Gus is a nine-and-a-half-year-old adopted pooch who loves walks and his food, but he doesn't like peas.

He has been providing unconditional love to his owner Sarah Ryan and her family since he was adopted from the Wingecarribee Animal Shelter eight years ago.

Sarah is equally grateful to have Gus in her life and that he chose her to be his Mum.

Gus has secured the much-coveted cover pooch title for the 2021 Friends of the Wingecarribee Animal Shelter (FOWAS)

The calendar features only dogs that have been adopted from Wingecarribee Animal Shelter.

Organisers of the calendar said they had great difficulty choosing the winner for the front cover

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"It was a very difficult and tight decision with so many beautiful rescues, their photos and their happy tail stories," a FOWAS spokesperson said.

However, after many discussions and much deliberation the final 13 for the calendar have been selected with the calendar cover top dog being Gus. The monthly winners are:

January: Harley who has only been living with Jen Walker for a few months, but has settled in very well. He loves his zoomies on the beach where he can pounce on the waves and jellyfish and he constantly digs random holes.

Harley is definitely enjoying the surfer lifestyle.

February: The stunning Nellie was not deemed suitable for greyhound racing because she was obviously meant to be a fashion model. Nellie likes sleep-ins, snacks, walks, car rides, ear scratches and belly rubs.

March: Bonnie and Goldie arrived at the animal shelter together in 2017. It didn't take long to find their fur-ever home with Irma and they are now aged nine and 10. Bonnie has a shy nature but is a great security dog who barks loudly when there's a knock at the door. Goldie is more laid back, nothing phases her. She loves her cuddle time with Irma.

April: Murphy has definitely landed on his paws being adopted by Emma Bragg and family. Murphy came in a litter of seven puppies who were dumped at Stephens Park in Bowral. He had a couple of close calls soon after settling at home. Murphy needed two surgeries; one on his eyelid after jumping on an older family dog and then a visit to the local school sent him to the vet after finding rat bait - fortunately he survived! Hence his name, as in Murphy's Law.

May: Prince lived a fabulous life to the ripe of old age of 14.5 years. Prince's owner Patricia says he was loving, funny, playful and just a real character. "He always loved to sleep on my shoes". Beloved forever.

June: Ruby is now two years old and joined the Leahy family 18 months ago. Ruby has settled very well in her family with four children and a Cocker Spaniel. She loves playtime and cuddles and is a very energetic girl. The family says they are "so lucky to have rescued her."

July: Willow has been part of her fur-ever family for six years. She is described as "such a loving dog" and enjoys her very active lifestyle. She likes to protect the family but does get a bit nervous during storms - which means lots more cuddles for her.

August: Wilfred's previous life was spent chained up 24 hours a day until he was surrendered to the animal shelter. He then spent another six months at the shelter. John could see the potential Wilfred had and has loved having him as part of the family for the past six years. Wilfred loves people and socialising and at home, he is John's shadow.

September: Wilson and Pepper came into the animal shelter separately. Alana and Dave first fell in love with Wilson, then a few months later, Pepper stole their hearts and was adopted as well. Wilson and Pepper are inseparable. They both love to play and enjoy their walks. Wilson loves his belly scratches and giving slobbery kisses and Pepper just wants to be a lap dog and sit on top of humans.

October: Tia is a dignified senior who was adopted as a pup and is now 14 years and three months. According to Tia's owners "She chose us, and we are so lucky to still have her in our lives". Her favourite past-time is watching wombat's holes.

November: Coco is enjoying her new life with her favourite things including swimming, having playdates and sleeping upside down on the couch. Coco's owner Rebecca says she is a loving, fun, kind and resilient dog who makes every situation an adventure.

December: May is our special Christmas Dog. As seen in his calendar photo she loves dressing up. Dia Jessop says it was love at first sight when she saw May's beautiful, brown eyes looking back at her. "I knew then both our lives were about to change for the better". May lives with the Boots the cat who was also adopted from the animal shelter.

FOWAS extends congratulations to all the winners. Their individual stories will be included with their photos.

All dog models will receive their own copy of the 2021 Calendar to share with their family, as well as a FOWAS Bandana.

Those who were not fortunate enough to selected to for a monthly page will be featured on the calendar's back page.

Calendar organisers said the FOWAS Dog Calendars would make pawsome Christmas presents.

Calendars will be on sale for $20 from September 2020 on the FOWAS website shop, at designated local retailers and at upcoming markets.

You can also email us at fowas.org.au@gmail to order. All proceeds go towards assisting with the building of the new Wingecarribee Animal Shelter.

Organisers have extended a special thank you to sponsors Bowral Veterinary Hospital, Coco & Pudd, Dogue Country Retreat, Highland Printing, Jacksonwall Real Estate, 4Tails Art Studio, Jones Wood Studio, Suzie Anderson Home and Wilson Financial.

New sponsors are still needed to support the sale of the calendar. If you would like to find out more, please contact president Deborah Barnes on at fowas.org.au or call 0400 431 821.

A special thank you is extended to not only those that entered the competition, but everyone adopting and supporting the shelter dogs and puppies, allowing these beautiful animals into your heart and home.

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