendly self and even appeared relieved to be returned to the shelter.
Moriarty and Gus reunite after 17 days.
Gus made it through his adventure and even gained a little weight due to the amount of food left by shelter staff and volunteers in the area of Gus’ reported appearances.
Gus will remain at the shelter for now while staff work with him and his “quirks,” Moriarty said.
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Last modified: January 25, 2022