How to Say Goodbye to the Best Dog in the World. The worst part about owning a dog is having to say goodbye. No matter their age, it always seems too soon, doesn’t it? I have been struggling with keeping up with the blog and social media of late because Beau has been suffering. In the wee hours of Saturday morning, we decided it was time to say goodbye. Steve and I agreed yesterday to celebrate his life rather than dwell on the what if’s. Let me just say that Beau from the moment he stepped on this earth was a complete and total character. He was a toddler until he was at least seven and got into all kinds of trouble. He loved children, all animals, and anyone who would call his name. “Bobo” will be sadly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. I hope to do a proper tribute to Beau at some point, but right now our hearts are broken.
HOMES AND GARDENS- WHAT COLORS MAKE A ROOM HAPPY
I subscribe to Homes and Gardens Newsletter and I almost always find something interesting. This week they featured an article on What Colors Make a Room Happy. This image via Rachel Smith sure makes me happy.
OUTFIT OF THE WEEK
I spotted this well-priced Ikat Wrap on Etsy and thought it could be the foundation of a great early fall look. The pants are from Banana Republic and have great reviews, J Crew’s chambray shirt has long been a favorite. The suede mules are also from Etsy. I topped the outfit off with a great hat from Brixton , and simple horn hoops also from Etsy. You could wear these items with a khaki pair of chinos you already own or some less expensive ones, that I have also linked.
I
SHOP THE OUTFIT OF THE WEEK
SANDY’S COLLECTED GARDEN ON INSTAGRAM
If you love cut flowers and beautiful natural bouquets, you might enjoy following Sandy. Annie introduced us (well virtually). I am following Sandy for ideas on what perennials to plant in my garden next year. You can follow The Collected Garden on Instagram here.
DREAMER ON NETFLIX
I Watch very little tv, especially this time of year. I enjoyed Dreamer the story of “Down-and-out horse trainer Ben Crane rescues a once-great racehorse that’s been severely injured and sets out to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic.” It has a great cast, and was a welcome break from most of the movies I have seen of late.
That’s it from my desk this week. Thank you for reading How to Say Goodbye to the Best Dog in the World. Beau subbed for me once when I first started blogging. The pictures are terrible but you might enjoy “Along the Garden Path with Beau.”
Give your dogs a hug for me. I hope you will pop over and visit Annie and Mary Ann for their Sunday favorites.
MOST LOVELY THINGS
CLASSIC CASUAL HOME
I am so sorry about you dog. So sad when a loved pet passes on.
On another subject, what is the blue flowering plant boarding your rose garden?
Thank you
Hi Fran
I emailed you but the plant is nepeta, common name, catmint. The variety is nepeta faassennii
I’m so sorry about Beau….thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Thank you so much Angie. We sure miss him.
My heart is with you. We’ve had the privilege and heartbreak too many times to think about.
I had to take a beloved calico, 20 years old and adopted from the street, to the vet for the final visit.
She looked at me and said “you’ve squeezed every bit of life and love out of her and she knows it”. Makes me cry 40 years later. And then she said, “you owe it to her memory to get another animal and pass on the love.”
And that’s what we’ve done for 40 years. It’s been life changing. Xoxo
Hi Valletta
Thank you so much. We plan to get another dog once Steve retires and lives here full time.
That’s going to be a very lucky dog! 💓
I hope so!
My heart hurts for you….lost our Labradoodle, Gabby on May 31 after 14.5 years with her. They’re one of the family. So sorry….
Dear Cindy,
I will miss Beau’s photos, but he entered our hearts too through your photos. All your readers share your thoughts, sadness and happiness that we could meet him through photos.
I have lost too many Golden’s and know how hard it is. When you are ready, remember God invented puppies. My rescue golden was the sweetest girl ever, may we meet our fur babies one day at the rainbow bridge!
We are all grateful for knowing Beau through photos !
Jennifer
I”m so sorry Cindy. Sending lots of love and comfort your way. ♥
Cindy, My heart goes out to you guys about Beau. He was such a sweet and beautiful dog! He was lucky for sure to be part of your family. xo
Cindy, I am so very sorry to hear about Beau. Making the decision to let them go is gut-wrenching, but I’m sure you did what was right for him, at the right time. The vet who euthanized our Sammy told us he would rather euthanize a dog “a week to early than a day too late.” It’s tough because you want to keep them with you, but you know you can’t let them suffer. Hopefully when you are ready, you will find another dog who needs your love. In the meantime, you will be in my prayers.
Hi Cynthia
Thank you so much. We are dog people. We will get another at some point.
