It is with great sadness and a sense of disbelief that we say goodbye to our Talent Hounds Team Member Beau the Frenchie (@hisnameisbeau) way too soon and wish him well over the Rainbow Bridge where he is now running free. He will be missed but never forgotten- forever in our hearts.
Many of you have met lovely talented Aria at events over the last 5 years. She was our amazing camera person and editor from the time we started the Talent Hounds project until recently, when she got too busy with her other career as one of the top choreographers and dancers in Canada.
Aria adopted Beau in 2015, from a family who had to give him up for health reasons at the age of one. He was the cutest, happiest little boy. He had allergies and tummy troubles when we first met him. Aria quickly took him to the vet and got him on an appropriate diet and he got better from there.
He was always so friendly to people and dogs, and so eager to play and learn. He put my Kilo the Pug to shame on the social, fitness and training fronts (I admit, I was a little jealous).
He had no problem trying on outfits or wearing jackets in winter (unlike my boy). Aria and I had one hilarious adventure with the two of them dressed up for Easter at the local park.
He was a complete star at his first big event, Winter Woofstock. He met so many pals and he was even asked to model in the fashion show. He made everything look good and went on to have fun modelling for a few brands and Halloween shoots over the next year.
Aria was performing out east when she got the devastating news dog parents truly dread. Beau was home with her partner Michael when three of the discs in Beau’s back suddenly herniated without warning, causing him enormous pain and distress before paralyzing him. He was rushed to the vet and evaluated for surgery (or crate rest on pain meds). Michael even looked at building him his own little wheelchair . To everyone’s horror, he was not eligible for surgery and the vet was unable to stabilize and save him. My heart goes out to Aria and Michael.
The only consolation is that I believe Beau knew great joy and happiness in his short life. He had a second chance and found the perfect family. It is frightening how life can change in a second so we need to make the most of every moment (as dogs do).
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
I am assuming he suffered from Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a horrible condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column either bulge or burst (herniate) into the spinal cord space. These discs then press on the nerves running through the spinal cord causing pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis. I read about the disease on my friend Jessica’s site “You Did What With Your Wiener” as her dachshund Gretel had one disc herniate. Thank goodness she recovered after 5 weeks of crate rest then physio and other treatments. Apparently 25% of dachshunds get IVDD and it can appear without warning and recur at any time too. It can happen getting up or doing ordinary everyday movements.
Have you lost a loved one? Find Out How to Start to Heal.
Aria and I filmed an interview with Marybeth Haines about her book From Empty to Empowered- Dealing with Sudden Pet Loss. She kindly shared several practical strategies for coping from her first book The Power of Pets – 7 Effective Tools To Heal From Pet Loss. See the full post here.
7 Practical Tools to Help you Heal from Pet Loss
1) Recognize That Healing Needs To Take Place.
2) Give Yourself Full Permission To Heal.
3) Learn About What You Are Feeling and Why.
4) Find Ways To Personally Empower Yourself To Heal.
5) Receive Guidance And Have A Support System. No One Has To Heal Alone.
6) Take Action – Start Your Journey Of Healing.
7) Reflect On The “Gifts” Your Pet Gave You. We have tried to think of those making and watching our tribute video in loving memory of Beau. It makes me cry but it also reminds me of all the good things.
Ways to remember your pet:
• Celebrate the great memories of your pet. They should be missed but never forgotten- forever in our hearts.
• Donate to a pet rescue or charitable organization in your pets honor or volunteer. We will make a donation in Beau’s honor.
• Create a small memorial at your home and/or visit your pet’s burial site.
• Plant something as a living memorial.
Oh gosh, so sorry to hear about Beau. It must have been so hard for Aria being away from home when it happened.
And yes, I have experienced my fair share of pet loss. It’s different with each one. Some have taken me longer than others to heal. I just kind of accept that I will always miss them and that’s OK. We have photographs and a few paintings of our pets from the past all over our house so that helps. I have my dog Pip’s tags (Pip was my true heart dog) and I sometimes wear them as a necklace and probably will at BlogPaws!
A full life and a good life. It’s always sad to loose them too soon. Well I think it is always too soon really.
Oh this is sad news, and so sudden. I am sorry for Beau’s family and sen my condolences. Sudden traumatic loss takes a while to heal (I am coming to terms with Dash’s loss now) but I send me best love and wishes to Beau’s family and condolences on such a great loss.
It’s always too early; so sorry 🙁 Jasmine’s undoing was too her bed neck even though other complications came into the mix.
I’m so sorry to hear about Beau and my thoughts go out to Aria. It’s always hard when we lose a fur child, no matter when it happens.
Im so sorry to hear about Beau. He sounded like such a sweetie pie. My condolences to the family as well. Yes, I too have experienced petloss. Most of us pet owners have at one point or another, directly or indirectly. The experience inspired my blog as well. Great helpful tips for dealing with pet loss as well.
I’m so sorry to hear about Beau! I read a book about a doxy with IVDD who had multiple surgeries and had a wheelchair, “Through Frankies’s Eyes,” Our dogs do so much for us, and it is so hard when we can’t help them. I find it the worst when a pet leaves us so quickly that we can’t get used to the idea. It’s even more difficult when you are not at home to say goodbye.
Oh, so sorry to hear about Beau; he looked like an adorable and sweet dog. Thanks for addressing the issue of pet loss. When I lost my last GSD in 2010 it was one of the hardest losses of my life. He had helped and supported me through cancer and surgery and several years later I couldn’t help him to have the same good outcome. Thank you for sharing this. (YAYDog Clare)
My heart goes out to Aria and Michael. To lose a beloved companion is heartbreaking. To do so unexpectedly, under such traumatic circumstances, and while Aria was away……I can’t even imagine. Guilt is a human emotion; I hope Aria isn’t beating herself up over this. Beau knew how much he was loved. I’m so glad he found his people and was able to experience such love.
I’m so sorry to hear about Beau! It is always incredibly sad to lose a loved one. Sending healing thoughts to everyone who loved Beau, and I think that is the same as everyone who knew him.
Sending my warmest love and condolences as Beau’s beautiful legacy is honoured and remembered with love. Animals touch our lives in many ways and just like a candle’s flame burns so bright, so does the many gifts Beau has impacted on our world. Thank you Beau for making so difference. We love you xo ❤️
Thanks so much Marybeth. and thank you for your help and support. XS