Beau

Memories of Beau

Most of my clients know Joyce and I are pet lovers. We both enjoyed our dogs while growing up and have had four different dogs during our marriage. Each with distinctive personalities. I’m sorry to report that our last dog, Beau, experienced a stroke last week and was unable to recover after three days at the University of Minnesota Veterinary hospital. He was only eight years old and the most social dog we’ve ever owned.

We brought Beau into our home as a puppy in April 2010. Joyce held him in the palm of her hand over her heart all the way home from the breeder. As a cockapoo puppy he had the intelligence of the poodle and the mischievousness of the cocker spaniel. He was so darn cute with penetrating brown eyes and a look that would melt your heart. Because of that, we had to hire a dog trainer to come to our home and help with regaining control of the house. Beau did a great job of training us!

He loved to eat fruits and vegetables as long as they were crunchy. Sitting by the sink, he would give us an intermediate wolf while we were preparing meals. If he didn’t get a taste, the wolf would become louder and louder.
Beau loved everybody – I mean everybody. He was more interested in people than other dogs. He would let us know when anyone came to the door – a good watch dog, with his intimidating 25 pounds. But when we opened the door he would burst with excitement running to get a favorite toy to welcome you.

Halloween was a hoot. He was always dressed up like a pumpkin or a bumblebee. He would greet the kids and then try to join them to the next house.

Needless to say, he was super social and a blessing to everyone who came around him – from toddlers to seniors in nursing homes. We registered Beau as a comfort dog and indeed he was. Beau would sleep on a blanket near our bedside, but when Joyce had a difficult wrist surgery he sensed her need for comfort and insisted on sleeping with her on our bed. Ever since then, he was a regular between us on the bed.

Around 8:30 PM we would take him out to the backyard to do his final business. He would come in, get a treat and then cuddle up on Joyce’s lap – sometimes putting his head on her heart, until it was time to go to bed.

His routine in the morning was usually around 7 AM for coffee and toast with Rich and Joyce on one of our laps watching out the big window for the kids walking to school past our house.

Beau was everywhere we were, morning, noon, and night. Outside or inside. He loved to go for rides to the grocery store, bank, or Dairy Queen as long as he was with us.

Everywhere are great memories of Beau. He was part of who we are and he taught us about unconditional love. Lots and lots of tears when we had to say goodbye. Way too soon. Beau made a lasting impression on our hearts.

We love you and miss you.