So sorry. I’m struggling with this also right now. Like you, (tough tho) I’m choosing to celebrate her life and show her how much she has meant to me. Without her I may not have survived some very serious health issues, she was my reason for waking up. Sometime soon without her I will be heartbroken. She will carry with her my secrets, my dreams and our memories. I will carry on and share her stories her successes and the wonderful journey we had! Again…so sorry. Keep Beau’s spirit going share his stories!
Hi Sharon
Oh my your story is so touching, My heart goes out to you.
I’m so very sorry for your loss.💔 You gave and Steve gave Beau a wonderful life. He gave you his unconditional love. Treasure the memories until you meet again!
Hi Treve
Thank you so much, We are trying to do just that.
So very sorry to hear about your sweet Beau. Sending you hugs across the miles.
Thank you so much Ginger
Cyber hugs to you on the loss of your beloved Beau. Animals give us SO much and ask for so little in return.
So true Barb
Hi Barb
Thank you soooo much
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your sweet Beau. We lost our white lab, Avery, in May and miss him still. They truly leave their pawprints on our heart forever. Sending peace and hugs to you and your family.
Hi Laurie
They sure do…thank you
Deepest condolences, Cindy! Beau was blessed with a beautiful life. May you find comfort each time you step into your gardens and his memories.
Thanks Nan, he did have a great life. We were blessed to have him.
Hi Nan
I do take comfort in the fact that Beau had a great life. This home was not his “hood” Chualar was. We are going to ask our friend if we can scatter his ashes in her field where he ran as a pup.
Hi Cindy,
Certainly understand that desire to return him to “his hood” in Chualar! Perfect resting place. My Big Love Lab is turning 13 in 2 weeks, so he’s getting extra treats & attention as I’m reminded how lucky I am to also have the best dog in the world. My heart goes out to you!
So sorry for your loss 😢
thank you pam
Thank you so much Pam.
HE WAS THE BEST!
Hi Eliz
he was such a sweet soul
Hi Eliz
Do you think he and Winston are getting acquainted in doggie heaven?
FOR SURE!
WINSTON WAS WAITING FOR HIM TO GIVE HIM THE TOUR!
Hugs and love.
thank you juie
Thank you so much Judie.
I don’t know you but I do know that pain. I am so sorry. I have followed you for years and frankly the posts with Beau were some of my favorites. I had a BIG white Lab named Camo. He was named Camo (short for camouflage) because he was going to be a great hunting dog. It turned out he just liked playing with the grandchildren and napping. He lived a long 16 years and at the end our Vet came to the house to help ease him. All of the neighbors came to say goodbye.
A “good dog” is worth more than anything and touches the lives of many. I will miss Beau too.
Hi Becky
Thank you so much for sharing Camo’s story.
Becky I just love your story. Beau would have never made it as any sort of hunting dog either. Maybe Camo and Beau are having a few laughs in doggie heaven about those”working labs”
I am so so sorry for your loss. ❤️
thank you so much sondria
I am so saddened by your loss. I know you will hold onto the wonderful memories of him. Always so hard to say goodbye. Until you meet again at Rainbow Bridge…
Hi Cheryl
Thank you so much for your kind words.
So very sorry Cindy. I always enjoyed seeing Beau in your photos – what a joy. So many beautiful comments shared by others, I could only try to echo. Sending hugs, you loved him enough to let go.
Hi Barb
Thank you so much. Beau is so lucky that he touched so many lives,
Cindy, Sending our sympathy and hope that your wonderful memories of Beau will bring you some comfort and peace. It’s never easy to say goodby to our beautiful fur babies.
Hi Dee
It is never easy. Our only peace is knowing we did what was best for him
My heart broke when we had to let our 12 year old golden retriever, Tuck, go. It breaks again whenever I hear of someone else losing their beloved pet. I am so very sorry for your loss. 💔
Thank you so much Mary Margaret. I so appreciate it.
So very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Beau. We went through this ourselves with our dog 3 months ago. The hardest decision but at age 16 it was time. So stressful. I still miss her every day.
My husband and I just drove through Templeton on the way home from Aptos. We stopped in Santa Margarita at Ancient Peaks tasting room for lunch and wine. What a treat!
Linda S.
Hi Linda
Thank you so much. We used to belong to Ancient Peaks Winery. We will have to stop again.
My own ‘Bo’ ( we also called him Bobo) looked exactly like your sweet Beau. We lost him at age 12, and it was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. But, as all dog moms and dads know, it is part of our responsibility to, and love for our furry familiy members. It took me quite a while to get over losing my Bo, but now I can look back on all his antics and hijinks (he was also a toddler for many many years and then a pre teen for many more !) with a smile instead of tears….
