RIP Beau

[countrymom22]

Today has been a bad day, even though we have known this was coming for a while now. We had to put our sweet, lovable Lab Beau to sleep. He was ready even if I wasn't, but I had to do what was right for him. Doing barn chores without my constant companion this morning was hard. Much as he wanted to come with me, he just couldn't. The house is so quiet and empty.  My kids have never lived a day in their lives without a dog in the house, and it's rough.  Beau came into our lives by fate.  We found him 14 years ago at a soccer match.  I watched him follow people around with a hopeful wag of his tail, even though he was using only 3 legs.  Small children were running up to him with hotdogs in their hands, and Beau tolerated all the bumps and rough pats without ever trying to take their food, even though it was clear he was hungry.  At the end of the day, no one wanted to help Beau, who was three legged lame.  So I stepped in and drew the drawstring from my jacket to use as a leash and tried to get him into the car.  The closer we got to the parking lot, the crazier the poor dog got.  So I took my jacket off and threw it over his head so I could get him into the car.  He was clearly in need of medical attention, so off to the vet we went.  The vet told me he was starving and his injuries were consistent with being thrown from a moving car. He had a greasy, matted piece of baling twine tied tightly around his neck.  Both of our lives changed that day.  He has been an integral part of our family for the last 14 years.  When he left us today he took a piece of my heart with him.

But we will be reunited one day at the rainbow bridge. 

I have carried the following poem  with me for over 40 years.  I found it in a magazine, and they didn't know the origin either.  But it has helped me when it comes time to let our furry family members go:

"A Dog's Plea"

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet,  for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements.  I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan  filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing, and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And, my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going.  I am not having fun.  Please see that my trusting life is taken gently.  I shall leave this earth knowing  with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

My husband and I were with him till the end.  The last words he heard were us telling him how much we loved him, and what a wonderful dog he was.  

I can only wish that all dogs could go so gently.

RIP my sweet Beau.  You are missed!

[grannyg]

Hugs….Hugs....so hard to lose our beloved dogs.....

[Woodpecker]

😩🙏🏻 this is so sad. Think of all the happy times together to help you find peace.

That last statement in “A dogs plea” has me thinking more about my daughters pup Elmer. He’s 14 , a wonderful friend and part of our family. Recently first he lost his hearing and now within a couple of weeks can’t see well. He’s so special, like Beau was to you.

That was a beautiful tribute to Beau❤️

[susannah]

I'm so sorry! It's so hard to lose them; they become true and complete members of our families. Beau sounds like an amazing, loving dog who had 14 wonderful years of life with an amazing, loving family. My thoughts and sympathy to you and your family.

[Mari-in-IN]

Hey there countrymom22,
I saw the title of your thread and wanted to will myself to not read it since I knew it was going to be oh so sad...  But, of course I ended up reading it and actually made it 2/3 of the way or so until the tears started welling up in my eyes, friend...  You probably know by now that we do not have children (human) as such -- but that our animal children just mean the world to us...  Cats, dog and chickens for sure...
My heart aches for you and yours...   Sorry, that's all I can say for now...
God bless...
~Mari

[paquebot]

Losing a longtime pet is just one tiny step below losing a child. I've shed tears more than once over a dog or cat and know how you feel. I share your grieving.

Martin

[solargeek]

countrymom22, so so sorry for you. Too many tears for you and beau. Hugs to you all.

[mzgarden]

I can't add anything to all the good words above but I can tell you I sat here a cried for your loss and for the touching love story you shared between your wonderful pup and your wonderful family. I still cry over pets and animals I've lost over the years but I've never regretted letting them into my heart. <hugs> to you and your family.

[countrymom22]

Thanks for the support and kind words everyone. It helps to know that I'm not the only one who feels this pain all too often in life. Every fur baby that we lose takes a piece of my heart with them. The people that say it's just a dog, don't know what their life is lacking.

I know that I will get another dog when fate decides to put the right one in my path. It always seems to work that way, I don't go looking, they just find me. So I'll try to be patient, but this is the first time that I've come home to a dogless home since I was about 4 years old. I've always had multiple dogs at a time before, so this is really unnerving for me. I feel like the place is unprotected even though Beau was beyond protecting us for a while now.

Each dog has a special place in my heart, and I love them all fiercely. But without Beau by my side I really feel like I'm missing a limb. I keep holding doors open for him to follow me, but he isn't there. I guess I'll have to get used to it until the next needy dog finds me.

Thanks again everyone!

[vickilynn]

I'm so sorry about Beau's passing. What a special friend he was. A big hug for you.

[dustawaits]

So sorry for your loss....
I still feel the loss of mine on. September 10.
But...... her pain is over ,she no longer has to suffer as she did so long.
I am sure Beau is also at rest , no longer age to pull him down.

[Deleted]

I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Beau! When you've gone through this sort of thing, you know just how heart breaking it is to lose that love-you-unconditionally companion. I cry with you.
Hugs and prayers from south MO.