Beau (or Buster, as he was first named) was discovered on a local, weekly TV program, called "Meet The Pets" sponsored by the county's SPCA. My eyes almost fell out when I saw him, scared,thin, and dirty. I immediately made arrangements for adoption, and he's been with us since. With long, powerful strides,Beau covers the ground quickly when on trail. He enjoys heavily wooded area searches, where time and distance are factors.
Unexpected Tradgedy 1/31/99
This is a message that I had prayed that I would never submit. We all love our Bloodhounds more than we should, but we truly loved Beau. And now we are missing him so. This past Sunday, Pat (my wife) and Erika (oldest daughter) took Beau and Isabella for a small walk out back in the yard, just a couple hundred feet around the perimeter. Beau indicated some distress and sat a couple times, very uncharacteristic of him. When Pat asked if he wanted to go back inside, he immediately stood, turned and walked toward the house. As he approached the front entrance, he sat again, then abruptly keeled over to his side, coming to rest under the spreading yews. Pat ran inside, grabbed the phone dialing the emergency number for the vets. I asked what was wrong and she replied that Beau was in trouble. Through her tears and sobs of concern, I knew it was bad. I opened the front door and Erika was sitting on the stoop, crying. Then I saw Beau. I asked her what happened, and she replied that she was not sure that Beau was breathing. I crawled under the yews, laid down beside him and put my ear to his chest. I was prepared to do CPR if necessary, but all I heard were the last two beats of his heart, and the exhalation of his final breath. A part of me died with him. And yes, I cried too, and will again many times yet.
Beau was 8 years old. The autopsy states that a large blood clot was lodged in his brain. The fact that he died quickly and with little or no pain is the only gratification we can allow ourselves. The grief is so intense, it is truly indescribable, and only someone who has been through this can understand. Six weeks ago, we had to put down our Basset, Rusty, also 8 years old. The University of Penn. Vet Hospital biopsy revealed lymphosarcoma. We were able to prepare ourselves somewhat for his loss, but the unexpected sudden tragic loss of Beau has left us and Isabella, his trailing mate, with complete emptiness. Pat and I will pick up his remains this evening. I plan to spread his ashes along his favorite trail.
Those of you who met, trained with, fed, groomed, loved or were lucky enough to be slobbered on by Beau, know how we loved him. He was the kindest, most gentle giant I have ever seen. He will be truly missed. Good-bye Beau, my dearest friend, 'til we meet again at the Bridge.
Where you used to be, there is a hole in the world... I miss you like hell.
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