You gave your Beau a wonderful life, full of love……
Hi Patricia
Your comment made me smile. It sounds like your Beau was a character as well,
I am so sorry about your loss. I have labs, too.
Hi Carroll
They are the best dogs aren’t they? Beau was our 5th and I am sure we will have a 6th.
So sorry for the loss of your beautiful dog Cindy…it brought tears to my eyes just remembering having to put our dear Ragdoll cat down…a heart wrenching experience just as you are going through. Beau’s paw prints will always be on your heart. God bless.
Thank you so much Wendy, Well said.
Making that decision about a beloved pet is the hardest thing to do. I’m so sorry! I think we all feel as if we knew your sweet Beau.
Hi Sarah
Beau was a character through and through but one of the sweetest
I know you miss him greatly. There is a lovely children’s book written and illustrated by Cynthia Rylant titled “Dog Heaven” that you and Summer might enjoy reading. And yes, I believe there is such a place for all our friends who loved us so well !!!!!!
Hi Susan
Thank you so much. I just ordered the book. My daughter has been wondering how to tell Summer. She was as close to Bobo as her own dog.
I am so sorry about your wonderful dog. It’s tough, tough, tough. Did you know the movie “Dreamer” is loosely based on a real horse named Mariah’s Storm? Yes, it’s a good movie.
Hi Linda
I did know that about Dreamer. Another reason it is such a good movie,
Reading this I am looking at my own elderly, devoted gentleman now in his thirteenth year. While not of the purest blood ( he and his nine litter mates were the result of a May/December love match between his then eight year old Irish terrier mother and two year old golden doodle father) in him is combined the best (and occasionally the not so best) of those breeds. Now his eyes grow dimmer and stairs more difficult to haul his 65lbs up and navigate down, body riddled with those benign fat lumps; but he still finds joy in herding HIS three pups ( our grandchildren), walking on the beach and his night time cookie.
I know there are fewer days ahead of us then behind and stories like yours tell me to live in the moment with him, enjoy every snore, harrumph, passing gas, chin on my knee moment. Funny, I was not really a dog lover before he came into our lives. Hugs Cindy, our deepest sympathies to your family.
Oh Cindy, Beau truly was a wonderful pup….I looked forward to seeing him wander around your beautiful garden. We lost our own golden retriever Ellie at 10 and we still miss her. A watercolor rendering of her sits next to my desk and it reminds me of how beautiful and special she was as part of our family. Your memories of Beau will always have a place in your heart.
You are in my heart and thoughts today, Cindy. RE-reading the old post “by” Beau about being in the garden brought me smiles and tears. He had a wonderful life with you and saying goodbye is the hardest thing.
Dear Cindy,
I’m wrapping you with love when words fall short. Your fur baby Beau is just so extraordinary such a beautiful dog with such exceptional qualities. I can see why he was/and will always be so deeply loved. Our fur children take us to such a
soothing and safe place. Their love is so unconditional. You just become best friends.
I did take a look at “Along the Garden Path With Beau, loved the story you shared about his life in the garden. The garden was gorgeous.
You and Steve are in my thoughts. Sending you my deepest condolences. I’ve been down this same path as well. I know what a difficult time this is.
The sweet tender memories will bring you comfort forever.
I had to say goodbye to my 16 year old corgi mix 3 weeks ago. I still cry everyday. I am so sorry for your loss.
It seems too soon to lose Beau. Our hearts break for you and Steve.
My heart breaks for you…but I know that your sweet dog had a wonderful life with you and Steve and your family. You will meet again, I’m sure. In the meantime…precious memories.
Cindy,
I’m saddened to hear about Beau’s passing. I’m confident he is romping with other beloved pets in doggie heaven. What a loving dog he was. He will be missed as the best dog photo bomber on the internet. 🙂
I hope you can enjoy a relaxing weekend between the tears.
xo,
Karen B.
Every time I have to say goodbye to a dog, I’m devastated. My dogs are my only family, so they play such a big role in my life. They keep me company, happy, and there’s someone who’s dependent on me. I’m sorry you had to say goodbye to Beau, but I imagine he knew it was time. xoxox, Brenda
Oh, I’m so, so sorry to read this about Beau. When our buddies are sick, everything else must stop so we can just hold and love on them. And I am sure that is exactly what you did until you knew it was time. And it is the best thing to do for them. My vet told me, during one heartbreaking time, “Lisa, you’ve just got to let him go. You are doing him a disservice by trying to hang on to him when it is his time to let go.” I have never forgotten those words and they come back to me each time I’m having to let a beloved pet go. All your pet loving readers are sharing in this intense heartbreak with you. May your pain ease soon and you can laugh again remembering all Beau’s antics.
