Beau’s Story
When the call came from Gaston County Animal Control that if this dog didn’t go today, they would need to make a decision, we knew we had to move fast. He had already spent two weeks at the shelter, and his condition had deteriorated since he entered there. He was a nameless stray from the streets. We gave him one, Beau, from Jimmy Stewart’s loving poem to his own dog of the same name. It was perfect.
No one knows what Beau’s life was before the shelter. Judging from his condition, he was probably left outside, never received the attention and simple care he deserved. He was a senior, already nearing the end of the long road he had been traveling. Heartworms were ravaging his body. His teeth had exposed nerves. The pain must have been excruciating, but he never showed it. Beau has probably endured worse. He was a fighter, a weathered old soul that had been through many battles before this one.
Beau was rescued and immediately taken to the vet; after a quick exam, they recommended that he be taken to an emergency vet for immediate lifesaving care.
After a night at the vet, it seemed a miracle had occurred. The dog that could not walk seemed to bounce back with new energy and life. The next few weeks he would be loved by two fosters and their families; enjoying the comfort of a bed, being close to a family, getting those soft loving strokes on his head, and just getting pampered in a way that he had never experienced. All the while, staying calm and just enjoying this new thing called being loved.
Something was wrong though. Beau’s teeth had infections and were the worst the vet had ever seen. They needed immediate attention. Seventeen of his forty-two teeth had to be removed. Before that, Beau was unable to gain weight, up a pound, down two or three. He kept going, never a cry or whimper. There were suspects as to why Beau was so skinny; his ribs were clearly evident. He was eating normally, but nothing seemed to make a difference.
On top on everything he had been through, the heartworms, his teeth, his aging bones, there was the cancer diagnosis. It seemed that was the hidden enemy that was taking his last bit of strength.
Beau’s journey has come to an end. His heart wanted to fight, but his body could no longer can muster the strength to win one more battle.
Please know that Beau lived every day for the people that loved and cared for him in his final days, the people that said prayers, cheered him on, and donated in the hopes that one more victory was in store. I know he didn’t want to let anyone down who made the last few weeks of his life, the best of times. Thank you to each and every one of you that were there for Beau. He made a difference in our hearts, and you made a difference in his life.
Beau crossed the Rainbow Bridge on May 27, 2020 with us by his side to see him through his journey.
The end of Jimmy’s Stewart’s poem ends with “I’ll always love a dog named Beau”. Yes, we will. We always will love this dog named Beau for teaching us how to live and enjoy the time we have left. Hug your dog tonight, for Beau.