Love is a four legged word 🐾🐾. I am so sorry for your loss and know what a wonderful life you gave to Beau from your many posts. You and he were blessed to have each other and that love.
I am truly sadden for the loss of your precious dog. I, too, recently had to do the same thing with my 17-year old shih tzu. It is the hardest thing to ever do. Our beautiful pets give us so much love and happiness and it is beyond heartbreaking to say good-bye to them. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Am so very sorry for your loss. It’s obvious that you gave him love and a beautiful life. May the happy memories ease your heart’s pain.
Cindy,
I shed a few tears reading your post and instagram yesterday and I never met Beau in person. I loved seeing him in your photos and could see from his love of the pool and your beautiful gardens that he was not only a character but that he was a treasure. Cherish your memories and photos and as I said in my note to you, he lives forever in your heart.
Take care friend, it is hard to loose a beloved member of the family. We are all here for you. xo
I am so sorry for the loss of Beau. I always enjoyed seeing him on your blog. He was a beautiful dog. I understand how hard it is to make that decision to let go. This is always the hardest part of owning pets. They become such a part of our family. Beau was lucky to have you and your husband as his doggie parents.
As a Labrador Retriever foster mom for the last 17 years plus a Lab owner since 1985, I grieve with you.
As God said “Let us send them without wings so no one will suspect they are angels”.
You will see him again. He will meet you at the Bridge.
“Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog”
You were the perfect dog mom. Take your time to grieve . After all, dogs are our children too.
Cindy, I am so sorry about Bo. I understand the hole left in your heart when a pet must leave us. My heart aches with yours.
Nancy
My heart goes out to you at the loss of your precious Beau. I loved the post about his garden walk. What a sweet boy.
Beau was so exceptional. Remember how he got down on his belly to play with Chief at his level? I’ve shed a few tears at the loss of Beau. So I can’t even imagine how you feel. I know he was a big joy in your life that will be hard to replace. Glad we have the memory of Beau in the birdbath to make us smile.
Dear Cindy, I am shocked to read this since I thought you had found a torn ACL and he could get better wearing a brace. My heart aches for you this morning. I haven’t had a pet for many years but I have had the experience of knowing how much joy they can add to our lives. RIP Beau.💟
I’m so sorry you had to say goodbye to your precious Bobo, Cindy. Animals are our family.
Losing a dog, a member of your family, is one of the most difficult things in life. Hoping he’s at the Rainbow Bridge making new friends and galloping around like he’s a pup! I’ve pretty much decided that’s where I’d like to go too. I’m so sorry for your loss. Beau was a beauty
All your readers are crying with you. We know how much you loved him and how much it hurts.
I am so sorry to hear about Beau and I’m sure the tears are falling as you read all the caring comments.
When we knew it was time to say goodbye to our elderly dog, we made the decision to have the Vet come out. It was emotionally hard to pick a date and time and then stick to it, but we did, and the farewell was calm and peaceful. Exactly the right send-off for a faithful companion.
I came across this quote and hoped it was appropriate for you at this time. It summarizes how truly wonderful dogs are.
“My dog does this amazing thing where he just exists and makes my whole life better because of it.” – Unknown
With deep condolences
Oh Cindy,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Beautiful Beau was so lucky to have you and your family in his life! Thank you for sharing Beau with us, I loved every photo bomb!
Cindy–
So sorry for the loss of Beau. The most difficult part of the journey having a dog in your life. Their energy, personalities, and all the goofy things they do…Brings so much to our lives while we are lucky enough to have them. I know how deeply you will miss him, and just take comfort Beau knew he was the luckiest to have had all of you!
My heart grieves with you….
When we had to say goodbye to our beloved lab, a friend shared this wise quote “ Dogs…they are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” So true. I’m sure your Beau will be greatly missed. 🌈
Beau was a natural for the photo bomb. I admired his blazing sense of self. I agree that we all wish for a quick leave taking when we depart. Beau was loved. Greatly, deeply loved.
Ps Our neighbor was a hunter. He added a new lab puppy to his pack. He named him Beau. They first had to change his name or just change his name to No! He was full of life…and had to be “decommissioned” as a hunting dog and became the family’s best dog ever. The Just Say No campaign would make everyone laugh Beau forever free.
What a good dog. How lucky you have been!
Are there links to the items featured? I love the ikat wrap you’ve chosen. Thank you.
Beau was a gorgeous dog- I like to imagine that somewhere he’s romping with our 2 yellow labs Paddywackers and Baxter and there are acres and acres of labs.
When we had to let Baxter go a few years ago, it was a stormy cloudy Saturday when we carried him in to the vet clinic. When we came out, the sun broke through to the west- and we laughed- God has His yellow lab back! Baxter was a pup that no one wanted, he had failed all the testing for becoming a service dog, we spent a year in dog training with him and he stayed a toddler to the end.
I’m sorry you had to say goodbye to Beau. It hurts.
Cindy! You have been in my mind since the moment I saw your post last night. I know how much you and Steve and Summer and your entire family will miss Beau. I am so sorry, Cindy. Losing a beloved companion like Beau can never be easy.
xxxxx
annie
I am so sorry to hear your news, While we readers will miss Beau’s photo bombs, it cannot compare with your sorrow, Wrap yourself in the memories of his antics, gentle eyes, and happy wags and those will help in those hard moments.
Cindy, we know as well, the pain in your heart when saying goodbye to a truly devoted and best friend. I will miss Beau’s photos in your garden, but maybe you can find old photos to share with us as we travel this next chapter of your journey with you.
Beau’s photo will help as as well to celebrate his life and for newer readers a chance to know him a little better. You are so gracious to open up your heart and home and include all of us readers. Please keep photos of Beau included in your blogs and know how much we care about him and are here to support you and your family
Jennifer
Cindy, I really hate to cry at 6:45 on Sunday. I usually wait until 7:00. A pet can make a huge difference in your life. My cat lived to be 22, and gave me so much joy and comfort over the years. All your readers understand your loss. I know I do.
The broken-hearted are the bravest among us. They had the courage to love.
Brene Brown
One of the hardest/saddest things to experience is the loss of a beloved pet. Beau was a beautiful, gentle soul. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Cindy I am so sorry for your loss he was Beautiful! I am afraid I will be going through this soon our baby is getting old. They are our children too!
My heart goes out to you. A pet is the best love but worst heartbreak at the end of the rainbow 🌈. See you again Beau. Hugs
So sorry to hear about Beau. I just said goodbye to my 15 yr old Shih Tzu, With in 2 weeks my daughter also said good bye to her 15 yr old lab. It has been a double whammy. Our hearts are also broken , and we share the pain you are feeling. Our dogs are certainly family members, and give their whole hearts.
Cindy,
While I am new to your blog and look forward to reading it every single time.
I was sorry to hear about your dog’s passing, it is such a hard stage go through.
We love theses souls so much and I feel they never really leave us.
Evelyn
I couldn’t get through your post – too many tears feeling your grief after losing Beau. No words can ease the emptiness or ache. Dogs teach us so much – but mostly that love is truly unconditional. Peace.
Cindy, very sad to learn of sweet Beau’s passing. Truly one of the hardest love loss’s …..today I am in the very same place after 17 years… beyond words at this time. Love sent to your entire family…
Oh Cindy, so very sorry for your loss. As our pups are our constant companions, the bond of love we have with them is so great! For many years we had a pair of Siberian Huskies who were truly like our children-when the last one passed we were devastated. Our yard and life seemed empty. Before long and against our friends opinions(as we love to travel & our age!) we got two huskie pups and started over.
They bring us so much joy! Thinking of you as you grieve your beloved family member!
I have never posted but love your blog & look forward to it daily!
I’m so very sorry to hear about Beau! My heart goes out to you. The journey we share with our dog is tender and priceless. Sending love and big hugs. Xo
I’m so sorry. Dogs are family and you had a good buddy. Hugs.
So sorry to hear about Beau, your special fur baby. Take time to honor him and all the joy he brought to your life. He will live in your heart forever.
Seeing Beau in your Instagram posts always put a smile on my face. What a sweet boy. I’m truly sorry for your loss. Wishing you and your family much peace.
It is the hardest good bye. I always remind myself how lucky I have been to have these little fur babies in my life, making me a better human enriching my life. I hope you will feel his presence around your home. It helps to know they’re still around. My heart goes out to you and your family.
So very sorry to hear that your wonderul adorable boy is gone. Sending you warm hugs to try to get through the loss. It will never go away, but the memories of loving times will stay with you forever.
You have my deepest sympathies. We lost our chocolate lab last year and miss her every single day. Take time to grieve the loss of a family member and remember the good times.
Very sorry to hear about beautiful Beau. Wishing peace for you all.